The Christian Nation Claim - campaign time

Here's a quote from Senator JOHN MCCAIN (Republican, Arizona; 2008 Republican Presidential Nominee): I would probably have to say yes, that the Constitution established the United States of America as a Christian nation.

If that isn't enough to show how this man has no business as a political leader.

The Founding Fathers were Deists subscribing to the tenets of the Freemasons. They respected other people's religions, but they themselves where not christian. The US Constitution is a secular document, meaning it makes NO call, claim or demand of God, Jesus, christianity or any other religion. In fact the 1st Amendment includes this language:

Congress shall make NO law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.

There existed little controversy about this interpretation from our Founding Fathers in regards to the separation of church & state. What a difference it would make to better understand this concept. Religionists might then realize that the wall of separation actually protects their religion. Our secular government allows the free expression of religion and non religion and makes no requirement for office.

Further, well after the founding of this Nation, it is stated in Article 11 of the Treaty of Tripoli from 1879 that:

"As the Government of the United States of America is not, in any sense, founded on the Christian religion; as it has in itself no character of enmity against the laws, religion, or tranquillity, of Musselmen; and as the said States never have entered into any war or act of hostility against any Mehomitan nation, it is declared by the parties that no pretext arising from religious opinions shall ever produce an interruption of the harmony existing between the two countries."

So to those of faith and ferverent fundamentalist-types alike: Religion is used as a political tool. You can gauge its effectiveness by how much it influenced you that your elected offical made the "christian claim."

What I say to the current crop of Bush, MaCain, Obama, Palin and others (who have all stated that they're Christian in their campaigns).. Read the factual history of the country you represent and stop manipulating people a false one!