House GOP Attempting To Rewrite History Of Religion In America
Last December, Republicans in Congress introduced a resolution noting the significance of Christmas and the Christian faith, which eventually passed, blurring the lines between church and state -- and they're at it again, attempting to rewrite American history and further the lie that America is a Christian nation.
Via Secular Coalition for America:
Jan. 11 - Flush with last year's success in passing H.Res. 847, "Recognizing the importance of Christmas and the Christian Faith," Christian nationalists -- those who would have the United States be governed as a Christian theocracy -- are pushing H.Res. 888, another resolution which promotes a false and distorted Christian nation reinterpretation of our history. Generally, we do not take action regarding resolutions because they are ceremonial in nature and express the non-binding opinion of one chamber. They do not have the force of law. Read on...
The resolution, which is supported by the likes of Reps Patrick McHenry, John Doolittle and Mean Jean Schmidt, calls for an "American Religious History Week" and rejects any attempt to remove religious messages or teachings from our public buildings and educational resources. There can be no doubt that during an election year, Reps voting against the resolution will be labeled anti-religion, but we can't let them be bullied into signing this flawed resolution that goes against the very principles our country was founded on. Contact your Representatives and tell them to say no to H. Res. 888, (corrected) which further blurs the separation between church and state.
frist
We need televised national hearings. Shown the true ugly face of these religious authoritarins to the American public. Rejection of the theocratic minority by the public will be outcome. “American Religious History Week”? Go ahead. Make your case and defend it.
History lesson:
http://www.au.org/site/PageServer?pagename=resources_brochure_christiannation
All you have to do is look at just who is behind this to see the hypocrisy therein.
This isn't about religion: it's about bigotry.
The United States of America gets more foolish with every passing day. The politicians in America know absolutely nothing about American history despite their spurious claims that they do. I am tired of the lame brains in the U.S. Congress as well. They are nothing but liars and panderers to a bunch of ignorant, educated-deficient, class of low-life’s living in Middle America needing to be led by a leash, and, wearing a collar.
In sum, the leaders of America are all messed up, and keep getting more ignorant by the year, if not, nanosecond. I am kind of tired of listening and hearing politicians pandering to the ignorant Middle America crowd as if they are the only people who live in this country.
Take your religion and shove it up your backside where the sun never shines in your body orifices anyway!
Religion is just another tool in an effort to socially control the population and to bring about divisions among people.
Thus, religion, and, in this case--Christianity is being used for cynical and evil purposes by these disgusting pieces of vermin the United States Congress....those trying to push this are sickos and wackos, in need to immediate psychiatric care.
so let me get this strait they want to put one religion above all others that they actually think thats what the founding fathers intended
I wanna ask them 2 questions
no1 when in all of human history when govt and religion been intertwined has it ever been good for the populace as a whole never thats when.it was more about control of the masses tru fear and intemidation oh and lets not forget greed
no2 Isnt it true that less than a 100 years before our founding fathers drew up the constitution that a bunch of parinoid religious nut cases were murdering ppl in the name of there god because they thought they were witches??
Even though these resolutions don't carry the weight of law, they act like a foundation in changing the framework of future discussions. Pretty soon, people assume we are a Christian nation based on Congress' multiple resolutions. See how this works?
Imagine Congress trying to pass a resolution that says, in effect, "Guns are bad." The Second Amendment clan would rise up and protest with all their might. The NRA would make sure it never made it to the floor.
Where are the Dems spines???
southern baptist sharia gets the bozack
Our government has been invaded and taken over by the corporate hogs and religious roaches. Neither of these interests belongs in the government of the United States.
The religious WRONG is using religion like a blunt instrument to beat people into their version of christianity. The christianity of hate and greed and lust and power. They are like the Taliban.
Throw them out. They are ruining our government and the Christian faith.
Most of the Protestant Christian denominations began because of people who didn't want authorities of various sorts telling them what to think and believe. You'd think they'd remember that before they start to use the government to impose their beliefs on others.
"Christian nation?" Whose Christianity? They never bother to think of that question either.
People of all faiths, Christians too, should be threatened by this sort of nonsense.
In today's immoral exploitation of religion for political power, what exactly is the difference between evangelicals trying to force "their" religion on "everyone" and religious persecution? A government that legislates "religious uniformity" on it's citizens is limiting their religious freedom and resorting to coercive measures to secure it. That is completey contrary to our Constitution and to the principles of democray.
From the 1640s onwards a vigorous debate about religious persecution took place in England. "The debate over persecution and toleration was a debate about what the civil magistrate ought to do about dissent." Persecution meant that the state was committed to secure religious uniformity by coercive measures. There actually is a statement by Roger L'Estrange: "That which you call persecution, I translate Uniformity". http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Religious_persecution
Just stuff the resolution full of things the religious freaks could never vote for themselves. Late term abortion rights, Minimum Wage $20, Impeachment of dick cheney, Defunding the war. ;)
Play the game.
First Amendment!!!!
"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances."
'nuff said!!!
Your American Taliban (AT) at work!! Rewriting history to fit their agenda.
The AT's attempt to gain power over every aspect our government needs to be stopped. Vote for ANYBODY in the Democratic Party in November. The AT's annointed leader appears to be huckabee, and his recent words should be enough to scare anybody who believes in the US Constitution.
Keep the GOP out of the governance of our country, at all levels. Through the AT, their agenda is to spread christian hatred and intolerance of non-christians and those they see as not being obedient to their tainted bibical views - gays, scientists, non-evangelicals, etc.
Ricky Bones @ 14:
Careful. That kind of kooky talk could get you locked up in a Haliburton gulag.
Correction: call you representative and ask them to oppose H. Res 888 (847 was last year's).
