Candidates Talking About Faith

In the Dec. 20 editorial, “The Piety Parade,” The Times discusses the candidates’ declarations of faith and speaks of the obvious exclusion of non-Christians and nonbelievers. Maybe I’m blind, but to me this exclusion is far from obvious. What, exactly, is anyone being excluded from? Certainly not from participation in the political process. By speaking about their own faith, Al Gore, George W. Bush and the others are certainly not implying that those with different beliefs aren’t fit to run for office. So just what is this “obvious exclusion” created by their statements?

Since The Times would never dare to run such an editorial if a Jewish or Muslim candidate were that open about his or her faith, should Christians feel excluded because they’re the only ones whom The Times expects to keep their faith secret?

ADAM BENESCHAN

Mission Viejo

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The comments that have been sent in by your readers regarding Bush (letters, Dec. 20) are proof that the media’s agenda for the “candidate of our choice” is working. It is obvious that people absorb the media’s reporting like sponges. The wording on his lack of education (even though he attended Yale and Harvard), soft money and religious beliefs are all comments we have heard from the media.

I listened to the debate, and correct me if I’m wrong, but Orrin Hatch and Gary Bauer both used Christ as having the most influence on their lives. I don’t remember reading any criticism about them. I wish that people would listen and make up their own minds about the candidates and refrain from parroting the media.

CAROL LINDSEY

Ventura

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Paul Conrad is not offending Bush or the GOP with his Dec. 17 cartoon. He is mocking the beliefs of millions of Christians around the world. If Bush had said he was guided by the principles of Buddha, Confucius or Moses, would he have similarly been mocked? I doubt it.

DENIS HIGGINS

Ventura

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With glistening zeal and virtue, and to the sound of thunderous applause, Bush extolled during the recent debate his “fave rave” writer/philosopher, Christ.

Considering he has now personally authorized the cold execution of 34 Texas inmates this year alone (Dec. 15), perhaps someone should ask him which parts of the philosophy he doesn’t understand?

JOHN R. HARRIS

Huntington Beach