[Eric Esot]

By targeting John Ashcroft for his religion, the Left is
violating the spirit of Article VI, violating Thomas Jefferson's vision of religious freedom, and violating the very principles of pluralism and tolerance that the Left claims to revere. What a bunch of hypocrites!

[moneyrunner]

One of the original purposes of the first amendment – and article 6 - is not only to avoid the creation of an established church but also to prohibit the use of a religious test in order to hold office. It seems that Raspberry is perfectly willing to use a religious test to prevent Christians from holding public office. This is in line with the objections raised by Liberals during Ashcroft’s confirmation hearings. It is quite frightening that any responsible opinion maker should be as blatant about this desire to discriminate against Christians so openly. It is reminiscent of the fashionable anti-Semitism of early 20th Century Europe as well as the open racist bigotry of the South prior to the civil rights marches.