Wednesday, August 13, 2014

God's Man in Congress

by Pa Rock
Citizen Journalist

by Pa Rock
Citizen Journalist

Representative Steven Palazzo, a Republican (of course) from Mississippi and a member of the leadership team (assistant majority whip) in the U.S. House, has seen fit to help his fellow representatives - and even members of the Senate - with their decision-making.  On July 29th he sent every member of Congress their own copy of the Bible along with a note on official House stationery stating:

"Please find a copy of the Holy Bible to help guide you in your decision making."

Jeez, Louise!  Doesn't anyone in the Republican Party have an inkling as to the notion of separation of church and state?  Do they not understand the precepts of democracy?  Are they not aware that America is a huge melting pot of different individuals from different races with differing creeds and religions?  Are they not familiar with the history of our country and the structure and functioning of our government?  Must even decision made by Congress reflect one religious ideology interpreted in one particular manner?

Representative Palazzo, how will you react if Congressman Keith Ellison, a Muslim, decides to send every member of Congress a copy of the Holy Koran to also help in their decision-making.  Perhaps the Hare Krishnas would like to distribute copies of the Bhadavad-Gita.   Or maybe I should send every member of Congress a copy of my favorite religious text, The Teaching of Buddha - a book that is found in most hotel rooms throughout Asia.

Or Congressman Paul Ryan might like to send out copies of books by Ayn Rand.

There so many great books out there waiting to be tapped in the serious process of making decisions in Congress, so many, in fact, that it might be easier on Members of Congress if they kept their focus on one old yellowed document - The United States Constitution.  If you've not read it, Congressman Palazzo, may I direct your attention to the First Amendment.  Hopefully it will enlighten you as to the fact that we are a democracy - and not a theocracy.

And Stevie, may I respectfully suggest that you focus on legislating (based on the Constitution) and leave Bible disbursement to the Gideons.


1 comment:

Xobekim said...

Thanks for referencing Ayn Rand as Atheists should not be excluded from a full and wholesome discussion of religious liberty.