"The book is a historical reference even if one believes it flawed. There is no harm in the ten being displayed. The display makes available without establishing just like the flag in city park does."
I understand your point here. But I’m not so sure this describes the state of Louisiana’s purpose in its public school mandate, though.
State Representative Dodie Horton, the Republican sponsor of the Louisiana legislation, said “our children to look up and see what God says is right and what he says is wrong. It doesn’t preach a certain religion, but it definitely shows what a moral code we all should live by is.”
My question: if Louisiana wants to display a religion-based moral code, why limit its mandate to the Judeo-Christian bible text? Why not post other examples of religious text, such as the Buddhist Four Noble Truths, or the Five Precepts of Taoism? Or display examples of some moral codes not based in a particular religion?
Or is the state’s purpose to respect a singular religious text above any others?
Willie Mays had an apartment in my neighborhood in the Bronx which would have been pretty close to the old Polo Grounds. He kept it into his old age, I know. He was a great player and a great ambassador for the sport; he made baseball- and baseball players- look good.
Regarding that Louisiana 10 commandments thing; I think a lot of the problem is that too many people live in homogeneous communities- and some of them can be uncomfortable with anyone who doesn't look like them, act like them or are outside their echo chamber; they feel compelled to stake their claim over their territory, even though they are already top of the food chain there. That's why I raised my kids in the Bronx. They are comfortable around all different kinds of people. I think being around different people breeds a live and let live attitude and makes you less fearful of the other. If all you know are people just like you, it makes it a little more challenging to be open minded and embrace differences.
"I think being around different people breeds a live and let live attitude and makes you less fearful of the other."
I couldn't agree more. Raised my kids in Poughkeepsie, and sent them to the Samuel F. B. Morse Young Child Magnet School, which as I recall was right in the middle, between the largely-minority north side of town and the largely-white-majority south side of town, and ably led by a fine principal (whose name, unfortunately, I forget).
They grew up not paying that much attention to someone's ethnic or racial or cultural group.
I love this reading closely of a text...the words and the reality...the truth and our actions, on spouting lies as opposed to actions of kindness, generosity, healing, love. Maybe they should also write the words of Isaiah, Micah, Amos--about beating swords into plowshares..about justice...words that Martin Luther King quoted. And Isaiah's what are your prayers if you don't feed the hungry, clothe the poor...about welcoming the stranger who was yourself...because you, too, (we too) were strangers,' The Jewish definition of "sin" as "missing the mark" to all we could be to become our deepest and truest selves.
Thanks for your comments, Ken. I lived in Louisiana from birth until the age of 21. I got a fantastic education, and then moved, first to Texas, and later to New York.
You quoted grim statistics that should serve as a cautionary tale for the rest of the country. But there are more. For example, due to the effects of climate change and human redesign of the delta region, Louisiana loses landmass at an alarming rate; some say the equivalent of a football field every hour. https://www.factcheck.org/2017/03/land-loss-in-louisiana/. This probably accounts for my passion for protecting environmental regulations.
Despite the Creole heritage that permeates New Orleans lore, racism runs high. Recently my hometown of Baton Rouge (the state capitol) was divided to carve out a wealthy white enclave called the City of St. George. The impact on the tax base is certain to accelerate the death spiral for Baton Rouge schools and public services. Hate is no way to build or maintain thriving communities.
The last time I visited a high school in Louisiana, paint was peeling in large, curled chips and sheets from the ceiling and walls in the musty, moldy classrooms. I actually have wondered how they will afix the 10 Commandments in some of the classrooms. I'm sure Moses will lead them in finding a way.
Let's not forget that we have Louisiana to thank for bringing us the current speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, Mike Johnson.
I love my life in the North Country, and wouldn't trade it for any other place on the planet. But I do mourn for my native Louisiana.
