Since you won't print it I will:
My notes below the article:::
State proclamation creates controversy
08/06/2000
New York Times News Service
(A.) Four months ago in Texas, Gov. George W. Bush signed a proclamation declaring June 10 to be Jesus Day and urging all Texans to "follow Christ's example by (B.) performing good works in their communities and neighborhoods."
The proclamation received little attention at the time, except for gratitude from a Christian organization (C.).that had asked many governors to issue proclamations supporting its annual day of charity, prayer and parades in Jesus' name.
Now what seemed purely ceremonial has turned into a controversy for Mr. Bush. As word of Texas' Jesus Day has spread through e-mail to Jewish newspapers and church-state separationists, the Republican presidential nominee has come under attack for insensitivity to people of non-Christian faiths and a disregard for the First Amendment.
"The assumption is that Christianity is the norm for America," said Phil Baum, executive director of the American Jewish Congress, "and that Jews and other minorities are here essentially as guests at the sufferance of our hosts, in a secondary position, which is an uncomfortable situation to be in."
Mr. Baum called the proclamation "an egregious and blatant violation of the spirit of the First Amendment." He added, "Jews, Muslims, Buddhists, members of other faith groups and nonbelievers would have a hard time responding to the governor's call to practice civic responsibility by following Christ's message on June 10."
(D.) Mr. Bush, who has put his Christian faith front and center in the campaign, has tried to project an image of inclusiveness to people of all ethnicities and religions. In the past, he has been put on the defensive for saying that the only way to heaven was through Christ, and for naming Jesus as his favorite political philosopher.
Now the governor's office has been receiving letters and e-mail messages from people outraged by the Jesus Day proclamation, or asking if it is true, said Linda Edwards, a spokeswoman for Mr. Bush in Texas.
"George Bush is sensitive to those concerns," Ms. Edwards said, "but is also mindful of the longstanding tradition of governors in both parties to honor individuals and organizations for their good works through greetings and proclamations."
Mr. Bush has (E). also signed proclamations supporting Bahai centenary day, Holocaust Remembrance Day and a Hanukkah celebration in Austin, she said. Bahaism is a modern religion that originated in Iran, which stresses universal brotherhood.
As to whether the proclamation caused offense, Ms. Edwards said, "I think everyone knows that Governor Bush is a religious person, and he believes that faith can play an important role in people's lives."
The proclamation, which Ms. Edwards said was written by the governor's staff, begins: "Throughout the world, people of all religions recognize Jesus Christ as an example of love, compassion, sacrifice and service. Reaching out to the poor, the suffering and the marginalized, he provided moral leadership that continues to inspire countless men, women and children today.
"To honor his life and teachings, Christians of all races and denominations have joined together to designate June 10 as Jesus Day," it reads. "Jesus Day challenges people to follow Christ's example by performing good works in their communities and neighborhoods."
The proclamation was sought by March for Jesus, an Atlanta-based group formed in 1991 that organizes marches and assistance for the poor in about 500 cities on the same day each year.
The group had previously sought proclamations commemorating March for Jesus Day but this year called the event Jesus Day. Ten governors agreed to issue proclamations or greetings, but some refused, the group said.
Tom Pelton, founder and organizer of the March for Jesus, said: "To me it would be a stretch to see that proclamation as being demeaning toward other religions. It's meant to point out that the things that Jesus taught are consistent with what many religions teach. Instead of Jesus being a divisive name in the community, we are hoping to establish his name as a point of unity among people."
(F) Religious groups routinely seek governmental proclamations, and since such proclamations do not have the force of law, involve no money from taxpayers and call for no particular action, they are very difficult to challenge in court, said First Amendment experts.
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MY COMMENTS:::
FOUR MONTHS AGO........duhhhhh....you think the news held this til Bush was surging in the polls???
B. performing good works in neighborhood?? oh mercy can't have that can we??? where IS the law when you need them??
C. oh....they asked more than just Bush???hmmmmmmm shall we hang em all??
D. At last, a man that will not hide!
E. Ohhh.. Isee you forgot to mention THIS
F. Routine??? except for those who cry "wolf wolf" . Does not even bother the experts....but it does the subs. |
