http://www.interfaithalliance.org/About/AboutList.cfm?c=101A Message From Walter Cronkite
...When I anchored the evening news, I kept my opinions to myself. But now, more than ever, I feel I must speak out. That’s because I am deeply disturbed by the dangerous and growing influence of people like Pat Robertson and Jerry Falwell on our nation’s political leaders.
Especially after Robertson and Falwell both shamefully blamed America’s courts and the highest levels of our government for the horrific September 11 attacks on our nation. They said it happened because we “insulted God.” Falwell went on to blame feminists, pro-choice Americans and other groups he despises.
Like you, I understand that freedom of speech is a founding principle of our nation, and I respect people with the courage to speak their minds. As a concerned person of faith, however, I have watched with increasing alarm as the Christian Coalition and other Religious Right groups manipulate religion to further their intolerant, political agendas. Over the years, Robertson and Falwell have gained considerable influence on local school boards, in the administration, and in Congress. They have shrewdly twisted the traditional healing role of religion into an intolerant, political platform.
Using religion as a tool to push their personal political beliefs – especially, in a time of national tragedy – not only insults people of faith and good will, it also diminishes the positive healing role religion can and should play in public life. This is why I am speaking out today, and why I urge you to speak out, too. It is time we challenge those who equate religious beliefs with partisan politics, and if you agree, there is something you can do about it today...
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Meanwhile, in Dallas...
http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/dn/latestnews/stories/040404dnmetrally.b0915.html5,000 at Dallas rally say God and politics go hand in hand
Event features justice removed from court, ex-presidential hopeful
... Cries of "amen" and "hallelujah" filled the air as pastors and politicians discussed the importance of God in politics during Saturday's Ten Commandments Texas Rally at the Dallas Convention Center.
Nearly 5,000 people from across the United States attended the event, sponsored by several Christian and educational organizations.
"I consider myself patriotic and godly, and those things, for me, go hand in hand," said Shayla Wooten of Abilene, who attended with her mother and daughter. "I think many people misunderstand the separation between church and state."
The Dallas event marked the first large-scale rally for the Ten Commandments organization. Site coordinator Ken Breivik said several more gatherings across the nation are planned.
"There's more interest than we can handle right now," he said. "The want for a rally like this is immense."
Speakers included former ambassador and ex-presidential candidate Alan Keyes; Dr. Rick Scarborough, president of an evangelical Christian organization called Vision America; and former Alabama Chief Justice Roy Moore...
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