News-Record.com

Yes, this ad definitely goes too far. With today's technology, it's very easy to cut out only different snippets, piece them together and make them sound like someone said something.

If E. Dole is this desparate to get her votes, I would hate to see what she would do in office.

Shameful.

What does too far mean? If you mean painting atheists and agnostics (a group that I include myself in) as having no morals, with sinister music behind it playing to the base fears of a population that is by a great margin of some religious affiliation, then yes, it's too far.

And I disagree vehemently with that type of portrayal because it has absolutely no basis in truth.

Too far? No more so than some of the other political ads I've seen. I agree with Sherri that with the use of today's technology, some things might not appear to be what they actually are, yet if Kay Hagan hadn't been at this particular fundraiser hosted by Woody Kaplan, there would be no grounds for the ad in the first place.

Hagan feels hurt that Dole is attacking her strong Christian faith, however, just because she was raised in church (as are a lot of politicians), attended Sunday School every week and continues to do so, doesn't mean she's incapable of accepting campaign contributions from a group of atheists.

Maybe Kay Hagan could set all of our minds at ease with the answer to one question...What did she promise in return for contributions and/or endorsements by ActBlue?

This ad certainly does go to far. This is the lowest of the low. Dole is stooping to an all-time low. This shows how desperate she is.

Her real place is Kansas with Bob Dole. Her place and her vote should be with her husband, in Kansas. Leave North Carolina to the people who really live here.

To throw this stinker of an ad out in the waning days of an otherwise lackluster career and campaign just shows what a tired, old pol Elizabeth Dole truly is. Helping to govern effectively is clearly not part of Dole's career at this point; keeping hold of her power at any cost apparently is.

What a pathetic desparation move it is. The ad and Dole should be ignored.

Yes, this ad goes to far, and I'll tell her so to her face the next time she's in North Carolina, (provided she knows where North Carolina is, and how to get here).

Fair Game if Hagan was at that PAC meeting. In these last days before the election, I've basically tuned out all political ads and most political news coverage anyway so I don't think it will make much difference. From earlier ads looked like Hagan was mean-spirited and a "know-it-all' but don't know her personally so I'll leave it up to the people of NC to sort it out.

This is fair game. If Hagan is the Christian she claims to be, then why did she attend this fundraiser? Why is she a member of a political party whose platform includes abortion? Why does she mislead people about "balancing five straight budgets" when that's what the state constitution requires?

Yes It goes to far......... and they knew that when they ran the ad... When I first saw it I was disgusted. I hadn't even decide who I was going to vote for until I saw this ad... and it will not be Mrs. Dole. I am tired of all this negative campaigning. . .

The ad may go to far but the truth is known to hurt. Dole may not be the best choice for NC but neither is Hagan. For that matter neither is Obama or McCain. But if we are to vote for the candidate that is the lesser of 2 evils - Hagan is not in that group.

That is the dirtiest ad I have seen in years, which is saying something. Challenge her on the association with the organization, but this insinuation that she doesn't believe in God is intentionally misleading, mean-spirited, divisive fear-mongering. Is this who Elizabeth Dole is? I had always thought more of her, but not any longer.

Elizabeth Dole is an embarrassment to the state of North Carolina.

Elizabeth Dole's ad is sleazy in two different ways: 1) It's an outright lie--Hagan is an active Christian. 2) It shouldn't matter whether Hagan or anyone else is or isn't a Christian, a Hindu or an atheist.

This is America, and there's something called freedom of religion. Dole and her right-wing cohorts seem to have forgotten about that. They would fail an American History course, because can't seem to remember what our founding fathers actually said (and believed!) regarding religious faith. It's time to reclaim the true American value of religious tolerance.

Oh yeah, and it's time to send Elizabeth Dole a message: use sleazy campaign tactics, lose the election.

This is what gives Christians a bad name. Extremist hate filled spew like this. Dole is an idiot for doing this.

Too far indeed. Dole is carpetbagger of the highest degree, and with this ad, a christian of the lowest.

Elizabeth Dole was in Rockingham County this morning 10/29/08. She spoke to about 100 citizens..She stated that Kay Hagan had gone wobbly..The only wobbly was Elizabeth with her new hip implants taxpayer paid for..She lost the Triad and Triangle with her support of the evil ad run by her party.. Godless Hagan. Shame on you Elizabeth!!!!

