More on the Williams Controversy from the RP Nation

A few of our very thoughtful readers have shared their insights on the David Williams/Hindu comments controversy covered here at The Recovering Politician.  Please read below. 

And if you have anything to add, we are always happy to consider unsolicited posts at staff@TheRecoveringPolitician.com. – RP Staff

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From Jack Burch, in his personal — not professional — capacity, submitted to the Lexington Herald-Leader:

What part of the word “respect” does Senate President and gubernatorial
candidate David Williams not understand? His attack on the participation by the Governor and Elizabethtown Mayor in the dedication of a new manufacturing plant by an Indian company was mean-spirited, disrespectful of the faith of a company and people creating jobs for Kentuckians, and, a blatant disregard for one of the most fundamental principles our nation’s founders adopted when creating a secular government.

The United States was founded on a belief that we are each entitled to practice
the faith of our choice and an assurance that our government will respect and
protect that choice. In attacking the Governor for attending the dedication of
the new plant consistent with the Hindu faith of it’s owners, and then going on
to  further say that because Senator Williams is a Christian he does not
“participate in Jewish prayers” is so outrageous that clearly he should not be
entrusted with any public office.

A pluralistic, democratic society can only survive if it honors and respects all
people, regardless of their faith.  To put it simply, Senator Williams, when you
are in someone’s home and they say grace before eating, you participate
respectfully, regardless of your personal beliefs.  That is what our Governor,
who grew up Baptist, did in Elizabethtown and he deserves our appreciation for respecting others with beliefs different from his.

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From Dr. Michael Anthony, cross posted at http://drmichaelanthony.wordpress.com/:

I don’t pretend to know everything about everything…well I kinda do, but I am willing to talk about why I believe what I believe. And I’m not so intellectually arrogant as to think that everything I say or think or believe is the “gospel” truth (forgive the pun). This story was pure disheartening, as I work everyday to try and build acceptance, positive dialogue, and compassion across differences. In one statement, David Williams has reminded me of why my work remains relevant. For those who don’t know reading this, David Williams is the President of the Kentucky State Senate, and currently the republican candidate for Governor of Kentucky.

Without giving the whole God is love argument, or Jesus said to love each other above all else argument (because many Christians already know that and don’t care about that part). Let me just ask a simple question to Mr. Williams and others who may align with his thinking…why? Why do you think its a good idea to publicly say something as off-putting as this? Why do you feel it necessary to offend a company, people, and religion that is bringing jobs and revenue to your state? Why did you feel this was appropriate in any context, as a public government official to say the things you said? Why are you so insecure in your faith that you can’t even allow someone else to be a part of a prayer service from a different faith?

I’m done being PC about calling out ignorance. I have no patience for this type of top down foolishness and pure insensitivity from our so called leaders. You are a small minded, inconsiderate, thoughtless individual who would benefit from thinking before he speaks. Is that fair to say about someone I don’t even know, not at all, but fairness or justice isn’t what motivated this post. It’s ignorance – so allow me to be ignorant too. You won’t make me embarrassed to be a Christian, you’re not big enough for that. But you make me disgusted to be affiliated with the Commonwealth that you represent. Gov. Beshear makes me proud. You will lose the gubernatorial race. Period. Your recent actions only prove how desperate and futile your efforts will ultimately be. I’ll ask my Hindu brothers and sisters to say a prayer of thanksgiving with my Christian brothers and sisters when you fall on election day. #overit.