Article 6

Hugh Hewitt interviewed mp3 Larry O'Donnell on Monday. Larry went crazy on the McLaughlin Group last Friday.

The funniest reaction to Hugh's interview was a caller (Mormon) who said he wants to know what Mormon stole Larry's lunch money when he was little. Larry seems to have a personal vendetta against Latter-Day Saints.

The point is that according to article 6 of the US Constitution, "no religious Test shall ever be required as a Qualification to any Office or public Trust under the United States". For some reason Larry seems to think that a conservative Mormon running for President has a different standard to meet than the Democratic Majority Leader of the Senate. In order to exclude yourself from Larry's venom, you have to have an "elastic relationship" with your church.

Hugh gave a warning around the end of 2006 to those with spiritual beliefs. If you support those who attack Mitt Romney based on his beliefs you are opening up the door for the sharp knifes against anyone with faith who wants to serve in a public trust. Article 6 expresses the legal standard for those who serve the United States. It also codifies our common feeling that you should not exclude those who want to serve just because they have personal beliefs different than yourself.

A better standard is to look at the values leaders hold. Use their actions over a long period to assess their character. Do they walk their talk? Do their values whether fiscal, social, international or otherwise match up well with yours? Or, recognizing your own failings, those you want us to work towards?

For comprehensive coverage on article 6 on the Constitution, see also http://article6blog.com.