Drawing The Line Between Church And State

A Closer Look At The Long History Behind Politics and Religion In America

(CBS)  "In God We Trust" is right there on all our coins and currency. To find the phrase "Wall of Separation," however, you must go not to the Constitution or the Bill of Rights, but to a letter President Thomas Jefferson wrote to Connecticut Baptists in 1802. His words have guided us ever since, but what, in practical terms, do they mean? Our Cover Story is reported now by Martha Teichner:

---

Eleven days and counting before their state nominating caucuses, it's understandable that some Iowa Republicans may be having trouble separating politics and religion.

The battle between Mitt Romney, the Mormon, and Mike Huckabee, the Baptist preacher, has defined the race.

But even the possibility that a candidate's brand of faith could become a kind of presidential litmus test worries as many, if not more, Americans than it reassures - among them, Jon Meacham, editor of Newsweek.

"We are veering very close to violating the article in the Constitution that says, there should be no religious test for federal office," Meacham told Teichner.

Meacham is the author of "American Gospel," an attempt to put the tension between God and politics in historical perspective.

"You have 46% of Evangelicals, in a poll that Newsweek did in Iowa, saying that Romney's Mormonism makes them less likely to vote for him," said Meacham. "That, in and of itself, is a very dangerous battle to have because it pushes religious affiliation to the center of debate in a country that has done very well when it has kept that kind of religious debate to the sides, or off the table altogether."

The living embodiment of that notion of separation is the neighborhood of Flushing, in the New York City borough of Queens.

Here you'll find every nationality imaginable - every religion. Within a few blocks, there are churches, a Quaker meeting house, Buddhist temples, synagogues, a mosque. As a sign of how mixed-up everything is, in front of the Queens public library, the Christmas tree and the Menorah were sponsored by the Chinese Businessmen's Association."

All of which makes what's inside that much more remarkable. It's called the Flushing Remonstrance (pictured, left), on loan from the New York State Archives, signed December 27, 1657 - 350 years ago this week. It is a bold, historic declaration of religious freedom.

Professor Kenneth Jackson, who teaches New York history at Columbia University, described the significance of the remonstrance:

"This is one of the really great documents of American history that's preserved by the archives. It's the first thing that we have in writing in the United States where a group of citizens attests on paper and over their signature the right of the people to follow their own conscience with regard to God - and the inability of government, or the illegality of government, to interfere with that."

In 1657, Flushing was a farm village, and like Manhattan, part of New Netherland, a Dutch colony governed by Peter Stuyvesant. Stuyvesant persecuted followers of religions other than his own Dutch Reformed Church. When he barred Quakers from Flushing, thirty local citizens, none of them Quakers themselves, petitioned Stuyvesant, claiming the ban violated Dutch custom.

"It's just elegantly and eloquently written," Jackson said. "They say, 'We desire, therefore, in this case, not to be judged, least we be judged. Neither to condemn, lest we be condemned, but rather let every man stand and fall to his master.'"

Peter Stuyvesant, no man to be trifled with, fined the petitioners and threw them in prison until they recanted - but there's more.

An important part of this story is the role played by a man named John Bowne, who lived here. Bowne allowed the Quakers to meet in his home. He was arrested, jailed, and sent to Holland for trial. The outcome was not what Peter Stuyvesant expected - Bowne was exhonerated.

And the principles set forth in the Flushing Remonstrance - essentially, freedom of worship and the separation of church and state - became practice.

"It didn't just come out of thin air, the First Amendment to the Constitution. We believed this already, in 1791, so it could become the cornerstone of the Bill of Rights," Jackson said.

Remember, most of the original 13 colonies had established churches and actually taxed citizens to support them. The end of that led to an explosion of religious fervor.

"In other words," Teichner asked Jon Meacham, "the separation of church and state enables the tolerance of someone else's religion?"

"Absolutely," Meacham agreed. "The separation of church and state is like oxygen to the fire of religious liberty."

So if you thought the tug-of-war between religion and politics is something new, think again.

