Statue of Liberty?

Satanists and other groups have been taking advantage of cracks in the wall separating church and state to hold black masses in public, pass out coloring books, and erect statues in statehouses.  I find this absolutely hilarious.  Extra! Extra! Unintended consequences!  Getcher unintended consequences right here!

It's so fitting.  It exposes what right-wing Christian fundamentalists are trying to do to our schools and our country.  It's ironic that they have opened up this can of worms; I am sure they are aghast.  But you get what you wish for.  And now they have more religion...  Of course, I'd prefer to have no religious influence in schools or government at all.  Sigh.  I'll have to get to work on some big posts about my beliefs, and about religion in American politics, in my spare time.

Freedom of religion means- guess what?- Freedom.  Of religion (and from it.)  Because that's one of the things our country was founded on.  It is not a theocracy.  You are free to practice whatever religion you want.  You are NOT free to impose it on others in any way, or demand special treatment for yours.  Our Founders specifically said that we should not have it in our government.

We need to wake up, and push for the real America. Not Sarah Palin's "real America," because she does not know what she's talking about.  I mean the real America, what it was founded on, what its principles and ideals are.

Religion can be a wonderful thing.  It can be inspiring to individuals, and comforting.  And you can inspire others with it, but remember that it is still a very personal thing.  Do not assume that others believe like you, or believe at all.  Do not assume your faith is the only one that is right- it is, at most, only right for you.  Don't even assume others who say they practice the same faith as you agree about all the details of it.  Don't assume others are wrong, and definitely do not try to push your faith on others.  Welcome them to yours, talk to them about yours, listen to what they say about theirs.  Or keep it completely to yourself.  Use it as a force for good, not for evil.  Religious, spiritual, or none of the above, just be a good person.  Do what's best for you, and your country.  I have seen religion used for evil, and I have known people whose religious views are extremely self-centered and intolerant.  That's not what we need in the world, and particularly in America.