This ad goes way too far. Dole should pull it immediately. For that matter, it should have never been run.

We need someone in congress that will lead the charge for "real" campaign reform and outlaw this sort of trash.

There appears to be a strong consensus that a growing portion of the voting population is growing weary of the negative campaign and that many voters finally recognize that this strategy is used to distract voters from the issues at hand or to misdirect the lack of a verifiable track record. Just look at how ineffective some of the advertising campaigns have been for those candidates who are training in the polls. This type of ad will likely cause as much voter backlash with the new breed of independent thinking voters as it will gain traction with the more gullible among us.

This ad is despicable. It goes well beyond the already low and ugly tactics of the current campaigns.

I loved the ad. I thought the music was great and the quality of the cinematography was top notch. I really like the longer version too.

This add is an outright lie. I happen to know Kay Hagan and have been on a mission trip with her. She is an active member at First Presbyterian Church and an elder. It is a shame for a supposedly Christian woman such as MS Dole to make such statements. The Bible says judge not yet ye be judged.

The bible also says women are to remain silent in church, so how then can Hagan be an eldress in her church and be in agreement with what the bible says?

Elizabeth Dole is fighting a losing battle. I think she will "not" be returning to Washington for a 2nd term. She has to go negative because this is all she has left............

Senator Dole is an embarassment to The Tar Heels of North Carolina. Jesse Helms would be rolling over in his grave over this one. Dole has disgraced her husband and she has shown her true colors. I agree, that she does not know the way to North Carolina unless someone else brings her. He record of tending to Tar Heel needs is terrible. We need to give Kay Hagan a chance to prove to us what a real Senator is like.

Dole has succeeded in emulating Helms... Simply unbelievable that one of the few Republicans I respected would stoop this low. She did not and should not have attempted this. It is wrong and a very long stretch at best. I hope the message next Tues will be loud and clear. Christian, Atheist, Whatever, this was just plain wrong, and hopefully will backfire.

Has anyone else seen this video?

A political action commitee (PAC) that represents atheists is no different politically than any other PAC. A senator has a responsibility to represent the political interests of ALL her constituents, including atheists.

When Sen. Dole criticizes Hagan for "associating" with atheists she lowers herself to the same place as the Pharisees who criticized Jesus for associating with prostitutes and sinners.

Furthermore, to go beyond criticizing Dole for meeting with the PAC and perhaps accepting campaign funds from them, and then to insinuate that Hagan herself is godless is a despicable calomny, a base slander and a thoroughly un-Christian action.

RC Conrad said,
Yes this ad goes too far. This is an example of why I, A Reagan Era War Veteran Republican chose to disaffiliate this year as a 25 year Republican and change to the party of Democrat. There are many many more reasons why I changed. The deceptions, the greediness, the self indulgence of serving for themselves and not the people are at the top of my list. I just couldn’t bare to be a republican anymore. It was beginning to be shameful. If you don’t make millions of dollars a year, lie and create falsehoods and deceptions about others, indulge in greed for yourself, boast about falsehood claims that you have achieved, while sitting back and actually a coward of your undoing,
THEN YOU AREN’T A REPUBLICAN EITHER!!!

North Carolina will be pleased once Dole is gone and Kay takes office.

I'm a teacher who had the pleasure of traveling to China with Kay several years ago. I was sold the moment she asked me what would make education for our kids better. The person talking with me wasn't a politician wanting my vote, but rather a leader wanting to make a difference.

Hagan belongs to the NAACP how much more Godless can she get?

Perhaps the focus here should not be on this particular ad itself, but on the state of political campaign ads in general. In this particular campaign, and many others, BOTH candidates have gone negative. I think negative ads, from either candidate, are distasteful and a misuse of campaign funding. Instead of telling me about the other candidate's effectiveness ranking or about the other candidate's attendance at a distinctly left-wing and arguably un-Christian political gathering, tell me about YOURSELF: your policies, plans, stance on important issues. Regardless of whether this ad "went too far," as a North Carolinian voting in this election, I would want an explanation for Hagan's attendance at this event
as well as a statement concerning her particular views, whether personal or political, about the agenda advocated by this group. While it may not be in the best taste, most political campaign ads are not. "I may not agree with what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it." Voltaire

Elizabeth is sitting down on a couch right now putting on her ruby red slippers. Put a sign up in the front yard "For Sale" and tell everyone you are buying a plane ticket back to Kansas!

