Quote (AEtheric @ Jul 16 2010 10:43pm)

If I don't talk about god that doesn't mean it doesn't exist. That's just stupid. A politician or congressman or whatever, while representing the united states government, should not talk about religion whatsoever.

Quote (bogie160 @ Jul 16 2010 10:51pm)

That's an interesting opinion, one that's not backed up by the Constitution or our founding principles.

Quote (bogie160 @ Jul 16 2010 06:35pm)

And yes, Muslim references would be fine, the only thing the politician needs to fear is the public reaction.

Quote (Frickaline @ 16 Jul 2010 20:43)

Do you believe nationalism to be a good/bad thing? In all cases?
How Nationalistic do you believe yourself to be?
p.s. I'll give my own personal beliefs later in the thread. Really more interested in hearing yours.

Quote (brmv @ 16 Jul 2010 21:19)

nationalism in itself is not a bad thing but chauvinism is
this reminds me that i wanted to make a topic about chauvinism by americans
maybe i'll find the time one day

Quote (B4al @ Jul 16 2010 01:54pm)

Of course the people don't want war. But after all, it's the leaders of the country who determine the policy, and it's always a simple matter to drag the people along whether it's a democracy, a fascist dictatorship, or a parliament, or a communist dictatorship. Voice or no voice, the people can always be brought to the bidding of the leaders. That is easy. All you have to do is tell them they are being attacked, and denounce the pacifists for lack of patriotism, and exposing the country to greater danger."
--HERMANN GORING AT THE NUREMBERG TRIALS

Nationalism => patriotism => war => death.

No need for that. If people wanna die, good for them. Count me out.

Quote (AEtheric @ Jul 16 2010 11:01pm)

Where do the constituion or founding principles mention that the state should sanction or mention anything religious?

Quote (Frickaline @ Jul 16 2010 11:05pm)

Perhaps it is true, but I find it hard to believe that if we elected a Muslim leader who used the state of the union address as a means to discuss the Koran and his personal desire for Islamic law that you would find this behavior acceptable.  I would think any American citizen in their right mind would call for immediate impeachment.

And yes, I realize this is not a direct parallel to anything happening today.  This is why I said "I'm guessing that it would depend on how far they went with it."