Church and State

-

I think that a whole bunch of people - in and out of the government - need a history lesson.

About 250 years ago, we formed a Democracy based on the fact that we didn’t want to be pigeon holed into practicing a religion that was force fed to us by a government.

Whole fight was about the freedom to choose.

The other day I watched as the new speaker of the house led a prayer on the floor of Congress and then, on an interview explained that ‘The Bible’ is his playbook to govern.

He’s all for a national law banning abortion and has made some noise by saying that sex outside of a Christian marriage is criminal and should not be allowed.

Gays?

Good Lord! 

Don’t even bring that up!!

His wife couldn’t be there as he was sworn in because she’d spent a few days on her knees, praying for guidance.

They may be what we, in the real world, refer to as:

‘Whack jobs’.

I grew up surrounded by God - was an altar boy, read the Bible from cover to cover. I could recite the stories verbatim.

Never once did I feel that it was up to ME to force what I believed on someone else.

I also missed the part where I was supposed to judge others and condemn them for their choices.

Jesus Christ was a man of peace and His life was the blueprint for us to follow.

Treat others as WE wanted to be treated.

Whatsoever you do to the least of my brothers.

Comfort to a prostitute.

Tolerance. Love. Understanding. Forgiveness.

And I recall a conversation with a spiritual buddy who explained that faith and religion is personal. He expressed that it’s like having a dozen people sitting around a fire…

…everyone is looking at the same fire, but they’re all seeing different things.

I don’t want Mike Johnson or his wife or any of his friends telling me what MY faith should be.

This country isn’t about that!

The forefathers were clear about the separation of church and state and they got that absolutely right.

There is a large group of whack jobs in our government right now.

Johnson fed the election crap. He believes that thoughts and prayers are what we need to stop mass shootings. He wants to dictate who loves who and how!

My Dad once met up with an over-zealous religion man. (Dad certainly believed in God. He lived as a Christian) but he didn’t suffer fools).

“Know what my favorite Bible story was?” He asked the religious nut.

“Tell me!” The man said, way too excited.

“Moses and his miracle,” Dad said.

The man was perplexed.

“I don’t know that one.”

“In the Bible it said that Moses tied his ass to a tree and walked ten miles.”

Those of us gathered howled with laughter and the ‘man of faith’ huffed and puffed.

Dad turned to me.

“I hate fake people who use God as a crutch.”

I thought of that as I watched Johnson speak.

Whack.

Job.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

My Buddy, Dave

-
Way back in 1997, I started working with a steel erection company out of Syracuse. I was coming straight from a long stint with a steel erector here in Buffalo so I knew my stuff when it came to steel erection safety rules. On day one, I met with the safety director and he was just getting started as a safety guy, but man, he certainly cared about the guys he worked with. Dave was a good man from the start. He’d say things like: “You’re so full of beans.” Just a down to earth, hardworking guy who became a fast friend. We drove all around New York State setting up jobs. I always let Dave drive so that I could rest. One fine day, way up North of Syracuse, we passed a state trooper.  I glanced at the speedometer. “You’re screwed,” I said, and seconds later, the lights came on. Dave was beside himself.  The cop stopped by the window, grabbed the license and registration and headed back to his vehicle. “Here’s the thing,” I said. “You’re pissed, but you’re such a good guy that I be...
Read more

Mom & Ollie

-
Image
 Ollie Stadium is a mess. The heavy rains rendered the backyard a mud pit and even though we threw in the side yard, the Big O was looking for more, and we were both covered in mud. I had to take some steam out of him somehow so I suggested we go visit Grandma. Ollie hates the car, but he laid quietly as we made the trip. We even brought the football because there is plenty of room to play at Grandma’s. Mom opened the door and started laughing. I thought about the love she had for every single dog we ever had. Oliver was quick to give my Mom a kiss, and then he stood beside her. The love between Mom and Dogs is a mutual bond. Through the years, Mom would make breakfast for the dogs.  Fried eggs, toast, bacon… She would wrap Christmas gifts for them. “To Jeter, Love Santa,” she would write on the cards. They played with the big chicken that made a lot of noise. Mom tossed the football and Ollie brought it back to her. As the visit drew to a close I headed for the door.  “C...
Read more

Eyes on the Horizon

-
Image
My sister’s book is out there! Go get it!! It makes me so proud to see the book on Amazon, knowing that it’s very, very great! It’s been a long, long time since we were out in California, brainstorming my stories long before they were published. Carrie Lynn was writing, writing and writing some more through the years and I kept telling her… …”Go for it!” Well, she did!  To amazing results. Of course I was able to read the book as it was being put together, but I ordered a copy from Amazon yesterday and can’t wait to read it again. The shoe is on the other foot now as I have been sitting on a lot of my writing lately. I plan on getting it out there before the end of 2024, but for now: Carrie takes center stage! And it’s so great… …go get a copy!
Read more