Perry’s ‘faith’ ad is ignorant, insulting

Gov. Rick Perry, in a recent ad, suggests that liberals do not have “faith.” Based upon his platform, I can assume he means religious faith (a theme that seems to resonate within the Republican Party).

To suggest that liberals do not have faith is ignorant, insulting and false. Conservatives are not synonymous with “faith.” The majority of Americans, 92 percent, say they believe in God and, as we are well aware, not all of them are conservatives.

Perry implies that faith is a requirement to being an effective president. The president has a duty to “preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States.”

Religious faith is irrelevant. Faith in the Constitution, our system of government and the American people is essential.

It is not that liberals lack religious faith. We separate decisions of faith from more secular decisions. When making those tough decisions, a president must rely on his or her knowledge, experience and critical thinking skills - none of which are inherent to having faith.

Liberals understand that, while faith affects your judgment, it does not replace it. Pray for your sick uncle to get well, meditate for inner peace and strength, but use your judgment and the Constitution to decide whether or not to invade Iran.

Barbara Boebel

Cedar Rapids