-RRH-

They often fail to realize what COULD be done, so I might elaborate a little on that point. How many Buddha statues do you see in our schools? Do you swear on a qur'an in court? Does the president talk about his belief in Vishnu?

free12thinker

Of course it's the conservatives. That's definitely who I was implying. When I said "we", I probably should've said "them", but we both agree just the same.

Conservatives are traditional, and why shouldn't they be, tradition certainly suits them. Let's think about what traditional values they are trying to maintain. A homosexual-free society (homosexuality challenges their machoism), and a society based on religious principles and religious display and advertising of such principles (after all, these principles favor the domineering male and less than studious female), both of whom make up the conservative core.

But why do they really want to place the Ten Commandments for everyone to see? Because it reminds us who's in charge God right?). Of course, we know better, but some people don't. Some people are followers, and those are the people that conservative America is trying to entice when they seek votes to help their faith based initiative. It's no coincidence that the majority of the conservative right come from the south where the average education level is the lowest in the country. These are people who vote for their leaders based on faith alone.

Conservatives don't want any separation of church and state because it would separate them from their seats in the house and senate.

free12thinker

When you speak of something "much worse" coming out, what kinds of things are you referring to? And are these things worth worrying about?

I only ask because when I think of the bad that can come out of changing laws and ammendments, the first thing that comes to mind is paranoia. Paranoia because we "changed" the sacred Constitution. Paranoia because we "may become communist now"!!! People would take this issue to heart, simply because they fear change and assume that one change will lead to all changes. But are they worth worrying about? Should we sit on our hands and stop progression because people can't handle it. Or do you have different thoughts altogether? Just curious about your opinion.

crazyfingers

I think that in the current political and religious climate, if the first amendment came up for revision or amendment, the result would be a serious weakening of the separation of church and state.

I can't imagine that the religious powers would allow it to actually be strengthened at this time.

So I'd say leave it as it is. I see nothing good resulting from trying to change the first amendment at this time.