Quote:
Originally posted by justamom
Well, why is it always so restrictive when it's about conservative ideas or Christian beliefs yet people will fight for funding art, THAT IS VIEWED IN PUBLIC PLACES, that depicts sacrilege,
pornography, disrespect of the flag...just a few examples.
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JAM, I think the difference here is that the examples you give probably involve private citizens, while this case involves the government. I have no problem with a person displaying "pornography," "disrespect of the flag" or Christian symbols in her home, or in a museum, or anywhere else that is not owned by the government. However, when someone in the government displays something religious, I think that is a problem.
Yes, our country has a strong Christian tradition, but the government is for EVERYBODY, not just Christians, and the principle of separation of church and state is designed to prevent government from imposing religion on our citizens.
Adduncan, I'd be happy to put my money where my mouth is if I had any. I am bothered by references like "In God We Trust" on money, but like with everything we have to choose our battles in life. I can't fight everything, although I do find that to be an important issue. I don't personally care if the President is a Christian, but I don't think it's appropriate for him to discuss it in his role as President. Of course you give up a certain amount of freedom to say what you want when in government -- I highly doubt that you would be very pleased if an elected official decided to stomp on a flag in public or discuss the virtues of molesting children, for example.