The Intention of the Founders

 

Laurry Michlin of Dallas confidently asserts that the Founding Fathers intended to remove God from schools and government.

 

No, Laurry, that is not what the Founding Fathers intended. The Founding Fathers intended to remove government from the free exercise of religion -- whether one wishes to pray aloud at school or in the courthouse or in the statehouse, they protected his right to do so:

 

"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances."

 

What that tells me is that Congress cannot pass a law prohibiting prayer anywhere. Congress cannot pass a law that says cheerleaders can't put Bible verses on football banners. Congress cannot pass a law that says pastors who preach against homosexuality are guilty of hate speech.

 

Thomas Jefferson spelled it out pretty well:

 

"God who gave us life gave us liberty. And can the liberties of a nation be thought secure when we have removed their only firm basis, a conviction in the minds of the people that these liberties are of the Gift of God? That they are not to be violated but with His wrath? Indeed, I tremble for my country when I reflect that God is just; that His justice cannot sleep forever."

 

Do you think our third President is reeling in his grave over the current disregard in the Obama administration for these God-given liberties? I certainly do.

 

And here's just one more thought -- IRS malfeasance, DOJ malfeasance, NSA violations of privacy, and Benghazi cover-ups are just the scandals we know about. What other secrets are hiding at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue?

 

"Pray anywhere - quietly." The Dallas Morning News; June 1, 2013; p. 16A.