Tuesday, March 01, 2005

Religious Freedom and the USA

The Supreme Court is going to make a ruling very soon about whether or not the Ten Commandments are allowed to be displayed outside courtrooms and other public buildings. Opponents claim that this is offensive to other religions who don't believe in the principles of the Ten Commandments. Let me clarify some things for you.

First, as I've mentioned before, the Constitution does not give you the freedom from being offended! It's nowhere in there! I don't know why these special-interest, minority, and/or liberal groups draw the offensive card as if it's their guaranteed right. You don't have that right!
But as good as that point is, that's not the main issue here.

The truth is, our country was founded on religious principles. I know opponents claim all these things to refute that, saying that our country has changed in recent years and that we're not really a "Christian nation" anymore. They also try to make comparisons to the original Americans, saying that they left England to escape religious persecution, and now Christians are doing the same thing to other religions.

Let's take the first claim. Even though things have changed in recent years, that doesn't change the original background and makeup of our country. Let me draw an analogy. Far too many areas of our economic industry have started catering to non-English-speaking people who have come to the United States. The amount of Spanish labeling is getting ridiculous! I understand we have to be reasonable for the people who literally can't speak English yet, but they have to be reasonable too and make hard efforts to learn English. But it's getting to the point where they don't have to learn English anymore---and we're helping them! Sure, you can speak other languages, but the United States is English! Deal with it and learn English, or leave! (I realize you may disagree with me, but it's impossible to cater to every single minority that exists---you have to draw the line)

Coming back to the displaying of the Ten Commandments---it's just like the Spanish labels. You're perfectly entitled to practice whatever religion you want, but recognize that the United States was founded on Christianity, and there's nothing you can do about that.

Now on to the second claim. Making persecution comparisons with the original founders of our country is just preposterous! The English church/government wasn't displaying some religious icons in recognition of their historical foundation---they were absolutely prohibiting other religions to be practiced at all! I don't see how the displaying of a sign prohibits the free exercise of Hinduism, Buddhism, or any other religion. They're not even comparable!

So, to sum it up: Displaying the Ten Commandments is a recognition of our country's founding and status. It is not religious persecution. And if you think it's offensive, well, you don't have the right not to be offended anyway. I challenge you to present me with a better argument for getting rid of the Ten Commandments. Until then, I can't sympathize with you.

Edmond the Hun

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

ah, how nice to read official sounding conservative ranting *happee smile* thanks for organizing my thoughts and putting them online lol you rock :D

grab a megaphone and start a parade. i'm serious. -Sanguine