Aloha!
I am about to get flamed on Facebook about comments I made about some politicians who bring their religion with them into the Council Chambers here in Maui County. I brought up the Separation of church and state and stated that Jefferson and Locke both made a “big deal” out of it.
I even went so far as to bring up an example of what happens when you combine the two… The History Books called it the “Dark Ages”
Now, I know somebody is going to tell me that nowhere in the Constitution does it mention anything about the exclusion of religion in government.
The First Amendment actually reads: “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof …”
However, what if they say: “But we’re not making a law, we’re just “talking” about it. Or: “We can pray before the session as long we don’t make any laws…”
The only ammo I have is the letter Jefferson wrote to the Danbury, Connecticut, Baptist Association back in 1802.
I will need an answer for them, as eloquent as you can make it. I am no good at debating this or any issue, even if I know I’m right and I am no Christopher Hitchens for sure. Help
Thanks!
Posted: March 13th 2011
Reed Braden www
The treaty of Tripoli, unanimously signed into law by the Senate, states:
“As the Government of the United States of America is not, in any sense, founded on the Christian religion; as it has in itself no character of enmity against the laws, religion, or tranquility, of Mussulmen; and, as the said States never entered into any war, or act of hostility against any Mahometan nation, it is declared by the parties, that no pretext arising from religious opinions, shall ever produce an interruption of the harmony existing between the two countries.”
(This full quote is a good one to remember in light of the past decade.)
In 1947, the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) decided in favor of the term in Everson v. Board of Education. Justice Hugo Black wrote, “In the words of Thomas Jefferson, the clause against establishment of religion by law was intended to erect a wall of separation between church and state.” Also in Abington School District v. Schempp (consolidated with Murray v. Curlett in an attempt to f*ck over the inimitable Madalyn Murray O’Hair), SCOTUS once again ruled on the side of separation.
So it may not be clear in the Constitution, but the Constitution is clear that SCOTUS is to be the final say in interpretation of the Constitution and their verdicts shall be the law of the land. (This is why we consider it a living document.) SCOTUS is clear that the Constitution justifies separation of both federal and state government from religious dogma.
You would think this would be clear enough, but Christians tend to ignore anything that goes against their beliefs… so good luck!
Posted: March 24th 2011
SmartLX www
The prayer sanctions and establishes a specific religion which then applies to the entire session, because the councilors pray about their immediate actions in that session. Therefore any law made during the session is Brought To You By Jesus™. The only way the prayer is legit is if nothing comes of the session at all.
Posted: March 14th 2011