Which will prevail?

[Mitera Nikkou]

With the various reactions to recent happenings at Obama's now-former church, I began to wonder which people would be more loyal to if torn both ways by religion and nationalism/patriotism. (And for those who somehow managed to miss what has gone on, all that one needs to know, for this here, is that some sermons have been, or seemed, anti-American (among other things).)

So, what's your take/understanding of the American people? Do you think that most would forsake the country for their faith, or vice versa? I'm still thinking about things so my choice in the poll will be forthcoming.

Please keep in mind that this is based on whether someone's decision would have them at odds with one or the other of the two. There is no decision, except to abandon interest and participation of both, that would reach a reconciliation.

[Gee-chan]

As far as I can tell, you guys in the US promote patriotism like there is no tomorrow so I think that is what most people will flock to. Then again, the US is also very religious isn't it? Ohh, i don't know.

As for me. I don't like religion and my patriotism could be compared to a dead parrot. If there is a civil war then it is already agreed that I will name Withernwick a free-state until the trouble has passed....Anyone care to join me?

[Haylie]

I'm gonna say people like their country. I mean, it's where they live and stuff, right?

[Mitera Nikkou]

Well, after some thought, I think the last option is the one to go with. People try to avoid conflict when it's against their interests, so they deny, hide, lie or distance themselves as much as they can. They will try to stick to what they are loyal to in secret, if they can. I don't think too many are willing to just abandon what they truly believe in unless the risks far outweigh the cause and they realize that they should probably abandon their loyalty and try for something better, whether if they're honest about it or not.

In most cases this is what happens with polls, where most will vote without making a post to tell anyone which option they chose. Case in point, everyone (aside from me) who chose the third option, ironically (or not), didn't say that they did in a post. It could just be due to laziness or something, sure, but I know that it's common enough in our nature to fear being too candid, and to be cautious about what we tell people (sometimes however insignificant).

As for myself, despite being paranoid to one degree or another, I believe that what you believe in isn't worth anything unless you can share it with others. Why else would we fight for the right to hold our own opinions openly? Because there isn't much to them (except, perhaps, in the case of religious ideas) unless they have the power to have a place among others in the world, rather than hiding out in a corner of our minds.

[Tiffany Grimm]

Being a pessimist, I voted for the last option. That's what I see people as doing unfortunately.

[Helel]

Being a pessimist, I voted for the last option. That's what I see people as doing unfortunately.

Luckily for me, I live in a community that happens to have common sense and actually votes for the country, not for religion or other non sense. Hopefully the same will occur this November in general.