"Religion has always been a weapon in the political arena," Meacham explained. "In 1800, there were advertisements that said you could have Jefferson and no God … or Adams and God."

[barbjc1]

Oh my, this is fabulous. I did not know the 13 colonies had established churches and taxed the people to support them. This information being on national news is just what has been needed. A great big HOORAY to CBS.

[psk123-2009]

I truely believe in the separation of Church and State. This ideal insures that I (and everyone else) may practice the religion of choice without interfearance or persecution. I along with everyone that I know want this separation of Church and State to continue. It is a good thing.

I also believe that any Church that endorses candidates or political policies have now jumped into the realm of politics and strayed their God. They are now money makers and should be taxed as any other money making business is.

[pilgrimsway-2009]

It all boils down to our nature in the core of our heart. Are we Self or Christ driven? If Self we are left to our own direction, if Christ driven we are living by the power of the risen Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. So you see we cannot really separate church from state only if we come from the direction of self. Through Christ we can live apart from our old nature.

[gunownerdan]

Separation of Church and State PROTECTS BOTH!

www.au.org

"Who does not see that the same authority which can
establish Christianity, in exclusion of all other
religions, may establish with the same ease any
particular sect of Christians, in exclusion of all
other Sects?"
- James Madison, 1785

"The number, the industry, and the morality of the
priesthood, and the devotion of the people, have been
manifestly increased by the total separation of church
and state."
- James Madison, 2 March 1819.

"Believing with you that religion is a matter which
lies solely between man and his God; that he owes
account to none other for his faith or his worship;
that the legislative powers of the government reach
actions only, and not opinions, I contemplate with
sovereign reverence that act of the whole American
people which declared that their legislature
should ''make no law respecting an establishment of
religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof,''
thus building a wall of separation between church and
state."
- Thomas Jefferson, writing to the Danbury
Baptist Association on 1 January 1802

"The purpose of separation of church and state is to
keep forever from these shores the ceaseless strife
that has soaked the soil of Europe in blood for
centuries."
- James Madison, 1803

[newz4i]

The gentleman''s agreement of separation of Church and State ended when the Bush administration implemented its program of faith-based-money ... tax payer''s money deposited directly into the bank accounts of churches across America.

[idoobie-2009]

The separation of church and state would be better viewed as a separation of state from church. The church/state relationship was designed to keep the state from establishing a national religion to which all citizens would be required to espouse. There is no wrong in individuals falling back to their religious beliefs in selecting and electing any public official. And, there is no constraint on recommendations from the pulpit. It is impossible to separate an individual''s religious beliefs from the way he selected a candidate for which to vote. Religion will always be a part of politics and it should be. However, the state should not determine which religion or religions are acceptable and, in the state-defined candidate requirements religion should not be a factor. But it is, and should be, a factor to the individual voter. Sorry if that bothers someone, but it''s just a fact. Religious beliefs are ingrained and come to the front without conscious thought. Everyone who votes votes his or her conscience. It is virtually impossible not to do so. Therefore, unless you simply outlaw religion per se, it will be impossible to eliminate religion from the election process. And, I think the constitution is clearly against the abolition of any religion.

[pilgrimsway-2009]

It is really not an issue of separation of church and state. Its an issue of self, what you want when you want it and how you want it and Christ, this contains equal justice from an unselfish volition. This also contains love from an unbiased agenda. So really the self centered person really has not religion as an problem but self verses Christ. At the end the day that is who we will have to answer to. Whoever you may be.

[pilgrimsway-2009]

Its really good to see intelligent people from both sides state their positions correctly.

[paris1969]

"I also believe that any Church that endorses candidates or political policies have now jumped into the realm of politics and strayed their God. They are now money makers and should be taxed as any other money making business is."

........... I agree. And I think Huckleberry is already giving us evidence that he will cross this line in his campaign ... and if he is willing to blur the separation of church an state, what else can we expect from him?

