Faith based initiatives: Did McCain understand the question?

Question

Last night, the interviewer asked whether organizations that employ only people of a certain faith should forfeit their access to federal funds. He responded: "Absolutely not. And if you do it, it would mean a severe crippling of faith based organizations and their abilities to do the things that they have done so successfully."

So, if a Catholic organization wanted to help after a hurricane, hiring Jewish construction workers would cripple their ability to build a house?

McCain answered the question quickly, and he doesn't ordinarily support discrimination. So I'm guessing he didn't understand what he was being asked. What do you think?

Additional Details

Patriot P: I'm against quotas too. That's not the issue here. We're talking about organizations whose explicit policy is to exclude those of other faiths. They certainly have a right to do that. But if they want my tax dollars to help them with some project, they can't automatically rule out people of my religion to work on that project. Seems fair, doesn't it?

Whineyliberal: What you're going through at your mechanic shop sounds horribly unfair. Of course, having the proper work ethic should be considered a key part of one's qualifications. But, if you posted an employment notice requesting a "Presbyterian mechanic," and then requested federal funds, you'd be a bit out of line.

The Planet: Thanks. You explained the issue more clearly than I had.

But here's the bad news. Since reading some of the other responses, I did some research, and found out that these folks are right. McCain did understand the question. On other occasions, he's explicitly said that organizations should be allowed to hire only within their own faith, even for projects receiving federal funds. He doesn't explain how this squares with anti-discrimination laws.

Well, I'm tempted to give "best answer" to somebody who agrees with my perspective. But that wouldn't be fair, so I'll put it to a vote. Thanks to all for your efforts.

Answer 1

Best Answer - Chosen by Voters

You're absolutely right. Either McCain didn't understand the question or he's really off base on his reply.

The question clearly only applied to faith based projects that sought federal funding and them having to be inclusive of workers who were not of their faith when working on those particular projects. They would not have to do that for privately funded work that the churches wanted to do. And let's not forget there are other churches than Christians. Do you want your tax money spent spreading the word of a religion you don't respect?

Answer 2

I wouldn't watch an "interview" by the same ring wing Christians that you liberals get so excited about. Their agendas are not necessarily my own. I'm surprised they're yours.

Answer 3

McCain Had a good answer. Now B. HO walked around it, the coward.

Answer 4

McCain is defending the right of people to hire who they want and not have to fill 'quotas'.

Answer 5

uh, maybe you dont understand it.
you kind of have it wrong using jewish against catholic.

Its hiring people that actually want to work and share the same ideas of getting the job done and for the betterment of the community.

I own 2 mechanics shops. and because of discrimination laws, I HAVE to hire people that appear qualified. BUT, they dont share the same ideas I have in what the job requires. they might be qualified, but they dont share my feeling of the customer is first and quality IS part of the process. most of these guys are just there for the paycheck and do as little as possible to get it.
I WISH I could discriminate! cause I wouldnt have to spend half a year hiring guys who dont really care about the job I hired them for.

he answered it fine.
obama on the other hand said he was totally against discrimination when using government funds.. Meaning, any bloak who wants to milk the faith based project for all he can, can!

How about obama answering with both sides of the fence answers?

He carried on so long with his answers, he didnt even get to answer half the amount of questions that mccain did.
Like warren said, dont turn it into stump speeches, and thats just what obama did.

Answer 6

Buildings are built by construction firms. Not organizations. I would think you example does not fit a situation like a church deciding to spend a week working on home rehab job post-Katrina. From your line of reasoning, you are suggesting McCain would have the auto workers who assemble a motor vehicle would have to be tested for faith orientation. Really do not think you are being fair or reasonable.

Answer 7

No, he answered it exactly how he should have. I think you may be the one that doesn't understand the question.

Answer 8

What he was saying was that you should receive Federal Money to help your organization NO MATTER who you employed. If it is going to public good, I don't care what the person's Race or Faith is. If is willing to help, he deserves the funding. This Country is too caught up in "Political Correctness" and BS! We are so afraid of offending someone it keeps us from doing the RIGHT thing!

Answer 9

for him there is only one true faith, the christian faith.