"Of all the dispositions and habits, which lead to political prosperity, Religion and Morality are indispensable supports. In vain would that man claim the tribute of Patriotism, who should labor to subvert these great pillars of human happiness, these firmest props of the duties of Men and Citizens. The mere Politician, equally with the pious man, ought to respect and to cherish them. A volume could not trace all their connexions with private and public felicity. Let it simply be asked, Where is the security for property, for reputation, for life, if the sense of religious obligation desert the oaths, which are the instruments of investigation in Courts of Justice? And let us with caution indulge the supposition, that morality can be maintained without religion. Whatever may be conceded to the influence of refined education on minds of peculiar structure, reason and experience both forbid us to expect, that national morality can prevail in exclusion of religious principle."

"Let me give it to you straight and with no varnish:

I fear a conservative movement that has totally abandoned all principle infinitely more than I fear a second Obama term. And I fear God more than either.

We've survived evil, stupid politicians before. But we cannot survive an electorate with no principles. Especially that portion of the electorate that represents the only hope of ever putting this country back aright."

-- Tom Hoefling, April 17, 2012