Since my son moved there, we have spent some time in New Orleans. It is one of the few minority-majority cities. Culturally, it is fascinating and I think my son is benefitting from seeing that type of culture. Last year, the Republicans in the Legislature held up $1 billion in state aid to fix the water filtrations system because Democrats control New Orleans. I wonder if the Legislature has the Ten Commandments anywhere in any of its political meetings?
Paula Why do dislike the wealthy so much? If you mourn for your native Louisiana why not run for office in Louisiana and help them fix the schools with the peeling paint from the ceiling and walls in the musty, moldy classrooms?
W Tucker, did you not listen? I moved from Louisiana decades ago. I am a resident of St. Lawrence County, New York. Unlike my Republican opponent, I live in the district in which I am running.
W Tucker, I am running for office in the district in which I live. I would not run for office in Louisiana. I do not live there. As for your other remark, there is no expression of hatred for the wealthy in my comment. Are you wealthy?
Paula, you wrote that recently your hometown of Baton Rouge (the state capitol) was divided to carve out a wealthy white enclave called the City of St. George. The impact on the tax base is certain to accelerate the death spiral for Baton Rouge schools and public services. Hate is no way to build or maintain thriving communities.
First word last sentence “Hate” So, who hates who?
As to your question, that would depend on how we might define the word “wealthy”
I see the confusion, I should have asked, why don’t you just move back to Louisiana then you could run for office. And help fix the picture of the crumbling school that you were painting
Hatred inspired people in Baton Rouge to work tirelessly for many years to divide the state capitol into two cities along racial lines.
W Tucker, I think you are attempting to deliver a variation on, "Go back where you came from." I left Louisiana in the 1980s. I am a resident of St. Lawrence County, New York. It is proper that I am running for the office for which I am a candidate. I challenge you: since you have so many opinions, get some signatures on a petition, form a committee, and get yourself on a ballot.
I hope its not as dry in your area as it is here - fireworks really arent high on my list anymore. At this point the sparks flying into the trees and brush just wouldnt be a good idea. Hope the locals here realize that.
We had two torrential thunderstorms yesterday that really soaked everything. It has been a little bit dry of late, but not too much. Considering the fireworks are shot off over the lake and much, I think the possibility of fires are not high.
"§2122. Ten Commandments; displays A.(1) Each public school governing authority and the governing authority of each nonpublic school that receives state funds shall display the Ten Commandments in each building it uses and classroom in each school under its jurisdiction. The nature of the display shall be determined by each governing authority with a minimum requirement that the Ten Commandments shall be displayed on a poster or framed document that is at least eleven inches by fourteen inches. The text of the Ten Commandments shall be the central focus of the poster or framed document and shall be printed in a large, easily readable font." (Legislature of Louisiana)
The Eleventh Commandment: "Thou shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof."
Here’s one shot at the first commandment: “You shall have no other gods before me.”
I believe there are no atheists. Everybody has a god or gods. Theologian Paul Tillich said that our god is our “ultimate concern.” Whatever concerns us most; what is most important to us; whatever is the center of our lives; whatever it is that motivates us; whatever matters most—that is our god. (Don’t blame Tillich for that last sentence). So everyone has a god or gods—good or bad
Fame, fortune, family, or even food can be our god. Position, power, penthouses, or even a politician can be our god. Money, sports, sex, alcohol, drugs, smartphones, can be our gods. The lists could go on and on. Whatever matters most to us, that is our god.
The three monotheistic (one god) religions of the world—Judaism, Christianity, Islam—have as their “ultimate concern” the God of Abraham, Issac, and Jacob, and Moses, and Jesus, and Mohammed. Thus, the first commandment, “You shall have no other gods before me.”
Much, much more could be said. The topic is exhaustive and exhausting.
I'm an atheist. I have no God I worship, and I do not worship material things . I believe the Bible to be a book of fables/parables to help people be better human beings.
Growing up I was a confirmed Catholic but never once felt that any of it was real or had pertinence in my life. Some people find church to be a comfort .. I found it restrictive and I most certainly do not think it has any place in our public schools or government.
