This is my letter to the editor, published Nov. 6 in the Monterey County Herald:
The Republican-led U.S. House of Representatives hasn’t passed any job bills, but did find time to push through a pandering resolution (Nov. 1) “reaffirming ‘In God We Trust’ as the official motto of the United States and supporting and encouraging (its) display in all public buildings, public schools, and other government institutions.” One part of the resolution absurdly stated “Whereas if religion and morality are taken out of the marketplace of ideas, the very freedom on which the United States was founded cannot be secured.”
The vote affirming this unconstitutional, exclusionary motto passed 396-9. Sadly, among the sheep voting in favor of this resolution was our own Rep. Sam Farr.
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Wow. I just wrote to Congressman Farr about that. Justification for war, intelligent design and the divide created by conservative christians were my three points. First: war is in no way tied to the words or actions of Jesus and yet, christians in droves support it. Intelligent design is not science. It is conjecture, not science. Yet Texas, among other states, tries to foist in into science class. And on your own point: there are so many other topics to be discussed in congress other than our motto, especially in these times. But the divide is firmly cut with 396-9. Amazing. One more point is foisting the idea that the founding fathers wanted this a Christian nation. Only a cursory read of founding fathers’ writing will put that to rest easily. Just read anything by Thomas Paine, Thomas Jefferson, John Adams etc. to find out that they are lying. Sam Farr disappointed here.
I agree with all your points.Sometimes I think Sam Farr is a courageous, progressive representative. Then every so often, he proves me wrong (sigh).
So sad and yet so typical. Another example of why anyone who still expects there can be change through the conventional political process will be sorely disappointed.
So true, Bill. I took a look at your website and liked it. I’ve added it to my blogroll.