by John M. Curtis
(310) 204-8700

Copyright August 30, 2000
All Rights Reserved.

aining on Democratic Vice Presidential candidate Joseph I. Lieberman’s faith-crusade, the Anti-Defamation League clipped his wings, reminding the well-intentioned senator about Article VI of the Constitution’s unbending separation of church and state. Speaking to the Fellowship Chapel in Detroit, Lieberman crossed the line citing George Washington’s warning to not assume that "morality can be maintained without religion." Seeing red, ADL’s national director Abraham H. Foxman and national chairman Howard P. Berkowitz opened both barrels, "To even suggest that one cannot be a moral person without being a religious person is an affront to many highly ethical citizens." Nearly forty-years ago, John F. Kennedy hurdled the religious barrier becoming the first Catholic president in U.S. history, declaring, "I believe in an America where the separation of church and state is absolute . . . I believe in an America that is officially neither Catholic, Protestant nor Jewish . . . ." Unlike Lieberman, Kennedy knew instinctually that few people could stomach overly pious rhetoric.

       Lieberman’s zealotry about his own faith has no place injecting itself into his public life—and certainly not a nip-and-tuck presidential campaign. While he’s receiving some support from the religious right, it would be folly to believe that his religiosity reassures undecided voters. Or, if it does creep into his oratory, he should show greater sensitivity to those groups or individuals that don’t relate to his views—including atheists and agnostics who exercise their religious freedom by choosing not to believe in god or practice any organized religion. Referring to his unexpected rebuke from the ADL, Lieberman sounded unrepentant, "I respect them, but I’m going to keep doing what I’m doing, because I believe it’s the American way." Taking exception, the American way doesn’t involve quoting chapter and verse from his bible. It involves transcending race, ethnicity, and religion by promoting the American ideals of brotherhood, equality and compassion. What’s his religion got to do with it? Lieberman’s faith won’t undo racism, cure dreaded diseases, provide improved health care or rehabilitate the Bronx. No, his religiosity divides and offends more than it integrates and unifies.

       In case Lieberman hasn’t checked, less than 50% of Americans practice any organized religion. His orthodoxy only represents about 10% of American Jews, most of whom are non-observant and could care less about conventional religion. As important as his faith is to him, Lieberman must use his religious views to guide his own conscience not expect Hollywood or any other institution or group to adopt his views. "I believe in a President whose religious views are his own . . ." and "I want a Chief Executive whose public acts are responsible to all groups and obligated to none . . ." said John F. Kennedy, arguing why average citizens shouldn’t hold his Catholic faith against him. With Lieberman going overboard, it’s time for him to contain his personal views and begin accepting the secularity of American society. Sure, he and his buddy Bill Bennett enjoy bashing Hollywood, but Lieberman no longer speaks for himself on matters of faith—he speaks as the official nominee of the Democratic party.

       Selecting someone of Lieberman’s faith, Al Gore already went out on a limb, though it was no doubt a shrewd mathematical calculation. It’s becoming more obvious that Lieberman’s faith is not his Achilles heel—it’s his orthodoxy and inability to reign in his religious fervor. Most Jews and Christians don’t wear their religions on their sleeves. They hold deeply personal views confined to themselves, their families and houses of worship. What’s ironic is that Lieberman gives a misleading view of Jews, whose involvement with their faith is far less significant than their overwhelming secular involvement and lifestyles. Contrary to popular perceptions, most Jews eat bacon and eggs and don’t follow any of their religion’s dietary restrictions. Few people are concerned about Lieberman’s diet, but they do take notice of his too frequent references to god and bible. He’s got far too much on his plate selling the Democratic platform than wasting precious time justifying his First Amendment rights.

       "Lieberman has not said anything that has caused people to become embarrassed or angry at him . . . He’s not asking people to convert to Judaism," said Mark Goldmark, past president of the Board of Rabbis of Southern California, calling the ADL’s letter an overreaction. Blaming the forceful response on Jew’s continued "shell shock" over Lieberman’s selection, totally ignores the ADL’s letters to George W. Bush and Al Gore when their rhetoric became too preachy and evangelical. No, the ADL simply wishes to remind candidates that excessive religiosity has no place in the public dialogue where separation of church and state reigns supreme. Encouraged to continue preaching by the religious right, Lieberman should note that few Christian conservatives will vote for the Gore-Lieberman ticket. Following this tact is like liberals encouraging George W. Bush to support Affirmative Action and higher taxes. Lieberman must be cognizant of various groups supporting his counterproductive behavior for political purposes.

       Selecting Lieberman was supposed to be Gore’s ace in the hole. His unforgettable denunciation of President Clinton in the well of the Senate helped Gore become "his own man," showing the nation that he’s truly free from Clinton’s yoke. Lieberman has an upbeat, positive message, using himself as living proof of the American dream. Toning down the religious rhetoric should make his message a more powerful symbol fostering a wider identification with undecided voters. Exciting as it is for Lieberman to be the first person of his faith to be on a national ticket, he must remember he is not the Jewish candidate for Vice President, he is the Democratic Party’s candidate who also happens to be Jewish. He now represents all the people, including those who don’t share his faith or choose to have no faith at all. Staying on message and off the religiosity should help his ticket as America slides into the traditional Labor Day recess. When Labor Day passes and the campaign goes into high gear, Lieberman will have much bigger fish to fry.

About the Author

John M. Curtis is editor of OnlineColumnist.com and columnist for The Los Angeles Daily Journal. He’s director of a Los Angeles think tank specializing in human behavior, health care, political research and media consultation. He’s the author of Dodging The Bullet and Operation Charisma.

©1999-2000 Discobolos Consulting Services, Inc.
(310) 204-8300
All Rights Reserved.