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Politics : Libertarian Discussion Forum -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: Neocon who wrote (3145)	6/18/1999 1:16:00 PM
From: miraje	Read Replies (2) \| Respond to of 13056

The posting of the Ten Commandments should not arouse such hostility Hostility? Too strong a word. Some of the commandments make perfect sense. What rational person would argue against admonitions not to lie, steal or murder? On the other hand, the commandment to "hold no other god before me", for example, is specifically religious, (Judeo-Christian), and does not belong in public schools in a pluralistic society. Home, church, and private schools are proper venues for such teachings, for those who subscribe to them. The sensibilities of the majority have been continually offended by such hostility I don't think so. Perhaps it is viewed thusly by a minority of fundamentalists who believe that the United States should be a Christian theocracy. The US is not a Christian Nation. It is a nation, populated by a diverse Christian majority, founded upon the premise of the inviolate individual rights of its free citizens. I don't believe that that distinction is overly subtle to anyone with half a brain. The freedom to practice, or not practice, any religion one so chooses and the use of government to mandate specific religious doctrine are completely different issues. those who cannot abide even innocuous displays of religious sentiment... It doesn't bother me, personally. I really enjoy some forms of religious art, music and architecture. Same with Christmas displays. But there must be a line drawn somewhere between church and government or we run the risk of such "innocuous displays" evolving into State Religion. If the fundies can't handle freedom and diversity, tough.

To: Neocon who wrote (3145)	6/18/1999 3:25:00 PM
From: Lazarus_Long	1 Recommendation Read Replies (2) \| Respond to of 13056

"RELIGION IS THE OPIATE OF THE MASSES" How would that do for a banner over the courthouse and public schools? Would that "offend your sensibilities"? We're talking about something more important here than whether your feelings are hurt or whether you a bit indignant that someone dared challenge your cherished prejudices. There are some provisions in the Constitution that are meant to protect everyone's rights. You have no more right to use government money or property to shove religion down my throat than I do to use them to shove atheism or agnosticism down yours.