Here's another example of the kind of backlash which can occur when religion becomes part of politics:

NEW ORLEANS - Gertrude M. Jones didn't want flowers or cards when she died. She wanted to get rid of President Bush.

The 81-year-old woman's obituary asked that memorial donations be given "to any organization that seeks the removal of President Bush from office."

And people around the country are following her wishes.

In an online memorial book to Jones, dozens of people posted messages of support. Many wrote that they would contribute to the Democratic National Committee or one of the presidential contenders.

"When I saw the obituary, I thought: 'That's pretty cool.' She's not here in this life anymore, but she's keeping going with something she feels deeply about," said Susan Crites, an online bookseller in Colorado who was moved by the obituary to add an extra $10 to the approximately $350 she had sent to former Vermont Gov. Howard Dean.

Here's just a sample:

Mrs. Jones, you bore the name of Sparky's favorite Aunt Gertrude; you're both treasures of our nation. Your faith that the goodness of this country will triumph lives on in your Descendants who published your last wishes. Thank you for your legacy that is a beacon of hope for Democracy. Our monthly donation to the Democratic Party will be made in remembrance of you. Rest well, good and patriotic Servant!

India & Sparky Brown (Fairfield Bay, AR )
October 29, 2003


Rest in peace, dear woman. I will work to fulfill your last request and a donation to accomplish this will be made in your honor.

PJ Sherman (Fort Lauderdale, FL )
October 29, 2003


Mrs. Jones, even in your passing you are doing much to help your country. You are a true patriot! I will do everything in my power to help achieve your final wish.

Garth Brown (Vancouver, WA )
October 29, 2003


I'm sorry I never got to met you, but I will follow your wishes and make a small donation to the DNC in your name.
Peace
djamila fitzgerald

djamila fitzgerald (cambridgew, MA )
October 29, 2003


Your spirit will live on. You leave a legacy to your family, your country, as well as all humanity.

Eduard Smit (Fontana, CA )
October 29, 2003

Have the Democrats found God? They are often characterized as godless, secular atheists, yet here they are, rallying behind a cry as spiritual as it is poignant. I think that when you tell people that God is on your side and against them, you invite this sort of thing.

It is bound to get worse for the Republicans. (Or, I guess, better for the Democrats.) References to God abound in Gertrude Jones' guest book; here are the last three:

What a lady! I never had the pleasure of knowing her, but I'm making a donation to the Democratic Party in her name today and putting her on my prayer list at Church. With Mrs. Jones lobbying the Powers That Be in heaven, she's sure to get her wish.

Jeannette Cabanis-Brewin (Cullowhee, NC )
October 27, 2003


God love you, Gertrude Jones. My prayers and condolences to your family. What a wonderful, courageous woman you must have been. I will honor your request with the utmost gratitude.

Gail Hiller (St. Louis, MO )
October 27, 2003


God Bless You Gertrude Jones! You've made my day, and I salute you in your quest!

Peggy Roney (Avondale Estates, GA )
October 25, 2003
p5800714@yahoo.com

By the way, according to Snopes Urban Legends Reference Pages, this phenomenon is no Urban Legend. Snopes cited a similar obituary wish where the family stated the decedent's reasons:

"I think [Bush's] personality, just standing there with that smirk on his face, and acting like he's this holy Christian, that's what really got her."

Even after death.

Religion has a way of doing that, you know....

UPDATE: As a tool of the left, religion may be more powerful than previously realized. According to my local newspaper (the Philadelphia Inquirer), George W. Bush is the "anti-Christ in Philadelphia." (Forget the Nazi references and get with the times, folks.)