1st Amendment Violation?

[Wasillaguy]

That's what you got? Weak attempt at deflection when you have to dig up a crazy dude with a flock of forty in Kentucky.

[d-ray657]

Whether the constitutional framers were motivated by their religious faith in working to found the country is irrelevant to the question of whether the government can take action for the purpose of promoting purely religious goals. The First Amendment prohibits government action promoting religion. Requiring that the phrase "In God We Trust" be displayed on all motor vehicles has a religious purpose on its face. It invokes trust in a supreme being. It is therefore improper - indeed a violation of the First Amendment. It is a violation first because it requires the expenditure of public funds to promote a religious message - trust in the supreme being. Second it requires citizens to display that religious message or pay a penalty for failing to do so.

I'm in the camp the believes that the legislator knows his proposal violates the First Amendment but he isn't going to let that minor inconvenience get in the way of his pandering.

Regards,

D-Ray

[BlueStreak]

Originally Posted by d-ray657

Whether the constitutional framers were motivated by their religious faith in working to found the country is irrelevant to the question of whether the government can take action for the purpose of promoting purely religious goals. The First Amendment prohibits government action promoting religion. Requiring that the phrase "In God We Trust" be displayed on all motor vehicles has a religious purpose on its face. It invokes trust in a supreme being. It is therefore improper - indeed a violation of the First Amendment. It is a violation first because it requires the expenditure of public funds to promote a religious message - trust in the supreme being. Second it requires citizens to display that religious message or pay a penalty for failing to do so.

I'm in the camp the believes that the legislator knows his proposal violates the First Amendment but he isn't going to let that minor inconvenience get in the way of his pandering.

Regards,

D-Ray

F**kin', eh! Spot on and absolutely correct!

WORD!

Dave

[whell]

Originally Posted by d-ray657

I'm in the camp the believes that the legislator knows his proposal violates the First Amendment but he isn't going to let that minor inconvenience get in the way of his pandering.

While I don't disagree with you, I'm in the camp that believes that when folks dial up the ACLU when townsfolk or city employees decide to put up a creche on the corner of the city's court house lawn, they also know that it is not the city's attempt to establish a local religion. It also doesn't change the fact that the US government has "secularized" the phrase "In God We Trust" by making it the national motto.

[merrylander]

Originally Posted by whell

While I don't disagree with you, I'm in the camp that believes that when folks dial up the ACLU when townsfolk or city employees decide to put up a creche on the corner of the city's court house lawn, they also know that it is not the city's attempt to establish a local religion. It also doesn't change the fact that the US government has "secularized" the phrase "In God We Trust" by making it the national motto.

They are not doing that this year in DC because they could not find three wise men. I believe that they are still looking for a virgin, however they have more than enough jackasses for the stable.

[BlueStreak]

Originally Posted by merrylander

They are not doing that this year in DC because they could not find three wise men. I believe that they are still looking for a virgin, however they have more than enough jackasses for the stable.

A large portion of them can be found in the Senate, with teabags glued to their heads.

Dave

[whell]

Originally Posted by merrylander

They are not doing that this year in DC because they could not find three wise men. I believe that they are still looking for a virgin, however they have more than enough jackasses for the stable.

That reminds me of a bit of local "legend": the Eastern Michigan University water tower, which looms above the main campus like a giant phallic symbol. It is said that the water tower will crumble and fall to the ground if a virgin ever graduates from EMU!

[piece-itpete]

Originally Posted by Charles

Ya'll have fun, I think I'll do something important like pick boogers out of my nose.

Chas

As long as they are Christian boogers.

Originally Posted by finnbow

Something started (at least in contemporary politics) by Ronnie the Magnificent.

It's been around forever.

While I agree largely with D on this, the underlying issues are far different. Reading the various quotes the athiests love to overlook the fact that they are generally attacking the organization behind most organised religion, not Christanity.

And if the Tripoli treaty shows we ain't a Christian nation, why does it specifically say, the government?

The plain fact is that the Bible was taught openly in public schools thoughout the country. What is freedom? A bunch of parents get together starting a school for their kids, build the school, hire a teacher. They can't teach their own children what they wish? We need the all wise all powerful Feds to tell us what's right, please, please help us poor stupid folk!

Originally Posted by merrylander

They are not doing that this year in DC because they could not find three wise men. I believe that they are still looking for a virgin, however they have more than enough jackasses for the stable.

ROTFLMAO!!

Pete

[merrylander]

Originally Posted by whell

That reminds me of a bit of local "legend": the Eastern Michigan University water tower, which looms above the main campus like a giant phallic symbol. It is said that the water tower will crumble and fall to the ground if a virgin ever graduates from EMU!

It has been said that should a virgin enter Trafalgar Square the lions will roar and Lord Nelson will doff his hat.

[bhunter]

Originally Posted by d-ray657

I'm in the camp the believes that the legislator knows his proposal violates the First Amendment but he isn't going to let that minor inconvenience get in the way of his pandering.

Regards,

D-Ray

That is also my position. In fact, while historic Christian traditions and slogans ought stand, I see little reason to create new ones to further intermingle government and religion. If they are so hell bent on religion in government, perhaps they could go to a place where Sharia law is operative and fight the proverbial good fight.