OK, I am a well known spiritual person, independent who leans way heavily conservative (I lean right, I am not cemented right). I actually have empathy and understanding with people of faith because I do have faith in a force for good in the universe. I have just decided none of the religions have found it yet (though they have most of it nailed down).

I also supported conservatives because I cannot abide the attack on those of faith in this country. The religion hypochondriacs who piss their pants the moment someone wears a cross in public, says Merry Christmas or claims their belief in Christ (or Allah) are the real bigots and intolerant ones in this nation. You need to allow people their beliefs and not be threatened when they differ with yours. As long as there is no federal requirement to go to mass or take vows to the church then we can live with diversity. What made me write this post is some of Andrew Sullivan’s usual dribble on people of faith in the GOP – he is consistently wrong (and spooked) by people of faith. His complaint is Bush announced his faith and believe in God. Oh pulleease – bring on the inquisition!

I champion those who are attacked or denigrated because they have faith. That means in the battle between Bush and Sullivan I side with Bush because he is not mandating or forcing Sullivan to follow his beliefs – he just explained them to everyone. Sullivan is the one denigrating the expression of faith by Bush. So where is the line between Religion and Politics that must not be crossed?

Simple, I also will not defend people who use religion as a weapon to denigrate others. It is simple really, the problem is people imposing their views on others through any means of coercion – including ridicule and denigration. Whether it is atheists bashing Christians or Christians bashing non-believers it is the violation of our Constitutional rights to have our own independent belief system (no matter how pure it is to any doctrine – secular or religion based) that crosses the line. Some on the right can cross the line.

Huckabee did when he recently commented snidely on mormon beliefs. Rich Lowry did it today in bashing Huckabee (too Baptist it seems). Both were denigrating someone else’s spiritual beliefs. Stating your beliefs is sharing your experiences with others. Trying to force them to live to your standards is unconstitutional. The only valid ‘force’ in this republic of ours is the consensus laws generated and updated by our constitutional democratic process. The only time we allow rights to be infringed is when we all agree the acts deserve the removal of rights – it is punishment for a crime. Differing beliefs is not a crime and cannot be restricted or oppressed from the public square and private businesses. No amount of ‘offense’ can restrict the right of expression. Which means people of faith can express that faith in schools and public squares without coercion or restriction. And it means no one of faith can impose their dogma and strictures on others.

This ain’t rocket science folks – it is called tolerance and respect of diverse views. As Romney said so well, enjoy and explore our symphony of beliefs and faiths that we are blessed with in this country. Don’t fear it – and don’t ever attack it.