While I do not yet know enough about your politics to wholeheartedly support you, I DO congratulate you for standing up for your lack of belief. Based on the information you have provided on this site, I certainly look forward to learning more about you as a politician. When will your book be published? I am particularly curious to hear more details on your positions on international relations and trade, alternative energy (my field), as well as economic policy.
Dear Emma — I know that you mean well, that you are honest and open-minded, perhaps even magnanimous in your congratulations to Cecil Bothwell for what you term “standing up for your lack of belief.” There is a huge difference, however, between a “lack of belief” and simply admitting that one does not happen to subscribe to the dominant belief system in a given culture, in this case theism in the United States. Mr. Bothwell has no lack of belief, he simply does not share the belief in God declared and professed by so many Americans. He believes in the Golden Rule, separation of church and state, and the wisdom of maintaining a secular form of government to protect everyone’s rights to and from religion. He has a far, far clearer grip on the intentions and actions of America’s founding fathers than is professed by those who would have you believe that America was founded (and should return to being) a “Christian nation.” In the America I recall as a child and young adult, there was no “under God” in the Pledge of Allegiance, and no “In God We Trust” on American money. Nothing that Mr. Bothwell asserts is in any way threatening to those who believe in God. He is simply saying that the government cannot proscribe or prescribe any particular belief system.
Is Mooresville, NC in the11th district? You’ve got my vote! I applaud your courage and honesty. It would be easy to lie and claim some sort of faith to get the votes from conservative Christians, but when it comes down to to it at the end of the day, it’s nice to be able to sleep at night with a clear conscience.
My advice is to focus on putting people to work in this state. I know many who need it, and few who don’t fear losing the job they have. If you can do some real good for this state, and our nation, I don’t think people will worry too much about what flavor of cola you prefer, or what church anyone does or does not attend. We need good leaders.
I’m honestly very impressed. I’m used to the usual political games when it comes to candidates religious beliefs, where it’s detrimental to say you’re anything other than Christian in this country. It’s refreshing to see a candidate be honest about their beliefs. Thank you, as an American and as an athiest.
I am a Christian ut unlike too many of my fellow believers I’m not afraid of those who hold different beliefs than I. As a matter of fact I have learned much through the reading of scriptures and texts of other faiths as well as reading the thoughts and ideas of humanists.. Spiritual beliefs are, and should be, very personal as we are all on our own journey and we must learn to respect our fellow travelers who do not share our convictions or beliefs. You’re an honest man whom I would be proud to have serve me and my family in Washington as our congressman. No to the important stuff… please tell me where I might find one of those cool bumperstickers I see around!
Peace!
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While I do not yet know enough about your politics to wholeheartedly support you, I DO congratulate you for standing up for your lack of belief. Based on the information you have provided on this site, I certainly look forward to learning more about you as a politician. When will your book be published? I am particularly curious to hear more details on your positions on international relations and trade, alternative energy (my field), as well as economic policy.
Dear Emma — I know that you mean well, that you are honest and open-minded, perhaps even magnanimous in your congratulations to Cecil Bothwell for what you term “standing up for your lack of belief.” There is a huge difference, however, between a “lack of belief” and simply admitting that one does not happen to subscribe to the dominant belief system in a given culture, in this case theism in the United States. Mr. Bothwell has no lack of belief, he simply does not share the belief in God declared and professed by so many Americans. He believes in the Golden Rule, separation of church and state, and the wisdom of maintaining a secular form of government to protect everyone’s rights to and from religion. He has a far, far clearer grip on the intentions and actions of America’s founding fathers than is professed by those who would have you believe that America was founded (and should return to being) a “Christian nation.” In the America I recall as a child and young adult, there was no “under God” in the Pledge of Allegiance, and no “In God We Trust” on American money. Nothing that Mr. Bothwell asserts is in any way threatening to those who believe in God. He is simply saying that the government cannot proscribe or prescribe any particular belief system.
Ken Rowe, Durham, NC
Is Mooresville, NC in the11th district? You’ve got my vote! I applaud your courage and honesty. It would be easy to lie and claim some sort of faith to get the votes from conservative Christians, but when it comes down to to it at the end of the day, it’s nice to be able to sleep at night with a clear conscience.
My advice is to focus on putting people to work in this state. I know many who need it, and few who don’t fear losing the job they have. If you can do some real good for this state, and our nation, I don’t think people will worry too much about what flavor of cola you prefer, or what church anyone does or does not attend. We need good leaders.
I’m honestly very impressed. I’m used to the usual political games when it comes to candidates religious beliefs, where it’s detrimental to say you’re anything other than Christian in this country. It’s refreshing to see a candidate be honest about their beliefs. Thank you, as an American and as an athiest.
Wonderful statement. You have my vote. Finally a candidate who thinks and feels.
I am a Christian ut unlike too many of my fellow believers I’m not afraid of those who hold different beliefs than I. As a matter of fact I have learned much through the reading of scriptures and texts of other faiths as well as reading the thoughts and ideas of humanists.. Spiritual beliefs are, and should be, very personal as we are all on our own journey and we must learn to respect our fellow travelers who do not share our convictions or beliefs. You’re an honest man whom I would be proud to have serve me and my family in Washington as our congressman. No to the important stuff… please tell me where I might find one of those cool bumperstickers I see around!
Peace!