Who is Godless?

Would God support policies and usury that drive people out of their homes?
Would God deny health care to his children?
Would God bomb a country because it had an oppressive leader and then occupy that country for several years?
Would God take money away from education and the poor and give it to the wealthy?
Would God want a clean environment?

Look at the records of the candidates for Senator and then determine who is Godless.

Vote for Hagan!

Liddy can't run on her strong record cause she doesn't have one. all she can do is sling mud and incite fear and hatred. time for her to go.

I once worked with Elizabeth Dole in Washington. While once proud of this experience, I am now ashamed. Elizabeth Dole should be ashamed of herself. North Carolina should be ashamed of her. She will answer to God for her actions. Shame! Shame! Shame!

Stooping to this level is in a word -- DESPERATE!in an already unpopular election season filled with overwhelming negativity and a total lack of constructive communication to the voters by either one this is just DESPERATE!

Choosing between either candidate is like being strung out between the devil and the deep blue sea. On my sample ballot I had tentatively selected Ms. Dole--that has been changed now! This act of desperation tells me it is time for her to pack her ruby slippers, pick up Toto and head back to Kansas!

Once again--it sure would be nice to have a viable candidate who is a leader and will be less concerned about self-image and more about the needs of the constituents.

With this DESPERATE act it is time to make NC a NO DOLE ZONE!

Hey Lloyd,

I guess you hate God too, if you support the death penalty and the war. "Thou shall not kill." Remember?

Who gets the final say as to who believes in God or not, besides God that is?

Fair game....Why would Hagan be out of her "home state" collecting money.
why not ask the fine people in her church for support.
And as far as Dole she should give back the Red Cross money she made remeber all of that 2.5 million CEOs of fortune 100 companies didnt report netting that much..

Fair game....Why would Hagan be out of her "home state" collecting money.
why not ask the fine people in her church for support.
And as far as Dole she should give back the Red Cross money she made remeber all of that 2.5 million CEOs of fortune 100 companies didnt report netting that much..

IF i had of been a supporter of Dole, I would NO longer be one now. She and the good 'ol boy Republican Party have gone too far. I recall my US History classes & remember something about separation of state and religion. This country was founded on freedom of religion. Going to church everytime the doors open does NOT make a genuine Christian. Only God knows what kind of Christian we really are. We are entitled to our individual beliefs and opinions. That's why I love our country and NC.
Dole's record may be ineffective, but she has made an impact on me - a negative impact - and a vote for Hagan.

What is most despicable about Liddy Dole's ad is the assumption it makes about the people of North Carolina. She assumes we are all narrow & uneducated and cannot allow others to have beliefs that differ from our own. Somehow she missed the memo--Jesse Helms is dead and so is HIS North Carolina. We've all grown up and moved on. Time for Dole to move on, also--back to Kansas!

I was on the fence about Dole. She helped a dear friend, a disabled vet, fight the IRS when the Air Force screwed up her tax withholding on her separation pay. Plus, I've been a life long Republican.

I can't stand the narcissism of the Republican party anymore. They have betrayed everything the party was supposed to believe in: responsible spending and keeping Big Government out of our private lives.

The GOP campaigns on fear and prejudice because they know they don't have any answers for the problems they have created over the last eight years.

Obama and Hagan get my votes.

Way over the top. I mean the lady goes to an out of state democratic fund raiser hosted by atheist.

Is any of this illegal? No.

Not even immoral or un-ethical.

Were does Mrs. Dole get here money from?

Apparently from people who think Atheist do not deserve the protection of the US constitution. Freedom of religion, have you ever heard of it Mrs. Dole?

Just for the record I am not an Atheist, I am a Christian, but I sure worry that stuff like this may lead to Questions of like: “what kind of Christian are you?” or “are you the right kind of Christian?”

This is a non-issue. It is put out by a desperate candidate whose record is bereft of accomplishments and has no real issues to run on. She is nothing but a carpet bagger who is stealing tax payers’ money every time she cashes her pay check!

