Church and State Collide Again

I just received a notice from the Secular Coalition for America telling me about House Concurrent Resolution 13. It does two things; It unnecessarily reaffirms our nation's official motto as "In God We Trust", and supports and encourages the public display of that motto in all public buildings, public schools and government institutions.

This is the "fine" work of Rep. Randy Forbes, Republican for Virginia. There were 24 cosponsors, most god-fearing republicans (except where noted):  Rodney Alexander of LA, Spencer Bachus of AL, Marsha Blackburn of TN, Paul Broun of GA, Michael Burgess of TX, Jason Chaffetz of UT, Mike Coffman of CO, Michael Conaway of TX, Geoff Davis of KY, Bill Flores of TX, Scott Garrett of NJ, John Gingrey of GA, Walter Jones of NC, John Kline of MN, James Lankford of OK, Daniel Lipinski (dem) of IL, Gary Miller of CA, Mike Pence of IN, Nick Rahall (dem) of WV, Phil Roe of TN, Mike Ross (dem) of AR, William Shuster of PA, Addison Wilson of SC and Frank Wolf of VA.

I don't know about you but my Church/State Separation hackles are up. This seems like a blatant and insidious erosion of my constitutional rights. Luckily the SCA is on the case. They sent a letter to the House Judiciary members where they asked the Committee members to “focus on protecting the rights of all U.S. citizens and the integrity of the Constitution,” rather than wasting time on a resolution that does not alter law in any way.

Here are some snippets of the resolution that got me all fired up:
Whereas the sentiment, `In God We Trust', has been an integral part of United States society since its founding;

Whereas in times of national challenge or tragedy, the people of the United States have turned to God as their source for sustenance, protection, wisdom, strength, and direction;

Whereas the Declaration of Independence recognizes God, our Creator, as the source of our rights, `We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.';

Whereas the national anthem of the United States says `praise the power that hath made and preserved us a nation . . . and this be our motto: in God is our trust.';

Whereas if religion and morality are taken out of the marketplace of ideas, the very freedom on which the United States was founded cannot be secured;

Whereas as President Eisenhower said and President Ford later repeated, `Without God, there could be no American form of government, nor, an American way of life.

Are you kidding me? Where do I begin? This is so completely full of bullshit.

And how marginalized does this make minorities like atheists, agnostics, humanists, and any religious person who worships something other than "God"? This reminds me of George H. W. Bush saying that atheists aren't even citizens and don't deserve any rights.

Do these congress people even know what the separation of church and state is? Apparently not.

Well, I don't normally talk about politics, but when it comes to this issue, I have to call on you to contact your congressman if you are in one of those states, represented by one of those bible-thumping idiots.

And help me keep an eye on this issue. Let me know if you hear anything about it that we can actually take action on, although I'm pretty sure the SCA will notify me if I can write a letter or something.

5 comments:

  1. C'mon give the Reps a break. You don't expect them to understand "E Pluribus Unum" do you?

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  2. Wasn't it George H.W. Bush who said that?

    I think Christians are a little scared that we're going to become a secular nation and everything will just keep sailing on as usual.

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  3. Oops, I forgot the Herbert! Thanks Mike. :) Yeah, maybe. I think christians think if we "become" a secular nation Satan will walk among us and people will start eating babies willy nilly.

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  4. Well, actually, I do. I have high standards for people in office. Sadly I'm always disappointed. :P

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  5. Yes, exactly, Frans. The police, firemen, military, doctors, nurses, and average everyday heroes mean nothing because the only one Americans turn to is an invisible grumpy old jealous guy in the sky. Ridiculous and insulting!

    And right, according to those bozos the only thing that makes freedom is worshiping that same angry, jealous sky daddy with a nasty temper and a penchant for virgins. I have news for them. That's not freedom, that's an abusive relationship.

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