Beth Ann, thanks for your sharing—really. I want to be sensitive to where you are coming from, and am really sorry if my “no atheists” comment offended you.
Actually, Jews and Christians in the first three centuries of the Common Era were considered atheists and were persecuted because they did not worship the Emperor who was considered to be a god. (an early church-state issue back then, showing the danger of state religion ([including Christian nationalism] and an illustration for the need of the separation of church and state.)
It took me most of my life to even say it out loud...I started with the word agnostic....maybe I'm more that than atheist. I never felt that spiritual tug. My family was Roman Catholic and I never said anything until I was an adult .
I do believe the Bible to be a teaching in humanity. I wish that the most fervent defenders of it would actually follow its teachings.
Christian Nationalism is frightening and it's creeping into our politics and educational system.
I grew up in the Bronx and as a teenager I was a "hustler" (I sold orange drink and hot dogs in the aisles) at Yankee Stadium (the second one which was torn down to build the present Stadium) and the Polo Grounds. So I saw Mickey Mantle and the Se Hey Kid (Mays) in their primes. Both of those guys were great hitters, but Willie Mays was a great fielder. That catch he made in the World Series was one of many he made in what they called Death Valley of the Polo Grounds (center field extended over 500 feet).
Let me add, I am an avid supporter of the separation of church and state expressed in the disestablishment and freedom of religion clauses of the First Amendment. I believe, as the Supreme Court has ruled in the past, that the posting of the Ten Commandments in public school classrooms is unconstitutional.
Don, you got me on that one. I don't have an answer. Let me think about it for a little bit and I'II get back to you........................I'm back........... yup still got no answer,
I might, but it will be a bit wordie and will take a bit of time for me to write it down., So that it sounds somewhat logical to me.
Willie Mays was my first and only baseball hero for 9-year old in 1954. In his biography, Mays points out the catch was nothing as he had that style of play with the Birmingham Black Barons.
It's the throw back to the infield to prevent a run from scoring was his pride of "The Catch".
Someone elsewhere suggested the 10 commandments be posted in prison cells. Thinking maybe I’ll send Steve Bannon a copy. It might help with his rehabilitation.
Can’t help but think if you follow the golden rule it pretty much covers all those commandments more succinctly. I also try to ascribe to the Stoic virtues of justice, courage moderation and wisdom. Probably with mixed success. Life is a journey not a destination tho.
I’d be curious if anyone has asked the governor of Louisiana for his estimate of how many of those 10 suggestions the Bible salesman running for president has broken.
So, the former president and convicted criminal Donald Trump, on his floundering social network, approves:
"I LOVE THE TEN COMMANDMENTS IN PUBLIC SCHOOLS, PRIVATE SCHOOLS, AND MANY OTHER PLACES, FOR THAT MATTER. READ IT — HOW CAN WE, AS A NATION, GO WRONG??? THIS MAY BE, IN FACT, THE FIRST MAJOR STEP IN THE REVIVAL OF RELIGION, WHICH IS DESPERATELY NEEDED, IN OUR COUNTRY. BRING BACK TTC!!! MAGA2024"
What a stirring example he is for all of us to look up to. I’m sure we all wish we could rip off rubes with fake universities and lies about the outcome of elections, have sex with porn stars, steal classified intelligence, foment coups to stay in power and always win the club championship.
And on top of it all remain morally, if not politically, unimpeachable. 😉
I know it was a rhetorical question, but we don’t have to guess how we might go wrong. The answer is all spelled out in Project 2025. The scariest piece of pros since Pet Sematary. If you haven’t read it, buckle up.
The first four commandments are all about religion (not Christianity, because it hadn’t been invented yet), only the last 6 could be considered simply a moral code to base society’s laws on. Maybe Louisiana could have just posted the final 6 and avoided all the controversy?
Ken wrote: ‘I suspect this measure [the Louisiana Ten Commandments law] will be very popular among the Southern Baptist congregations that are dominant in Louisiana."
