Quote:
Originally posted by ladygreek
From the article you cited. Please read the bolded. "As an ACLU lawyer explained on National Public Radio, requiring the readings from the Koran isn't a problem because its aim is educational, and won't be, as long as it is presented as belief and not fact"
That is the crucial point. And it would apply to all such renderings.
I understand your chagrin, but I and all of my co-workers in MN are Christian. And the tension for civil liberterians is that we must uphold the Bill of Rights for everyone--not just the folx we agree with. So many times we have to defend causes and groups that we do not personally agree with. Thats is why the ACLU will defend the KKKs right to assemble to protect the rights of any and all groups to assemble.
The ACLU generally does not take a case unless someone has come forward with a complaint. What I mean by that is we don't sit around saying "hmmmm, let's stir trouble up about the Ten Commandments being displayed in front of a City Hall." Offended citizens (and in our case were also Christians) came forth because they understood the First Amendment and the Establishment Clause that separates church and state.
Historically, this Amendment is grounded in the persecution of various religious orders by governments that did not share the same beliefs. Christians were persecuted, too.
But my initial question was specifically about Black folx in general. How can we/I get more of us to understand the importance of the ACLU,e.g. what do Black folx think about our involvement in trying to overturn the Patriot Act?. And how can we/I get the ACLU to better understand the needs of our community? That is the input I am seeking.
|
I hear ya Ladygreek...and I guess I just disagree..I don't believe that many members of the ACLU's motives are as genuine as yours and your co-workers..and I certainly don't agree that certain cases are not "sought" for some individuals seeking to push their own agendas.
So as far as your initial question..I guess I would say that I don't think the ACLU could represent my views..because before I'm a black woman..I'm a Christian... and even then...I think the ACLU's agenda that has more to do with promoting secularism than anything else..and I do support the patriot act..so I wouldn't support any efforts of the ACLU in that area..
Gurl you know I'm a little radical in my beliefs LOL
(as compared to GC)