Elizabeth Dole is a POLITICIAN! Nothing is off limits to her. She is in the fight of her political life and its bareknuckles all the way. I wonder if she has ever attended Wednesday night Bible study. She is in Washinton for the social life, the benefits, the galas. How she ever got to be the Senator from North Carolina is still a question to me? Kay Hagan is a principled, Christian woman; she already has my vote!

I've only lived in North Carolina for a few years so I am not fully entrenched yet into state politics. Frankly, I didn't know a whole lot about either candidate. This ad though tells me all I need to know about Dole. The ad is nothing but a "hail mary" from Dole. Kay Hagan will get my vote.

I was undecided; thank you Mrs Dole for helping me decide. Hagan gets my vote. Dole is a dirty politician.

The radio ad also alleges that the Hagans are members of a local whites only club/organization (that refuses admission to blacks). I've not heard a response to this claim - has there been one?

As an athiest who loves his country and the ideas on which it was based, I am offended by this commercial. Not by the fact that Mrs. Dole insinuated that Mrs. Hagan is an atheist, but rather by the fact that such a label is detrimental to a political career. It's not required that she be called an "atheist who wants to take your money" or an "atheist who will surrender in Iraq".

Saying "she's an atheist" and expecting it will cost her votes is accepted in our society. We've progressed far enough in this country, that no one would ever come out and say "he's black" or "she's gay" or "he's Jewish" in such a derogatory manner. Why is it OK to slander a minority that is, by some recent measures, larger than each of those groups?

This is a secular country, welcoming to all faiths and creed, but tied to none, and was designed that way by our founders. I believe an atheist is best able to uphold that tradition. Who would you rather have access to the nuclear button: an atheist who values THIS life, or a fundamentalist who thinks he is doing his part to usher in "end times" and fulfill god's plan?

Olivia, Kay Hagan's husband has been a member of Greensboro Country Club for years and years. Until several years ago it was "white only" because no people of color had ever applied. There was a pretty big stink about the issue and membership was fully opened up to "anyone who could pay the dues". So, yes at one time her husband, not Kay, was a member of an old time thinking country club.

As far as the ad.....it's disgusting. Thank goodness I've already voted for Hagan. I did send Dole's offices emails this morning expressing my disappointment in their tactics. I also suggest she remain in Kansas. Just because you're born in a state doesn't mean you represent it for your entire life unless you can say you frequent it occasionally.

What does the extreme Right do that does not go too far?

Nate,
You bring a little different light to an already darkened subject. I agree that politicians wouldn’t make the aforementioned derogatory accusations in such a blatant and forthcoming manner as Sen. Dole has done, but I’m not sure I’d take it as far as saying the comments wouldn’t be made. What about all of the hate expressed by ignorant bigots from false accusations about Obama being a Muslim? We’d like to think those statements didn’t come directly from McCain, but nevertheless they taint the GOP’s position and are credited to his campaign indirectly. What society perceives to be reality is what is measured by an election, not reality. In our narrow minded country, I’d say--for the sake of argument--being Atheist carries a slightly more positive light than being Muslim. Either way, I’m with you, I’m just giving us something else to think about...assuming most Americans can still do that for themselves.

Behold the politics of personal destruction. Dole ought to be ashamed. When the Republican Party runs out of ideas, they resort to dirty tricks, sleazy television ads, and outrageous lies. McCain says that Obama "pals around with terrorists." Now Dole uses a voice-over to imply that Hagan's an Atheist. Faith should not be a litmus test for service to one's community or one's country. Guilt by association works both ways. Religious leaders in North Carolina should stand up for Hagan, or risk being associated with the intolerance and hatred that has come to define the religious-right wing of the Republican Party. Fiscal conservatives should vote to elect Hagan, which will give them time to wrestle their Grand 'Ol Party away from the biggots and fear-mongers that have ruined the Republican brand.

I am with the majority of the other posters here-- the ad is sleazy and should be ignored. The part about going to a fundraiser hosted by the leader of the Godless Americans, though, is fair game, although nasty. Hagan was there. The part that goes too far is putting the words "There is no God" in Hagan's mouth when Hagan has been a Presbyterian for years and is an elder in her church. That isn't spin; it's an out-and-out LIE. I hope Hagan proceeds with a libel suit, win or lose.

I also agree that religion or lack thereof makes no difference in the worthiness of a person, even a politician.

