Obama calls for expanded faith initiatives

Todd, NC — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 15:27:29 GMT

I'm sure John McCain will stay far far away from any conversation publicly regarding religion and/or faith.. That should say alot...

Obama calls for expanded faith initiatives

Joe (NJ) — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 15:27:53 GMT

I'm glad that Obama is proposing this initiative (although honestly, the last thing we need is imposing bureaucracy on religious groups), but criticizing Bush on this issue is absurd. If Obama wants to attract Republicans, he needs to pick and choose where he picks fights with the President. This is not an issue that will resonate with any Republicans, but it could have been, had he kept politics out of it.

Obama calls for expanded faith initiatives

Kim W Virginia Beach VA — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 15:29:00 GMT

Oh what a simple world we would live in if all polticians didn't think they had to pander to the purported relgious right..If only politics and religion would just distance themselves from the other.

Obama calls for expanded faith initiatives

Doug, Pl Pr, WI — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 15:30:49 GMT

I'm going to puke. First letting the telcos off on FISA and now giving public money to churches. This push to the center is going to kill my interest in this campaign...

Obama calls for expanded faith initiatives

Kay P - Tempe AZ — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 15:31:57 GMT

Frankly, I don't see this as a wooing of the evangelicals -- but the faith community in general. It was the faith community that was in New Orleans immediately after Katrina and has continued to send funds and work teams into the area as well as Mississippi. Mennonites, Catholics, Methodists and other faiths, Jewish and Muslim alike, still send teams to work on a regular basis. These faith communities work has helped run up a deposit against what Louisiana owes for federal loans.
So, no. I Don't see it as wooing evangelicals, I see it as recognizing that Americans will turn to faith communities to help others because they trust the use of their funds, clearly shown in how the Red Cross [since use of funds from the 9/11 debacle] has had lower contributions and now is broke and borrowing. By the way - faith based initiatives are way more than evagelical communities, and doing quite a bit to fill in the gap this administration has made between what they say and what they do.

Obama calls for expanded faith initiatives

Andrea, New York City — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 15:33:05 GMT

Good call, Obama:

Faith based organizations within the community do a lot of good.

Being from Brooklyn, NY and seeing what the Church has done for the community in setting up after-school programs, an art gallery, theater group and housing initiatives has been a boon for the communty.

Senior citizen programs help feed the elderly and give them companionship.

As usual Obama cares about us.

Go OBAMA, 08

Obama calls for expanded faith initiatives

Bee — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 15:33:38 GMT

I am a man of faith and i can't stand the republican hypocrisy when it comes to faith. Obama should not yield the faith ground to the Republican Party.

Obama calls for expanded faith initiatives

another mama for obama — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 15:34:27 GMT

I believe in a lot of things, but god isn't really one of them. I do believe in the spirit of human compassion and works based on lifting us up to our full potential. I have no quarrel with recognizing that good can come from the mingling of efforts whether they be faith based or secular.

I don't want churches running the government and vice versa. However, to disown the role of either in improving the American condition just leaves us stuck in a place I don't want my children to inherit. I look forward to Obama's new leadership on this.

Obama calls for expanded faith initiatives

Bobbi, Eau Claire, WI — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 15:38:31 GMT

John McCain really inspires me so I'm going to volunteer to help him and Cindy keep track of their property taxes. No more oopsie doodles for them with me on their side! It's so hard being wealthy and it's high time you small minded poor people took that into consideration.

http://www.newsweek.com/id/143775/

Obama calls for expanded faith initiatives

has Fox infiltrated the ranks? — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 15:41:20 GMT

I've been waiting since Sunday for First Read or anyone else at MSNBC to mention the McCains having been in default on a beach front condo they own in La Jolla. It was reported in Newsweek, which MSNBC usually feautures quite prominently, unless there's a report which doesn't flatter McCain.

http://www.newsweek.com/id/143775/

Obama calls for expanded faith initiatives

Pat Huntington NY — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 15:41:26 GMT

Obama calls for expanded faith initiatives

the Pajama Pundit — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 15:41:43 GMT

As with many things, there are two sides to this story. I think that this will definitely help Senator Obama in courting Evangelicals and faith-based-voters. However, I think that this type of policy will hurt Senator Obama with "netroots" supporters. We'll see how the story continues to develop...

http://thepajamapundit.com/

Obama calls for expanded faith initiatives

John, Arkansas — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 15:42:05 GMT

Its rather comical that Obama wants to brag on President Clinton and Al Gore. If they did so much for evangelicals, why didn't Democrats get those votes in 2000 and 2004?

