August 02, 2005
Are You Now or Have You Ever Been a Christian
Both conservatives and liberals think that religion matters. Conservatives think it matters in that their religious beliefs should be the primary guide for living a life pleasing to God. Liberals think it is important as well as long as one doesn't take it seriously. Liberal religious beliefs are to be followed only when it does not conflict with the cultural whim of the day. That can be the only explanation for the current criticisms and concerns over John Roberts Catholic beliefs as opposed to the celebration of John Kerry's shallow Catholic affiliation.
You would think that having a belief system and training similar to the founders would be considered a plus in a government official. Individuals with such a background would have an intuitive understanding of the concepts and principles expressed in our founding documents. As opposed to those that use the cut, stretch and paste method of alternate dictionary meanings to twist and bend the U.S. Constitution to their will like an unruly and ignorant child who should know better.
But not today. Now Christians are seeing the kind of treatment reserved in the McCarthy era for true communist subversives determined to bring down our democracy. You know the people I mean, the heroes of those attacking John Roberts beliefs today.
Posted by Sid at August 2, 2005 12:57 AM | Politics
Comments
The founders did not design the entire United States government around their religious beliefs. I will agree it had some impact, as evident in the fact that "god" is in there a lot, but religion itself was more in the background or to make it sound "official" as it was the "cultural whim of the day" to be very christian:
Amendment I
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.
I am a bit too tired to look it up, but if I recall correctly, some of the founders also owned slaves. Some of them probably believed things that seem out there by todays standards. I wouldn't doubt too much if some of them wouldn't have looked down upon (or possibly would look favorably upon) the Salem Witch Trials.
On the subject of "cut, stretch, and paste". It is not a bad thing if it gives people more personal freedom in a way that does not directly injure someone else. The constitution WILL get old, or WILL get outdated. The 21st amendment (repeal of prohibition) is an example of this. I do not drink, and I would wish people do not drink, but they DO have the right to do so, and suffer the consequences.
I am not for or against John Roberts(yet, haven't been keeping up about him), do not take this as an attack on him, nor his religion.
Posted by: Sid A at August 2, 2005 02:41 AM
The "cut, stretch and paste" reference is directly related to judicial philosophy. Yes the Constitution may become outdated in areas but that it why we have elected legislative bodies. To change our laws and constitution when appropriate. That is not the appropriate responsibility of the judiciary.
Posted by: Sid at August 2, 2005 08:25 AM