Ricky Bones @ 14:
The Republicans in Congress are worse than al-Qaeda and I mean that....these actions show them to be intolerant and on the side of the Christian dominionists...these Christian dominionists already said they would use the death penalty on gays, lesbians, and anyone who has or had an abortion and those who assisted in allowing a woman to have one. The Christian dominionists, also, are worse than al-Qaeda and would use the tools of death on tjhose who do not "believe" in their psychotic belief system.
Another good reason to revolutionize our election process ............
I hereby propose an amendent to the Constitution of the USA whereas ,
All offices of the Congress would be filled by a national lottery that
would utilize Social Security numbers .
To be eligible, an individual must be a natural born citizen having attained the age of thirty years ........... have at least two years of
college ........... have no affiliation with the entertainment industry, news media or legal profession ...........have been gainfully employed
for at least five years .......... have not been ordained by any divinity school nor interested in doing so ......... and can locate the state of Kansas on a map .
Lawyers would be excluded in this process ........ we already have enough laws . Let them practice their profession somewhere else ,
say Bugtussle, Oklahoma .
Nevada Bob
Here is another history lesson :) different Dave(Reality Check)
www.truthbeknown.com
Lukeness @ 17:
Thank you, nice catch. It's been corrected.
Cool we can honor the Religion of Satanism and Witches and Muslims and Hindus and Jainists and Ba Hai and confuscious (That should go over big with the guys who are paying us for being stupid) and Budhists and those folks who chant "Nom me Oh ho renge Keyo" and we could get all kinds of fringe religions air time so that religions that kids have never heard of can get into their brains. Wiccans. This could be a good thing that could back fire on the religious nutters in general! Presuming the Nutters don't start burning them at the stake!
Why is Nancy even letting it see the light of day?
Last December, Republicans in Congress introduced a resolution noting the significance of Christmas and the Christian faith, which eventually passed
REPUBLICANS??? They may have introduced it, but that baby passed with overwhelming Democratic majorities in both houses. Get real, dude, our guys are just as stupid!
Hedonists Unite!!!!!!!!!!!
Atheists Unite!!!!!!!!!!!!
Agnostics Unite!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Secular Humanists Unite!!!!!!!!!!!
Wiccans Unite!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Buddhists Unite!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
America is a regressive/repressive country with a bunch of right-wing shrews walking around the halls of Congress who obviously are unable to comprehend American history, and are trying to revise the constitition for their al-Qaeda-like reasons....
The Republican radical Christians are no different than Osama Bin Laden and al-Zawahiri. It is sad but true that the right-wing Republican radical Christians hate the Enlightenment age of Western Civilization as much as Bin Laden, al-Qaeda, and the Taliban, and other religious fundamentalists do. One thing that all religious fundies hate is: 1. secular society, and 2. Enlightenment era principles of Western Civilization. For these Christian dominionists to deny that they do not hate secular society or the Enlightenment era principles of Western Civilization, would be to contradict their sick religious fundamentalism.
Next they will re-write the bible, and strike out that 'Tho shall not KILL' part.
I want a national Atheist month. A full month off with pay for all card carrying Atheists. August would work nicely.
The Republican radical Christians = Osama Bin Laden
The Republican radical Christians = al Qaeda
The Republican radical Christians = the Taliban & Mullah Omar
Richy Bones is correct. These moronic republicans need a remedial reading class for the constitution, then a remedial ass wopin for trying to impose their stupidity for reality, and then a night at Gitmo just to remind them to STFU.
Why the fuck are we in Afghanistan, again?
scurrvydog @ 23:
Because she is realy one of them. Her and Reid are stealth repukes. They both support the war, tax cuts for the rich, elimination of health care for the poor, and the stupifying of the population thru lower educational standards. They are both determined to allow Bush to serve out his term unimpeeded. They love the guy....
The Goal "Christian Reconstructionists" Seek for the U.S.A.
wisedup @ 26:
Or add a shitload of subclauses.
When this passes, I'll meet you all in Canada.
The Republican radical Christians = Modern Day Terrorists
Yes, Republican radical Christians are, in fact, using such measures solely, for fear tactics, on the American people, whom do not hold their narrow-minded view of "Christianity."
All this talk in the blogosphere of an impending theocracy amounts to nothing more than fear-mongering. Christendom can't even settle on the "correct" translation of the bible, much less agreeing on which version to codify into law.
John H. Farr @ 24:
Not necessarily stupid - just candy *sses. They're terrified as being seen as anti-religion almost as much as they quake at the thought that the Rovians will label them "Osama lovers" for opposing the war in Iraq and wanting to cut off funding.
That the first Amendment prohibits the establishment of a religion, that Article 6 forbids a religious litmus test for office, that Osama and Saddam hated each means nothing. The Rovian and Democratic assumption is that the average voter slept through high school social studies and lumps all Muslims together - come to think of it they may be correct.
peaceful easy feeling @ 36:
The Republican radical Christians = Osama Bin Laden
The Republican radical Christians = al Qaeda
The Republican radical Christians = the Taliban & Mullah Omar
The Republican radical Christians = Modern Day Terrorists
Yes, Republican radical Christians are, in fact, using such measures solely, for fear tactics, on the American people, whom do not hold their narrow-minded view of “Christianity.”
NOW will some real secular nations (I'm looking at YOU, EU) start granting Americans asylum? It's getting clear that my kind aren't welcome here, anymore.
I'm so sick of all this shit. No wonder our country is in such a mess. Stuff like this is sucking all the air out of our government. There are real causes that need real solutions and this is not one of them. I call bullshit on the people who are pushing this as long as there is one child in our country going to bed at night hungry. That one child proves we are not a "Christian" nation.
peaceful easy feeling @ 36:
The Republican radical Christians are no different than Osama Bin Laden and al-Zawahiri. It is sad but true that the right-wing Republican radical Christians hate the Enlightenment age of Western Civilization as much as Bin Laden, al-Qaeda, and the Taliban, and other religious fundamentalists do. One thing that all religious fundies hate is: 1. secular society, and 2. Enlightenment era principles of Western Civilization. For these Christian dominionists to deny that they do not hate secular society or the Enlightenment era principles of Western Civilization, would be to contradict their sick religious fundamentalism.
