According to a dictionary: Theocracy: "a system of government in which God or a deity is held to be the civil ruler."
When I read that Rick Santorum had won the primaries of 3 states, all I could think was "Theocracy". For that's what he and his supporters are asking for in this country. And for those in this country who fear Sharia Law; that is, those who think the "Muslims are going to take over this country", I have a warning for you. Once you open the door to electing only those who share YOUR "Christian values", there's no shutting it. If people get used to being governed by only fundamentalist Christians, why wouldn't they agree to being governed by fundamentalist any religion? Why, if you're charismatic enough, and have enough money, you can convince anybody that your God is better than their God.
I've said this before, and I'm sure I will say it again: Our country, the United States of America, is a Republic. We, all of us, are responsible for electing other people to represent us. All of us. All colors, all genders, all lovers of others, all believers of all religions, AND all non-believers. If you are elected to public office in this country (any office), you swear to uphold the Constitution of the United States, not the edicts of your clergy. And that's good, because the Constitution protects all of us--and, if you care to read it, you will note--establishes no state religion. Which is great. Because you are allowed to personally believe what you do, and I am allowed to believe what I do, and we have to be aware that our beliefs may not be the same. Which is good--my church does not tell you what you have to believe, and vice versa. What we DO have to believe is that our elected officials will represent all of us.
It's a hard thing to do; represent everyone. The majority of your constituents, and the minority. Some elected officials might pray to a deity for guidance. Some may meditate. Some others just go with a "gut feeling". No matter what, I hope the official takes time to consider all sides of an issue, intelligently. I sincerely hope they are guided by the principles of justice and equality, not the latest edict from their religious leader. [I'm going to digress a moment, and ask--how in the hell does the Catholic Church maintain its' tax exempt status? Really?]
Let's take the issue of contraception as an example. Really, this should not be an issue discussed in government--the job of the government in this case would be to make sure any form of contraception is safe to use, and available to everyone. Like drinking water. And air. And food. I daresay we don't expect the government to tell us what kind of water to drink, but we do want them to regulate the quality, and ensure an adequate supply. That's exactly the way our government should handle our health care--make sure it's available to all, it's safe, and then let the people decide what doctor to see, what course of treatment to pursue. A man "needs" Viagra? Fine, let him talk to his doctor, and they decide what's best. He doesn't have to ask his congressional representative if it's OK. A woman decides she needs birth control. She talks to her doctor, and based on the medical information, decides what's best. SHE DECIDES. If she discovers she's pregnant, SHE decides whether her body can deliver a baby--taking various factors into account. If she's healthy, feels capable of raising a child, will do all she can to ensure the pregnancy will lead to a healthy child, and so on, she might even consider her own beliefs about adoption, abortion, circumcision...she might decide to consult a religious guide of some kind to help her make her decision. It's a big one, for sure. But it's the woman's own choice to make. She doesn't have to ask her congressional representative if it's OK. She shouldn't have to ask you, me, or anyone else in this country to take a vote on it.
It's a basic human right, to have control over your own body. We tell kids this all the time--it's your body. Nobody else has a right to touch you. At what age does that change? Because for some Americans, if you're a woman, all bets are off. EVERYONE has a say about your body. Fuck your fundamental right.
But let's get back to Rick Santorum, shall we? Oh, he's a slick one. all right. To save you the trouble of Googling "Rick Santorum", and getting lost, I've done it for you. The following is from his official campaign website (I skipped past the money beg on the first page):
He talks the talk, all about religious liberty and equality for women, respect for all beings, blah blah blah. But he never walks the walk--he believes life begins at conception, and if elected, you will too. Especially if you're a woman--no choice for you. No right of control of your own body. Liberty for all? Except if you're gay. Then the 14th Amendment does NOT apply to you. Are you a Muslim? Try not to be too "extreme" in your beliefs, because Rick Santorum will take you out. And not for dinner. Is your child in a PUBLIC school? Not for long, not if Rick Santorum has his way. Prayer will be back--the right, Christian prayer, that is. Theocracy all the way...
God help us.
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