Presidents and Religion

A recent poll showed that 20% of Americans think President Obama is a Muslim.  It's hard to believe there are so many ignoramuses out there.  This myth is caused mainly by an over active Internet and the ability of hate groups to manipulate it.  The real issue is, why does anyone even care?  We pretend to be a noble country that values religious freedom.  A president's religion should be a moot issue.

The truth is, religion has always been a pain in the ass issue for American presidents.  During the Civil War, anti-catholic feelings were extremely high.  Lincoln was constantly besmirched by rumors that he had been baptized a Catholic.  Rumors of Franklin Roosevelt being a Jew were non stop during his administration.  When Kennedy was running for president, he had to give a special speech to assure everyone he wouldn't take orders from the Pope if he was elected.

Some day Americans will elect a Muslin, or an atheist president and people will say, who cares.  I am hoping I live long enough to see it.