Maybe it is because George W. campaigned with it, or maybe it comes from a fear of merging religion and state.  Whatever the reason, some people have reacted negatively to Barack Obama's announcement that he would reform and empower the faith-based initiative begun by the current president.

I hope those people are out there helping to decrease poverty, violence, isolation and other problems in their community. 

The reality is, however, that faith is one of the strongest motivators for good deeds, and we would be irresponsible if we purposely ignored that just because we ourselves might not be religious.  The government needs to partner with community volunteers, and how many non-faith-based people do you know in the community who volunteer their time without regard for profit or votes?

Obama is not pandering or trying to advance a particular religion.  He is using what he has learned from his community organization days, working to get things done with those who are willing to serve.