Joseph Lieberman does not seem to be flouting his morality for political purposes. If that is indeed his intent, then it seems a foolish gamble. By speaking openly about his religion, he has earned the ire of groups, such as the Anti-Defamation League, that usually back Democratic candidates. This cannot be very helpful to the party's political chances, especially at a time when Gore has been working to strengthen his support base.

In addition, his faith could still come back to haunt him in the more conservative areas of the country. Over the summer, in the heat of the veepstakes, Boston Globe political columnist David Nyhan came to speak at the Institute of Politics. He appraised the chances of each contender on the Democratic side and chose Massachusetts Sen. John F. Kerry as the most likely vice presidential pick. Nyhan said that Lieberman would not be picked because the nation's heartland was not yet ready for an Orthodox Jew on the ticket.

While polls seem to have proven Nyhan wrong so far, there remains the possibility that Lieberman's comments will backfire. He is certainly taking a big risk. From a purely political point of view, Lieberman ought to tone down the rhetoric. The fact that he has not, that he continues to trumpet morality at every campaign stop, leads one to believe that he is genuine.

The separation of church and state is a fundamental cornerstone of liberty and freedom in America--one that must be vigorously protected. However, Lieberman has not yet breached that wall.

Lieberman advocates a greater role for religion in public life. He believes that religion is, in general, "a source of good behavior." He speaks of the "constructive role that faith can play in the lives of individuals, and in the lives of the community."

But Lieberman also says, "I know religious people who I consider not to be moral, and I also know people who are not religious who I consider to be extremely moral." He says that an atheist in the White House would not bother him, if he thought the person was good. And he would be a fool to claim that his religion alone provided the correct set of beliefs--he must be well aware that he is a member of a small minority in America.

Religion does play a very large role in the lives of many Americans, and it is usually a positive one. To say that does not demean atheists, or imply that one cannot be moral without religion. It is like saying that caring parents or close friends play a large positive role in the lives of many Americans. A person who grew up without either can still become a productive, happy and gentle member of society. By the same token, many people who had both kind parents and close friends will fail the test of life.