back to po;itics

[lagilman]

"ST. LOUIS (AP) - John Kerry cited a Bible verse Sunday to criticize leaders who have ``faith but has no deeds,'' prompting President Bush's spokesman to accuse Kerry of exploiting Scripture for a political attack.

Kerry never mentioned Bush by name during his speech at New North Side Baptist Church, but aimed his criticism at ``our present national leadership.'' Kerry cited Scripture in his appeal for the worshippers, including James 2:14, ``What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds?''

``The Scriptures say, what does it profit, my brother, if someone says he has faith but does not have works?'' Kerry said. ``When we look at what is happening in America today, where are the works of compassion?''

Bush campaign spokesman Steve Schmidt said Kerry's comment ``was beyond the bounds of acceptable discourse and a sad exploitation of Scripture for a political attack.'' "


WTF? But he can use his faith to justify taking positions that are offensive to voters who aren't his prime concern? Gimmie a break, pal. If you bring "faith-based initiatives" into the government, then the Bible is fair text for quoting.

Comments

[kalligraphy.livejournal.com]

Bush constantly quotes scripture and hymms and never attributes their source. Often times he subtly changes the quote to turn it patriotic, but the fundies know where he got the quote from and that is who he is directing it at. He is directing it at the fundies so they know he is one of them. He does it for political gain.

[neadods.livejournal.com]

It's part and parcel of the whole "If you're not with us" message - notice how viciously and quickly the current administration turns on anyone who doesn't toe party line. To the point of outing CIA agents and breaking their own rules regarding naming "White House Sources" in a not-very-subtle attempt to intimidate anyone else who might step forward.

But yeah - if Bush can quote the Bible, so can Kerry. If Bush is going to run as a compassionate conservative, he's going to have to answer questions like "Where are the works of compassion."

On the other hand - I hear that Kerry is about to start rolling out a series of actual "If elected I shall..." messages. And I'd like to take time out from the mudslinging to see that.

[dianora2.livejournal.com]

Not to mention the event was at a CHURCH. It's not like Kerry was hanging out in a bowling alley tossing off Scripture references. (Although come to think of it I'd like to see that.)

People suck. The Bush administration more so than others.