Senator Santorum evades a question

Over at the Washington Post today, our Junior Senator is taking part in an on-line chat. So far (it's 40 minutes or so into the thing) the questions have been more or less softballs. But Rick did get a toughie from Pasadena, CA.Pasadena, Calif.:

Senator Santorum, Given the rich religious diversity in the country, do you feel it appropriate for the federal government to legislate strictly Christian morality?

Senator Rick Santorum: I think it is important that we have a debate in this country about what's right and what's wrong, and that is reflected in our laws. To suggest that a Christian world view should not be brought to the public square and debated for its merits in addressing the problems that confront this country would be a restriction of religious freedom, just as saying a secular worldview should not be able to come to the public square with their answers for the problems that confront America. The founders believed in a vibrant debate in America where everyone's opinion would come into the halls of Congress through their elected representatives and they would decide what's in the best interests of America irrespective of whether they happened to agree with a particular faith. They were very insistent that people of faith should have the opportunity to express their worldview and influence the debate in this country. And I agree.

Take a careful look.

In his huge, wordy answer, Rick Santorum simply ignored the question. Remember the question was about whether it's appropriate for the government to impose a particular religious morality. And Rick answered with "the market place of ideas means that all ideas should be welcomed."

Nice try, Rick. But you avoided the question.