[prayer4u2]

7th Article of U.S. Constitution adopted & ratified "in the year of our Lord". Abe Lincoln was not a fool & knew The Gift of our Judeo-Christian heritage reflected The Truth ... Christ Jesus. Happy Holy Days (holidays) & Merry Christmas.

[newz4i]

Now that separation of Church and State does not exist, the people can follow the ... their money right into the bank accounts of churches. Then we''ll really see Truth.

[newz4i]

Now that separation of Church and State does not exist, the people can follow the ... their money right into the bank accounts of churches. Then we''ll really see Truth.

[griking]

Oh get off of it. The Christmas that the government supports and pushes down our throats is more about commercialism, Santa Claus and spending lots of money on gifts to stimulate the economy than it is about Jesus and religion.

[joyous88]

idoobie has just given a great defination of exactly what ''BRAINWASHING'' looks like

[patriotic9]

CHRISTIANITY has been used in the United States as a TOOL TO FOOL the people of United States.

Majority of Americans have been forced to support a NON-AMERICAN CAUSE, NON-AMERICAN GOD-CHOSEN PEOPLE and a NON-AMERICAN HOLY LAND on the cost of UNHOLY LAND UNITED STATES and GOD-NEGLECTED AMERICAN MONEY and GOD-NEGLECTED AMERICAN LIVES.

Do you support the idea of GOD-NEGLECTED AMERICAN SOLDIERS losing their limbs and suffer from TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury) and PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) for a NON-AMERICAN CAUSE, NON-AMERICAN GOD-CHOSEN PEOPLE and NON-AMERICAN HOLY LAND?

Do you support the idea of GOD-NEGLECTED AMERICANS working day and night to pay tax to the government and NON-AMERICANS, CHOSEN by an ANTI-AMERICAN, RACIST and UNJUST GOD to snatch more then $3 Billions a year from the US TAX MONEY for the killing of those who give us OIL in cheaper prices?

For how long, you plan to continue your animosity against GOD-NEGLECTED AMERICANS and UNHOLY LAND UNITED STATES?

Why do you think, we shouldn%u2019t help ARABS in the destruction of ISRAEL to enjoy OIL in cheap price?

Why do you think we should protect existence of ISRAEL far away from the CONCENTRATION CAMPS in GERMANY to buy HATRED, TERRORISM and 9/11 against UNHOLY LAND UNITED STATES and GOD-NEGLECTED AMERICANS?

[pilgrimsway-2009]

Do you see it now? Everyone who comments negatively to religion it just showing their true colors, SELF CENTERED, Because to believe in an absolute they would have to acknowledge their position apart from Christ. Jesus can and will be the Lord of your life if you let Him! Then the eyes of your heart would be opened to the risen Lord and Savior. Then you would not make decisions self centered but Christ centered. Let this Christmas time bring you closer to Christ and His love for you. Remember only God who was manifested in the flesh can help you. Jesus understands your nature. Go to Him and not any old religion that you may think is an issue.

[joyous88]

We shoud make it a point to remember during a discussion like this of exactly where we stand today as a nation.

We have a Chriatian President who has crossed the line between church and state.

Bush used the ''faith based bribe'' to buy the ''mindless christian vote'' to start his crusade into this ''illegal war and occupation'' in Iraq.

All because ''by his own claim'' his God instructs him on what to do.

DO WE REALLY WANT ANOTHER RELIGIOUS FANATIC IN THE WHITE HOUSE?

[patriotic9]

Posted by pilgrimsway at 12:06 PM : Dec 23, 2007

It%u2019s ridiculous to have intellectual debate with a CHRISTIAN since CHRISTIANITY is PSYCHOSIS and CHRISTIANS are PSYCHOTICS. I am not just making a statement but prove it with valid, sound and undeniable reasons;

Do you see any connection between SINS committed by ADAM and EVE, SINNERS are those NEW BORN CHILDREN born in SINS who cant even think about committing a SIN and the price is paid by a THIRD PARTY FREE of SINS named JESUS.

Do you see any connection between JESUS-LOVER to be GOD-NEGLECTED and JESUS-HATERS to be GOD-CHOSEN?

