# Hindu to Congress! **URL:** \ **Category:** Politics & Elections\ **Created:** [November 7, 2012, 12:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hindu-to-congress/640199 "2012-11-07T12:09:32Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 4
**Author:** ![sisu](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/df705f/32.png) [@sisu](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sisu)\ **Post date:** [November 8, 2012, 5:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hindu-to-congress/640199/61 "2012-11-08T05:51:39Z")
> [@Hyperelastic](#): > > You worry too much. The US Government imposes less religion on its people than almost anywhere else in the world. Even the liberal democracies of Europe have their taxpayer-supported churches. > > I have no reason to think Ms. Gabbard is anything but a fine person, but we don’t need to elect a Hindu just to prove how tolerant we are. hmmm wrong thread but having a state funded church does not mean they impose religion on anyone, there is freedom of religion in those countries… and some would argue that tax exemption is a form of tax payer funding… ---
**Author:** ![suranyi](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/e36b37/32.png) [@suranyi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/suranyi)\ **Post date:** [November 8, 2012, 7:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hindu-to-congress/640199/62 "2012-11-08T07:15:21Z")
> [@MEBuckner](#): > > To be honest, I’m not totally sure what happened there–I’m just going off the fact that a Democrat apparently somehow lost to another Democrat in a general election. I believe that usually means the districts got shifted around and two members of the same party got put into the same district. The district boundary got moved some, which put Stark at a disadvantage, but more important is that California now has a new primary system. Now the top two vote-getters in the primary advance to the general regardless of party. In this district the top two were both Democrats – Stark and a guy named Eric Swalwell. I live in this district and I have been waiting for the chance to vote for another Democrat to replace Stark,who’s gotten old and cantankerous. So here was my chance. It seems a lot of people thought the same. ---
**Author:** ![John\_Mace](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/john_mace/32/185_2.png) [@John\_Mace](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John_Mace)\ **Post date:** [November 8, 2012, 2:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hindu-to-congress/640199/63 "2012-11-08T14:24:26Z")
> [@tomcar](#): > > Not to prove how tolerant we are, but a diverse group is always a good thing. Always. Now, that is some actual politically correct claptrap, not just the phony stuff that many conservatives get their panties in a bunch over. You really think our government would be improved by a significant number of Nazis, KKK members, or al Qaeda operatives? That would be a GOOD thing? > [@Hyperelastic](#): > > I have no reason to think Ms. Gabbard is anything but a fine person, but we don’t need to elect a Hindu just to prove how tolerant we are. I agree, mostly. I can’t work up any excitement about us electing a Hindu. If she’s a good person whose politics I respect, then that’s wonderful. If she’s not, then it’s not. There are good and bad Hindus, just like there are good and bad Christians. ---
**Author:** ![Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/e8c25b/32.png) [@Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Really_Not_All_That_Bright)\ **Post date:** [November 8, 2012, 2:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hindu-to-congress/640199/64 "2012-11-08T14:28:03Z")
> [@John\_Mace](#): > > You really think our government would be improved by a significant number of Nazis, KKK members, or al Qaeda operatives? That would be a GOOD thing? There are about 5,000 people in the various Klan groups today. There are over a million American Hindus. Not that anyone would say “there should be X number of elected officials of each faith”, but it’s somewhat gratifying to see _one_. Were you at all excited that a black president got elected? ---
**Author:** ![John\_Mace](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/john_mace/32/185_2.png) [@John\_Mace](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John_Mace)\ **Post date:** [November 8, 2012, 2:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hindu-to-congress/640199/65 "2012-11-08T14:41:02Z")
> [@Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](#): > > There are about 5,000 people in the various Klan groups today. There are over a million American Hindus. Not that anyone would say “there should be X number of elected officials of each faith”, but it’s somewhat gratifying to see _one_. I’m not sure why that is supposed to make me rethink what you quoted. Was it? Because it doesn’t. > [@](#): > > Were you at all excited that a black president got elected? I was excited that a Obama was elected. Had he been a black person with political beliefs I thought were not good, then I would not have been excited in the least. So, I stand by what I said in the part of that post you didn’t quote: > [@JM](#): > > If she’s a good person whose politics I respect, then that’s wonderful. If she’s not, then it’s not. There are good and bad Hindus, just like there are good and bad Christians. ---
**Author:** ![Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/e8c25b/32.png) [@Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Really_Not_All_That_Bright)\ **Post date:** [November 8, 2012, 2:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hindu-to-congress/640199/66 "2012-11-08T14:46:29Z")
I made some assumptions that were apparently unwarranted. If Herman Cain had been our first black POTUS, I would have been excited about that bit, if not about Herman Cain being POTUS. ---