USA is a Nation of All Faiths. Where everyone is free to practice their faith or non faith.
Schmidt and the gang seem to have forgotten that simple element.
pissed off patricia @ 40:
Absolutely goddam right.
Under George W. Bush our government has manage to dismantle every amendment in the Bill of Rights except the 2nd. That is a bit disheartening. I guess I can take out my assault rifle and fulfill my only remaining right by shooting at some tin cans. If I am going to live in a theocracy might as well exercise my only right.
stephen @ 22:
That's exactly what I would do if this nutty legislation passed - I would spend the week teaching about everything BUT Xianity. And then I'd question whether Christ even existed...
Nah, thats a pipe dream. Chances are I'd quit first.
QuakerDave @ 4:
Is there a difference?
L.A. Confidential @ 42:
>>>Schmidt and her gang of Republican radical Christians are no different than Osama Bin Laden and al-Zawahiri. It is sad but true that the right-wing Republican radical Christians hate the Enlightenment age of Western Civilization as much as Bin Laden, al-Qaeda, and the Taliban, and other religious fundamentalists do. One thing that all religious fundies hate is: 1. secular society, and 2. Enlightenment era principles of Western Civilization. For these Christian dominionists to deny that they do not hate secular society or the Enlightenment era principles of Western Civilization, would be to contradict their sick religious fundamentalism.
>Schmidt and her gang of Republican radical Christians = Osama Bin Laden
>Schmidt and her gang of Republican radical Christians = al Qaeda
>Schmidt and her gang of Republican radical Christians = the Taliban & Mullah Omar
>Schmidt and her gang of Republican radical Christians = Modern Day Terrorists
Schmidt and her gang of Republican radical Christians have made America into nothing but a regressive/repressive country with a bunch of right-wing shrews like (Jean Schmidt) walking around the halls of Congress, whom obviously are unable to comprehend American history, and trying to revise the constitition for their al-Qaeda-like reasons….
Schmidt and her gang of Republican radical Christians just like al-Qaeda used Religion for political purposes in order for the social control of the population, as well as bringing about societal divisions, among people. Schmidt and her gang of Republican radical Christians just like al-Qaeda, but, in this case–Christianity, is being used for cynical and evil purposes, by these disgusting right-wing conservative Killers and pieces of vermin the United States Congress….those right-wing bastards trying to push this are sickos and wackos, in need to immediate psychiatric care.
Chris H. @ 44:
Did you mean 'tin cans' or 'thin cons'?
Oh yeah and there is this......
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IGbJpGlwjyU
Mr. XXXX @ 38:
Mr. XXXX @ 41:
Exactly the same, eh? Have there been Christian suicide bombers? Even the so-called "corporate MSM" wouldn't be glossing over that.
Oh, what does it matter. You guys will whine a little, but in the end you will all bow down and let the fascists have it their way.
If you don't believe me, the proof is in the pudding. Go to the comments for the Bush countdown clock and read Lucus' long list of prior fascist deeds and ask yourself what you did to prevent any of those things to happen, or if you have held anyone accountable after the fact.
You are all wimps!
/A swede, no longer living in America, the country I once loved...
Mr. XXXX @ 47:
It's called ignorance. The greatest enemy of humanity, and peace.
The deck is stacked against us Peace Warriors.
Just sent an email to Carney's office asking him to oppose this. We'll see what good it does.
The American Taliban fiddle while America collapses.
The world markets realize the jig is up and their sugar daddy aint buying anymore lapdances and champagne.
Huckuva job.
-GSD
peaceful easy feeling @ 50:
I'd call Tim McVeigh one, but he was too much of a pussy to completely finish the job.
GSD @ 54:
Yes and the Markets are fidgeting today with all this boring Holiday nonsense.
peaceful easy feeling @ 50:
Ever hear of:
1. bunker busters---nukes?
2. Smart bombs?
3. Laser Guided Missiles?
4. Shock and Awe Aircraft?
5. White Phosphorus?
The weapons devised and used by American Christendom is far worse than any "weapon" a suicide bomber uses. The weapons the American military uses wipes out whole towns, villages, and cities, so don't give me that crap, okay?
America has also legalized and institutionalized torture, so don't give me that high and mighty moralistic crapola that America does not use terrorist tactics on innocent civilians. okay?
Save your sanctimonious comments and moral relativist "Christian moral ethic reasoning" on someone else. Capeche?
John H. Farr @ 24:
I could not have said this better! You guys make it sound as if the Dems in Congress have nothing to do with anything! It's all the Republicans fault...Waaahaaaa...we don't know how to vote no! Waahaaa!
Stock Markets Plunge in Asia and Europe
New York Times, United States - 35 minutes ago
Indexes in Europe fell as much as 7 percent after a huge selloff in Asia. “There’s something approaching panic in the market,” Holger Schmieding.
All hands on deck!
All hands on deck!
Do these putz politicians believe the best way to combat ridiculous behavior brought upon by the effect(s) of a fraudulent religion as being 'the way' , is to forward their own equally phony and ridiculously untrue religious belief(s) ?
You don't combat drug addiction by getting the addict hooked on other drugs...............
T funny thing is one cannot hear the tiny voice within that may lead to conversion when there are so many loud voices in Washington.
peaceful easy feeling @ 50:
One other thing smart-ass-----
KILLING IS KILLING NO MATTER WHAT THE METHOD OR CHOICE OF WEAPON....
RIGHT AND WRONG, NO?
JUST CAUSE YOU ARE A SO-CALLED "CHRISTIAN" DOES NOT MEAN YOUR OWN CRAP DON'T STINK, YA KNOW.....
Christians justify killing and torture more than other religions if you ask me....I am sure you know this by your own indoctrination practices you are fed at your church....
