Democrats drop 'GOD' and 'Jerusalem' from Party Platform

Yes, he was evasive, but that happens every five minutes in politics so big deal - more of the same. Clearly the real issue is why was the term God removed. Another Democratic official (unnamed in this report - not sure if someone else can find a better reference) responded to the question thus:

“The 2008 platform reference is ‘God-given’ and is about growing the middle class and making America fair, not actually about faith. The platform includes an entire plank on the importance of faith based organizations and the tremendous work that they do. Further, the language we use to talk about faith and religion is exactly the same vocabulary as 2008. I would also note that the platform mentions: ‘faith’ 11 times; ‘religion’ or ‘religious’ 9 times; ‘church’ 2 times (one is a quote); and, ‘clergy’ 1 time.”

Source

The word God was actually used in the 2008 platform as more of an adjective, and the word God appeared only once. It would seem to me the reference was on its way out long ago.

My view, and perhaps this is the spirit behind which the change was made, is that God as a term of deity in the US typically is associated with the Christian "God." Its replacement with terms such as "faith" "religion" "religious" etc is more in keeping with a spirit of inclusiveness and recognizes that there are many terms for deity, not just "God." I know every religion wants to believe that their deity is the "right" one, and Christians have tried to corner the market on that in the US, but being the US we should not be choosing one term over another when it comes to an official platform. Individuals can use the term that fits their beliefs to make the reference but its really no longer appropriate when speaking on behalf of the American people.

Regarding the Israel topic - don't have enough background to speak to it, but on the surface it looks like a pretty pointed snub. Can't say whether I support the snub or not. I will leave that to others.

They should be able to answer, but they probably don't want to offend or alienate anyone. It's a tough balance. How do you satisfy religious people with the same statement that you would use to satisfy non-religious people?

IMO, politicians are too worried about turning away voters. The truth is, religion shouldn't be in the platform, so I agree with removing "God-given rights" or whatever it said. And there's so much religio-political crap mixed up with Jerusalem, I totally understand removing that, too.

But you're right. They should be able to state their reasons. And it should be the separation of church and state. Simple.

reply to post by Benevolent Heretic


I agree.

It's a personal thing and so they don't want to push off their views on the party at large. That's the way it should be and they should be proud to say so.

First off, I'm a Christian and politics has no room in the way I worship. As far as God being part of a political platform; that should be entirely up to the politician but to be honest when I see a politician talk about God, I see pandering most of the time anyways.
This is a completely BS deflection from the real issues. The MSM are using almost child-like tactics of tattling. They point out some detail that really doesn't effect law making or governance to try and piss off a portion of the country.

Originally posted by Benevolent Heretic
they probably don't want to offend or alienate anyone.

Which is hypocritical of them. ('Them' being both republicans and democrats). If someone feels strongly enough to be a big party member and go on TV defending their party, then by golly they should be able to answer simple questions and not worry about 'offending anyone'. Just answer the stupid question. WHY did the word 'God' get dropped this year. Simple question. WHY did ya'll put 'no abortions ever' in the party platform. Simple question. Just give a simple and straight forward answer. Otherwise .. they look like fools.

religion shouldn't be in the platform,

Sure. i'm right there with ya' on that one.

They should be able to state their reasons. And it should be the separation of church and state. Simple.

It IS simple, but they are stumbling and faking outrage. Since you were able to say it so easily and so clearly, perhaps you should be in DC and take over for these yutz's. Seriously. If they can't answer simple questions and answer them honestly (without fake outrage) because they don't want to lose a vote or two .. then it's time for them to LEAVE. Put some REAL PEOPLE in DC for a change.

reply to post by Benevolent Heretic


Aye, it is a sad day in the world when actually conforming to the Constitution and being patriotic while trying to ensure everyone can participate in their own governance-gets painted as treason by people.

Originally posted by Destinyone
This is just one step closer to editing the word God from all books. In this attempt at political correctness, another foundations stone of what our once great nation used as a moral compass, has been eroded. It makes sense, I guess, to those who prefer a society using as it's foundation the concept of no accountability.

jmoho...