This measure is, in fact, part of the Christian Nationalist agenda and will be very popular in some parts of the country. State Rep. Dodie Horton, a Republican and sponsor of the Louisiana legislation, is a member of the National Association of Christian Lawmakers. From the NACL website, here’s part of the group’s stated mission:
"to bring federal, state and local lawmakers together in support of clear biblical principles by meeting regularly to discuss major issues, propose model statutes, ordinances and resolutions to address major policy concerns from a biblical world view."
"we are doing everything we can to restore the Judeo-Christian foundation of our nation."
"Or at one time or another taken the lord's name in vain?"....I am under the impression that to take the Lord's name in vain is misunderstood to mean to use the Lord's name in a profanity, but as I see it, it is to claim to know the mind of God or to speak for God, or to say I know what God's will is and I'm here to enlighten you. Kinda changes thing...
If that's true, I stand corrected. But there are probably lots of Southern Baptist leaders who are breaking that one. And of course a certain presidential candidate.
"The book is a historical reference even if one believes it flawed. There is no harm in the ten being displayed. The display makes available without establishing just like the flag in city park does."
I understand your point here. But I’m not so sure this describes the state of Louisiana’s purpose in its public school mandate, though.
State Representative Dodie Horton, the Republican sponsor of the Louisiana legislation, said “our children to look up and see what God says is right and what he says is wrong. It doesn’t preach a certain religion, but it definitely shows what a moral code we all should live by is.”
My question: if Louisiana wants to display a religion-based moral code, why limit its mandate to the Judeo-Christian bible text? Why not post other examples of religious text, such as the Buddhist Four Noble Truths, or the Five Precepts of Taoism? Or display examples of some moral codes not based in a particular religion?
Or is the state’s purpose to respect a singular religious text above any others?
Willie Mays had an apartment in my neighborhood in the Bronx which would have been pretty close to the old Polo Grounds. He kept it into his old age, I know. He was a great player and a great ambassador for the sport; he made baseball- and baseball players- look good.
Regarding that Louisiana 10 commandments thing; I think a lot of the problem is that too many people live in homogeneous communities- and some of them can be uncomfortable with anyone who doesn't look like them, act like them or are outside their echo chamber; they feel compelled to stake their claim over their territory, even though they are already top of the food chain there. That's why I raised my kids in the Bronx. They are comfortable around all different kinds of people. I think being around different people breeds a live and let live attitude and makes you less fearful of the other. If all you know are people just like you, it makes it a little more challenging to be open minded and embrace differences.
"I think being around different people breeds a live and let live attitude and makes you less fearful of the other."
I couldn't agree more. Raised my kids in Poughkeepsie, and sent them to the Samuel F. B. Morse Young Child Magnet School, which as I recall was right in the middle, between the largely-minority north side of town and the largely-white-majority south side of town, and ably led by a fine principal (whose name, unfortunately, I forget).
They grew up not paying that much attention to someone's ethnic or racial or cultural group.
Absolutely right on the money insights. At our core essence, people are people.
Ken, I continue to be pleased, edified, illuminated by your writing. Challenged in good ways! Thank you.
No writer could as for a better compliment. Thank you.
I love this reading closely of a text...the words and the reality...the truth and our actions, on spouting lies as opposed to actions of kindness, generosity, healing, love. Maybe they should also write the words of Isaiah, Micah, Amos--about beating swords into plowshares..about justice...words that Martin Luther King quoted. And Isaiah's what are your prayers if you don't feed the hungry, clothe the poor...about welcoming the stranger who was yourself...because you, too, (we too) were strangers,' The Jewish definition of "sin" as "missing the mark" to all we could be to become our deepest and truest selves.
Thank you, Ken....an excellent "sermon"
Thanks for your comments, Ken. I lived in Louisiana from birth until the age of 21. I got a fantastic education, and then moved, first to Texas, and later to New York.
