Eileen Smith, of In the Pink, has regularly been covering Governor Rick Perry and his affinity for combining religion and politics, delivering snarky commentary. For this reason, I'll be evaluating a few of her articles, rather than just one, as the content is just too good to overlook.
In a series of recent posts, Smith touches on Perry's current position in the spotlight, as his presidential run seems eminent, and controversy begins to erupt around his proposed Prayer Day. (See International House of Prayers, Livin' On a Prayer, Waiting for God, Going Toe to Toe, Your Nobody Called Today, and Don't Call Me. I'll Call You.) Smith's blog is self-run and therefore solely reflects her opinion, but allows her to be delightfully blunt and give an unfiltered opinion on politics. Her stance on Perry's handling of Texas Government, and his potential presidential bid is clear - she's not a fan.
Separation of church and state is referenced in the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution: "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof," and was officially declared by judicial fiat in 1947. However, Perry still likes to blur the lines. Governor Perry recently released a video in which he called upon Americans to pray and fast, "like Jesus did, and as God called the Israelites to do" in order to save our country from itself. Furthermore, Perry helped organize a Prayer Day for August 6th, at the Reliant Stadium in Houston. The atheist group Freedom From Religion Foundation has filed a lawsuit against Perry, “asking the federal court to declare unconstitutional Perry’s initiation, organization, promotion, and participation in the Aug. 6 prayer event.” Even though Perry is not directly promoting his Methodist religion, or Christianity as a whole, even bringing prayer into Texas Government and using it as policy does not respect the freedom to practice (or not to practice) religion.
Furthermore, Smith references Perry's recurring statements as having 'a calling' to serve in government, and possibly run for president, "the man actually thinks he's our Savior." The Dallas Morning News reports that Perry says his political office is “a pulpit” that “God has put me in this place at this time to do His will.” Perry's religious rhetoric worries Smith, but she has 'faith' that "mainstream Republicans are not going to vote for a fringe candidate who advocates for prayer and fasting over actual policy solutions, calls himself a prophet, hints at secession, hangs out with evangelical haters, and executes innocent people for fun." While it is uncertain whether or not Perry will run for president, one thing seems clear, he won't be abandoning his religious ideals anytime soon.