**Author:** ![gamerunknown](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/6bbea6/32.png) [@gamerunknown](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gamerunknown)\ **Post date:** [November 8, 2012, 8:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hindu-to-congress/640199/67 "2012-11-08T20:46:43Z")
> [@Hyperelastic](#): > > I think you are correct, and he’s confusing tolerance with endorsement. One need not endorse a Hindu candidate in order to support his right to run for office. Worse still, it could indicate that they appreciate the fact that the electorate could be so tolerant as to consider the candidates policies (horrible: they are concerned for the environment and volunteered to serve in the Middle East, showing very little self-interest) above their religious affiliation. The most important aspect of a person’s character is their Christianity. I also presume they feel that a minority will pass more enlightened legislation as they are aware of how it feels to be dispossessed. We can only hope they’re wrong. ---
**Author:** ![Sitnam](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/6a8cbe/32.png) [@Sitnam](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sitnam)\ **Post date:** [November 10, 2012, 4:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hindu-to-congress/640199/68 "2012-11-10T16:07:22Z")
> [@Hyperelastic](#): > > You worry too much. The US Government imposes less religion on its people than almost anywhere else in the world. Even the liberal democracies of Europe have their taxpayer-supported churches. > > I have no reason to think Ms. Gabbard is anything but a fine person, but we don’t need to elect a Hindu just to prove how tolerant we are. For all you know she was elected because she was the best person for the job and her personal faith was irrelevant. Wouldn’t _that_ be a nice change for pace. ---
**Author:** ![Monty](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/monty/32/47_2.png) [@Monty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Monty)\ **Post date:** [November 10, 2012, 4:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hindu-to-congress/640199/69 "2012-11-10T16:48:43Z")
You know what would be a nice change of pace? Congressional reps not freaking out when someone other than a Christian minister says their opening prayer. That would be nice. ---
**Author:** ![pkbites](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pkbites/32/204_2.png) [@pkbites](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pkbites)\ **Post date:** [November 10, 2012, 6:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hindu-to-congress/640199/70 "2012-11-10T18:38:44Z")
> [@Darth\_Panda](#): > > More seriously, which religion / denomination is next? I was going to suggest a Satanist, but I don’t think we’d be able to tell the difference between that and an extreme dyed in the wool liberal Democrat kook\*. \*Wait till Tammy Baldwin shows up, you’ll know what I mean. ---
**Author:** ![denquixote](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b9bd4f/32.png) [@denquixote](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/denquixote)\ **Post date:** [November 11, 2012, 5:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hindu-to-congress/640199/71 "2012-11-11T05:52:14Z")
> [@UTejas](#): > > Also, Mazie Hirono is now the first Buddhist senator. Also, the first U.S. Senator born in Japan, I think. ---
**Author:** ![OldGuy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/3bc359/32.png) [@OldGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/OldGuy)\ **Post date:** [November 11, 2012, 7:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hindu-to-congress/640199/72 "2012-11-11T07:13:17Z")
> [@MEBuckner](#): > > To be honest, I’m not totally sure what happened there–I’m just going off the fact that a Democrat apparently somehow lost to another Democrat in a general election. I believe that usually means the districts got shifted around and two members of the same party got put into the same district. I believe in CA, it’s now set up with a common primary and the two top vote-getters face each other in the general election regardless of party. ---
**Author:** ![Measure\_for\_Measure](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/measure_for_measure/32/557_2.png) [@Measure\_for\_Measure](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Measure_for_Measure)\ **Post date:** [November 11, 2012, 8:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hindu-to-congress/640199/73 "2012-11-11T08:48:18Z")
> [@OldGuy](#): > > I believe in CA, it’s now set up with a common primary and the two top vote-getters face each other in the general election regardless of party. [Yep](http://www.mercurynews.com/elections/ci_21948883/pete-starks-defeat-marks-end-an-era-and). Also redistricting. Emphasis added: Stark, D-Fremont, issued a statement Wednesday saying he’s honored to have served the East Bay for 40 years; he cited successes such as writing the COBRA health insurance portability law in 1985, "bringing the first computers to schools and crafting President Obama’s groundbreaking health care law. “I went to Washington by running against an unpopular war and for women’s rights, opportunity for children and dignity for seniors. I leave knowing that the landscape has changed, but the needs of my constituents remain,” he said, congratulating Swalwell on his victory. “I am happy to be of assistance in the future.” Campaign staffers said Stark was on an airplane Wednesday, unavailable for further comment. For Stark, what went around came around: In 1972 he unseated an octogenarian incumbent Democrat whom he portrayed as out of touch with constituents and modern priorities, particularly regarding Vietnam. This year, Swalwell, 31, accused Stark, 80, of spending too much time at his Maryland home, missing too many votes and losing touch with the **newly drawn 15th District’s constituents.** ---
