My granddaddy told me, “If you want to start an argument, talk politics or religion. If you want to make an enemy, talk about both at the same time.”  

I try to avoid either subject. I am religious, but not political, and writing about both at the same time makes me nervous. Last Sunday, I read a column by a Baptist minister from Auburn, which asked the question, “Is America Ready for a Mormon President?”

The column gave some historical background of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and some Book of Mormon references, as well as statements concerning the church’s growth. Most of it was factual and fair, some of it played loose with science, but the article never did answer the question; is America ready for a Mormon president?

I was in high school when John F. Kennedy was running for the office. There was a loud outcry about his being Catholic and he would be the first president of that faith. Fear mongers declared that the Pope would rule America through the office of the president. The question then was, “Is America ready for a Catholic president?”  

I don’t care what religion my president is. I am much more concerned as to how he, or she, adheres to their religion’s tenets, and what his or her values are. I ask if a candidate defends the Constitution and values set down by the Founding Fathers. Does he or she respect the flag when the Pledge of Allegiance is recited? Does the candidate continue the tradition of prayer breakfasts, or are they cancelled? Does the holder of that office have high moral standards, or do they practice adultery in the White House? Is truth in all things part of their character?  

Joseph Smith, founder of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, was asked what the church believes. He wrote 13 statements about the fundamental beliefs of the Church, which are known as The Articles of Faith.  

The 13th Article reads, “We believe in being honest, true, chaste, benevolent, virtuous, and in doing good to all men; indeed, we may say that we follow the admonition of Paul – We believe all things, we hope all things, we have endured many things, and hope to be able to endure all things. If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek after these things.”

Not a bad standard to judge a candidate by for the most powerful office in the world, is it? A nation could be judged by the same set of values. I don’t think the framers of the Declaration of Independence or the Constitution would object to these principles. They should be at the heart of any religion, and certainly the leader of any government.

I believe the real question to be, is America ready for a president who lives by these values? How can we not be? How can our nation not embrace these qualities regardless of religious affiliation?     

We are at a dark time in our nations’ history. The ideals in our country’s founding documents are being ignored and trampled. Self-reliance is no longer an esteemed value as more and more people live on the government dole. Immorality is becoming the rule, not the exception. Escapism by drugs and alcohol is escalating. 

I fear the presidency has become a popularity contest, a beauty pageant, a prize to the highest bidder. If there is a candidate out there who lives the values listed above, I will follow regardless of race, creed, color or gender. Lead on decent person, America needs you.

David Wilson Atwood is a local writer whose human interest columns offer a unique perspective. He may be contacted, and his other works viewed at: www.starchasers.us, or david@starchasers.us.