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Originally posted by Chewbacca:
I'll begin with your second point. In this case the ACLU sent a letter, noting the complaints. Someone in the Department of the Interior read the letter, looked at a history of complaints and decided instead of wasting the already under-funded parks systems money on a legal battle over plaques, they took them down. This has gotten little press outside Arizona. I wonder if the Church group sued to have the plaques put back if you would think they were doing for the sheer pleasure of being difficult or to get the attention of a media trial?
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That's a major issue- the fact that a court case would cost money and the government office decides rather than bother with one, they'll just roll over and agree to any complaint that might lead to a court case?
Hmmm...Maybe I SHOULD start that 'Church of the Grass Blade'
Seems if I have issues with things Christian, I can force people to do what I want by crying 'offensive and/or against the constitution"! but if I have issues with things not Christian, I am not politically correct and must be anti-diversity these days.
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Back to your first point, I think it is the perception that counts. Of course these plaques don't represent our goverment's attempt to force religion on anyone. We are talking about Arizona, not Alabama. But it can be percieved as a something like that to some people, goverment favoritism of one religion, or of religion in particular over lets say atheism. Perception can be stronger than fact.
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LOL, hope nobody from Alabama reads this!
All I can say is, if someone is so bored, they have to go around finding reasons to make federal agencies take down plaques or statues, they need more than a perception boost! Of course that's just my opinion and my 'perception' of things!
[img]tongue.gif[/img]
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As for your third point, thats the whole problem...interpretation. You have yours, I have mine. We could back and forth all day, each presenting a case as to why our own respective interpretations are correct. I would rather just smile and let it be. [img]smile.gif[/img] [/QB]
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Of course, because it suits your 'perceptions' of how it should be, but in my opinion it is counter to the spirit and the actual meaning of the constitution in that respect. I'd say vive le difference, but I don't really enjoy this particular one and the consequences I see in the news. Again, my opinion, but hey, I gotta have a few now and again!
[ 07-16-2003, 03:16 PM: Message edited by: Cloudbringer ]