<p>Considering the whole notion of "separation of church and state" (yeah remember that) religion does not necessarily have to play a large role in politics. It is more than possible for me to be Jewish and still support Republican ideals, which may have a large Christian participation, but is in no way a Christian party.
Furthermore, have you ever found a Republican who finds everything in the Republican party perfect? Have you ever found a Democrat who finds everything in the Republican party perfect? No and No. Just because somebody identifies with a certain party doesn't tie them to believing in every aspect of their stance. Take for example the (yes, rather small) Gay Republican Party. Yes it does exist, and do you think it does not believe in gay marriage? I'll take a guess and say no. Does that make them any less Republican? They don't think so. Asking how you can be Jewish and Republican is like asking how you can be black and Republican. One identifying factor does not necessarily determine the other. Just food for thought.</p>
<p>Jews often support the Republican Party because of its hardline military policy in the Middle East. I don't think that many Israelis, for example, were opposed to the deposition of a ruler (Saddam Hussein) who fired scud missiles at their country during the first gulf war.</p>
<p>I agree with all three of you, myst, cool, and bros! I just wanted to throw out some fodder for debate, even though this forum may not have been intended for that purpose.</p>
<p>I find it alarming the way in which religious ideals are so often perverted into political ideologies (and that includes "fundamentalists" of all kinds, whether they be terrorist Moslems, expansionary Israelites, or hardline Christians).</p>
<p>While I agree, cool, that one identifying factor does not necessarily determine another, one has to question the beliefs of the Log Cabin Republicans, for instance, while their party is so actively hostile to them. What does it mean to identify with a political party when, despite your agreement on many issues, the issues you disagree upon are fundamental to your identity as an individual? For example, while I can see a black person being Republican, I question the reasoning of a black person who would vote for Jesse Helms or Strom Thurmond.</p>
<p>(This is of course why the two political parties in the US don't adequately meet the spectrum of political thought.)</p>