It probably does go to far. But this year nothing surprises me. It raises doubt. How do we know it isn't true?

I equate this the same as Obama being at the event in LA with the PLO sympathsizer. I doubt Obama is against Israel. I doubt Hagen has anything to do with this so-called godless person. But this much I do know, neither of them should have been there in the first place.

Jenny,

What is wrong with Hagan attending this event? Even if the event had been held by a single sponsor, and that sponsor was American Atheists of NC or Godless America - what's wrong with that? Would not those people also be her constituents if she won election? Would it not behoove Mrs. Hagan to be aware of the issues that affect this minority population in her state? What makes it so bad to attend a function of this sort with people who believe differently than she does? Why should a sizable minority (look up the figures) in her state be marginalized because they have concluded they don't think god exists? I don't expect you to answer these questions here, but please answer them for yourself.

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

D.R.,

Thanks for the reply. I agree that there is much bigotry that knows to be silent when necessary. That's exactly what bothers me so much about the atheist label as a smear. It's perfectly OK in our society to say that I am un-American or unpatriotic because I've come to a different conclusion. Also, there was a survey done w/in the last couple years that asked what minority people could NOT vote for, if they were otherwise qualified for the job. Blacks, Jews, gays, Muslims and many other groups were included. Atheist/Non-Believer was the only group that received more than a 50% vote. The majority of people surveyed would rather have your hypothetical Muslim in an elected position, than me, even if we were both otherwise qualified. I'd like to understand why my conclusion is so threatening to so many people.

Enough bigotry against those who do not believe in the supernatural. That is the bigger issue here. In America we have freedom of religion and freedom to have no religion if we so choose. Atheists are openly detested purely for their beliefs and this is not what being American is about. Shame on those who claim to be religious and moral then discriminate against another group of Americans for believing differently than they do.

No, it doesn't go too far: it is factually correct, and the voters of NC can decide whether Hagan's association with godless athiests is important in determining their vote. Some voters care about the folks candidates associate with: George Bush, William Ayers, left- and right-wing nuts of various stripes.

Is it an incredibly stupid ad that panders to mindlessless? Yes.

To all you atheist:
I've got no problem if you choose not to believe in God. But freedom of religion does NOT mean freedom FROM religion. Therefore if our Pledge says "one nation under GOD", get over it. If our dollar bill has "In God we Trust" get over it. If the Ten Commandments are shown on a court house wall, get over it. NO ONE HAS GIVEN YOU THE RIGHT TO FREEDOM FROM RELIGION!
God Bless you.
And by the way if Hagan is now too ashamed to be seen with a group of atheist, then she should have thought of that before taking their money.

Hagan met with Godless Americans and took their money. It is only logical that she made some concessions to them for the cash.

It is definitely fair game and Hagan should be embarassed for accepting the money.

Yes, this ad goes too far. Dole knows that NC is in the Bible belt and to imply that someone is an atheist will cause conservative Christians to vote against Hagan. It was a ploy to help Dole keep her Senate seat. Dole doesn't care about NC. She doesn't care about working for the people. She only cares about political power. I once respected her, but no more. Hopefully, she'll lose the election, and NC will be rid of her.

By the way: the phrase "freedom of religion" is NOT part of our Constitution or Bill of Rights. And if you do an little research you will find the pharse was intended to protect churches from interference from goverment. It was NOT to protect goverment from religion being a part of goverment. Most atheist would have you believe religion should have no part in goverment. This is in NO WAY what our founding fathers intended.

Dole's ad is 100% accurate. If Hagan doesn't want to be associated with this group, she should have thought of that before she took their money.

Beachwalker,

No one gave me ANY of my rights, I was BORN with them. Governments can only infringe upon our rights, so far as we let them. The founders of this country wanted our government to infringe on my rights as little as possible. Luckily, they didn't enact any laws establishing a religion as a requirement (see the 1st Amendment). So, by default I retain my right to avoid religion entirely. Would you have it otherwise? Would you force me to act like I believe in god, even though I do not? Would you accept me trying to force you to believe as I do? If you said 'no', then you're beginning to see the glory of our country. We can all coexist, regardless of how our beliefs differ.

