"The problem begins when political decisions seem to result from a conversation with God. If you legitimise political decisions in this way, then you cannot respond to criticism or suggestions by changing policies or introducing nuances, because doing that would be to betray God's orders received during prayer." When former German Chancellor Gerhardt Schroeder wrote this, he was not referring to "islamo-fascist" terrorists or the Islamic Republic of Iran but rather to the administration of G.W. Bush.
As reported in rediff news, in his memoir, Decisions, My Life in Politics, Schroeder says that Bush would constantly refer to his Christian beliefs, and "again and again in our private talks it became clear how. . . . ruled he was by what he saw as a Higher Power." He adds, "We rightly criticise that in most Islamic states there is no clear separation between religion and the rule of law. But we fail to recognise that, in the US, the Christian fundamentalists and their interpretation of the Bible have similar tendencies. . . . When (a leader) takes political action directly from prayer, in other words from a dialogue with God, it can be problematic for a democracy."
In two weeks time, when they go to the polls, we'll all find out whether the Americans have learnt their lesson.
As reported in rediff news, in his memoir, Decisions, My Life in Politics, Schroeder says that Bush would constantly refer to his Christian beliefs, and "again and again in our private talks it became clear how. . . . ruled he was by what he saw as a Higher Power." He adds, "We rightly criticise that in most Islamic states there is no clear separation between religion and the rule of law. But we fail to recognise that, in the US, the Christian fundamentalists and their interpretation of the Bible have similar tendencies. . . . When (a leader) takes political action directly from prayer, in other words from a dialogue with God, it can be problematic for a democracy."
In two weeks time, when they go to the polls, we'll all find out whether the Americans have learnt their lesson.
i agree there is a problem with leaders who take 'instructions' from 'god'. but what do you do when he has not broken any law? why not just challenge him/her with the laws we have? are you advocating, that we oppose bush simply coz he 'listened to god' even though he has not broken any known laws???
ReplyDeletevincent,
ReplyDeleteNoone's talking about laws here. Schroeder was certainly not saying that Bush had broken laws. All he was decrying was the extent to which Bush's religious beliefs affected his policy decisions.