During this holiday, how important IS the First Amendment to YOU?

We've all heard about the First Amendment, and at this point have undoubtedly heard how more folks know the Simpson's names' than our Bill of Rights. This would lead one to believe that the First Amendment isn't all that important to us. Maybe that is because WE haven't had to fight for it recently. But that doesn't mean we should be any less prudent about protecting it.

Our First Amendment states:

Amendment I

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.

I would urge ALL of you to read this, to memorize this, to hold this dear to you. I know that many of our leaders claim to hold dear strong religious conviction, but "actions speak louder than words", don't they. The current Republican administration is certainly showing its true colors of corruption, ineptitude, and disregard for ANY moral conviction. They are ALSO showing strong ANTI-AMERICAN traits. Our country is morally weaker, financially weaker, militarily weaker, and ethically weaker. And those in office that are Democrats aren't off the hook. They have continually FAILED to fight strongly on YOUR behalf. They have allowed our country to descend into its weakened state, all for personal gain of money and power.

At the same time, these officials DECEIVE you by passing laws with strong religious undertones. Simply so you will continue to give them power. Well, remember this:

"What some one will do FOR you, they will also do TO you"

These laws may currently agree WITH your religious convictions, but do they correlate with ALL of our convictions? Our country is made up of Christians, Jews, Muslims, Buddhists, Islamists, Atheists, and a host of others. Isn't it printed on our money "E Pluribus Unim"? Out of many, one? We pride ourselves on our diversity, religious and otherwise.

It is up to you, the people, to ensure that this remains a country "of the people, by the people, and for the people." It is up to you to vigilantly protect our Bill of Rights.

Enjoy your holiday, whichever it is. And enjoy the religious freedom you have to celebrate that holiday.

Chuck

Organized Religion vs. God? Yes, VS!

Fascinating concept. With potential to be terrifically controversial. And I got it from a Republican. Whodda Thunk?

The Bible teaches heaven and hell, god and satan, good and bad. It also teaches to beware of satan as he is a master of deception. So people create organized religion to band together against satan. And yet time and again it has ended up doing his bidding. How? Distraction. Jesus taught against the pharisees and being "clean" on the outside while remaining "unclean" on the inside, where it matters. We had the inquisition, which turned out to be a terrible blot on religion. The pope, it is STRONGLY speculated, supported Hitler. And most currently, we have a plethora of religious leaders steeped in scandal, whether it be Jim Baker, Pat Robertson, Jimmy Swaggart, and much of the Catholic church and it's fostering of pedophiles. And let's not forget our current president and his band of merry religious men. One of which is now under investigation for child sexual impropriety. Others are in trouble for ethical improprieties involving government monies and corruption. Think simply Tom DeLay, Bill Frist, Scooter Libby, and on and on and on.

All these people have "strong religious conviction" in common. Yep, organized religion. Could it be that organized religion is really the work of the very satan against whom they are working? Could he (?) be using their own tools against them? Sorta looks that way. And that's frightening. These organizations pervert the Bible, ethics, and even government, and the masses still consider them morally upstanding and follow them wholeheartedly. These organizations are not interested in actually BEING morally sound, just looking. They are too distracted with power, money, and prestige. No longer are they concerned with "Seeking and Saving the lost".

God, why have they forsaken you?

You mull it over. Let me know what you think.

Chuck