4 replies to this topic

[Natsel]

No doubt, some of you are familiar with Thomas Frank’s book, “What’s The Matter With Kansas?” He examines how voters in that state have moved from a comparatively progressive outlook to a far right stance politically, and how this shift has resulted in people voting against their economic self interest. Not surprisingly, the change is due, in no small measure, to the increasing intrusion into politics by the religious right. It seems that Mr. Frank should now turn his attention to the state of New Hampshire.

The New Hampshire legislature has two anti-evolution bills set for a vote this month. Republican Representative Jerry Bergevin sponsors both bills. The first would order the state board of education to “require evolution to be taught as a theory, including the theorists‘ political and ideological viewpoints and their position on the concept of atheism” (italics mine). Bergevin calls evolution “a godless worldview.” Concerning evolution he said, “Columbine, remember that? They were believers in evolution. That’s evidence right there.” Bergevin also told The Concord Monitor that the teaching of evolution has a global societal impact and that it led to the rise of the Nazi Party.

Another anti-evolution bill would “require science teachers to instruct pupils that proper scientific inquire [sic] results from not committing to any one theory or hypothesis no matter how firmly it appears to be established...” Dare we assume they have a specific theory in mind?

In addition, the N.H. State Senate passed a bill today that allows parents to withdraw their child from any lesson that they object to, and demand that the school provide an alternative curriculum. The intent of this bill is clear: to make it legal for evangelicals to withdraw children from lessons on evolution, and demand that the school teach creationism as an alternative. If the fundie parent wants to withdraw their child, fine. However, it is not the job of the public school, nor even its legal right, to offer creationism as an alternative lesson plan. Unless, of course, this bill becomes law.

Here's a revolutionary idea for the fundies: if you want your children to be taught creationism instead of science, you pay for it. Enroll them in a religious school.

Another New Hampshire legislator, Republican David Bates, is sponsoring a bill that would repeal the state’s marriage equality act which passed two years ago. Bates is a frequent guest speaker at Sunday morning church services around the state. (You can find his sermons on YouTube. Bates was also a vocal supporter of a “birther” bill that was voted down.)

As I mentioned yesterday in this forum, the Indiana state legislature also has an anti-evolution bill on the docket. And a spate of other states introduced creationism/anti-evolution bills last year. It appears the legal staff at Americans United for Separation of Church and State and other advocates for good science education in public schools will be busy this year.

Unfortunately, evolution is not the only target of the christian right. The Christocons are attacking the US political process on several fronts, especially as the next election approaches and their perceived need to remove the “Black Muslim” from the White House becomes more urgent. And, they are brazenly violating the US Constitution in the process. In October of last year, the Alliance Defense Fund again held its annual “Pulpit Freedom Sunday,” an event that facilitates congregational intervention in political activity. Congregations hold voter turnout drives and distribute “voter guides” on political issues and candidates. Of course, any suggestion that these acts are illegal is met with a smugly disingenuous response: These are “religious pamphlets” and “religious gatherings.”

And, any suggestion that they lose their tax exempt status because of their politicking is met by the righteous indignation achievable only by the truly sanctimonious.

The whack-a-mole defense against the Christocons needs to be ramped up. It’s time for the nuclear option.

Edited by Natsel, 06 January 2012 - 12:17 PM.

[Storybook]

I'll be interested to see how this vote turns out and what will happen next.

As I said before in another thread, I'm glad my kids are out of public school!

[Cousin Ricky]

In addition, the N.H. State Senate today passed a bill that allows parents to withdraw their child from any lesson that they object to, and demand that the school provide an alternative curriculum. I wonder, from which science lesson would an evangelical withdraw their child and demand an alternative?

A lot of people don't seem to understand that parents don't get to vote on reality. The State is charged with educating its youth. Indulging their parents' ignorance does not constitute education.

... In October of last year, the Alliance Defense Fund again held its annual “Pulpit Freedom Sunday,” an event that facilitates congregational intervention in political activity. Congregations hold voter turnout drives and distribute “voter guides” on political issues and candidates. Of course, any suggestion that these acts are illegal is met with a smugly disingenuous response: These are “religious pamphlets” or “religious gatherings.”

And, any suggestion that they lose their tax exempt status because of their politicking is met with the righteous indignation reserved only for the truly sanctimonious.

Seeking a pass because they are "religious" is clearly asking the government to respect an establishment of religion, although the religious are not known for seeing clearly. They hide behind the First Amendment while undermining it. (If separation of church and state means no taxation, as I've seen it argued, then does it also mean no fire service, police protection, or access to public roads?)

Religious organizations certainly do have the "freedom" to engage in whatever politicking they wish. They just don't get to do it at taxpayer expense. "Freedom" does not mean "subsidy." They want representation without taxation.

The whack-a-mole defense against the Christocons needs to be ramped up. It’s time for the nuclear option.

What is this nuclear option?

[Natsel]

A lot of people don't seem to understand that parents don't get to vote on reality. The State is charged with educating its youth. Indulging their parents' ignorance does not constitute education.


Seeking a pass because they are "religious" is clearly asking the government to respect an establishment of religion, although the religious are not known for seeing clearly. They hide behind the First Amendment while undermining it. (If separation of church and state means no taxation, as I've seen it argued, then does it also mean no fire service, police protection, or access to public roads?)

Religious organizations certainly do have the "freedom" to engage in whatever politicking they wish. They just don't get to do it at taxpayer expense. "Freedom" does not mean "subsidy." They want representation without taxation.


What is this nuclear option?

The nuclear option: When a religious organization engages in politics they are breaking the law. Why not accuse and try them like any other criminal suspect? Fines and/or jail sentences are in order. The image of Jerry Falwell Jr. sitting as a defendant in a courtroom would likely be a stronger disincentive for religious politicking than our current whack-a-mole legal challenges that are presented on a case by case basis. Vigorous enforcement of the law could preempt the need for so many legal battles. Falwell's Liberty University is a tax exempt institution, and it was only a "coincidence," according to him, that TV ads paid for by Liberty Univ. and extolling the virtues of Newt Gingrich appeared in Iowa in the weeks leading up to the Iowa Republican caucuses. Right. Falwell was not campaigning for Gingrich. That would be illegal.

I would add that not only does Liberty University enjoy tax exempt status, but receives millions of taxpayer dollars annually in the form of Pell Grant funds.

I don't hear the christian right complaining about the millions of dollars in grants and subsidies that they receive from taxpayers through our government. Or, perhaps those voices can't be heard over the whining about their oppressed status in America.

Edited by Natsel, 06 January 2012 - 02:00 PM.

[Ungodly]

I don't hear the christian right complaining about the millions of dollars in grants and subsidies that they receive from taxpayers through our government. Or, perhaps those voices can't be heard over the whining about their oppressed status in America.

And here you are victimizing them again by telling the truth about them. Well done too.