**Author:** ![suranyi](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/e36b37/32.png) [@suranyi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/suranyi)\ **Post date:** [November 12, 2012, 7:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hindu-to-congress/640199/74 "2012-11-12T19:51:57Z")
> [@Measure\_for\_Measure](#): > > [Yep](http://www.mercurynews.com/elections/ci_21948883/pete-starks-defeat-marks-end-an-era-and). Also redistricting. Emphasis added: Stark, D-Fremont, issued a statement Wednesday saying he’s honored to have served the East Bay for 40 years; he cited successes such as writing the COBRA health insurance portability law in 1985, "bringing the first computers to schools and crafting President Obama’s groundbreaking health care law. > > “I went to Washington by running against an unpopular war and for women’s rights, opportunity for children and dignity for seniors. I leave knowing that the landscape has changed, but the needs of my constituents remain,” he said, congratulating Swalwell on his victory. “I am happy to be of assistance in the future.” > > Campaign staffers said Stark was on an airplane Wednesday, unavailable for further comment. > > For Stark, what went around came around: In 1972 he unseated an octogenarian incumbent Democrat whom he portrayed as out of touch with constituents and modern priorities, particularly regarding Vietnam. This year, Swalwell, 31, accused Stark, 80, of spending too much time at his Maryland home, missing too many votes and losing touch with the **newly drawn 15th District’s constituents.** The district was redrawn to be extend somewhat less north-south, and somewhat more east-west. This has the effect of bringing in an area that is slightly more conservative, but still heavily Democratic. (E.g. less of Oakland and more of Dublin, for those who know the area.) ---
**Author:** ![Darryl\_Lict](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/7cd45c/32.png) [@Darryl\_Lict](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Darryl_Lict)\ **Post date:** [November 12, 2012, 10:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hindu-to-congress/640199/75 "2012-11-12T22:19:03Z")
> [@Monty](#): > > [Kent Conrad](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kent_Conrad) is Unitarian Universalist. He’s the senior Senator from North Dakota. > > [Here](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Religious_affiliation_in_the_United_States_Senate) is the religious demographics of the 112th Congress. It looks like Ami Bera might win for Congress, leading by a small margin for California’s 7th Congressional district. He was apparently raised Hindu but is now Unitarian Universalist, according to this [article.](http://www.christianpost.com/news/new-congress-to-welcome-first-buddhist-senator-hindu-representative-84819/) ---
**Author:** ![Monty](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/monty/32/47_2.png) [@Monty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Monty)\ **Post date:** [November 13, 2012, 3:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hindu-to-congress/640199/76 "2012-11-13T03:49:57Z")
Ms. Gabbard will [take her oath of office over the Bhagavad Gita](http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/11/12/tulsi-gabbard-hindu-congress-oath-bhagavad-gita_n_2117474.html?utm_hp_ref=religion). ---
**Author:** ![foolsguinea](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/foolsguinea/32/14751_2.png) [@foolsguinea](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/foolsguinea)\ **Post date:** [November 13, 2012, 7:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hindu-to-congress/640199/77 "2012-11-13T07:11:49Z")
> [@tomcar](#): > > Just to freak you guys out properly, she is actually a Hare Krsna. I cant attach a link on my ipod. Wikipedia says she’s a Vishnaivist. Similar maybe, but not quite the same group? > [@YogSosoth](#): > > I hope he tries to get a multi-armed Shiva statue put on somewhere on government property When we get a Shaivist in Congress, maybe? I think crazy Shaivists are a subcontinental thing. ---
**Author:** ![foolsguinea](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/foolsguinea/32/14751_2.png) [@foolsguinea](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/foolsguinea)\ **Post date:** [November 13, 2012, 7:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hindu-to-congress/640199/78 "2012-11-13T07:14:30Z")
> [@Leaffan](#): > > So, you elected someone without considering (or at least irrespective of) her religious affiliation. How novel. Yeah, you’ve been ignoring Harper’s religion for years! > [@pkbites](#): > > I was going to suggest a Satanist, but I don’t think we’d be able to tell the difference between that and an extreme dyed in the wool liberal Democrat kook\*. I thought this sentence was going to end differently. Then I looked back at the poster’s name. We love you anyway, Victoria. ---
**Author:** ![BrainGlutton](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/82dd89/32.png) [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Post date:** [November 13, 2012, 7:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hindu-to-congress/640199/79 "2012-11-13T07:43:58Z")
> [@pkbites](#): > > I was going to suggest a Satanist, but I don’t think we’d be able to tell the difference between that and an extreme dyed in the wool liberal Democrat kook\*. > > \*Wait till Tammy Baldwin shows up, you’ll know what I mean. Actually, I believe Anton Szandor LaVey called Satanism “Objectivism with mysticism added.” So, nearer to Libertarians than Dems. **Much** nearer. ---
**Author:** ![Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/e8c25b/32.png) [@Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Really_Not_All_That_Bright)\ **Post date:** [November 13, 2012, 2:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hindu-to-congress/640199/80 "2012-11-13T14:44:11Z")
> [@Monty](#): > > Ms. Gabbard will [take her oath of office over the Bhagavad Gita](http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/11/12/tulsi-gabbard-hindu-congress-oath-bhagavad-gita_n_2117474.html?utm_hp_ref=religion). How bizarre. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hindu-to-congress/640199.md?page=3) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hindu-to-congress/640199.md?page=5)