Leaps on faith

Over the weekend, someone I generally consider to be a reasonable person said he thinks Barack Obama is a "secret Muslim" and his election will allow terrorists to harm the United States. When I doubted him, he rolled his eyes as if I had questioned that water is wet.

Another person made a half-joking remark that if Obama gets elected, all the women in our country will have to wear veils.

There is no evidence to support any of this. There are only chain emails making the rounds with claims that have been thoroughly debunked numerous times.

I don't know how to interpret this other than racism and/or religious bigotry. It goes beyond simple gullibility, though that's an involved element, too.