Now, as for god being added to the pledge of allegiance and our money. Neither of those things were done by our founders. And, based on their writings, they would likely have spun in their graves upon seeing how a particular monotheistic form of belief has been foisted upon the public at large. More than a few of the founders were Deists (who don't believe in a "personal" god) or atheists.

Regarding the 10 commandments. Only "don't kill" and "don't steal" would be deemed in-line with our laws. Most of the rest violate the Constitution, primarily various portions of the 1st Amendment. Please READ the Constitution. We are simply NOT a country founded on religion, much less christianity specifically.

Last thing: Ask yourself why YOU don't believe in Zeus, or Thor, or Ra, or Mithra. When you can answer that, you'll understand why I don't believe in your god. Would you like to be marginalized and derided by society because you don't worship Ra? Neither would I.

Ms Dole was a disaster at the ARC. A mediocre Senator and now she has sunk to new lows

The ad is a disgrace to the Republican party and the people of NC.

BUT it will probably get her reelected. Politics Southern style you know.

Beachwalker, I'm reminded of a joke. Being a preacher's kid twice over, I hear quite a bit of them. It goes something like this...

A group of recently deceased folks arrive at the elevator into the afterlife. The elevator man welcomes each of them aboard and begins giving instructions, "Now, folks, we're going to need to be completely silent when we pass the 5th floor."

A voice spoke up from the back, "Why the 5th floor?"

"Because that's where the Christians are, and they think they're the only ones here."

Beachwalker,

You need to invest in another U.S. constitution- one with the AMENDMENTS! The anti-federalists insisted on the inclusion of a Bill of Rights, and for good reason!

The first line of the First Amendment:
"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion"

So, in fact, the Constitution DOES give it's citizens freedom from state-sponsored religion. The problem is evangelicals in this country is that they have absolutely no respect for anyone who is different from themselves.

It's no surprise that the base of the Republican Party, made up of evangelicals, is way out of line with mainstream society. The bulk of Americans, particularly our youth, are increasingly more accepting of diversity and individuals' right to make personal decisions (abortion, compassionate assisted suicide, medical marijuana, etc.). As the country becomes more and more tolerant, the future of the Republican Party looks bleaker and bleaker. Its only hope is to marginalize the bigots in their ranks, and return the reigns to fiscal conservatives.

My bad.
I meant to say Separation of Church and State does not appear in the Constitution or the Bill of Rights.
So therefore freedon of religion does not give ANYONE the right to freedom FROM religion.
Close to half of the signers of the Declaration of Independence had degrees from Christian seminaries. And there is more evidence than one can imagine that the founding fathers did in fact intend for this to be a Christian nation. You can try to re-write history if you like, but you are wrong.

Anyone who says this nation was not founded as a Christian Nation does not know history.

Patrick Henry said,
It cannot be emphasized too strongly or too often that this great nation was founded, not by religionists, but by Christians, not on religions, but on the Gospel of Jesus Christ! For this very reason peoples of other faiths have been afforded asylum, prosperity, and freedom of worship here.

Political Science professors at the University of Houston, curious about who influenced the founders, gathered 15,000 quotes made by them. The effort took over ten years. They reduced the number to those that had a significant impact on the founding fathers and the result was 3,154 quotes. They determined that the Bible was quoted far more than any other source. Thirty-four percent of all quotes were from the Bible, and another 60% of the quotes were from men who were using the Bible to make their point. God's word was important to the nation's founders.

THE UNITED STATES IS A CHRISTIAN NATION.

I never said our country's founders weren't christian. What I said is, they had the good sense to keep churches out of government and the government out of churches.

You say the United States is a christian nation so that you can feel superior to those who are not christian. It's a means by which you can treat those who are different from yourself as second-class citizens. You call it a christian nation so that you can classify those who are not christian as enemies of the state. And getting back to the point, that's exactly why Dole ran her shameful ad.

Brandon said
You call it a christian nation so that you can classify those who are not christian as enemies of the state.

Once again you show your ignorance. I don't call it a Christian Nation for no other reason than: Christian principles is what this nation was founded on. And it is you who is wanting to deny Republicans and Christians the very rights that this country was founded on. If you don't like the fact that this is a Christian Nation, no one is keeping you here. You are free to leave at any time. But if you really want a free nation you will believe as Woodrow Wilson,
Who said in a 1911 pre-presidential campaign speech America was born a Christian nation. America was born to exemplify that devotion to the elements of righteousness, which are derived from the revelations of Holy Scriptures. ...Part of the destiny of Americans lies in their daily perusal of this great book of revelations. That if they would see America free and pure they will make their own spirits free and pure by this baptism of the Holy Spirit.