Obama calls for expanded faith initiatives

Wake up people — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 15:46:37 GMT

Good, another thing to pour money into. And we're to believe that Obama is going to reduce our taxes.

Obama calls for expanded faith initiatives

Good Job Obama! VA — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 15:47:48 GMT

This is where Obama got his start with Rev. Wright. Faith based organizations that helped in the communities that they were in. He understands what they do and why they do it and if nothing else can speak volumes about it and circles around McCain. I have seen first hand how faith based organizations in the community I live in have been closing left and right due to lack of funding. Where does that leave the people who went there? Yes, out in the cold.

Obama is not pandering to anyone. He, like the rest of us, recognize the good works that these organizations do and they need all the help they can get. Working from WITHIN to build a better US is EXACTLY what's needed.

Obama calls for expanded faith initiatives

DCortez, Houston, Texas — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 15:52:45 GMT

Lemmings, lemmings, I'm surrounded by lemmings!

Obama calls for expanded faith initiatives

Tim, Reading, PA — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 15:53:02 GMT

I'm going to puke. First letting the telcos off on FISA and now giving public money to churches. This push to the center is going to kill my interest in this campaign...
Doug, Pl Pr, WI (Sent Tuesday, July 01, 2008 11:30 AM)
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Gotta say two things to you Doug, first, the telecos are only being let off in civil suits. Not criminal! Even the Bush Admin. has said that. So they're not being left on the entire hook, just enough that when they get hung it will hurt a lot more. Second, the money isn't going directly to churches, its being looked at more of a social outreach program, more of a partnership. You know the whole giving back to your community type of thing. Now I'm not saying churches should be the only ones doing that but there's no reason they shouldn't defiantly help

Obama calls for expanded faith initiatives

Joel — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 15:54:00 GMT

I've read religious leaders have been very upset with the Republican party because for the last few election cycles, they have promised much and delivered little.

Go go Obama!

Obama calls for expanded faith initiatives

donna — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 15:54:02 GMT

America was founded for religious freedom, by the religious. Loving America means never forgetting the sacrifices made toward that end, by those who could have embodied the abused child syndrome. The persecuted migraters from Europe put forth a mandate that proclaimed equality for all. They were, and are our better angels, even though we have fallen far short since then, at times.

**********************************

Regarding the Senator's Patriotism, I hope you will consider this:
http://zachjonesishome.wordpress.com/as-a-veteran-my-heart-sinks/
As a Veteran, my heart sinks every time I see this photo and think that this man may become President of the United States and be in charge of our military.

ZachJonesIsHome Lincoln (Sent Tuesday, July 01, 2008 9:38 AM)

*******************************************

Does your heart sink when baseball, and football players don't place their hands over their hearts when listening to the National Anthem? In your exhibit 'A' photo, it was the anthem, not the Pledge of Allegiance that was being aired. If you honestly were not aware of this, you are now. If you knew this, before your post, then you are a self righteous jerk engaging in mischief.

Obama calls for expanded faith initiatives

Class Warrior, D.C. — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 15:54:30 GMT

Since Bush's team on Faith Based Whatevers used to make fun of religious people for being nuts and fools (according to a book by a disillusioned member of that group), Obama could improve all that by getting people who are serious about this. That would be one way, also, to guard against abuse and theft of the considerable government bux that would flow their way. While I don't personally care for this idea, if Obama does it right, it could be a real winner for everyone.

Obama calls for expanded faith initiatives

twocanpete — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 15:54:55 GMT

http://twocanpete.blogspot.com
It will certainly take a lot of faith to beleive that we can rebuild this naition's economy without bringing the jobs home from Communist China!

