Religious Prejudice

The mid-year elections will get into high gear in a couple of months. And, as usual, everyone has their own criteria on who to vote for.

Was the stimulus good and has it worked? Are we getting out of Afghanistan or Iraq soon? What are states like Michigan and California going to do when they run out of money? Tax the non-working citizens? Raise property taxes on homes that are in foreclosure?

There's a lot to think about this year.

But what did some of our past Americans have to deal with?

How about a sitting president who added close to 10 states to the Union? He also broke up close to 90 trusts although the previous president has the nickname of the great "Trust Buster".

He initiated the Civil Service, eliminating the spoils system that had been in place since the beginning of the Republic. He strengthened the Interstate Commerce Commission and worked on improving the postal service.

He searched for peace by establishing the League to Enforce Peace. After leaving the White House, he was named Chief Justice of the Supreme Court and wrote many decisions still being used today.

Upon his death, he was buried in Arlington Cemetary. During his campaign, he fought against religious prejudice from those who felt he was unfit to serve as President due to his religious beliefs.

John Kennedy? No, William Howard Taft, the heaviest President in American history, weighing in at over 300 pounds, reaching just 6 feet tall. His estimated BMI was about 40.7. No shrinking violet.

And the religious problem? He was a Unitarian. When asked about his beliefs, he replied "I believe in God, but I don't believe in the Divinity of Jesus Christ."

Think about the upcoming elections. Could anyone be successful if they were an avowed non-Christian? How the times have changed.

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