I realize that there is criticism that can be aimed at both sides of this presidential election process, but the Republicans appear to be the real professionals at mudslinging. As I have mentioned to a few friends, I find it somewhat humorous and at the same time disgusting to read letters to the editor or to see some Republican whining about negative ads by liberals. This, coming from the party of Richard Nixon and his "dirty tricks," the party of Watergate, of Lee Atwater and Carl Rove, of the Willie Horton commercial, of Iran Contra, of almost unparalleled deception used to send us to a bogus war in Iraq, of Rush Limbaugh, and the party of the swift boaters. I could go on and on, but doing so would turn this into a tome. It really drives me crazy, so that is why I try to avoid most of what you see in the mainstream media, where there is more crap than substance.

While I'm getting things off my chest, I would like to say something about the separation of church and state. As you know, as a nonprofit organization, we are restricted from endorsing a candidate in the election process. It is the law and I feel it is a proper law. It is the price our society puts on nonprofits such as our humanist chapter and tax-exempt religions. Why should I, for example, be allowed to endorse a candidate or a ballot issue using our chapter's resources (speaking at our meetings, using our newsletter and web site, etc)? Who am I to speak for the entire membership of our organization?

But a number of religious groups are doing just that, endorsing candidates from the pulpit, in defiance of the law, and hoping that somehow the law will be changed or redefined to allow them to use their church resources for political purposes. One example is the LDS church's involvement in California's Proposition 8 contest. Here they are doing the same sort of thing, except they are more careful to do it in ways that skirt the law rather than in direct defiance of the law. The sad thing about this religious intolerance is the richness of diversity they are missing out on by pursuing this myopic viewpoint. The gay people I know and have known have been delightful people, who are friendly and loving and a joy to be around. They deserve all the same rights as every other citizen.

In any event this is an exciting time. As I write this, there are just three days before Election Day. I think I can speak for all of us that we are anxious for it to be over, and to soon know the results of this historic election.

On a final note, the November speaker, Danielle Endres, will be speaking about Nuclear Weapons. It should be quite interesting. Personally, I have some not very "liberal" views about nuclear weapons and I hope to engage in a spirited discussion after the presentation. I hope you can come and join us on November 13 at 7:30 p.m., and bring a friend.

--Robert Lane
President, HoU