December 26, 2008

With Liberty And Justice For All


Okay.

Christmas is over, and the hustle and bustle are over for awhile.

I hope that everyone had a wonderful Christmas, filled with peace and happiness, and not too much stress.

In hopping around, from blog to blog, I found that many did, but many didn't, and some didn't bother to mention it, good or bad.

I know that there was too much uncertainty about the financial collapse, for most to really relax enough to enjoy the season.

A lot of it was not so much the concern about the lack of gifts they were able to give, but whether or not they would still have a job in the coming months, or even weeks.

I tried to get into the feeling of the true meaning of the season--that being about peace on earth, good will toward all men. I tried to think about hope, and a promise of better things to come, for all people. I tried, but I didn't succeed all that well.

There is just too much uncertainty about too many things,the main one being the welfare and well-being of our country, and its freedoms, which to me, seem to be in jeopardy.

Some have visited and read this blog, and liked it a lot, but that was as long as I was writing about insignificant, or neutral, subjects. Now, many of those same people think of me as some kind of doomsday prophet, or a closed-minded, conservative, far-right "Christianist"..and how is that for substituting a word that means a lot to a lot of people in this country? I'm just a simple woman, but I've always just thought of myself as being a Christian.

For the life of me, I cannot understand the ones spewing hatefulness toward anyone who believes in traditional moral values, and wanting the same for our country. They think that we are the ones who are being detrimental to the progress of our nation, because we don't welcome the changes which go against our very natures. One doesn't really have to be a Christian to find many of the changes offensive, because some of them go against Nature, itself.

I really can't understand anyone proclaiming to be a devout Christian being on the side of those spouting hate and irreverence toward anything and everything pertaining to God, and His precepts, to the extent that it becomes blasphemous, but I've come across a few of them, recently, doing just that.

It seems that we are fast approaching the place, where to proclaim to be a genuine Christian brings scorn, but if you choose to practice another religion, many allowances are made to assure that you are not offended, or denied your right to practice your beliefs.

A case in point, involves a Muslim woman in Douglasville, Georgia, who refused to remove her scarf at a courthouse security checkpoint:

Ga. Woman Jailed Over Head Scarf

To anyone using common sense it is understandable to be required to do that, in light of the massacre which took place in the courthouse in Atlanta, during the escape of someone being taken into court for a hearing, for which he recently received a life sentence.

Atlanta courthouse gunman avoids death sentence

You would certainly think that it would be a reasonable request, but now it looks like the rules are going to be changed, at least for certain ones.

The judge and officers trying to uphold the rules enacted to ensure safety for the people are now going to have to undergo diversity sensitivity training, after several Islamic groups, the NAACP, and the ACLU got involved:

Georgia: Police to get sensitivity training after arrest of head scarf wearer

I'm wondering if any organizations, or the ACLU will be coming to this woman's aid:

Lowe's Accused of Firing Woman Over Xmas Pin

I think I can say with certainty that it won't be the ACLU. I didn't see them trying to uphold the rights of Christians wanting to display anything to do with their faith this Christmas..did you?

In closing, I will say that when it comes to your beliefs, and the particular faith or creed to which you adhere, it is your right, and your business. I think, though, that it should be an equal opportunity thing, with the rights of everyone being fairly, and equally, enforced.

Having said that, I have a question to ask:

If you were brought before a court of law, accused of being a Christian, would there be enough evidence to convict you?

Typing that last thought, made me smile. I was wondering if the answer to that question happened to be "no" would the ACLU then come to your defense?

Part of the Pledge of Allegiance says this: "One Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all." In many cases it is being recited, omitting the word, 'God' and is now, "One Nation, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all."

I wonder how long before 'liberty and justice for all,' will also be dropped?

Soon, probably, because it looks like that concept is just about to become history.

14 comments:

Linda G. said...

Jan, it really bothers me too, that people are so offended by the symbols of another's religeon. Especially the Christian religeon in this country where the laws of the land were laid according to Christian ethics.
Thanks for opening this up for discussion.
I've lost some readers too, but I guess that meant our ties were very tenuous in the first place:o)

Jan said...

She..if it meant no more than simply being offended by religious symbols, it would be different.

I'm afraid, however, that it goes much deeper than that.


I never realized, until only recently, the hatred that exists, even in those claiming to be devout Christians.

It is manifested in their defense of legal infanticide, and their cries of 'human rights' for all--even when it goes against the principles of their own faith.

As to our laws upholding and defending one religion over another..well, I don't know what to think, anymore.

AmPowerBlog said...

Great post!

Actually, I think you'll draw in readers with strong commentary on the current issues of the day.

There's a lot of hate out there. Secularists and leftists are threatened by traditionalism. They want license to do as the please, so screw God, if you will. I'm tire of being attacked mercilessly, called all kinds of names, even being threatend, because I stand up for what I feel is right.

I'll keep doing it anyway, because too many are intimidated. More voices of reason and tradition should come forth to enliven debate and sustain conservatism. I think the pendulum is going to swing back sooner rather than later. Look at all of the problems this coming administration's having, and they haven't even taken power yet.

Keep up your great essays, Jan, and know that moral clarity's a proven winner.

Jan said...

"Look at all of the problems this coming administration's having, and they haven't even taken power yet."

Donald, I know, and it's going to be interesting to see what pops up next, isn't it?

I think it is rather telling to see that his welcome was not all that warm when he visited some of our military.

