Simply being divisive

Politicians need to be very careful in how they represent themselves in political ads. Religious rhetoric has no place in these ads. By definition these advertisements infer why one candidate is better than another. Because a candidate belongs to a particular church does not tell the public what his or her views or capabilities are or why they are better qualified. It simply states that he/she is better than the opponent because of their religion.

In light of the recent shooting in a Pennsylvania synagogue, we need to make sure that religious affiliation is not part of the political determination, as this simply promotes denigration of others. Do we want the issue of religion to be so divisive? If you are not Christian but of another religious persuasion or no religious affiliation at all, does this make you less than? Does it say that others are not welcome to be a part of the political process or hold public office?

Religious beliefs are not necessarily personal beliefs. I do not care which church, if any, a candidate belongs to. I want to know what their qualifications are. What kind and how much education have they had? If running for attorney general, what kind of prosecutor were they? What was their success rate? Where they worshiped of if they worshiped has no bearing on capabilities.

Do you really think only Christians are pro-life? Do you think only Muslims are violent? Do you think only Hindus abstain from eating beef?

We must make our political process inclusive, not exclusive. Save your religion for your personal life. JUDITH JOHNSON

Rogers