Answers for Patrick

Merry Meet

Note all questions that Patrick raised are inclosed in( ) .

Patrick you raised an interesting question. And so I will answer. Though remember these are my opinions based on my observations.

(I'm curious, if the religious right has such a position of influence, why then can't they keep their influence over the next twenty years or more? )

This is actually a question I once asked my grandmother when Ronald Reagan came to office. Her answer went something like this."When it comes to politics nothing is permanent. What holds today may change tomorrow. But you must work for those changes. They wont just happen. ".

So to answer your question. American politics are always in flux. Today the religious right and big business are in the driver seat. Tomorrow with a little luck a more liberal thought could come to the fore. Never think because your team has the upper hand it will remain there.

Eventually perhaps the third parties will come to the fore. My personal theory is that the American people are giving both parties a chance to show what they have. Sadly, Patrick, I couldn't really tell you what the real difference between the Democrat party and the Republican party are.

Both will say anything just to stay in power. Do nothing while in office. All the while claiming it's the other parties fault.

(If change is to come through the educational system, how will that be accomplished when religion is not a friendly topic in schools across America? )

Well Patrick I know you would argue on the otherside of this. However let me explain why I wont trust christianity or any other religion in the public schools.

The extremist of your religion, Patrick, have made this idea untenable. Anytime there has been an inclusion of religious thought in the class room. Immediately your more extreme members want exclude any other philosophy or religion.

Sorry, Patrick when you can teach your more fundalmentlist members of your religion to play nice in the sandbox maybe then.

(A more inclusive mind does not seem to be what the schools are after these days would you say? )

Your right, Patrick, they are not in the business of turning out people who would be able to think. Schools are under to much pressure to "teach" the students what the school board, district, and city or town. Add in the Federal law of "No Child Left Behind" law. All of which can be contradictory and most often vague in what those expectations are.

It's a sad state that hasn't changed in over a hundred years.

Patrick, I respect that you have your ideas just as I have mine. I hope that we can always agree to disagree. But I should also warn you I can be sarcastic and am a brawler when it comes to philosophy or religion.

Blessed Be