More Anti-Palin E-smears

The smears continue as the Left tries to reverse the downward spiral that Gov. Sarah Palin has inflicted on Barack Obama's poll numbers.

Today's email continues the theme set this morning by Salon (see post below): that Palin is a religious fanatic who will establish a theocracy if elected.

This woman not only reads the Bible, she believes it. Therefore, the argument goes, she is an ignorant redneck who will make us all conform to her beliefs.

And she is guilty by association with other prominent Christians. As the e-smearer writes,

Palin's religious convictions, and her willingness to use the power of government to force them on others, has won strong backing from far-right groups, such as James Dobson's Focus on the Family, the Family Research Council, Phyllis Schlafly's Eagle Forum, and the Council for National Policy, the normally secretive network of right-wing preachers, political operatives, and fat cats who have been a major force in the Republican Party ever since they backed Ronald Reagan for president. (Emphasis added.)

It's just a recycled version of Hillary's old complaint that a "vast, right-wing conspiracy" was out to get the Clintons. Not surprisingly, the e-smear comes from a self-described Hillary supporter.

The Left is particularly worked up by remarks Palin has made, in the prayer petitions in her church for example, where she has asked (1) the Lord to bless America and (2) that our country's leaders walk in His will.

To hear the Left complain, one would think that Palin had proposed an Inquisition.

Palin is no doubt used to being ridiculed by the elites at this point, and therefore not surprised at this latest attack. George Washington, however, would be flabbergasted. Recall the words from his Farewell Address (emphasis added):

Of all the dispositions and habits, which lead to political prosperity, Religion and Morality are indispensable supports. In vain would that man claim the tribute of Patriotism, who should labor to subvert these great pillars of human happiness, these firmest props of the duties of Men and Citizens. The mere Politician, equally with the pious man, ought to respect and to cherish them. A volume could not trace all their connexions with private and public felicity. Let it simply be asked, Where is the security for property, for reputation, for life, if the sense of religious obligation desert the oaths, which are the instruments of investigation in Courts of Justice? And let us with caution indulge the supposition, that morality can be maintained without religion. Whatever may be conceded to the influence of refined education on minds of peculiar structure, reason and experience both forbid us to expect, that national morality can prevail in exclusion of religious principle.

It is substantially true, that virtue or morality is a necessary spring of popular government. The rule, indeed, extends with more or less force to every species of free government.

Palin's faith is in the best tradition of our Founders. Her willingness to look for guidance in prayer and scripture shows that in addition to the many attributes she displayed in her acceptance speech -- humor, poise, authenticity -- she is also wise and humble. That's why voters love her. She hasn't ever, in any way, indicated that she would impose her religious traditions on anyone else.

But the fact that she has a strong faith, and is unashamed of it, encourages people. It is one more way in which we relate to her: when seeking guidance to life's difficult question, and comfort in times of adversity, many of us pray -- including for our country and its leaders.

We pray and we vote.