Speaking of moral clarity, it is amusing to read some of the comments you get from the hate-mongers when it is displayed on your blog! :)

GUYK said...

Jan, one cannot use a logic based on morals when one tries to win an argument with those who have no morals.

However, contrary to the belief of so many of the radical right wing Christians it is possible to have a very strong moral standard and not be a Christian..or a subscriber to any organized religion.

As one who believes that the concept of freedom of religion implies the freedom from religion I resent ANY who use laws to force their beliefs on me. And that includes the atheists who claim to be godless, the Islamics who insist that this country change our laws to fit their religious beliefs, and Christians who think that "In God We Trust" really means "In Jesus We Trust".

This country was founded on religious freedom...some 200 years after Europeans fled to the New World to escape religious persecution only to establish colonies that practiced religious persecution. The new US of A constitution promised that the government would not sponsor ANY religion and that our government would be secular. This religious freedom...and freedom from religion...has served us well for over 200 years.

Secular Humanism and Atheism are in fact religions. I refuse to be abused by those beliefs just as I have for over fifty years refused to bow to Christianity. I choose to be free to worship or not worship as I please...and in the manner that I choose..not a manner proscribed to me by government or the shamans of organized religions.

In the eyes of many this of course makes me a godless commie..especially to the right wing. But then because I refuse to bow to the socialist god of the left wing I am called a religious right winger..go figure. Ain't the trials and tribulations of those who just want to remain free sumthin, huh?

Jan said...

Guy..of course, it should be that one may choose to believe in whatever they choose to believe, and one's beliefs should never be shoved down the throats of others.

And, of course, I, too, believe that one can have strong moral standards without being a Christian.


The thing that irks me, is that the rights of Christians are now being trampled in the dirt, while the rights of other religions which are alien to many, are being protected and upheld.

One point that I was making is that there are many so-called Christians getting on the cases of other Christians for not believing in late-term abortion, or same-sex marriage, and to me that makes them hypocrites, because if they truly believe in the Christian God as they say they do, how could they want to go to verbal war with a Christian who does try to adhere to the precepts taught by the Christian faith?

I know that you do not profess to be a Christian, and you have said many times that you are a Deist, but that is the whole point..you state what you believe, and live accordingly. You expect the right to believe as you do, and you give others the same consideration--you are not a hypocrite.

What you said is true--the principles this country was founded on has served us well for over 200 years, and we have had religious freedom. Now, it seems that that freedom is being decreased for some, and increased for others.


Guy..of course, it should be that one may choose to believe in whatever they choose to believe, and one's beliefs should never be shoved down the throats of others.


The thing that irks me, is that the rights of Christians are now being trampled in the dirt, while the rights of other religions which are alien to many, are being protected and upheld.

One point that I was making is that there many so-called Christians getting on the cases of other Christians for not believing in late-term abortion, or same-sex marriage, and to me that makes them hypocrites, because if they truly believe in the Christian God as they say they do, how could they want to go to verbal war with a Christian who does try to adhere to the precepts taught by the Christian faith?

I know that you do not profess to be a Christian, and you have said many times that you are a Deist, but that is the whole point..you state what you believe, and live accordingly. You expect the right to believe as you do, and you give others the same consideration--you are not a hypocrite.

What you said is true--the principles this country was founded on has served us well for over 200 years, and we have had religious freedom. Now, it seems that that freedom is being decreased for some, and increased for others.

And in the case of the Georgia woman who was a convert to Islam, it looks like in assuring that her rights are not violeted, they could be putting others at risk.

"Ain't the trials and tribulations of those who just want to remain free sumthin, huh?"

Yep!

GUYK said...

Jan, I kinda figure that all of us who believe in a stronger power than we mere humans actually believe in the same power...and it is the shamans who are causing the problems.
Even the great teacher allowed to "Give unto the Romans what is the Romans" or words to that effect.

And there is that adage about "when in Rome do as the Romans"

I take both quotes to mean obey the law of the land and do not expect the law to change to fit ones religion.

And what one believes is, as far as I am concerned, between that person and the creator....as long as it doesn't effect me and mine. But when such as the woman who refuses to take off a scarf because of her religion and the ones in Flodia who expect to get a driver's license pictue wering a full facial veil...well..as you say, that is affecting public safety..and me and mine.

Jan said...

"Even the great teacher allowed to "Give unto the Romans what is the Romans" or words to that effect."

LOL..yep, Guy, that's pretty close.

"Render unto Caesar, that which is Caesar's.." and we certainly are supposed to obey the laws of the land.

Btw..I don't know how I managed to say the same thing twice, ver batim, in the same post, but I guess it must have been because I really meant it! LOL

I really appreciate your comments, Guy..thanks!

Anonymous said...

Guyk is going to HELL!!!!

At least I'll know someone when I get there.

Jan said...

Hermit..I'm glad that you and Guyk are friends..'cause he might give you some of it for saying that! LOL

But then, since neither of you believe in it, maybe he will go easy on you! :)

Gypsy Butterfly said...

Hello Jan,
I'm just dropping by to wish you a happy new year.
I hope your holidays are going well.
Have a great day,
Lydia

AmPowerBlog said...

Jan: Yes, I've got some nasty ones at my blog all the time. I haven't had to delete many lately, though, so maybe the worst folks have gotten the message.

Jan said...

Lydia..thank you so much!

I pray that the new year will bring us all peace and happiness.

Jan said...

Donald..one can only hope! :)