You and Pied Piper may see it as a "red herring", Bill, but that is an opinion. You are certainly entitled to your opinions. But like beliefs, opinions are not scientifically testable. (*grin*)

As for your example of GWB and his religious motivations, I agree with you completely. Our politicians should be completely up front with us about the reasons for what they do. Unfortunately, this will not happen any time soon. GWB may be motivated by his fundamentalist Christian religion. On the other hand, he may be motivated by his materialist religion (Money - which is most certainly quantifiable). Doesn't really matter which it is though, since all politicians know better than to admit they're doing anything other than what is "for the good of the country".