Obama calls for expanded faith initiatives

A very worthy effort for Senator Obama — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 15:56:04 GMT

I support Senator Obama's efforts toward this program. It is right to help those in need. I see this program as an intertwining of government and churches efforts which makes each part stronger and better able to serve the needy. I like this efffort far and above the Reagan call to "volunteerism". I think voluntering is a good thing--but it cannot be the sole basis for providing assistance the those in need.
Obama 08

Obama calls for expanded faith initiatives

A very worthy effort for Senator Obama — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 15:56:23 GMT

Obama calls for expanded faith initiatives

KyObserver — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 15:56:31 GMT

OK all you people...let's let Obama try this "not so new" idea of faith based community action/organization. It's been a lot worse. I'm not a fan of churches getting fed monies, but if they do a better job than FEMA or some other burocratic organization (and there is a growing amount of evidence that they can, e.g. New Orleans post-Katrina), then let's try it, but with a different attitude. Chertoff ought to be fired anyway; he'll be out of a job as of 1/20/09 anyway.

Obama calls for expanded faith initiatives

Beverly in Chicago — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 15:56:41 GMT

Isn’t it interesting Franklin Graham did not endorse Duel Personality, john McCain?

Obama calls for expanded faith initiatives

Ron Indiana — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 15:57:44 GMT

Obama is showing in specific ways what change really means. Not accepting lobbist money. The DNC not accepting lobbist money. Empowering faith based communities to improve social conditions. Getting people involved.

What is McCain and Dobson doing...watching.

Obama calls for expanded faith initiatives

Paul Miller, Woodbridge, VA — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 15:58:22 GMT

The more I think about this, the more I'm reminded of why I thought it was a dumb idea when Bush proposed it.

I'm all for faith-based organizations (I belong to one). I'm all for these organizations doing stuff in their communities. I wouldn't be opposed to the federal government and these groups cooperating on an emergency basis, like for instance utilizing one another's distribution networks for something like Katrina.

I don't think its a good idea for the federal government to fund these activities on a regular basis. Public monies corrupt everything they touch. They'll corrupt these groups, too. Maybe not under Bush. Maybe not under Obama. But somewhere down the line.

Obama calls for expanded faith initiatives

A Charles, LA, CA — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 16:01:26 GMT

Obama is doing to McCain what he did to Clinton. A few voters here, a few there. All of a sudden the smallest groups are worth more than the biggest. It's like he's working off of compounded interest. He's going to get 50%+1 in so many unexpected places that with or without FL & OH he will be the next president.

If this move gets him 2-3% more in GA, AR, KS, NC, NM, NV, MO, CO, VA it might flip the entire state in each case.

This is why I'm for this guy. He's not just all talk, he puts his great thoughts into action. Look how he's changed the way politics is done, imagine what he's do for the country.

He's more calculating than he lets on, but in Washington, that's what we need.

Obama calls for expanded faith initiatives

Amy B Portland, ME — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 16:06:16 GMT

"why didn't Democrats get those votes in 2000 and 2004? "

I imagine evangelicals were pretty disgusted with Bill Clinton's sexual misbehavior in 2000 and they voted for George Bush because they thought he would bring dignity back to the White House. Everyone I know who voted for Bush in 2004 did so because they thought he should finish what he started in Iraq. I think activist evangelicals, the ones who really experienced being let down by the Bush administration, may be the ones more open to supporting Obama, given his promise of support for faith based charities. The evangelicals I know will never vote for Obama because they have been so successfully "branded" by the Republican Party, they won't vote in their own best interests, or the planet's.

Obama calls for expanded faith initiatives

ya know — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 16:06:58 GMT

it's not just evangelicals John... and the reason they didn't get alot of those votes is people are set in their ways. Why don't minorities usually vote republican?

Its not an overnight process... it has to resonate

Obama calls for expanded faith initiatives

R.Merrell — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 16:07:47 GMT

What this country doesn't need is more religion in politics. The nation is blanketed with churches, plenty of places to worship. Can't people keep their religion to themselves instead of politicizing every issue based on whether or not it passes some religious litmus test? "God is on our side' attitude permeates this country. And yet we continue to abuse human rights, condone torture, have a murder rate far above other civilized nations, engage in protracted wars and fail to take care of the neediest in our society. Government can function just fine without religion. Religion seems incapable of functioning without political favor from government officials.

Obama calls for expanded faith initiatives

jesse St.Paul Minnesota — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 16:08:01 GMT

Good for Obama,now if we could only get religon back in our public schools,giving young people a chance to learn that there is a better way ,and that being responsable, and having morale values are the fabric that holds us together.It certainly can't hurt.

