Centrist Coalition

Since I've joined the Centrist Coalition I figured I'd post this. Come join in if you'd like.

A month ago, we held our first conference call between centrist activists.
We intend to do this once a month as a way of keeping activist centrists in
touch with one another and talking about our strategy and various ideas about
stuff.
I think all the folks on our first call thought this was an
enlightening and energizing experience. Among other things, it gives us a change
to talk with John Avlon, author of the book Independent Nation, and perhaps the
single most eloquent and compelling proponent of centrist activism we have (in
my opinion, at least).
Your next chance to talk with John, and the rest of
us, is this Sunday, July 3, at 8:00 PM Eastern. You'll need an access code to
get on the call, and you can get one by contacting us at
volunteers_at_centristcoalition.com (where the "at", of course, is an @
symbol).

And So it Begins

Word has come down that Justice Sandra Day O'Connor will step down from the Supreme Court upon confirmation of a replacement. So now we will see whether the Compromise made between the 14 Senators will hold up. I'm hoping it does, but won't hold my breath. There is no way President Bush will nominate a Moderate for the Court and there is no way the liberals can accept a Conservative the likes of a Scalia or Thomas. By abandoning the Center it is almost a guarantee this battle will drag on for months. Its doubtful this will be the only opening on the Court during Bush's 2nd term. We'll see what happens now.

Justice O'Connor will be sorely missed by us in the Center.

Just Desserts?

Check out this news release. Granted this is most likely a joke, but it may wake up Justice Souter to the danger of his ruling in Kelo vs. City of New London. A developer has sent a letter to an officer of Weare, NH asking that Justice Souter's house be taken by the city and given to him so he can build a hotel on the site. Very entertaining article.

So today the Supreme Court has released a number of rulings to end their session for the year. Although the case involving internet music swapping is interesting, I'm going to review the two rulings regarding the Ten Commandments. Now I'm not a religious person myself, but I have no problem with people following whatever religion they want, so long as it does not harm others or infringe on their right to practice as they wish. I believe that individuals have every right to pray wherever and whenever they want. However, to try to force others to pray or honor specific religious icons is wrong.

In respect to the display of religious images, such as the Ten Commandments, I believe they should be proudly displayed in people's homes if they want. However, to display them on public government grounds, such as courthouses or legislatures, must be handled carefully. In order not to appear to be endorsing a specific religion the Commandments should only be displayed as a piece of a larger display which includes other major religions. This has been supported by the Court's decision in Van Orden vs. Perry. This is not just in order not to offend others, but also to celebrate the diverse nature of our society.

However, when we start raising one religion or group of people above all others we create a class hierarchy, which is totally against the principles of this country. The Court's other decision today, McCreary County vs. ACLU, the supremacy of a single faith, Christianity, was indicated since the Ten Commandments were the sole religious texts represented. I have the same problem with those who want school prayer as I do with those who want ONLY Christian texts posted on public buildings. They don't want to make sure THEIR children can pray because they already know their children can pray whenever they want. What they really want is to make sure OTHER people's children are forced to pray, and specifically to the Christian God. Its not enough to have a minute of silence for prayer. They want to have school DIRECTED prayer.

They won't be satisfied until this is officially a Christian nation. Then watch as other religions are outlawed. Then the fight begins to see who is MOST faithful to God. There are no winners in this religious war...Only casualties. Chief among them Liberty and Sanity.