Don't lecture me about morality, pal....I forgot more about kindness and love than you will ever know because you are led on a leash and collar and cannot come to think about such things on your own, by way of an independent heart or mind.
peaceful easy feeling @ 50:
When your moronic "leader" has the biggest arsenal at his disposal , and speaks in terms of "Us vs Them" as if it's truly indicative of a battle of "Good vs Evil" and feels no compulsion to cease and desist bombing and shooting everyone in a general vicinity where the individuals are part of the religion that is "evil" , why would "suicide bombers" be a necessity ?
Might makes right when it comes to these monotheistic believers ; regardless of the fact that each of those religions preaches that to be an incorrect belief and way to behave........
L.A. Confidential @ 59:
Good, I am glad...it is time the right-wing idiots wake up in the good ole USA and see how far their "Christianity" takes them when they are living in homeless shelters and out of a job and lose their home....and cannot afford to pay their bills.....I am actually happy....this is GREAT NEWS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Not suicide, but Abortion Clinics were bombed several times in the 80's and 90's, killing innocent women and medical doctors.
xxx @ 65:
They'll claim they are part of the "collateral damage" effect ............What a load of crap.
xxx @ 65:
Yes, look up the name of Randall Terry in a Google Search....there are also books about Christian terrorists in America who have killed doctors and attacked abortion clinics and that right-wing Catholic priests and other Christian ministers have implied that its sometimes "okay to move beyond the law" if "human life" is at stake in this regard.
Here thou goest, siblings...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qCCR2huE2m8
I say, repeal the 14th Amendment.
Let each state go pretty much its own way.
People will vote with their feet.
After a short while, the people living in a state that has prayer in public schools and the ten commandments in courthouses will be happy with their situation...poverty, lousy health care, deplorable education and injustice for all but the wealthy elite.
peaceful easy feeling @ 50:
Yes, in fact using America's favored weapons of choice and availability produced by American defense contractors and industries, there have been plenty of Christian homicide bombers dropping tonnage of weapons on innocent men, women, children, elderly, and the infirmed in Iraq, Afghanistian, and in Vietnam.
Question:
By the way, who is the biggest weapons dealer to the United States favorite allies in the so-called Muslim nations that America purports to hate because of those awful "suicide bombers?"
Answer:
The United States in fact is the biggest weapons dealer to those Muslim nations.
United States and the Bush administration in fact, just finalized a weapons deal with Saudi Arabia--the home of al-Qaeda and Osama Bin Laden....talk is cheap on your part, dude.
peaceful easy feeling @ 50:
What is your point again?
Oh, you have none, on second thought, again...Oh my, my...
Mr. XXXX @ 62:
Predictably, the same ol' logical fallacies come out when these intellectually vapid comparisons between religions are challenged.
When enacted on a much larger scale, the very same attitudes you're displaying lead to wars between countries, so you're not really in much of a position to be preachin' to others about anything.
Peaceful Easy Feeling?
A song to blow one's brain's out to.
Although this is off topic for a thread about mandating a religious identity:
There was a group in our revolutionary days called the Sons of Liberty, which could be seen as a form of milder terrorism, comparatively speaking. They tarred and feathered tax collecters, and were known to have bombed a few carriages of officials, although in the story I heard, they called off the bombing because the target was travelling with his family. I also doubt lynching just started right after the Civil War, but could have been going on then too.
Additionally, we've had abortion clinic bombings, and the murders of doctors and their staffs, and websites egging them on with "Most Wanted" lists dripping with cinematic blood.
And indubitably terrorists are seen as Freedom Fighters in their own countries so the idea that sure they'll die, but they'll take some of the enemy with them is not too different from traditional soldiery, and is the logical conclusion from the loss of regular battle-fronts that started during World War I.
peaceful easy feeling @ 72:
Dude, "you're not really in much of a position to be preachin' to others about anything, either."
peaceful easy feeling @ 50:
Maybe not suicide bombers. Just abortion clinic bombers. And doctor killers.
Waxman needs to chair hearings on the tax exempt status of churches who have not only crossed the line, but have set up premanent settlements in the territories of government and politics.
I feel a crusade, uh.... I mean, ummmm..... religious reform, coming soon. I think I'm gonna start looking for an apartment in Canada.
peaceful easy feeling @ 50:
Terorists use the weapons they can afford, and that are close at hand. US terrorists, and I include bush and those who control him in that group, use the might of the American military - personnel and materiel - to do their work.
Go and pray for our redemption Mr "peaceful easy feeling". If it makes you feel better...
With their Lord and Savior, Bush-Jeezus at the helm for the last seven years, Amurika's own Taliban are the best armed terrorists on the planet.
"Additionally, we’ve had abortion clinic bombings, and the murders of doctors and their staffs, and websites egging them on with “Most Wanted” lists dripping with cinematic blood." -- ysbaddaden
Sorry, ysbaddaden. Didn't notice you had already made this point.
They can find time for THIS NONSENSE, but they can't find the time to impeach those two criminal sons of bitches at the top? How about giving THEM a little respect, and work on their asses first.
This country is going wacko. We all know "mean-jean" as a fruitcake pawn, but must they ALL be fruitcakes??
"Additionally, we’ve had abortion clinic bombings, and the murders of doctors and their staffs, and websites egging them on with “Most Wanted” lists dripping with cinematic blood."
Sorry, ysbaddaden. Didn't realize you had already made this point.
THis is how you get a backdoor lower-case theocracy. You wrap everything in the mantle of religion, you
have periodic "tests" (such as this resolution) to make sure everyone will stay in line, and acquire ammo to go after those who don't. Little by little....this is the real slippery slope. And what a TRIO of slimeballs
mentioned above: McHenry (a real little weasel), Mean Jean Schmidt and my favorite, John Doolittle. I think someone needs to get up on the House floor and accuse the Republicans of being the pharisees they are. And preferably it should come from someone with impeccable "christian credentials'.