Des

I don't need a religious icon to be an accountable person. Also, we don't need God in politics, it's just that simple. Actually it seems rather hypocritical to use the reference within the context of politics.

Originally posted by kosmicjack
It's a personal thing and so they don't want to push off their views on the party at large.

Kinda the other way around I think .... this is a party at large issue that a question is being asked about. someone who claims to represent a party refuses to answer a simple question. If they had answered it honestly and simply ... such as how BH answered ... then it wouldn't even be being discussed in the news today.

Question - 'why did the democrats drop 'GOD' and 'Jerusalem' from the Party Platform, when it's been a part of the platform for many decades?

Answer - 'the party took it out because ___________ (insert answer .. 'separation of god and state?') ... my own view point is ________ (agree or disagree).

THE END. Simple. Easy.

I would think that people aren't robots. Not everyone in a party is going to agree with everything in a party. I know dems who are against gay marriage. I know republicans who are pro-abortion. SO WHAT? It's okay not to be a mindless party robot. In fact .. it's kind of refreshing when we stumble upon a politician who isn't myopic.

Originally posted by Consequence
A sudden burst of common sense in American politics - stop mentioning God, and this thread is a result of it?

The guy is afraid of saying "We removed God, because God does not belong in politics". The problem is that the network would, as he suggested, twist his words into something "Godless". Why is this even taken up? It's not important per se, and the reason is evident.
It was taken up only to be able to extract something out of his words to use against the party - for no reason.

Mixing politics and religion is some sort of scary Talibanism. And now you're mocking the one moving away from that? Even scarier.

I've learnt so much about the U.S the past few days, unfortunately.

Perhaps someday you'll understand that a Godless empire is darkness. Man is showing you the depths of his depravity today - genetic engineering, nuclear weopans, abortion, euthanasia, talk of population reductions, fear used to herd the masses, chemical food, terrorism...but yet, you want more. I guess that you still hold on to hope that something will turn it around? It won't. It takes us to the end.

Originally posted by FlyersFan
The reason this thread resulted is because of politicians hiding and denying what is on their platform.

He didn't hide it. He said God was gone. He just didn't think there was any point in going into why it was removed, not on that network at least. Everybody knows why the word was gone.

"The guy is afraid of saying "We removed God, because God does not belong in politics".
If that's what he believes then he should back it up ..

Go into a discussion about Fox with Fox? Not really his core business as a politician.

Originally posted by vor78
I don't think anyone is 'mocking' them.

I was referring to the OP. And yes he was.

Originally posted by WhoKnows100
Perhaps someday you'll understand that a Godless empire is darkness.

Really? Perhaps you should take a look at the Nordic countries? They attack no one, and no one attacks them. Crime is at manageable levels, people are well off and not fighting poverty. Where is the darkness?

Man is showing you the depths of his depravity today - genetic engineering

What is wrong with genetic engineering? The horrible diseases that God created should be taken as fantastic blessings?

, nuclear weopans

Really? Which countries are expected to use them? U.S, Israel...Iran. And why? Because of religion.

, abortion

Abortion is a horrible thing, regardless of Religion. Religious people just want to ban it. No one's enjoying it.

, euthanasia

Hmm.. very few countries allow this. Religion has nothing to do with it. Anyway, if someone commits suicide, regardless of God being there or not, let the person stand responsible and let God deal with the soul. Why is this a problem to you?

, talk of population reductions

...what?

, fear used to herd the masses

....isn't this the point with religion? It's the fear of God that makes people "behave". You said it yourself.
The good acting of people without a God is genuine, and not out of fear. Think about it.

, chemical food

...what?

, terrorism...

Isn't this usually because of God?

but yet, you want more.

No, I want less. But as shown here, all these problems are usually because of religion.

Originally posted by jam321
I've seen a lot of them having trouble answering the question. At first i thought it was a mistake, but now I feel it was on purpose. I believe in respecting other people's God and even the rights of those who don't believe in God, but this move was a little over the top.

It's just a cute little magic act that the DNC tried.

Problem: they got caught.

reply to post by FlyersFan


I predict the DNC will have problems until they put GOD back in the platform.