Do you see any connection between people killed by HITLER and price paid by those PALESTINIANS who can''t even speak the language spoken by HITLER?

Do you see any connection between CONCENTRATION CAMPS in GERMANY and ISRAEL founded in a completely different country named PALESTINE?

Do you see any connection between OSAMA BEEN-FOGOTTEN in TORA BORA and PSYCHOTIC CHRISTIAN BUSH attacking IRAQ which had nothing to do with 9/11?

On the basis of above mentioned reasons, I came to this CONCLUSION;

"CHRISTIANITY is PSYCHOSIS and CHRISTIANS are PSYCHOTICS"

If anybody disagrees with me, please feel free to correct me with valid and sound reasons. If you prove me wrong, I would acknowledge my mistake and change my point of view.

[edward1975-2009]

Though religion is a topic, it should not be the defining issue. When choosing our president or any other elected official, the foremost thing should be if the individual can do the job. In the presidents case, can he/she lead. His/hers religious affiliation should not factor in the decision. Nor should it be held against them.

[patriotic9]

CHRISTIANITY has been used in the United States as a TOOL TO FOOL the people of United States.

Majority of Americans have been forced to support a NON-AMERICAN CAUSE, NON-AMERICAN GOD-CHOSEN PEOPLE and a NON-AMERICAN HOLY LAND on the cost of UNHOLY LAND UNITED STATES and GOD-NEGLECTED AMERICAN MONEY and GOD-NEGLECTED AMERICAN LIVES.

Do you support the idea of GOD-NEGLECTED AMERICAN SOLDIERS losing their limbs and suffer from TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury) and PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) for a NON-AMERICAN CAUSE, NON-AMERICAN GOD-CHOSEN PEOPLE and NON-AMERICAN HOLY LAND?

Do you support the idea of GOD-NEGLECTED AMERICANS working day and night to pay tax to the government and NON-AMERICANS, CHOSEN by an ANTI-AMERICAN, RACIST and UNJUST GOD to snatch more then $3 Billions a year from the US TAX MONEY for the killing of those who give us OIL in cheaper prices?

For how long, you plan to continue your animosity against GOD-NEGLECTED AMERICANS and UNHOLY LAND UNITED STATES?

Why do you think, we shouldn%u2019t help ARABS in the destruction of ISRAEL to enjoy OIL in cheap price?

Why do you think we should protect existence of ISRAEL far away from the CONCENTRATION CAMPS in GERMANY to buy HATRED, TERRORISM and 9/11 against UNHOLY LAND UNITED STATES and GOD-NEGLECTED AMERICANS?

[uzzisanta]

Leadership do a dumbfukkkk republican means: "Not listening to people."

[skyk-2009]

Americans have tested that wall in every possible way. We''ve run trucks up against it, we''ve thrown firecrackers at it, and the wall has stood pretty strongly. And it requires, I think, constant vigilance.

Newsweek editor Jon Meacham

As someone who has studied History for over 30 years and taught it, I just do not know how it can be said any better. ANYONE who doesn''t think we haven''t had these arguments or or Pat Robertson''s in our history simply isn''t looking or doesn''t want to look. We must be EVER knowledgable of the RIGHTS of the Minority View. THAT view has CONSTISTENTLY made us a better people in the end. When THAT view is able to convince the rest of us that a wrong is being done we change as a people, we GROW as a people. At no time in our history, at NO POINT, has the Religious Conservative Folks EVER wanted to give that Minority View equal footing at the table of public opinion. They have always INSISTED on their superiority and as yet have NEVER shown that. Well unless YOU HONESTLY believe that Rock n''Roll is the Devils Music!

[uzzisanta]

In fact, I don''t even think those rich skkkank sons''a byyytches even like people.

[uzzisanta]

Somebody invaded the psychotic ward and said: "Who wants to be a leader?"

[uzzisanta]

If you can smell de ************** underwear, send him on the unemployment line.

