We know how destructive government is when it puts its hands into anything.
We value the idea of upholding individual freedom. We crave the upholding of free markets to create solutions and innovation toward further progress. We love free markets because it upholds freedom.
Why would Republicans think that it is ever a good idea to get government involved in religion in any manner, shape or form? Or to seek financial favor whereby government can dictate as it did with GM and others?
People only seek government intervention when they want to control what others are doing; what their choices are.
Look at the various “movements” over history, which ones have advanced freedom and which ones have done nothing but create inequality and favor a particular group?
Acknowledge all; favor none. Government allocating pluralistic tax dollars to any group is favor.
For those of you thinking right now as you read this how “offensive” it is, or how “ludicrous” it is get government out of religion, have already left individual freedom behind. It’s likely you will not ever extend individual freedom of the conscious mind to others and even more likely you just want your version of government control. Your problem is that you won’t own it. It’s a contradiction to say you uphold freedom and then impose, invoke and demand through subterfuge a religious agenda.
How does this manifest itself in America, you ask? I’m glad you asked.
Starting your political meeting with prayer instead of a moment of silence; screaming because the State or Federal Christmas tree doesn’t include a nativity; ripping down another person’s symbols of beliefs; demanding that prayer be reinstated in school; arguing prayer in a non-religious school ceremony or holiday program; keeping “One nation under god” on our money and in the pledge and other examples are subtle and not so subtle forms of control instead of upholding freedom. (Look up the Bells of St.Mary’s, you’ll find school kids reciting the pledge without ‘one nation under god’ because it didn’t exist)
Self-righteousness is thinking you’re beliefs and choices are “right” and everyone else must subjugate. Don’t we all just love the ex-smoker, ex-fat person, ex-“anything” that tries to tell us what to do. It matters nothing to most freedom loving Americans how individuals reach integrity and character of self. There are many paths to any one destination. Self-righteousness espouses you know what’s right for you, thus everyone else, too. Isn’t that what liberals are so fanciful at doing. Isn’t it what irritates us?
It appears that some, not all, fortunately, want society, government and law to be about constructs of morality, rooted in personal ideology, be it religion or social consciousness. These people seek favor & endorsement from government. They want to use the blunt force of government to subjugate society to their beliefs and a misconstrued “right of comfort”.
These folks say they love the Constitution, this country and freedom, but their actions paint a much different picture.
America is tired of both parties telling people how to live, what to think, how to reach integrity and character.
America is tired of both parties using social consciousness fundamentals as a weapon of morality by which to control and push legislation.
America is tired of both parties using religion as a weapon of morality by which to control and push legislation.
America is tired of both parties absconding individual freedom to push a personal agenda involving any one particular religious or social viewpoint – all at a cost to others without their consent.
There will be no religious freedom until those who practice religion and faith stop trying to put religion into politics and through legislation.
Freedom includes freedom of choice, not just the choices you agree with or approve of. Yes, freedom of religion is freedom from religion for those who don't subscribe, but it doesn't mean we live in a society that is free of religion - otherwise it isn't freedom. Each decides for self. We acknowledge all; favor none.
This is very crucial for Republicans to "get" - religion is personal, it's subjective - based on your opinion. If you want it to be about what is “proven” then science will decide (see: gorebal warming). If you want it to be about faith, then freedom will decide – the freedom for each to choose within his own conscious mind.
It may not happen in 2010, perhaps not in 2012, but the election of the people, for the people, and by the people is coming, a day of reckoning on those who have forever been attempting to force America to hold a particular belief system be it religious or social. It’s too bad, because if their motivations for doing good in this world are such, then why force others into it? Wouldn’t the observations of action be the marketing itself which draws others to it naturally?
Get out of social issues and utilize the free market to create/innovate solutions toward gov't being limited or non-existent in religion, abortion, marriage, education, health care, the environment, et.al and we'll see a huge swing in the direction of freedom for everyone and liberals becoming marginalized, instead.
You don't have to indoctrinate people to want to come and live in America. The same is true for religion. If your religion is something people want, like in any free market choice where personal value is placed, religion will naturally draw people without coercion or force.
When you have to force people, you've lost freedom - internally and externally.