September 12, 2000

11:51 AM

Sectarian politiciansoften claim that the First amendment doesn't mandate separation of church and state, but history differs with them. Maybe voters should stop listening to self righteous politicos praying on street corners.
posted by norm (3 comments total)

I think it should be the other way around. The voters should stop asking for politicos that "Pray Our Way." If they didn't want it, the pols wouldn't waste time pandering to it.
posted by aaron at 11:56 AM on September 12, 2000

Actually, in my experience, sectarian politicians believe that it's the rules regulating separation that are violations of the First Amendment. e.g. Dubya proclaiming "Jesus Day" in Texas is just natural; those objecting are the ones using the government to enforce the religion of areligiosity.

It's a subtle difference, but if you understand where they're coming from, you can confront it more readily.
posted by dhartung at 12:27 PM on September 12, 2000

I think the amusing part of all this is that the ONLY religion ever discussed in this context is Christianity. If you get a really inclusive pundit, they might include Judaism and Islam.

What about the Right of My Religion to preach openly at every political meeting? Dammit, why can't my nubile maidens engage in Dionysian orgies on every street corner? It's only Godly, you know. Dionysus demands tribute in the form of orgies, and I don't want my children growing up in a godless non-Dionysian society.

The absence of Dionysus is DIRECTLY responsible for school shootings. Save us from the godless by getting orgiastic today! Down with Apollo! Dionysus forever!
posted by aramaic at 12:52 PM on September 12, 2000