I remember a few things from high school civics. I remember that only congress can declare war and that congress shall make no law regarding the practice of religion. Well, with the war powers act, it seems that a President can declare war. And with HR153, it seems there is now some goverment action towards legislating what you ought to be praying for.
When our American predeccessors founded this nation, they thought that the separation of church and state was so important, it was made law in the first amendment. Apparently, it's not that important to our government any more. To quote the President of the United States (when he was informed of the massive protests against the war): "I respectfully disagree." Or, even better, to quote a carpool companion who read about the new resolution, "WHAT THE @#$%?"
We have so far been unable to stop an unjust war in Iraq. Maybe we can still stop the unjust war on our civil rights here at home.
I would ask of you a few small things. I have made this very easy for you. It shouldn't take you but 15 minutes.
First, go here and read this.
When you're done being shocked and awed, go here and find your representatives.
Check this list to find out how your rep voted.
You can read exactly what your representative said (if anything) about this bill here.
Here are the words of Jane Harmon:
But, despite the sponsor's intentions, the actual language calling for prayer and fasting and asking for the intercession of Providence violates, in my view, our Constitutional obligation to respect the separation between church and state.
And of my Congressman, Jim McDermott:
Many members, having read the summary, are probably uneasy because the resolution asks Americans to pray on behalf of the American Armed Forces and people--not for the British soldiers dying in the desert, nor for the Iraqi mothers searching for their children in the flames, nor for the countless others who need the blessings of Providence. I know I feel uneasy about the narrowness of the resolution.
Then go back here to find the contact infomation for your Congressperson.
Write to your Congressperson about the importance of the separation of church and state. Thank them for supporting your right to practice - or not practice - religious activities free from any kind of government legislation. If they've voted against the resolution, you should still write to thank them. The bill passed 346-49! Imagine the lives of those who swim against the tide in these times. They need your support.
When you're done, bookmark all these web sites. Government is alive and happening right NOW. You can know what's on the Senate or House floor and you can tell your Congressman how you want them to vote. Democracy does not work unless you participate. Remember, only 38% of Americans voted in the presidential election - how many Americans do you think bother to continue to participate after the polls? Your voice can only be heard if you use it. Speak up early and speak up often.
About a year ago, I went to hear Jim McDermott speak. He said that when people show up in his office and ask him why he voted against the War Powers Act, he points to his mail. Send them mail, people! SEND THEM MAIL.
Religion is a matter that lies solely between man and his god.
--Thomas Jefferson
Only Congress has the power to declare war.
--Article 1, Section 8, Clause 11 of the U.S. Constitution
Many of you were kind enough to forward my mail or the link to this page around to others you felt might also want to contact their representatives about this issue. I guess someone on those lists was bound to disagree with my take on the First Amendment. One of those dissenters found their way back to my inbox. I post the text of his letter here for your consideration. I've only changed the name of my friend and removed the headers from the mail.
http://www.yale.edu/lawweb/avalon/warpower.htm
Click above link and enlighten thyself...
Furthermore, if you are taken in by this tripe, please go out and protest our governments lack of separation of church and state by burning all of your money, as it plainly states "In God We Trust."
Better yet, don't burn the money, send it all to me. I'll make sure it all gets disposed of...
God Bless America, and God bless all of us who have lived upon the tip of the spear so that creative (though misguided) expression (such as that I now respond to) can be made without having someone put a pill in the back of your head, as they do in Iraq.
And to all of you who wonder who the hell I am, I am XXXX (XXXX to the rest of you) Brother-In-Law. Don't bother responding, as I only do so as a favor to dear XXXX since he so graciously put me on the distribution of this email.
Enjoy!
Chuck; Columbus, Ohio
