Religion is a universal human need. Even societies in which religious beliefs and institutions have been discouraged or suppressed, people continue to practice some form of religion. The sad fact is that while religion helps to give people common standards and a sense of hope and control over their lives, it also has been the root of some of the worst examples of inhumanity and tragedy. I do not blame religion per se but rather the misuse of religion by intolerant and power hungry people who use it as a weapon to force others to believe as they do. It is particularly sad to watch the political pandering to religion as a way to get elected and achieve goals that have nothing to do with spirituality.