Obama calls for expanded faith initiatives

GP Chicago — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 16:16:50 GMT

If Obama is elected, and he does this, he needs to keep a very close eye on how federal funds are spent by these religious groups - remember Jimmy Baker's money scandals, and others in the evangelical churches? If they use the money improperly, the Fed. gov't should strip them of all their tax exemptions.
Pat Huntington NY (Sent Tuesday, July 01, 2008 11:41 AM)
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Absolutely 100% agree...many of these organizations are run too much like businesses. And their organizers are pampered just like CEO's

Obama calls for expanded faith initiatives

S.B. Stein E.B. NJ — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 16:17:26 GMT

I have to say that if it is done correctly, the religious communities can do a lot of good for the poor and homeless among other groups in need. It certainly won't be done by corporations and businesses because there is no profit in doing it. Besides, most of them don't really have the social compassion that they should.

Obama calls for expanded faith initiatives

jmc — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 16:18:18 GMT

I believe in the seperation of church and state. Obama will still get my vote but I am very dissapointed in this.

Obama calls for expanded faith initiatives

C A, Tuscaloosa, AL — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 16:30:30 GMT

This only makes sense. As Obama states government cannot solve all the people's problems many issues have to be attended too by the "community" with a sense of "community". Supporting organized religions and churches who have immediate access to people in these communties is one way to go. But such religions or churches need to prove up front that 1) they have organized assistance programs in place, 2) they are going out into the community to help people (not asking people to come to them), 3) all assistance is non-discriminatory regarding a person's religion or non-religion, race, color, creed, age, etc., and 4) there is proper record-keeping and accountability that any federal assistance money is in fact being used to assist people in the community.

Obama calls for expanded faith initiatives

Rick, NC — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 16:33:41 GMT

Barry...barry...barry...you are looking like another politician on this issue...

I think it is unconstitutional to extract taxes from me and redistribute it to any religious entity, or state, like israel or any of the ME kingdoms...period

Obama calls for expanded faith initiatives

IDTT, Laurel MD — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 16:35:43 GMT

Kay P & Andreaas, thank you for your perspective.

Obama calls for expanded faith initiatives

EDU, Dallas TEXAS — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 17:12:23 GMT

I don’t understand some people.
I am a hard core democrat, but also a very devoted Christian. There is nothing more I would love than to see the government help grass root organizations help the community. Washington does not understand the real issues the community is going through. The grass root organizations do. And these are mainly churches and similar groups. At the end of the day, what counts is that real help reach down to these communities.
Just Consider this:
After Hurricane Katrina, more would have been done to help the ravaged communities if Federal resources were channeled through Churches than through FEMA.
All those that agree say AMEN.

Obama calls for expanded faith initiatives

Bob Simpson appleton wi — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 17:17:48 GMT

I don't know if people understand something. Faith-based orgs can be helpful. If a faith-based org wants to apply for a federal grant, they shouldn't be denied because they are a religious org that would be discrimination.

Obama calls for expanded faith initiatives

NObama — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 17:22:59 GMT

Churches better be careful what you wish for. YOu takee money from government, you have to follow their rules. Pretty soon, you'll be told what you can and can't say/do in your own church. KEEP RELIGION OUT OF GOVERNMENT. That's what the Constitution says, and it needs to stay that way.

Obama calls for expanded faith initiatives

Clara Kansas City, MO — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 17:28:21 GMT

Obama calls for expanded faith initiatives

thursday — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 17:38:37 GMT

ideologically sound, but practically scary. i don't want the government having their hands in all of my business. I'll render to Caesar what is Caesar's, but it seems that with Barack Obama in the White House, we'll no longer be citizens, but subjects; forced to fund programs we don't necessarily believe in with Big Brother supervising all we do and telling us how to do it with the threat of pulling the funding looming over our heads. what happened to separation of church and state the left champions? that policy is to protect the church from the state. Obama doesn't want the church to have protection from the state. He wants the state to have control over the church. If I ever am a pastor, I'll gladly give up my tax exemption. It's just another way for the government to keep their hands in the cookie jar.

Obama calls for expanded faith initiatives

Kelly (from Pittsburgh) — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 17:40:21 GMT

Coming from the background he that Obama does, it is no surprise how he feels about faith organizations being a part of lifting up communities. His position working for an outreach program of a Chicago church is what lead him to his faith and his career in politics. I'm glad he is standing up for what he believes in.