Quote:
Originally posted by Valhal
I believe that if the majority of a community believe in the same religious tenets, that community should be free to have a monument of the Ten Commandments on display. If it offends, one is free to seek out many other cities within the US that have similar views as themselves.
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I don't agree. This is the
United States of America.... we all live under the same basic rights to freedom and liberty. IMO, that judge in AL got what he deserved.
Quote:
Originally posted by Valhal
Is it the purpose of a democracy to protect the least common denominator, or is it to govern within the auspices of majority opinion?...I believe that if the majority of a community believe in the same religious tenets, that community should be free to have a monument of the Ten Commandments on display. If it offends, one is free to seek out many other cities within the US that have similar views as themselves.
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Do you believe the majority opinion should always prevail? If so, you might want to consider what that would have historically meant for civil rights, women's rights, social programs, and the recently the war in Iraq (depending on when you take the poll to determine our national stance on life/death issues). I am glad that the republican right wingers can't get EVERYTHING that they would want to pass. Same goes for the libs.
What about a hypothetical city being formed somewhere in montana by a numerical majoirty of disenfranchised Shiite Islam US citizens from Alabama. Should they be allowed to create a legal system based on islamic law since the majority support it? Or should they be forced to respect ALL citizens basic rights and freedoms guaranteed in the constitution? What if they wanted to make the
public school system pledge allegiance to allah every morning? Now consider your kid going to this school. He may be a methodist (just an example) and feels VERY uncomfortable getting up and leaving the classroom every morning while the other 95% of Islamic kids make fun of him for being different. You get pissed because you have just happened to live in the area for the last 100 years yet you are now the minority view. Should you have to just "leave" to find your own kind?
IMO, the purpose is to provide the same basic rights/protections for ALL the citizens in their quest for life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
You said it best.
Quote:
]Originally posted by Valhal
It is also an uneducated opinion of mine that what is so great about America is that like minded people can congregate into communities and are free to live within their faith. They have freedom of religion.
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