Dems Changing Tune On Faith-Based Programs

Proposing his “Council for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships” this week, Barack Obama said he knew some people who would “bristle at the notion that faith has a place in the public square.” He does. Many of them are members of his party. Democrats spoke against President Bush's 2001 push for expanding faith-based programs to allow religious organizations to use federal funds for charitable initiatives. Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-VT) said the White House-backed proposal would lead to government “meddling” with religion. "There is an old saying about a certain road that is paved with good intentions," he said. "Charitable choice may be well intentioned, but I have grave concerns about where it may lead us." Rep. John Lewis (D-GA) said the bill was “wrong for America.” “Allowing religious organizations to provide much-needed... [read full story]