legalassist - It simply isn't true that liberals misinterpret the First Amendment when they say it requires the "separation between church and state." The Supreme Court as said the same many times. For example, 1878 decision of Reynolds v. U.S, 98 U.S. 145 at page 164 quotes Jefferson's Jan. 1, 1802 letter to the Danbury Baptist Assoc from which the phrase is derived. Or more recently in McCreary County v. ACLU of Ky., 545 U.S. 844 (2005) the Supreme Court said: "The touchstone for our analysis is the principle that the 'First Amendment mandates governmental neutrality between religion and religion, and between religion and nonreligion.'" (At p. 860). No matter which of the two phases one prefers, they both mean that government has NO role to play in advancing religion in the United States.
E. Raiford - as a member of the Supreme Court Bar, I can attest to the fact that the Ten Commandments are not etched on the large front doors entering the courtroom of the Supreme Court. And did you know that so-called Ten Commandments that Moses is holding on the South Wall Frieze actually command people to "murder," "steal" and "commit adultery." (Transcript, Pleasant Grove City v. Summum (page 9). The sculptor -- Adolph Weinman -- played quite a joke on the Supreme Court. Religious monuments don't belong on public property because state property is to benefit all, not just persons of a single faith.
Who cares what side of the issue you're on. I want to know why lawmakers are spending their time on trivial issues like this. And we are paying their salaries? Hmmm.
"Obviously, there will be naysayers like the ACLU -- the American Communist Lovers Union, uh, the American Civil Liberties Union --"
Well Mr. Ritze, aren't you funny. Completely out of line. I don't like the ACLU much myself, but an elected official should at least have some manners.
Will the people of this earth that God created standby and let a few non believers sink our faith."NEVER" Groups have tried to take "GOD" out of everything and off of everything. We that believe that our Heavenly Father indeed is real and chose to believe in him, also have the right to place scripture, monuments and other religious articles where we wish. A closed mine and a non believing heart will not give you the results you are seeking. Such a monument at our Capitol will truly be inpriring and sends a message that the people of Oklahoma loves the Lord and believe that The Ten Commandments "ARE" laws to live by.
Bible verses are etched in stone all over Federal Buildings in Washington, D.C.; the two large doors entering the Supreme Court have the Ten Commandments engraved on them. Also on the outside of the building, across the top you will find Moses & the lawmakers. Above where the Supreme Court Judges sit you will find a display of the Ten Commandments. "We have staked the whole of all our political institutions upon the capacity of mankind for self-government, upon the capacity of each & all of us to govern ourselves according to The Ten Commandments of God". by James Madison, fourth president, known as the father of our constitution.
Our laws today are based on Mosaic law. I don't see the problem with displaying the origins of common law on property where laws or legal decisions are made. Of course, I also think liberals totally misinterpret the Constitutional clause regarding separation of church and state. Is it out of fear or what?
Mike Ritze's Dominionist fantasy world, where his religious ideology permeates every single aspect of government and society, strikes me as far more insidious and creepy than any secular, humanist fears that haunt his fevered dreams ever could.
The Establishment Clause is quite clearly spelled, Mr. Ritze, so if there is a court challenge I hope you feel equally zealous in your insistence to foot the legal bill, personally, as you are in ignoring the 1st Amendment.
This discussion always brings to mind 'give unto Ceaser what is Ceasers and give unto God what is Gods'. I wonder at the wisdom of ignoring seperation of church and state, an idea based on the law being fair and impartial.
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Re: Sinai Comes to Green Country
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Re: Sinai Comes to Green Country
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Well Mr. Ritze, aren't you funny. Completely out of line. I don't like the ACLU much myself, but an elected official should at least have some manners.
Re: Sinai Comes to Green Country
Re: Sinai Comes to Green Country
Re: Sinai Comes to Green Country
Of course, I also think liberals totally misinterpret the Constitutional clause regarding separation of church and state. Is it out of fear or what?
Re: Sinai Comes to Green Country
Re: Sinai Comes to Green Country
The Establishment Clause is quite clearly spelled, Mr. Ritze, so if there is a court challenge I hope you feel equally zealous in your insistence to foot the legal bill, personally, as you are in ignoring the 1st Amendment.
Re: Sinai Comes to Green Country