SO IN 2006 .....judical watch (read....as....conservative legal watchdog) attacks hillary as not being ethical.... they site NOTHING OF VALUE...
FOR 2007..... judical watch AGAIN attacks hillary (with EQUAL NOTHING) but has added to her ethical evilness "that in 2006 she was cited by judicial watch for unethical conduct"
I CAN ONLY SUPPOSE THAT IN 2008 THEY WILL ADD 2007 TO THE LIST...
BY THE SAME LOGIC... I NOTICE THAT THE BIBLE IS TRUTH... BECAUSE IT SAYS SO... IN THE BIBLE
So, this type of legislation is more important than Healthcare reform, the budget, or Iraq??? This another Schiavo type ploy to rally the base! Disgusting!!!
"John Doolittle"
Has another candidate ever been more appropriately named ????????????????
peaceful easy feeling @ 36:
What Jean Schmidt and her gang of imbeciles are proposing has nothing to do with the true meaning of spirituality, it has everything to do with selfish interest and power. People like her and the rigid Republican Taliban use religion as a convenient tool to promote their corrupt, twisted form of spirituality. Authentic religion is other centered and the success of it is measured by what we give, not by using it as a selfish means to an end. Schmidt and the other idiots supporting this resolution need to be slapped down, and hard. They need a reminder that our government is not about them and their foolish self interest, but all the people, which our Founding Fathers clearly understood by building an firewall between religion and state as one of the basic premises of our constitution and governmental structure.
This legislation put forth by the Republicans would be a major problem if Mitt Romney were the Republican frontrunner. Irony, gotta love it.
Sad day when American gives up its history of secularism
Why does our Democratic majority even let this bullshit come up for a vote?
Reid/Pelosi need to go. They are the worst leaders we could have at a time like this, where serious issues need attention.
Nevada Bob @ 19:
I've often thought the same thing. Career politicians are hastening the death of this country. Certainly a citizen couldn't do worse than these spineless political hacks.
On the subject of the larger topic, I fear deep down, that our country has passed the point of no return. The Christian Taliban has grown too powerful and is now altering the founding principles of the country. I weep for the America that was.
The publication of the oxymoronically titled book, Liberal Fascism, earlier this year re-opened the issue of how fascism is defined. And while the book itself may be unmitigated garbage, fit only for the bottoms of birdcages in dilapidated middle class kitchens throughout a precarious America, it is true that the definition of fascism has changed and expanded from the original meaning of the symbolic powers of the magistrates in Rome, to the industrial-government compacts of the 30s, and, to the most emblematic, the psychopathic goons of Nazi Germany and the deep south of America. I think this new push by the so-called 'christian nationalists' is another glimpse of the face of fascism, For this is where intolerance can really gain ground on the protections inherent in the Bill of Rights and then gained from the civil rights struggle (Thanks MLK JR!) It is unfortunate and quite telling how little attention and reflection our pathetic corporate owned and controlled representatives pay attention to these burps of fascism that now are spawned and stalk through the halls of the House and Senate. The overall pattern, while to be expected, is very troubling.
Just sayin'
I do believe the main reason it was decided to keep our government and our personal beliefs separate is that we could and should learn from previous history of christian purges and wars that could not possibly please any religious entity. They were actually started by people wanting power, or were just plain greedy. Our forefathers were smart enough to try to avoid that in our brand new democracy. I do believe, however, that the move to no longer put "in God we trust" on our currency caused some of this hyper-defensiveness we are now experiencing. It is sort of like we have to share this room, so you leave my stuff alone on my side of the room and I will leave your stuff alone! We are not just a Christian nation, we are Jewish, agnostic, atheist, whatever, people who have never been given a clear reason to have a belief in anything other than ourselves. I am a Methodist, myself, but when I read about some of the things that have happened to people in their very own "christian home", I wonder why they did not just gas everyone in their sleep. Please stop trying to tell everyone else how they should believe until you have walked in the shoes of those people who have experienced their own particular horror and have managed to come out the other side in one piece with their own belief system. At one time I wanted to be a social worker, but was told by an advisor that he did not think I was tough enough. I came to realize he was right. How many people have questioned God as to why He would allow some things to happen to innocent children; even Jesus questioned "why hast thou forsaken me". Just try to live your own religion and you will hopefully become a good enough person to try not to judge and tell others how they should practice theirs. Keep religion and government apart, as it was meant to be; we don't need to incorporate the ways of the taliban here, or we have truly lost our country. No one asked me, but that is my point of view.
If killing is wrong then how come Bush, Chenny are not in Jail. There is more then enough evidence to proove they killed Sen Paul Wellston and family and two pilots. You too John Ashcroft are quilty as sin.
nohobear @ 92:
"What self centered people have torn down, other centered people can rebuild."
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
All is not lost. We have the power to take back what was lost, it will not happen in an instant but through time and persistence, we will prevail. As Dr. King also said in his "Letter from A Birmingham Jail" over 40 years ago, the people he feared most were not the KKK or the haters, but the apathetic, comfortable white people that felt nothing needed to be changed. That is as true today as it was then, the process of social justice is an ongoing process and we must be eternally vigilant and act affirmatively to protect our interests.
NO!
Agree with them! And demand that a provision be added to H.Res. 888 that states: any office holder who beaks any of the Ten Commandments shall be immediately removed from office, and barred from holding office again.
Send this to your favorite Repug & see if they will stand up for their "Christian" values.
NO!
Agree with them! And demand that a provision be added to H.Res. 888 that states: any office holder who breaks any of the Ten Commandments shall be immediately removed from office, and barred from holding office again.
Send this to your favorite Repug & see if they will stand up for their "Christian" values.
McHenry, yet another self-loathing conservative Republican homo and all around family values hypocrite. http://downwithtyranny.blogspot.com/2007/08/wholl-be-next-republican-hyp...
