Hadassah Lieberman talks religion, censorship in Iowa visit

The wife of democratic vice presidential candidate Joseph Lieberman says the faith she and her husband share puts “order” in their lives. Hadassah and Joe Lieberman are modern orthodox Jews, which means they strictly observe the Jewish Sabbath. Because of adherence to their faith, the Liebermans cannot drive or be driven from sundown Friday to sundown Saturday. Mrs. Lieberman says that’s presented some new ways to meet people as they walk down the street.Mrs. Lieberman says it’s not their goal, but she concedes the practice of their orthodox faith is providing a very public example of faith lived out. She says there’s a great unity as many people turn to faith to center themselves as they struggle through the daily routine.Lieberman made stops at schools in Ankeny and Bettendorf today. One Ankeny student asked Hadassah Lieberman if it was censorship for Al Gore and her husband to promise a crackdown on ads marketing violent movies, music and video games to kids. She said the entertainment industry is simply being asked to rate its products and quit targeting kids. She says they’re trying to make programming suitable for people at certain ages.17-year-old senior Jake Stahler of Ankeny wasn’t pleased with that answer. He says Lieberman “candy coated” the word censorship. He says she didn’t want to say censorship because it’s a sensitive subject.Mrs. Lieberman said her husband will be making some specific suggestions tomorrow on how to rate and market violent entertainment. Mrs. Lieberman also visited Neil Armstrong Elementary in Bettendorf earlier this afternoon.