Liberdade e religião nas opções dos Estados Unidos da América

O meu amigo CAA escreveu este post parcialmente inspirado por um comentário meu. Relativamente a opções decisivas dos Estados Unidos da América, assim de repente, recordo-me desta, em que parece que o papel da religião (e até, veja-se bem, dos católicos conservadores...), não foi tão pequeno quanto isso:

Faith Works?
Strong performance among evangelicals and traditional Catholics in key states propels Bush's victory
By Steven Waldman and John Green

George W. Bush won re-election by preserving his formidable coalition of religious Christians nationally and slightly building on it in the key battleground states.

In the pivotal states, he benefited from the strong support of evangelical Christians and, just as important, an impressive showing among regular churchgoing Catholics and mainline Protestants.

Just as in 2000, roughly 42% of total votes were cast by people who attend church once a week or more. Those voters went overwhelmingly for Bush.