Anyone who has ever read the inscriptions on the Jefferson Memorial will realize Jefferson was pro seperation of church and state. Next these biblical nazis will be passing a resolution to tear down the Jefferson Memorial and erect a 50 ft marble cross in its place. If this nation hasn't already gone to hell in a handbasket after 7 years of Bush and 10 years of a GOP congress it's well on its way and its starting to look more and more like a one way street with not return.
Mr. XXXX @ 57:
6. missionaries & their assaults on indigenous cultures
Talk about wrapping yourself in the flag. Yankee Doodle Schmidt!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A8FZ_nxmf0Y
Why won't someone drop a house on that bitch?
I want to urge everyone to please contact their representative to vote NO on H.Res. 888!
Let's not allow more Christian revisionist history to enter the official record of our nation's government. Stand up now!!
Well, this is great news for non-believers. Each step these Jesus freaks take simply ensures the eventual dismise of Christianity in America. It's already happening. The nutjobs know it and their desparate measures will merely sink the boat that much sooner.
The only people who suffer are those with religious beliefs who are normal and not crazy or judgemental. (And yes, Mr. and Mrs. Atheist, there are plenty of those out there)
I think we need to add a few Wherases of our own:
Whereas the Supreme Court found in 1989 that a nativity scene displayed inside a government building violates the Establishment Clause.
Whereas the Supreme Court found in 1980 the posting of the Ten Commandments in schools to be unconstitutional.
Whereas the Supreme Court found in 1948 that religious instruction in public schools is a violation of the establishment clause and therefore unconstitutional.
Whereas the Supreme Court found in 2000 that prayer does not belong in public schools.
Etc.
Let's make sure that the religion week resolution contains the big picture.
I just called my House Rep but he's a Repub representing the bible belt in South Carolina. I think I'm screwed.
im about to lose my house and this is what thes a-holes are concerned with??
is it november yet
Since I happen to be the person who launched the fight against H. Res. 888, I want to jump in here. There has been an amazing response over the past few weeks, with countless websites and blogs getting the word out about this heinous resolution, and a number of organizations providing sample letters and links to contact members of Congress.
The reason I'm commenting is to urge people who are writing their representatives to include a few examples of the actual historical revisionism contained in the resolution. I already see some comments here suggesting that people personalize their letters and emails rather than just sending the pre-written letters. I completely agree with this, so, for those so inclined and have the time to add something to their letters, here is the link to my original article, which contains fourteen historical lies to choose from:
http://www.talk2action.org/story/2008/1/18/16547/2657
In addition to this initial article, which focused on lies about the founding era, I posted a follow-up last week that gives examples of Forbes's misrepresentations of certain 20th century presidents:
http://www.talk2action.org/story/2008/1/4/24725/53989
Let your representative know that by voting for H. Res. 888 they are not simply expressing approval for a religious (read Christian) history week, but condoning the use of lies about American history to achieve its passage.
This is MUCH more important work than what Congress is SUPPOSED to do -- oversight of the most criminal administration in the history of this country. Fixing the economy. Fixing the healthcare system. Fixing our infrastructure (including the ressurection of NOLA) - no religious intonation intended there, folks.
Don't these knuckledraggers know that this country was founded upon the basis of RELIGIOUS FREEDOM???????????????????????????????????????????????????????????
espo @ 107:
Ya need to keep in mind that in the country the "non-issues" always take priority of the "real-issues." Also, complaining about your financial situation is un-American and un-christian like. When you get you're $150 tax check from the government all of your troubles will be gone.
(Huge fuckin SNARK!)
Simon White-Thatch Potentloins @ 104:
Now is the time for us worshipers of Mighty Zeus to strike!
Religion where a god pees on chicks > religion full of contradictions and moral repression
If it were a Christian Nation, they would have to disband the military and open the borders.
Jesus sez so.
So if the United States is so soaked in religion, why is there a need for a week FOCUSING on it? Why should awareness be brought to something that is evident? Just another excuse to shove THEIR religion down the throats of anyone who dares disagree.
This resolution is a particularly insidious piece of legislation. Even though it's just a resolution and not a law - it seeks to re-write history. Full of shameless lies - if passed - it will doubtless be the basis to edge us closer and closer to a theocracy.
This strategy is not unlike the way the right has attacking abortion rights in this country - with smaller pieces of legislation that erode our rights around the edges which open us up for a final assault.
With all these lies passed into official recognition by our own congress it could be impossible to stop them legislating on the larger issues which will make theocratic positions law.
Here is another link to an action page from Americans United for Separation of Church and State (in case it's not here yet) . . .
I can't emphasize how important this issue is. Please take action today. You could also call or write Rep. Henry Waxman who is the chairman of the committee on Government oversight and reform. Contact by e-mail is not an option here, but this is SO IMPORTANT -
I hate religion
Mr. XXXX @ 18:
It's not just Republicans.
It wasn't just Republicans that passed the MCA of 2006.
It wasn't just Republicans that were briefed and swore to keep secret, the violations of warrantless wiretaps and torture.
It wasn't just Republicans who voted for H.R. 1955.
TREASON doesn't smell of Red or Blue.
TREASON doesn't identify as Democrat or Republican.
TREASON is as TREASON does, it works against foundational Principles that have stood to protect the People, their Nation, and It's future.
Subverting the First Amendment, Fourth Amendment, Fifth Amendment, Sixth Amendment, Seventh Amendment, Eighth Amendment, and Ninth Amendment... just to name a few...
ACTS OF TREASON!
.
.
Damned EVILgelicals.
.
biff diggerence @ 33:
Or signing statements
Mr. XXXX @ 57:
Bravo! Bravo! Encore! More!More!
Thank god impeachment is off the table so we can concentrate on the business of the country. We can add this to the "Christians are Wonderful" resolution and the resolution condemning MoveOn. The "Democratic" Congress' list of "accomplishments" grows and grows.
