tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1054910627465846465.post3490791842074689266..comments2024-03-28T15:30:35.153-07:00Comments on The Hitchhiker's Guide to National Affairs: Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger4125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1054910627465846465.post-9633113660243748532015-09-25T10:03:12.174-07:002015-09-25T10:03:12.174-07:00Perhaps I should clarify what I meant- I did not m...Perhaps I should clarify what I meant- I did not mean that the Pope's visit itself was selfish, but that the Congressmen and women using it for political gain is selfish.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13754968628324910667noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1054910627465846465.post-84898549031430418472015-09-22T19:14:20.220-07:002015-09-22T19:14:20.220-07:00I agree with Cecily that the Pope brings in a high...I agree with Cecily that the Pope brings in a highly religious view into the government. The popes main purpose in his visit to America is to strengthen the Catholicism in the United States. The framers were fearful of such an act. The pope is arguably the most powerful religious leader in the world and its doubtful that he will keep his religious side out of the speeches he gives to congress and other U.S citizens. While he has the right to speak his mind, I feel that the government needs to be wary about a religious influence on their decisions.Casey Vanderliphttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02247235115670230516noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1054910627465846465.post-6074483373781650602015-09-22T17:50:49.707-07:002015-09-22T17:50:49.707-07:00I disagree with Cecily that the Pope's visit i...I disagree with Cecily that the Pope's visit is selfish. The Pope represents the viewpoints of American Catholics, 22% of the population, and is a very well known and influential figure in the global community. By speaking to Congress, the Pope can give context for the religious and cultural perspective of Cuba. It is important that the Pope provides Congress and the US government with the information it needs to make a proper decision. Additionally, the Pope is not the only religious figure to speak to Congress. Just last year, the Dalai Lama spoke to Congress and even delivered an opening prayer. Although religion should stay out of campaigns and voting, some people are religious and it is okay to acknowledge that.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1054910627465846465.post-70567007789734583722015-09-22T10:28:05.000-07:002015-09-22T10:28:05.000-07:00As the U.S. works to reestablish ties with Cuba, I...As the U.S. works to reestablish ties with Cuba, I agree that it should be appropriate that the President meets with someone so integral to Cuba's culture. That being said, the use of the Pope's visit to further political interests seems selfish to me. Although the Pope will be making a speech to Congress, it seems that his visit should not be made out as a political venture, but a social one, connecting with the public, Catholic or otherwise. However, my view represents only one side of the debate surrounding the separation of church and state. Do you believe that a religious leader should be allowed to speak to (and influence) a large body of government at all?Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13754968628324910667noreply@blogger.com