I hope I am not alone in being absolutely shocked to learn that, according to exit polls, the No. 1 issue among voters this election was “moral values,” with 22 percent of people citing it as their highest priority. Not one poll that I had seen prior to this one had placed moral values even close to issues such as the economy, jobs, Iraq, and, of course, terrorism. It was less shocking to discover that of this 22 percent, 80 percent voted for Bush.

This absolutely disgusts me. First, what about a man who finds religion during his days of clouded judgment resulting from alcoholism implies that he has deeply rooted convictions and principles? To me, this sudden embrace of religion represents ignorant decision making more than it represents morality.

Second, the importance of moral values should be minimal when put into context with the severity of other issues facing the nation. I would love nothing more than to gather up all of those people who voted saying moral values were their No. 1 issue and force them to explain themselves to families who have had children die in Iraq, and to explain themselves to families who have been out of work and received nothing but a cold shoulder from the government.

I have often wondered just how effective it is for politicians to appeal to issues that are trivial in running the country, like moral values.

It’s hard for be to be subjective on this, as I am not a religious person, but shouldn’t religious people oppose a candidate who wears his faith on his sleeve in order to gain votes? Shouldn’t they be irate about somebody who exploits their deepest-held beliefs just to get elected?

This election reminds me of a quote by Adlai Stevenson, who, responding to a supporter who told him that he had all thinking people on his side, said, “Yes, but I need a majority.”

Casey Muhm

Senior

Political Science