“American Religious History Week”?
What a great idea!!
Event #1, should be held at multiple schools across the land discussing and celebrating what Satanism has given this country.
They are going to say that this is nondenominational and all that crap ... well, if this goes through, then let's hold their feet to the fire.
Let's insist that they hold rallies celebrating Judaism and Islam and Wiccan principles.
Let's see them squirm.
Let's see Jean Schmidt on stage with Louis Farrakhan.
Well it's marvelous night.....for a Ghostdance.
If america were truly a christian nation there wouldn't be 50 million people with no health insurance and there also wouldn't be 35 million people living in poverty. Maybe they should vote to declare america a pseudo christian nation.
JFC! What in the hell is this country coming to?!?!? If this crap keeps up, we'll have the Taliban running our government in 20 years!
Jean Schmidt is still in congress????? Zoiks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
How about we pass our own resolution to keep America secular? We can call it H. Res. 666.
Take it outside!!! http://cectic.com/045.html
"Dr. James Luther Adams, my ethics professor at Harvard Divinity School, told us that when we were his age --- he was then close to 80 --- we would all be fighting the 'Christian fascists'.
The warning, given to me nearly 25 years ago, came at a moment Pat Robertson and other radio and televangelists began speaking about a new political religion that would direct its efforts at taking control of all institutions, including mainstream denominations and the government. Its states goal was to use the U.S. to create a global Christian empire. It was hard at the time to take such fantastic rhetoric seriously, especially given the buffoonish quality of leaders of the Christian Right who expounded it.
But Adams warned us against blindness caused by intellectual snobbery. The Nazis, he said, were not going to return with swastikas and brown shirts. Their ideological inheritors in America had found a mask for fascism in patriotism and the pages of the Bible."
Chris Hedges
I suggest to anyone to beg, borrow steal or even buy a copy of "American Fascists, the Christian Right and the War on America". We are entering into a war with those who destroy our country. Knowing our enemy is strength.
When religion ruled the world they called it the Dark Ages - and they were indeed dark. That is where resolutions of this nature are taking this country.
Please contact your representative but ALSO - Phone or write Henry Waxman's Government oversight office.
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ysbaddaden @ 125:
LOL!!
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The only thing heartening about this is that when the end is coming according to the passage of the bible, will be when the Christians are being persecuted. As long as the Christians doing the persecution, I think we have a long way to come before the great rapture.
I like a deity with a rich cultural background...When will they LEARN?
fact checker @ 123:
There actually is a proposed resolution in committee stating that the House recognizes that there is a poverty problem in America. It doesn't have as many co-sponsors as H. Res. 888. Apparently, the House's recognition of how Christianity is far more important than their recognition of the millions of Americans living in poverty.
fact checker @ 123:
Technically, calling a religion by brand no longer makes it a Christian belief. Catholics, Protestant, Methodist, and Baptist are all brand name of the church they go to. The Christian Church were the earliest form of Capitalism of branding their type of Church and taking donation for that brand. Then Fellowshipping with those that belong to that Brand. I didn't name Jehovah Witness in the group as I take notice that they have not branded the church, its called a kingdom hall where they chose to worship, Its not a brand, and they have no symbol for the church, which would be typical for a brand. I am not one of the followers, but just taking notice that they seems to adhere closer to the bible than most other brand of Christians.
My point is that the founding father saw this in Europe, and purposefully put in the decree that church and state be separated, and that all citizen be free from religious persecution.
I love George Carlin! and he stated that if Govt by itself is screwed up and the Church by itself manage to do a good job of making a scandal, than surely the two together would be guaranteed to be mess up! I am not quoting George but the gist of it is there.
History Lesson for Con-servative free market/corporatist christians....
1) The country was originally founded because King George (yep the mad one) instituted a state sponsored religion in good old...England. The Tories (your predecessors) loyalists thought it was heck of an idea and those darn dirty revolutionaries should be hung by the neck (pssstt....that includes your heroes Adams, Hamilton....and our heroes Franklin, Jefferson, Washington). Majority of the Founding fathers were deists, unitarians, etc....
2) The revolution was the spark for independence....prompted by the monopolistic takeover (which you think is just dandy and best for the country) by the British East India company (Sugar & Tea Acts)....the forebearers of Wal-Mart, the 'new' AT&T, and other modern day monopolistically inclined entities that wish to destroy all new entrants & competition which ironically is one of your supposed tennants of the 'free market'....
Reminds me of that bumper sticker along these lines ~~
"My god THOR carries a hammer - your god got nailed - any questions?"
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A lot of comments on the sheer waste of time such resolutions are. I applaud the comments here, and urge everyone to contact their representatives, regardless of party affiliation - to tell them plain and simple that there are better things to spend their time on.
Given the state of the world, the financial crises in our country, our criminal current administration, and our precarious future as a democratic republic, such frivolous use of time - to further degrade our Constitution - is unpardonable.
Come November, if they continue to not listen to the people they are supposed to represent, VOTE THEM THE HELL OUT OF OUR GOVERNMENT.
My family has recently started attending a non-denominational church in our area. I am not a member of the church (and do not desire it) but my wife and daughter (who are also not members) like going, and have asked me to attend.
This is a relatively new endeavor for this church, as they are meeting in the gym of an old elementary school. On both sides of the stage they have erected screens for the projectors, which show various images as well as the words to the songs that are sung at the beginning of the service.
This past Sunday I couldn't help but recall something from George Orwell's 1984. I haven't read the book, but aren't there screens everywhere that Big Brother uses to tell the people what to believe and how to live? I got this image at church on Sunday. Here is a gathering of people standing and looking up at two screens following what is displayed. And it's not just songs; the preacher uses the screens for PowerPoint presentations highlighting the lessons he is trying to teach.
