Sep 26 2005
Religion and Foreign Policy
Foreign Affairs 2005/9-10 “Poll Positions”
Quotes:
The more often Americans attend religious services, the more likely they are to be content with current U.S. foreign policy.
45% give US A or B for “doing its best to promote peace between the Israelis and teh Palestinians”. 48% give C or worse.
54% majority approves of … level of success in “hunting down anti-American terrorists. (isn’t this a little high? where is Osama?)
77% Democrates worry about casualty in Iraq vs. 33% Republicans (44% diff)
— How about those “Support Our Troops” ribbons?
64% Republicans feel proud of US relations with the rest of the world vs. 21% Democrates (43% diff)
“The views of Americans who frequently attend religious services and the views of Americans who do not mirror those of Republicans and Democrats, respectively”
63% of frequent “church” goers voted for Prez. Bush
The Gallup estimates that 42% of Republicans are white evangelica Protestants, whereas only 26% of all Americans are.
Today, churchgoing white evangelical Protestants—who make up 38% of the South’s total population—vote republican and hold Republican ideals by a margin of 2 to 1.
Their sentiments echo the traditional them of American exceptionalism (Americans are chosen by God).
—So far, no one has written a patriotic Bible.
The authors feel:
1. Americans are generally detached and trustful of the government in foreign policy.
2. There is a tipping point. Once it is passed, public opinion will have “decisive influence”.
3. Three (3) factors to reach this point:
a. The size of majority opinion.
b. The strength/urgency of such opinion.
c. Whether government is responsible for an issue.
Lack of each
a. Only 29% believe China is going to threat US
b. 41% give admin A or B for already reforming intelligence.
c. Outsourcing: 78% blamed the government for jobs lost, but not sure it is the solution.
Two “Close Calls”
1. Iraq
2. Illegal Immigration (58% in a., 74% in c.)