I really thought this issue had been settled over a year ago by the federal courts. Didn't the courts rule that monuments of the ten commandments were unconstitutional when placed on government property (both in Alabama and again in Houston)? Didn't they rule that it amounted to the government sanctioning one religion above all others, and therefore violated the "freedom of religion" concept guaranteed by the Constitution?
Well, evidently the religious fundamentalists don't think the Constitution applies to the Texas Panhandle! Yesterday, a religious group asked the Potter County commissioners to approve the placement of a 3-ton granite monument containing the 10 commandments. They would then make the monument even more christian-specific by including religious quotes by American historical figures.
They made the same proposal last week to the commissioners in Randall County. So far, neither county has approved the monument. The group wants to put the monuments on government property -- in front of the county courthouse. Both counties balked because they said they were afraid of lawsuits. That's sad.
They should turn down the proposal because it is clearly unconstitutional -- not because they are afraid of lawsuits. They sound like they would be willing to violate the Constitution if it wouldn't cause any trouble! Well, let me clarify the situation for these officials who might be willing to ignore our constitutional guarantees.
YES -- this would definitely result in a lawsuit! And it would cost the county a ton of money to defend a case they are sure to lose. The federal courts have already settled this matter. It would simply be stupid to throw away taxpayer money trying to fight settled law.
Don't get me wrong. I believe in religious freedom. Each person has the right to worship (or not worship) as they please. Even though I don't agree with the fundamentalists' religious views, I wholeheartedly defend their right to practice their beliefs.
But these people seem to have a warped view of religious freedom. They think it gives them the right to force their own religious views on everyone else in the community. While I defend their right to practice their religion, I will fight their attempts to force that religion on others. In a free country, no one should have religion forced upon them.
That is not just their courthouse -- it is also mine (and thousands of others). There are many religious beliefs in Potter and Randall counties. Are you also willing to put up monuments celebrating Islam, Hinduism, Wiccanism, atheism, etc.? Of course not. They don't want to be fair. They want to force everyone to believe as they do. That's both unconstitutional and un-American.
The Potter County commissioners have asked for a legal opinion, and have put the matter on their agenda for two weeks from now. I hope they get some decent legal advice, because this matter could cause a lot of trouble.
God first, then Country. The Ten Commandments are very important. Unless we are in a war. Then its kill em all, and God will sort out everything Afterwards, don't ya know. It's not a sin, if you know, if we are fighting Unbelievers. Or brown people.
ReplyDeleteAnd that's Our God, not anybody else's. If I am a Methodist, I'll gladly let you pray to my bible. But I still don't think he's going let you Church of Christers and dirty Baptists in. And don't get me started on them Cathylics.
If you want a cement Ten Commandments, put it in your front yard, not county property. Or, ooh, better yet, put one in your church!
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