Rational Nation USA

by: Les Carpenter Rational Nation USA Purveyor of Truth Americans believe religion's influence in life is waning and that it is a bad thing. Quite possibly this is why the political sector, particularly republicans, believe religion should take a larger part in the nation's politics and governance. I can't help thinking a couple of things, 1) it's unfortunate there is no Thomas Jefferson to breathe some common sense into the religionists, and 2) how do those who think we need more religion in government square there concern with cultures they criticize for having too much religion in government. It's hard not to think those with the opinion we need more religion in government really haven't thought at all. Pew ResearchReligion & Public Life Project -Nearly three-quarters of the public (72%) now thinks religion is losing influence in American life, up 5 percentage points from 2010 to the highest level in Pew Research polling over the past decade. And...

by: Les Carpenter Rational Nation USA Purveyor of Truth Americans have been lead to believe their vote counts, that our representative democracy gives us a voice in the political process and that by our choice of representatives our voices are heard. Back in the day there may very well have been a modicum of truth to this. However we are not living in the "40's" and "50's", special interests have gained increasing influence and the tax laws have changed in ways that allow big money to have a hugely increased influence on politics and thereby on government. Big money has eagerly taken a much larger place at the table as a result. We all know money talks and we can also be relatively certain big money is not looking out for the average hard working American. Big money is looking out for big money's self interests, not yours or the nation generally. Thomas B. Edsall , penning an informative article for The New York Times goes into a detailed discu...