1. Science teacher dissed evolution

Comment #196760 by SonOfSLJ on June 20, 2008 at 12:16 pm

What's sad is that Daubenmire may be correct, and Freshwater may be reflecting the values of the community (with the exception of that whole branding-of-flesh thing...) since I can't think of another plausible reason why this clown wasn't fired a long time ago.

But whether or not Freshwater is reflecting provincial standards is irrelevant - his responsibility as a teacher is to reflect the curriculum of the school district, and if that curriculum conflicts with his values, then maybe...oh...he shouldn't have decided to become a teacher in the school district.

Not that Freshwater really wants to be a teacher anyway. I think he's harboring his true ambition now - a chance to be a martyr.

2. Pastors Challenge Law, Endorse Candidates From Pulpit

Comment #196722 by SonOfSLJ on June 20, 2008 at 11:29 am

Quoth the article:

"The government is trying to censor me and other religious leaders," Booth told ABC News. "I may be taking on the IRS, but the IRS has taken on the Constitution unchallenged since 1954. I feel like the only law that should dictate what I am allowed to say is the First Amendment."

Completely agree with you Pastor Booth, provided that you finally pony up the membership fee for our dorky little USA Club that guarantees your religious institution the rights dictated by the First Amendment. Until then, it's really a question of whether you want to eat your cake or have it.

3. Lawsuit filed over 'I Believe' plates in S.C.

Comment #196706 by SonOfSLJ on June 20, 2008 at 10:59 am

Quoth the article:

"That's what critics always say when they see something they don't like," Harrell said. "I think this has less to do with the First Amendment and more to do with their disdain for religion generally."

Exactly! Because nothing brings clerics from multiple denominations of Christianity, Judaism, and Hinduism together (along with Bob knows who else) quite like their mutual disdain for religion!

...

What an idiotic demagogue. Way to vindicate Rev. Lynn's suspicions without even realizing it.

4. Commentary: Democrats finally getting religion on religion

Comment #157971 by SonOfSLJ on April 9, 2008 at 11:06 pm

Quoth Mr. Martin, "What is clear is that in the political realm, there must be an understanding of the secular and theological worlds."

What the heck does this statement even mean? When I think of the "theological world", I can only think of that world we ride to in that cute red trolley controlled by the nice man in a sweater.

5. Stop revisionist Christian nation House Resolution 888

Comment #116030 by SonOfSLJ on January 25, 2008 at 10:24 am

Here's my letter:

"Dear Representative Smith,

I urge you to oppose House Resolution 888, which asks that the "rich spiritual and religious history of our Nation's founding and subsequent history" be affirmed through the establishment of an "American Religious History Week". Not only is this resolution a completely transparent piece of demagoguery, but it is also a palpable violation of the First Amendment. Furthermore, it ignores how a strong secular tradition is foundational to American history and the establishment of our secular governmental process.

Even though the role of this resolution is largely a ceremonial one, a "YES" vote would give dangerous encouragement to those who wish to further erode the wall of separation between Church and State in this country – particularly after a similar slice of frivolous demagoguery, H.Res. 847 ("Recognizing the importance of Christmas and the Christian Faith"), resoundingly passed last year.

As a secular American, I am relieved that I currently live in a country where I can voice my beliefs concerning the origin of the Universe without fear of bodily injury or the termination of my employment (even if I need to keep my mouth shut if I am ever to run for public office), but resolutions like H.Res. 888 represent a clear step back in establishing a free marketplace of ideas separate from religious establishments.

One of the reasons why America is such a wonderful country is because its constitution was the first in world history to omit all mention of a Creator or a God. The Founding Fathers realized that an official establishment of religion in this country would be anathema to the free, open market of both ideas and people that would allow this country to grow and prosper as none other would.

H.Res 888 seeks to reverse this process, and assert a particular establishment of religion – Christianity – within our government. In the 70-plus data-mining paragraphs of the Resolution, the only specific religion alluded to is Christianity, and while I would never question the fact that the majority of Americans and America leaders throughout history have professed Christianity, using this anthropological statistic to justify a discarding of the First Amendment, and elude an accurate understanding of American history and government, is nothing short of tyranny of the majority and revisionist history.

It is not the government's job to respect an establishment – any establishment – of religion. I hope my choice of words sounds familiar, and this familiarity will guide you to a "NO" vote.

Thank you,

Brandom R. Nielsen"

Apologies in advance for the flag-waving and music in the middle, but I had to balance the slight snarkiness at the end.