For the most part, I'm a political leftist. However, I'm a devout Catholic as well. I try to keep my political views and my religious beliefs separate, but it's getting more and more difficult nowadays with politicians who cater to a religious-based following and religious leaders who feel the need to step into the political arena. My personal opinion is that it's wrong for anyone in either position to force another to accept his views in either subject as being the only viable option. I am a Christian, and it is my right to be a Christian. I respect the right of others to follow whatever religion he accepts as true or to follow no religion at all. We must make our own path, and we must be true to ourselves to do it. It is not the job of any political figure the mandate what I believe, nor is it his job to promote legislation that reflects his religious beliefs.

About Fred Phelps: I do not view him as a false prophet. I would expect a false prophet to have a sizeable following in order to be taken seriously. Fred Phelps's congregation hardly extends beyond his family. He is a hateful, bitter old man; I will not give him credit for being anything more significant than that.