tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-606201113344523885.post3175852184441504317..comments2024-03-28T00:46:19.476-04:00Comments on Religion & American Law: Santorum Gets it WrongBrantley Gasawayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02894338478934982958noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-606201113344523885.post-48610538095134203192012-03-07T09:18:25.492-05:002012-03-07T09:18:25.492-05:00I think this article highlights an important trend...I think this article highlights an important trend in both political rhetoric, and, more fundamentally, American thought. The video linked at the bottom of the post, depicts a growing, albeit extreme, disposition among many Americans. Santorum’s misuse of President Kennedy’s speech was strategic, and the efficacy of that strategy should raise some important alarms. Because we consider religious beliefs to be fundamental to our identity, the mind’s reaction to a different opinion is the same as if it were responding to a physical threat. While in this state, an individual will ignore any opposing viewpoint, regardless of that positions rationality. This response is the same for any perceived threat to an individual’s “sense of self,” and explains the irrational behavior of the woman featured in the video. In essence, the goal of Santorum’s speech was to create a defensive response among his audience. The use of this strategy pervades current political discussions, and its effects can be seen everywhere. Hopefully, you will have noticed the catch 22 created by this situation. American Citizens, under the impression that their beliefs are being attacked, respond defensively, making religion an increasingly important political issue. If we assume that the purpose of politics is to facilitate compromise between opposing positions, then the only outcome of this negative feedback loop is the political deadlock so beautifully displayed in the current US Congress. If the effect of this strategy is to create such hostility, then I think the real question we should be asking, not just Rick Santorum, but all our politicians, regardless of their party, is; what do you believe the purpose of politics is?David O.https://www.blogger.com/profile/07811610350006790004noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-606201113344523885.post-92147126751608148022012-03-07T08:54:02.478-05:002012-03-07T08:54:02.478-05:00While I am having difficulty bracketing my opinion...While I am having difficulty bracketing my opinions, I will try my best to hold my tongue. However, I think that this is a classic example of how John Fae's book "Was America Founded as a Christian Nation?" really comes into play. As we well know, Fea challenges his reader to think historically and also reveal in the idea of complexity. For poor Santorum, these ideas just aren't apparent. Taking the historical context of Kennedy's speech and further contorting it shows great weakness in Santorum as a politician. Also, his use of "public opinion" is quite interesting. Isn't is goal as a politician to speak to the public opinion and gain numbers?kathryn y.https://www.blogger.com/profile/14236488878729551743noreply@blogger.com