Politics

Last week, a Republican candidate could not believe her opponent's claim that "separation of church of state" was in the First Amendment.  During a news story on this debate, another conservative candidate said that the phrase "separation of church and state" came from a Fascist leader.

So, I looked it up.  Of course the words "separation of church and state" are not in the Constitution.  The Constitution says "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances." 

THOMAS JEFFERSON used the words "separation of church from state" in a letter to a church that expressed concern that the new government might infringe on religious freedoms.

During his presidency, Ulysses S.Grant made a speech where he suggested that church and state be forever separated.

Neither Jefferson nor Grant were known to be fascists - or Nazis as that conservative candidate claimed.

Other stuff that people believe that are not true.  Our taxes have NOT gone up since Obama was elected.  98% of working Americans have received a cut in their federal income taxes.  We just get a little bit more in each check, rather than a single check.

The "bailout" will cost our children and grandchildren billions. The "bailout" will cost the government 1/10th of what it was estimated to cost and several large financial institutions have already repaid the money they received.  This cost is less than what we paid out in the 1980s.

The inheritance tax will wipe out everything you've worked for.  Well, yeah if you're worth more than 3.5 million.  I'm not worth that much!!!

Why do people just assume that candidates that shout the loudest or make the funniest insulting remarks are telling the truth?  Why don't people check the facts?  There are objective books and websites that ferret out the truth.  Read the Constitution yourselves, people.  Don't believe every nasty thing people tell you.  AND do your homework BEFORE you vote.  Not after loudmouth know-nothings get in and make things worse.

Oh and the "bailout"?   Bush - a conservative - was in office when that was voted in.  And that's the truth.