"Those Amish people need to go register and vote!!!!!
God bless them."
You are asking them to do something entirely antithetical to their principles.
These are "Old Order Amish" -- the sect goes back to the 17th century Separatist movement. They believe literally in separating themselves from "the world." It is how they have maintained their folkways all these years. Any compromise, they believe, would undercut their way of life. That is why they do not register or vote. Somebody should have briefed Bush before the meeting on this -- it was not the smartest or most tactful thing in the world to ask Old Order Amish to vote for him. I used to work with Amish in construction; I visited often with them, was at meals in their homes and attended barn raisings and such. I know how sensitive they are (although they will never let you know openly that you have committed a gaffe until you get to know them very well).
I note that an earlier post congratulated the Amish for "supporting " Bush. But you notice in the story that these Amish did not exactly say that. They said they would "pray" for him. A world of difference. They are wonderful people, very unworldly. When you are around them you really feel you are in another century entirely.
You know your stuff!
I didn't mean any insult.
The fact that they sent him a quilt (which is what started all of this) says they have been thinking and praying for him already. I seriously doubt they were offended.
If someone has quit smoking or drinking last week, and is openly dealing with the difficulties of withdrawing, it would be a gaffe to offer them a smoke or a drink. But if someone has a long standing and comfortable habit of not smoking or drinking, then having a relative stranger offer them such is no problem. Rather it is an easy no, and perhaps a pleasant guesture of friendship.