Colin Powell on Freedom of Religion

On Sunday Colin Powell (former Secretary of State under George W. Bush and Republican) endorsed Barack Obama. His rationale had several components including the following:

"I'm also troubled not with what Senator McCain says but what members of the party say and it is permitted to be said, such things as, 'Well, you know Mr. Obama is a Muslim.' Well, the correct answer is that Mr. Obama is not a Muslim. He's a Christian. He's always been a Christian. But the really right answer is: What if he is? Is there something wrong with being a Muslim in this country? The answer's no. That's not America."

In my estimation Mr. Powell uttered one of the more honorable statements regarding religion in the 2008 campaign. He stood up for First Amendment rights. He also affirmed that there is no litmus test regarding citizenship and who's a real American.

In a February post, citing a Pew Forum poll, I argued that there is a tacit religious test on political candidates to have a particular religious outlook. I wrote, "I'd love to see a candidate or two move us toward a greater appreciation of what freedom of religion means in the grand and great scheme of the Republic." Though not a candidate, Colin Powell has done just that.