South Carolina is at it Again

In addition to its “I Believe” license plates, the South Carolina legislature has passed, and the governor has signed, a bill allowing the posting of the Ten Commandments and The Lord’s Prayer in public buildings.

Now there is something of a catch here. They have to be included in a display with other designated "historical documents" such as the Declaration of Independence, the Magna Carta and Martin Luther King’s “I have a Dream” address.

Including them with more secular documents is intended to allow the bill to pass constitutional scrutiny. So do you think this is fooling anyone? Let’s see what folks from South Carolina are saying (complete with the original spelling and grammar) about the bill on the Carolinas CW station blog shall we.

“Its about time! It should have never been taken down to start with! Maybe now we can get prayer back in schools! Its time for people to wake up and see that this country is NOTHING with out Jesus Christ!” - Chance

Doesn’t looked like Chance has any doubt that what matters is the RELIGIOUS significance of the documents does it?

“i think this is great ever body needs to see the ten commandment in the schools and buildings again it should had not been took down i am glad the house senate past the bill amen” – Travis

You figure Travis is happy that documents of such “historical significance” are being recognized? You think Travis has an IQ above 85? I'd have to say I doubt it on both questions.

“This is the 'bible belt' and I would suggest that individuals that don’t believe in God and the 10 Commandments find another place to call 'home'. It is time to bring the Commandments and prayer back into school.” – Wanda

Wanda certainly appears be interpreting the objective here as religious doesn’t she? God, and not history, appears to be what she considers the focus of the legislation.

“I am so happy to hear that God is back in school, God should never have been taken out, where there are so many precious lives.” – Tommie

Uh-huh. Gee Tommie and here I thought God was always everywhere?

Clearly even the trailer park set sees the motivation behind this legislature as getting God, Jesus and the Ten Commandments back into their rightful place in the public forum. Any of the historical documents they are to be displayed with are recognized to be no more than window dressing to try and get around the law and are pretty much not even worth mentioning.

To my mind this is another example of the dishonesty of Christians. Look, if you think it’s right to have religious displays in public buildings and public schools, then have the courage and honesty to admit that’s what you’re trying to do rather than engage in a subterfuge that any idiot can see through.

The last time I looked, everyone was still entitled to their own opinion. If you have an opinion about something, feel free to express it.

If you believe you're right, then you shouldn’t have to lie about your motives. If you feel the need to lie about your motives, then you must know that what you’re doing is wrong.

Allow me to provide one more quote.

“I believe that any philosophy that feels the need to engage in misleading or dishonest conduct in order to promote itself or its beliefs is by definition a false philosophy unworthy of respect or adherence.” - Alencon