It has been a while since I have made an extensive political blog post here on the MDLU but this one is going to run the gamut. From repugnant political attacks to the constant eroding of the separation of church and state, politics in this country have gone the path of North Korea, Nuclear.
Let's stay local and discuss the Anaheim City Council Race. Orange County is a county which seems to have a problem with people with different religious beliefs (or lack thereof). It seems the "American Melting Pot" in Orange County is more Chicken Noodle then a mixed bowl of Spicy Chili. Returning to the City Council race let's look at Bill Dalati. Syrian-born, a successful insurance agent, and a naturalized US citizen. But what caused the most concern among the local OC GOP: his ties with CAIR.
It seems that former CA GOP party head Shawn Steel wrote a letter accusing Bill Dalati of being a "Muslim Extremist," just because Dalati was involved with CAIR, a group which has the support of both Sheriff Michael Carona and Sheriff Lee Baca. I wonder why Steel is not going after Carona?
Dalati's saga has been fun to watch and I hope he wins on election day. From the failed endorsement from the OC GOP to the e-mails that have flooded my inbox on Dalati's connection, it all shows that racism and bigotry still exist in campaigns. John Lewis crossed the line by posting the letter and showed that he will resort to anything to help his candidate Bob Hernandez win his race.
On the national front, if you get the New York Times I recommend you read "In god's Name." In a series of investigative articles, the Times has found a long list of exemptions for religious organizations, from tax exemptions, land use exemptions, exemptions from day care regulations, coffee shop and gym exemptions, and even religious television networks (ala Daystar). What ever happened to the following sixteen words: "Congress shall make no laws respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof..." With over 200 exemptions passed since 1989 (That covers Bush, Clinton, Bush) the constitution has been put through the paper shredder that is the body politic.
And yes, for those of you who read the OC Register, that was me quoted about the debate: "It should have been more debate-like. I know there was talk that this was support to be a kitchen table discussion or something. It should have been like Thanksgiving dinner with the mash potatoes flying about. That's the debate you want to see." - That was made in reference to the debate format, for the record Phil did an awesome job. Now only if we can get two more debates with a real format (not a focus group moderated one).
