Chuck

I live in a rural North Carolina county with, I daresay, a subaverage school system.

The school board recently decided that it was acceptable to post the ten commandments on a "Freedom Wall," in which they appear alongside other historical documents such as the constitution. The wall is payed for by the American Legion.

This really didn't bother me that much, as I go to college several hours away in a different state. But given recent events and the response of the theist community, I'm in the mood for some mischief.

However, in light of recent events, I have an uncontrollable and evil urge just to be a giant pain in the ass.

So, why not head to a school board meeting and propose that the Treaty of Tripoli be included alongside the Ten Commandments as an important historical document. I have several lines of argument. The school board is not particularly bright. I do not expect them to overturn their decision. I expect an argument along the lines of "Well...God wants it this way."

My arguments are gleaned largely from some wonderful posts on infidels, and appear below:

1) The role of organized religion in the founding of our nation. See the Treaty of Tripoli, Article 11.
2) The constitutionality of the Ten Commandments. 3/10 pass the test.
3) The appearance of God in other legal documents. The Declaration of Independence is not a legal document. The Constitution is. The Mayflower Compact is not a historical document. The Treaty of Tripoli is.
4) Commandment I. I am the Lord Thy God. Which God?
5) Important Supreme Court decisions should be up there. Marbury v. Madison. Brown v. BoE. Roe v. Wade. etc.

I plan to be very civil, professional and intelligent. Any argumentative statements will come from their side of the table. As I said, I don't expect any policies to be changed. There's a local renegade newspaper that could really embarass the school board though.

Does anyone have any advice, suggestions or editions?

Thanks in advance,

Chuck

Edited for grammar.

[ June 28, 2002: Message edited by: Chuck Fristians ]</p>

Philosoft

Wear your Kevlar outside your clothing, if only to let them know you mean business.

Buffman

C.F.

Just some personal thoughts for your consideration.

I'm in the mood for some mischief.

However, in light of recent events, I have an uncontrollable and evil urge just to be a giant pain in the ass.

IMHO, these are not very appropriate reasons/justifications to undertake what you propose.

Just as so many folks were emotionally frustrated and motivated to take some manner of action after 9/11, I sense a similar emotion desire/response on your part.

The most likely result of stirring a bee hive without the proper preparation and professional equipment will merely result in that person being seriously stung.

Though facts are facts, I do not feel as though you have thought this through with any attainable goal in mind, or sufficient planning.

I plan to be very civil, professional and intelligent. Any argumentative statements will come from their side of the table. As I said, I don't expect any policies to be changed. There's a local renegade newspaper that could really embarass the school board though.

What you plan to be and what you wind up being could be two different things. If you do not expect anything to change (actions to be taken based on your input/recommendations), then you may well be doing greater harm than good to the cause of Church-State separation.

Chuck

Buffman -

Thanks for your input.

My choice of words was incorrect (and redundant, now that I look at it.) I would not pursue this if I didn't believe that there were valid points to be made. I think that one of the reasons that this passed is simply because there was no vocal opposition at the time.

The next school board meeting isn't for several weeks, so I've got time to cool down before then.

Thanks for keeping me rational

Chuck

Buffman

And how much local opposition do you suspect would have been necessary to defeat the original proposal? Why wasn't there any opposition?

Do you think that your lone voice will carry enough convincing weight for the board to change anything?

How many meetings have you attended in the past? Do you have a copy of your School Board state/district rules and regulations? (i.e.: Exactly how is the meeting legally conducted? The SB always has a hired legal representative to guide their conduct. Will you have enough time with that meeting's published schedule of pre-planned activity to plot your operation. (Did you get your issue placed on the schedule? What are the rules governing old/new business?) I sincerely doubt that you would be offered an unlimited discussion time. School Boards have many issues to present, resolve by vote, or table. Their time per item is very restricted. Most items have been considered and decided before they ever enter the meeting. That is what they are paid to do. An unwarranted filibuster can be legally treated quite harshly. The meeting is merely to keep the public advised and to permit limited public input.

Forgive me, Chuck. I think you are a long way from being ready to make any kind of reasoned impact on your community. That doesn't mean that you shouldn't remain keenly concerned and try to bring about positive changes...when you have done the required homework to have any chance of a successful outcome for you efforts.

[ June 28, 2002: Message edited by: Buffman ]</p>