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Originally Posted by tarawood If my post was correctly read, you would see that I say I don't know for sure what the answer is. I do know however, that separation of church and state is censure. By saying that religion of any form is not tolerated in the government, you are denying those in the government their freedom to practice the religion of their choice. I think everyone should be able to practice whatever religion they choose, however, to do so you also have to tolerate the practice of every one else's religion. That is my point. I'm assuming you are an atheist, and I respect that, but you must also respect the fact that I am a Christian, and not force me to censure my beliefs because they disagree with yours. |
Seperation of church and state is NOT censure! The seperation of church and state was established to prevent exactly that. We have this to ensure tolerance. Our government is meant to represent all of us. Having a large statue of the Ten Commandments in my capitol will not represent me. Me asking that the Ten Commandments not be there is not a censure nor a form of disrespect to anyone's religon. To think that just because you can't put it everywhere you want it is a form of disrespect is ridiculous. For it to be in my face all the time is disrespectful. It doesn't make you feel good to be told that you are constantly wrong for believing something is asinine. The same thing was told to people who felt strongly about abolition (not that they are the same but it is a good metaphor.) It is a simple act of asking for respect to me and the people like me. Oh and I agree we shouldnt get off of work for Easter or Christmas. We should get off for Egg Day and Santamas!
By the way, America was not founded solely because people wanted religious freedom. Most of the first settlements in America were greedy people who came here to exploit the land and make money. People came here for resources and land. Nothing more. In fact, really the only people who came here because of religion were the Pilgrims and Quakers. Every other colony was founded on the basis of trade. Oh yeah, and Britian shipped their convicts here too.
Oh, and the first "Thanksgiving" had very little to do with God. That's a pretty recent development. It was more to celebrate solidarity with the Native American people who kept the settlers alive...until we decided to kill them because they were "savages".
~Bryan (the 'br' in Brosie)