Politics and The Bible

Politics and The Bible. They shouldn't mix, it's very simple. However, people will always mix them for one reason. Religion, and therefore the holy scripture (Bible, Tanakh, Qua'ran, etc.) is close to peoples' hearts. So, let's address this. 
 
Although it's certainly not what I look for in a political candidate, quoting of the bible to justify certain policies is not what bothers me so much. It is those who decide to quote only the parts of the bible that work for them. For example, many people say that homosexuality is condemned and prohibited in The Bible. It isn't. But if you'd like to take The Bible literally, fine, then you must also accept the fact that you're instructed to stone blasphemes and adulturers. If you go around preaching against homosexuality and your only justification for your claims is that "The Bible says so", then you must also take the rest of the bible literally. Thus, when your neighbor takes the name of the Lord in vein, you have to gather the neighborhood and stone them as it says in Leviticus 24:10-16. And, of course, if you know of someone who's committed adultery, you better follow the Lord's law and hastily put them to death as is mandated in Deuteronomy 22, Leviticus 20:10, Leviticus 21:9, and Proverbs 6:32. See...anyone can quote The Bible.  
 
I urge you to make a decision right now. Everyone must make this decision, whether you're a politician or just an average person like me. Do you want to be the kind of person who takes The Bible literally and quotes it word for word? Or would you prefer to take The Bible for what it really is, an ever-changing document that was divinely-inspired yet intended to be interpreted? Think about it. Why would G-d have given us brains if he didn't want us to interpret?  
 
Separation of church and state is an absolute necessity. When people like George W. Bush say that they were told by the Lord to invade Iraq, we are reminded what is wrong with this world. It is wrong on so many different levels. If Bush really does talk to G-d, good for him. That really is great and must be a powerful experience. However, he has no right to use this as an excuse, yes that's what it is, to invade a country, wreak havoc upon its citizens, and spend hundreds of billions of dollars. A war motivated and justified solely by a feeling? Because we didn't find any weapons of mass destruction, did we? Wow, that's great.  
  It sure gives me a warm, fuzzy feeling of confidence in the future of this country knowing that we can get into any war or international conflict or spend any amount of money solely because our wonderfully-educated leader thinks that G-d wants us to. I do need to send a message out to those people who do quote The Bible word for word on the issues that they choose but are able to look past the Bible quotes that they disagree with. Please, consider the common sense that is absent in your decision to do this. You don't get to pick and choose. You agree that it's up for interpretation or you take it all, just as it is.  
 
Thanks for reading and I look forward to seeing your comments. If any active or past politicians happen to come across this, I'd love to see your opinions on the issue as well. I'd recommend that everyone read the opinion article Blastocysts, Bush, and the Bible which was unfortunately removed from the PalmBeachPost website because it had been up too long, but I've posted a copy here. I know this is a heated issue and I do hope that it provokes debate. Also, please remember that while I have my opinions on religion and politics, I am fully aware that you have yours too. I am, by writing this, in no way undermining your ideals; simply expressing mine.