---------------

I am very curious. Exactly who was the one who said " Lets take GOD out of the platform?"

George Soros?......Obama?..........Who ???

reply to post by FlyersFan




We will never get politicians that stand up for principles if we hammer them every time they fail to sufficently pander.

The words "FAITH" and "RELIGION" are all over the platform.

We were founded on the principle of Religious Freedom and it is refreshing to see a platform that is in keeping with our founders principles.

The GOP are indeed the party of the past...the party of de-evolution..."FAITH" was substitued for "GOD"...just as GOD was removed from that other SOCIALIST DOC...THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDANCE!

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal; that they are endowed by their Creator with inherent and inalienable Rights;

Just a few excerpts from the 2012 Democratic platform.

Faith has always been a central part of the American story, and it has been a driving force of progress and justice throughout our history.

We know that our nation, our communities, and our lives are made vastly stronger and richer by faith and the countless acts of justice and mercy it inspires.

Faithbased organizations will always be critical allies in meeting the challenges that face our nation and our world - from domestic and global poverty, to climate change and human trafficking. People of faith and religious organizations do amazing work in communities across this country and the world, and we believe in lifting up and valuing that good work, and finding ways to support it where possible. We believe in constitutionally sound, evidence-based partnerships with faith-based and other non-profit organizations to serve those in need and advance our shared interests. There is no conflict between supporting faith-based institutions and respecting our Constitution, and a full commitment to both principles is essential for the continued flourishing of both faith and country.

People of faith and religious organizations do amazing work in communities across this country and the world, and we believe in lifting up and valuing that good work, and finding ways to support it where possible.

We are committed to ending racial, ethnic, and religious profiling and requiring federal, state, and local enforcement agencies to take steps to eliminate the practice

We also support the freedom of churches and religious entities to decide how to administer marriage as a religious sacrament without government interference. We oppose discriminatory federal and state constitutional amendments and other attempts to deny equal protection of the laws to committed same-sex couples who seek the same respect and responsibilities as other married couples.

www.nytimes.com...

Originally posted by Benevolent Heretic
They should be able to answer, but they probably don't want to offend or alienate anyone. It's a tough balance. How do you satisfy religious people with the same statement that you would use to satisfy non-religious people?

IMO, politicians are too worried about turning away voters. The truth is, religion shouldn't be in the platform, so I agree with removing "God-given rights" or whatever it said. And there's so much religio-political crap mixed up with Jerusalem, I totally understand removing that, too.

But you're right. They should be able to state their reasons. And it should be the separation of church and state. Simple.

I agree with you wholeheartedly! As far as I'm concerned, this is some of the best political news I've heard in years.

Originally posted by Eurisko2012
reply to post by FlyersFan

 

I predict the DNC will have problems until they put GOD back in the platform.

---------------

I am very curious. Exactly who was the one who said " Lets take GOD out of the platform?"

George Soros?......Obama?..........Who ???

I'm thinking it was T. Jefferson, J. Madison, and a few of their peers?
Directly inspired by John Locke, perhaps?

Originally posted by queenannie38

Originally posted by Eurisko2012
reply to post by FlyersFan

 

I predict the DNC will have problems until they put GOD back in the platform.

---------------

I am very curious. Exactly who was the one who said " Lets take GOD out of the platform?"

George Soros?......Obama?..........Who ???

I'm thinking it was T. Jefferson, J. Madison, and a few of their peers?
Directly inspired by John Locke, perhaps?

God was in the Democrat platform in 2008.

I'm curious. Exactly who was the person who stood up and made the initial suggestion?

- Lets remove GOD in 2012 and just see what happens. -

Originally posted by Eurisko2012

God was in the Democrat platform in 2008.

I'm curious. Exactly who was the person who stood up and made the initial suggestion?

- Lets remove GOD in 2012 and just see what happens. -

I don't know who it was, but in my book, they deserve a pat on the back for doing so.

reply to post by FlyersFan


They took God out of their platform because it ran in contrast to the contents of their platform.

9 month partial-birth abortions? God took himself out of their platform!