You quoted grim statistics that should serve as a cautionary tale for the rest of the country. But there are more. For example, due to the effects of climate change and human redesign of the delta region, Louisiana loses landmass at an alarming rate; some say the equivalent of a football field every hour. https://www.factcheck.org/2017/03/land-loss-in-louisiana/. This probably accounts for my passion for protecting environmental regulations.
Despite the Creole heritage that permeates New Orleans lore, racism runs high. Recently my hometown of Baton Rouge (the state capitol) was divided to carve out a wealthy white enclave called the City of St. George. The impact on the tax base is certain to accelerate the death spiral for Baton Rouge schools and public services. Hate is no way to build or maintain thriving communities.
The last time I visited a high school in Louisiana, paint was peeling in large, curled chips and sheets from the ceiling and walls in the musty, moldy classrooms. I actually have wondered how they will afix the 10 Commandments in some of the classrooms. I'm sure Moses will lead them in finding a way.
Let's not forget that we have Louisiana to thank for bringing us the current speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, Mike Johnson.
I love my life in the North Country, and wouldn't trade it for any other place on the planet. But I do mourn for my native Louisiana.
Since my son moved there, we have spent some time in New Orleans. It is one of the few minority-majority cities. Culturally, it is fascinating and I think my son is benefitting from seeing that type of culture. Last year, the Republicans in the Legislature held up $1 billion in state aid to fix the water filtrations system because Democrats control New Orleans. I wonder if the Legislature has the Ten Commandments anywhere in any of its political meetings?
Paula Why do dislike the wealthy so much? If you mourn for your native Louisiana why not run for office in Louisiana and help them fix the schools with the peeling paint from the ceiling and walls in the musty, moldy classrooms?
W Tucker, did you not listen? I moved from Louisiana decades ago. I am a resident of St. Lawrence County, New York. Unlike my Republican opponent, I live in the district in which I am running.
You could be right, I might not listen, but looks like you can't read. I don't see an answer to either question.
W Tucker, I am running for office in the district in which I live. I would not run for office in Louisiana. I do not live there. As for your other remark, there is no expression of hatred for the wealthy in my comment. Are you wealthy?
Paula, you wrote that recently your hometown of Baton Rouge (the state capitol) was divided to carve out a wealthy white enclave called the City of St. George. The impact on the tax base is certain to accelerate the death spiral for Baton Rouge schools and public services. Hate is no way to build or maintain thriving communities.
First word last sentence “Hate” So, who hates who?
As to your question, that would depend on how we might define the word “wealthy”
I see the confusion, I should have asked, why don’t you just move back to Louisiana then you could run for office. And help fix the picture of the crumbling school that you were painting
Hatred inspired people in Baton Rouge to work tirelessly for many years to divide the state capitol into two cities along racial lines.
W Tucker, I think you are attempting to deliver a variation on, "Go back where you came from." I left Louisiana in the 1980s. I am a resident of St. Lawrence County, New York. It is proper that I am running for the office for which I am a candidate. I challenge you: since you have so many opinions, get some signatures on a petition, form a committee, and get yourself on a ballot.
I hope its not as dry in your area as it is here - fireworks really arent high on my list anymore. At this point the sparks flying into the trees and brush just wouldnt be a good idea. Hope the locals here realize that.
We had two torrential thunderstorms yesterday that really soaked everything. It has been a little bit dry of late, but not too much. Considering the fireworks are shot off over the lake and much, I think the possibility of fires are not high.
"§2122. Ten Commandments; displays A.(1) Each public school governing authority and the governing authority of each nonpublic school that receives state funds shall display the Ten Commandments in each building it uses and classroom in each school under its jurisdiction. The nature of the display shall be determined by each governing authority with a minimum requirement that the Ten Commandments shall be displayed on a poster or framed document that is at least eleven inches by fourteen inches. The text of the Ten Commandments shall be the central focus of the poster or framed document and shall be printed in a large, easily readable font." (Legislature of Louisiana)
The Eleventh Commandment: "Thou shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof."