But what really freaks me out is this: I am not mistaken, above the middle portion of the stage, mounted on the wall there appears to be a video camera. Yes, there is a small red light, so they likely taping the congregation each Sunday. What are they looking for? Are they looking to see who is reading the Bible when the preacher is quoting scripture? Are they trying to find out the ones who don't really seem to be interested, and plan to target them for, um, some counseling? Are they looking for the "true believers?"
Edit on above post, last paragraph: "IF I am not mistaken..."
Why am I ALWAYS being asked to contact my reps? Are they MORONS or just too lazy to be bothered to read anything on their own? It didn't work when I CONTACTED my reps over not confirming TORTURE-BOY Gonzalas but the worthless Dems did it anyway. What's the point?
Of course this is ANOTHER Constitutional AFFRONT. When are they going to throw these people out of office?
Didn't they ALL TAKE AN OATH TO PROTECT AND DEFEND THE CONSTITUTION? BTW: NOT the "people"... the "constitution" is to be protected...hence we don't need their military protection... or their religious protection.
My comment is this: WHY NOT REWRITE RELIGIOUS HISTORY? THEY REWROTE POLITICAL HISTORY! ! ! !
And our schools TEACH THEIR LIES.
NEXT they will hang Darwin (again).......
Are you yet convinced America is DEAD? I am.
Can't hurt - may help
... so write, FAX or email your Congressperson (s.v., in the intro to find Contact info)
And to make it easier, I'm borrowing a modestly revised form letter from Americans United for Separation of Church and State:
Subject: Reject House Resolution 888
As your constituent, I am writing to ask that you vote “NO” on House Resolution 888, which designates the first week in May as "American Religious History Week." This resolution contains numerous statements that are exaggerated, misleading, or an outright distortion of America’s history of religious liberty.
The resolution focuses primarily on Christianity in the U.S. and fails to acknowledge or celebrate the contributions of a great diversity of believers and non-believers through the history of the United States.
This resolution inaccurately and unfairly distorts American history and attempts to falsely portray a recurring intersection of religion and government. In reality, as enshrined in the First Amendment, our government is neutral on religious matters, allowing Americans enjoy to more religious freedom than any people in world history.
One would trust that you would not endorse attempts to mistakenly describe our history of religious freedom by errantly portraying government involvement with religion. Separation of church and state is essential to religious freedom for all Americans.
I urge Congress to stop meddling in religious issues. Currently H. Res. 888 is still in committee, but if it reaches the House floor, I urge you to vote “NO” on this unnecessary and misguided resolution.
Respectfully,
... OR even easier, just visit their website, scroll down to fill it out and have them email it for you:
http://www.capwiz.com/au/issues/alert/?alertid=10774216
Late to this thread, but if anyone wants to read a brilliant rebuttal to the "America is a Christian Nation" crap, read _The First Liberty: America's Foundation in Religious Freedom_ by William Lee Miller, published by Georgetown University Press. After reading this, you'll have all the arguments you need to prove that our founders did NOT want a Christian nation. Excellent, excellent book!
Bud @ 55:
And then there are the guys murdering the abortion clinic doctors...but again, like you said, too much of pussies to completely finish the job.
Beam Me Up Scottie...Please! @ 115:
That sums up my feelings. The evils that religion has brought to the world far, far outweigh any good that it's done.
I e-mailed my rep about this when I first heard about it, but I've gotten no reply. She's a fairly progressive dem, but she still voted for H.R.847. With everyone worried about facing an election this year, they'll never vote against something like this.
Maybe I am reading more into this bill than what is really there, but has anyone noticed the significance of he bill number? (It is HR 888.) In neo-Nazi culture, the number 8 is sacrosanct, for that is the letter of the alphabet (H) that Hitler's name started with. That is why you will see neo-Nazis wear jerseys with the number 88 (for Heil Hitler).
Perhaps Speaker Pelosi is getting in a dig at these morons like Jean Schmidt without them even knowing it.
Reps Patrick McHenry, John Doolittle and Mean Jean Schmidt
Three of the most undeserving cretins EVER elected to Congress.
Throw in Michelle Bachman and a couple of other Wingnuts, and
you have the makings of a nice Klan rally...
Christianist Unite and save America for demented White People!
Ricky Bones @ 86:
Exactly, which shows the disgusting state our country is in right now!
Statements with historical revisionism and ra-ra Christianity are more important than all those without health care, those who have lost their homes, and those who are dying in Iraq.
Christian nation, indeed!
I'm a Christian, and I let my representatives know of my displeasure when this crap was first introduced in December. As several posters have asked, "whose Christianity" are we talking about? My "church" (if you can call it that) quietly meets every Saturday night (yes, we meet on the Sabbath according to the Bible and not on Sundays) for study. We enjoy our time together. We believe that the government needs to stay out of religion and religion needs to stay out of the government. The so-called Christians we have in Washington are not worthy of the label. It is an embarrassment to me when they push their beliefs off on others. "Recognizing the importance of Christmas" as part of their "Christian nation"? My church does not believe in the celebration of Christmas!
The scary part for me is these self-proclaimed Christians will turn on their own kind first. Those who do not believe their version of things or are different in any way yet still Christian. And guess who is directly in their line of fire....
I'm not sleeping well at night.
innocent bystander @ 101:
7. Spanish Inquisition
8. "Witch" Burnings in Germany and America
9) The Crusades
The mere existence of such a craven, useless and UNAMERICAN bill on the floor of the House irrefutably evidences the fundamental and abject failure of the "Class of 2006".
If there were ever a perfect opportunity to slap down the theocratic wingnuttery that is Modern Bush Republican™ legislation this is it. And, of course, it won't happen.
Don't have the votes, Nance? You sure don't ANYMORE.
There are many watching and taking note of who is who and what is what and the Dem leadership (HA!) is in for a rude awakening in the not too distant future.
There is rapidly becoming less and less that distinguishes one party from the other.
2012 huh? Maybe not so f'in crazy after all...
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