Beachwalker,

Your words prove my point.

You are more "pure" than non-Christians. Your faith makes you more "righteous" than non-Christians. In short, you think that you are better than non-Christians for no other reason than your faith. And if non-Christians dare to challenge your ability to shove your religion down our throats, particularly in the form of government policy, your answer is for us to leave your sacred homeland. This is exactly the kind of intolerance that I was referring to.

And what exactly do we deny Republicans and Christians? That you can't indoctrinate our children in the public schools with your interpretation of God? That you can't dictate to our doctors what is and isn't in the best interest of our health? That you shouldn't be able to deny same-sex couples the right to enter into a contractual arrangement called marriage just because you think it's a "sin".

Simply put, you are a bigot and an agent of intolerance. Ignorance is believing that this country is any more yours than it is mine. Faith is not a litmus test for patriotism. For to truly love this country, you have to respect your fellow citizens, even those who do not share your religious views. And it is obvious that you, and Elizabeth Dole, do not.

Brandon
The more you respond, the more you show your ignorance. If you want to really see intolerance why don't you move to Iran or China. You do not know what intolerance is. No one says you have to pray when others around you pray. No one says you have to say "One nation under God" when saying the Pledge. No one says you have to put you hand on the Bible when testifing in a court of law. And to have the Ten Commandments on a court house wall is far from indoctrination. It is you who is intolerant. You are intolerant of the Christian principles that this nation was founded on. As a Christian I know no one can be forced to believe. Unlike other religions who say you will believe or else be killed. The Christian principles that this nation was founded on are the very principles that say: one should be free to practice whatever religion you want. But it is not Intolerant to have Christian prayer in public, it is not intolerant to have Christian symbols displayed in public buildings and it is not intolerant to have in God we Trust on our money. IT IS PART OF OUR HISTORY. IT IS THE VERY PRINCIPLES THIS NATION WAS FOUNDED ON.
So simply put, you are a HYPOCRIT. You and your ultra left wing liberal democrat party claim to be so tolerant. But it is you who is intolerant of the very principles and beliefs that this nation was founded on. You liberals want to rewrite history. THIS COUNTRY IS A CHRISTIAN NATION. The founders of this great nation intended it to be that way. AND AS LONG AS THERE IS BREATH IN THIS BODY, YOU WILL CONTINUE TO HEAR IT FROM ME. Get use to it.

And just in case any of you still have doubts about whether this country was founded on Christian principles and beliefs, lets look at the The Declaration of Independence.
We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their creator with certain unalienable rights that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. . ." The founding fathers of this great nation knew that there are certain rights that everyone has, and those rights come from God. They do not come from man, they do not come from the White House, they do not come from the state, they come from God. One of these rights, which is in the Bill of Rights is the right to freedom of religion. So you see the Christian principles that this nation was founded on and the principles that Brandon hates is the same principles that gives him the right to not believe in any god. So it is not Christians who are intolerant, it is Brandon and those like him who are intolerant of Christians. He (they) wants to rewrite history, to say Christianity had nothing to do with the start of this nation and there is no place for religion in goverment. This is far from what the founding fathers of this nation had in mind. Freedom of religion does not mean Freedom from religion.
Thomas Jefferson...said, "The reason that
Christianity is the best friend of government is because Christianity is the only religion that changes the heart."

"Christianity is the only religion that changes the heart."

Your hubris astounds me.

At this point, we're probably the only two people who visit this page. This will be my last post.

Brandon, it wasn't me who said Christianity is the only religion that changes the heart (although I don't have a problem with the statement), it was Thomas Jefferson, one of our founding fathers.
Here is another quote from one of the founding fathers, James Madison, the fourth president and the Father of the Constitution said,
The future and success of America is not in this Constitution but in the laws of God upon which this Constitution is founded.
You can try to argue this nation was not founded on Christian principles and beliefs. And you can say this is not a Christian Nation, but you are simply wrong. The founding fathers started this nation based on Christian principles and they fully intended for this to be a Christian nation.