Here’s one shot at the first commandment: “You shall have no other gods before me.”
I believe there are no atheists. Everybody has a god or gods. Theologian Paul Tillich said that our god is our “ultimate concern.” Whatever concerns us most; what is most important to us; whatever is the center of our lives; whatever it is that motivates us; whatever matters most—that is our god. (Don’t blame Tillich for that last sentence). So everyone has a god or gods—good or bad
Fame, fortune, family, or even food can be our god. Position, power, penthouses, or even a politician can be our god. Money, sports, sex, alcohol, drugs, smartphones, can be our gods. The lists could go on and on. Whatever matters most to us, that is our god.
The three monotheistic (one god) religions of the world—Judaism, Christianity, Islam—have as their “ultimate concern” the God of Abraham, Issac, and Jacob, and Moses, and Jesus, and Mohammed. Thus, the first commandment, “You shall have no other gods before me.”
Much, much more could be said. The topic is exhaustive and exhausting.
If eating chicken wings is your “ultimate concern”….. I would suggest you get a life! :) LOL
Actually, the Apostle Paul writes about some people whose “god is the belly” (see Philippians 3:19).
I'm an atheist. I have no God I worship, and I do not worship material things . I believe the Bible to be a book of fables/parables to help people be better human beings.
Growing up I was a confirmed Catholic but never once felt that any of it was real or had pertinence in my life. Some people find church to be a comfort .. I found it restrictive and I most certainly do not think it has any place in our public schools or government.
Beth Ann, thanks for your sharing—really. I want to be sensitive to where you are coming from, and am really sorry if my “no atheists” comment offended you.
Actually, Jews and Christians in the first three centuries of the Common Era were considered atheists and were persecuted because they did not worship the Emperor who was considered to be a god. (an early church-state issue back then, showing the danger of state religion ([including Christian nationalism] and an illustration for the need of the separation of church and state.)
No offense taken at all!
It took me most of my life to even say it out loud...I started with the word agnostic....maybe I'm more that than atheist. I never felt that spiritual tug. My family was Roman Catholic and I never said anything until I was an adult .
I do believe the Bible to be a teaching in humanity. I wish that the most fervent defenders of it would actually follow its teachings.
Christian Nationalism is frightening and it's creeping into our politics and educational system.
That should be respected. And stay away from Louisiana!
I knew we could count on a professional.
I grew up in the Bronx and as a teenager I was a "hustler" (I sold orange drink and hot dogs in the aisles) at Yankee Stadium (the second one which was torn down to build the present Stadium) and the Polo Grounds. So I saw Mickey Mantle and the Se Hey Kid (Mays) in their primes. Both of those guys were great hitters, but Willie Mays was a great fielder. That catch he made in the World Series was one of many he made in what they called Death Valley of the Polo Grounds (center field extended over 500 feet).
Let me add, I am an avid supporter of the separation of church and state expressed in the disestablishment and freedom of religion clauses of the First Amendment. I believe, as the Supreme Court has ruled in the past, that the posting of the Ten Commandments in public school classrooms is unconstitutional.
Hi Don. Your miss use of the word intentional or unintentional? You would know but I can only guess.
? Of what do you speak (write)?
Don, you got me on that one. I don't have an answer. Let me think about it for a little bit and I'II get back to you........................I'm back........... yup still got no answer,
I might, but it will be a bit wordie and will take a bit of time for me to write it down., So that it sounds somewhat logical to me.
Don not as wordie as I first thought. I made an assumption based on my lack of knowledge and this is what I found. Disestablishment: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Separation_of_church_and_state
Willie Mays was my first and only baseball hero for 9-year old in 1954. In his biography, Mays points out the catch was nothing as he had that style of play with the Birmingham Black Barons.
It's the throw back to the infield to prevent a run from scoring was his pride of "The Catch".
Someone elsewhere suggested the 10 commandments be posted in prison cells. Thinking maybe I’ll send Steve Bannon a copy. It might help with his rehabilitation.
