Religion in public politics

[ZenGum]

I was thinking of calling this thread "Dear America, WTF are you doing?!".

Two news articles on the same day.

I recall the fuss about the "one nation, under god" clause. Now this:

The House will vote tonight on a bill that would solidify the phrase "In God We Trust" as the nation's motto, and would support and encourage "the public display of the national motto in all public buildings, public schools, and other government institutions."

The vote should occur around 6:30 pm ET.

The bill, which was introduced by Rep. Randy Forbes (R-VA), will likely pass with the two-thirds majority needed to pass, but it is not without its opponents. In a report of dissenting views from Democratic members of the Committee on the Judiciary Committee, five Democrats call the bill "unnecessary" and a violation of "the First Amendment's prohibition against the establishment of religion."

Also a violation of the universal declaration of human rights, freedom of belief clause. But that's a UN thing.

Then there was this article which, in terms of the are you out of your #^&%ing minds? factor, is the clear winner.

The Michigan Senate passed legislation Wednesday that requires school districts to develop anti-bullying policies, but the father of the boy for whom the bill is named says he has strong objections to language inserted at the last minute.

One of the reforms will require school districts to have procedures in place to address bullying complaints. But the bill now also has language that says requirements don't "prohibit a statement of a sincerely held religious belief or moral conviction of a school employee, school volunteer, pupil, or a pupil's parent or guardian."

Kevin Epling, whose son Matt Epling killed himself in 2002 after being bullied, said that the added language will allow anyone to bully a student and cite their religious beliefs. He has worked with lawmakers for years to developed anti-bullying legislation.

"God hates fags! You're going to burn in hell, fag!" appears to be allowed. If there is a shortage of fags, substitute Jew, witch, harlot, or wearer of garments made of two kinds of thread, as available.

Dear Americans, those of you I know seem quite intelligent, reasonable and humane (well, mostly). Please take better care of your country. On the global scale it is actually quite important. Good luck.