Can’t help but think if you follow the golden rule it pretty much covers all those commandments more succinctly. I also try to ascribe to the Stoic virtues of justice, courage moderation and wisdom. Probably with mixed success. Life is a journey not a destination tho.
I’d be curious if anyone has asked the governor of Louisiana for his estimate of how many of those 10 suggestions the Bible salesman running for president has broken.
Lucian Truscott has a good substack up on Robert Morris and the 10 speed bumps. That’s about right. Morris won’t be hurt too much.
https://luciantruscott.substack.com/p/louisiana-mandates-posting-the-ten?utm_source=substack&publication_id=255301&post_id=145851501&utm_medium=email&utm_content=share&utm_campaign=email-share&triggerShare=true&isFreemail=false&r=9qpud&triedRedirect=true
Then there’s Rex:
https://www.usatoday.com/story/opinion/columnist/2024/06/20/louisiana-ten-commandments-poster-classrooms-trump/74159730007/
My guess is 9 of 10. But I might be being optimistic!
So, the former president and convicted criminal Donald Trump, on his floundering social network, approves:
"I LOVE THE TEN COMMANDMENTS IN PUBLIC SCHOOLS, PRIVATE SCHOOLS, AND MANY OTHER PLACES, FOR THAT MATTER. READ IT — HOW CAN WE, AS A NATION, GO WRONG??? THIS MAY BE, IN FACT, THE FIRST MAJOR STEP IN THE REVIVAL OF RELIGION, WHICH IS DESPERATELY NEEDED, IN OUR COUNTRY. BRING BACK TTC!!! MAGA2024"
Yes, exactly. How can we as a nation go wrong?
What a stirring example he is for all of us to look up to. I’m sure we all wish we could rip off rubes with fake universities and lies about the outcome of elections, have sex with porn stars, steal classified intelligence, foment coups to stay in power and always win the club championship.
And on top of it all remain morally, if not politically, unimpeachable. 😉
I know it was a rhetorical question, but we don’t have to guess how we might go wrong. The answer is all spelled out in Project 2025. The scariest piece of pros since Pet Sematary. If you haven’t read it, buckle up.
Prose!
The first four commandments are all about religion (not Christianity, because it hadn’t been invented yet), only the last 6 could be considered simply a moral code to base society’s laws on. Maybe Louisiana could have just posted the final 6 and avoided all the controversy?
Cheese-n-rice!! Loved James Carville remark. Yes, the Bill of Rights should be taught, everywhere
Ken wrote: ‘I suspect this measure [the Louisiana Ten Commandments law] will be very popular among the Southern Baptist congregations that are dominant in Louisiana."
This measure is, in fact, part of the Christian Nationalist agenda and will be very popular in some parts of the country. State Rep. Dodie Horton, a Republican and sponsor of the Louisiana legislation, is a member of the National Association of Christian Lawmakers. From the NACL website, here’s part of the group’s stated mission:
"to bring federal, state and local lawmakers together in support of clear biblical principles by meeting regularly to discuss major issues, propose model statutes, ordinances and resolutions to address major policy concerns from a biblical world view."
"we are doing everything we can to restore the Judeo-Christian foundation of our nation."
Sure sounds like Christian Nationalism to me.
"Or at one time or another taken the lord's name in vain?"....I am under the impression that to take the Lord's name in vain is misunderstood to mean to use the Lord's name in a profanity, but as I see it, it is to claim to know the mind of God or to speak for God, or to say I know what God's will is and I'm here to enlighten you. Kinda changes thing...
If that's true, I stand corrected. But there are probably lots of Southern Baptist leaders who are breaking that one. And of course a certain presidential candidate.
Hi Richie, your words brought a question to mind. So, I went on a search and the following link is what I found. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thou_shalt_not_take_the_name_of_the_Lord_thy_God_in_vain.
God dam I’m going to hell, but I do like https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P1nRboaLTzU&t=156s “Need A Favor”- jelly Roll