[mcvet]

Let%u2019s keep religion in the churches and temples of the country and keep government out of religion and hard at work dealing with the challenges of our times.

"The United States of America should have a foundation free from the influence of clergy." --George Washington

Posted by jmcgilvray at 12:11 PM : Dec 23, 2007
+ report abuse

3000 people lost their lives on 9/11 because of Religious Extremist. The NEXT day I was informed by my OWN Religious Extremist that I was responsible for and caused the deaths of all those American''s. What''s the difference? Who is the bigger Terrorist? The FASCIST who told me he was going to blow me up if I didn''t do as he said or the one who said IF I stuck to my beliefs as to Religion I would face the loss of my freedom here at home or worse? Sieg Heil and Amen!

[batbird1]

How can this author glorify that biased speech by Romney by contrasting it with John Kennedy? Kennedy boldly supported the separation clause in the Constitution. Romney''s speech is nothing short of an attempt to justify the eliminate the separation of church and state altogether. Doing that would jepardize the very foundation of our religious freedom. Romney was wrong. We are not a nation under God, we are a nation under law.

[gunownerdan]

Front Page Headline of "The New York Times" on November 11, 1938 -
"NAZIS SMASH, LOOT AND BURN JEWISH SHOPS AND TEMPLES UNTIL GOEBBELS CALLS HALT"

Nazi Weapons Law passed on November 11, 1938 -
"Jews are prohibited from acquiring, possessing, and carrying firearms and ammunition, as well as truncheons or stabbing weapons.
Those now possessing weapons and ammunition are at once to turn them over to the local police authority.
Firearms and ammunition found in a Jew''s possession will be forfeited to the government without compensation.
Whoever willfully or negligently violates the provisions...will be punished with imprisonment and a fine.
Berlin, 11 November 1938
Minister of the Interior
Frick"

Coincidence?
I THINK NOT

"Today we need a nation of minute men; citizens who are not only prepared to take up arms, but citizens who regard the preservation of freedom as a basic purpose of their daily life and who are willing to consciously work and sacrifice for that freedom.
The cause of liberty, the cause of American, cannot succeed with any lesser effort."
- President John F. Kennedy, January 29, 1961

www.a-human-right.com

[pilgrimsway-2009]

Posted by patriotic9 at 12:09 PM
Are you self centered? To answer this question you would be honest to yourself. You would be acknowledging a need. This is what makes a Christian, Him or Her acknowledging a need to God through Christ. When we see we are self and our sins have come between ourselves and God we can cry out for dependency on Him by calling on Jesus. His blood cleanses our Sins and we have open fellowship to the one who made us and the world to begin with. Merry Christmas!!!!!!!!!!!!

[abdoul_pasha]

The religion must not be part of the politics. The modern countries must have secular governments who don`t mix the religion and the politics.

[uzzisanta]

We''re not even a nation under law, jockamo. We''re a nation of individuals.

[uzzisanta]

Law is a ******** teevee program.

[uzzisanta]

Law is a blond ******** skkkkank claiming she''s an adult cry''n: "He ******* me! He ******* me!" ******** you.

[fibonacci_]

The last thing we need is some religious nut job like huckabee or romney. Boo all you cult fantasy believers. How can you possibly believe all that ***?

[uzzisanta]

Its because of you god damned fine azzzhole ******** representatives, that we got what we call her "presumption of innocence". A buncha god damned rich ******** skkkkanks. Like basketball players.. pretending to be men.

[robertkjjj]

"Drawing The Line Between Church And State" ? Sheee---it, the only line I want to draw is between the US and the whole Islamic world. Just put a STOP to these scum from coming into our country, and start deportation proceedings against the few million already here. Send them ALL back to their original shi*thole backwards camel-infested lands. Let them breed like rats over THERE and kill each other forever. And if even one more attack on Americans occur, just press that big red button, ''cause nothing would give me more joy than to see Mecca and Tehran and Damascus and Karachi turned into blackened-glass parking lots.
www.thereligionofpeace.com

[uzzisanta]

Justify torture... fer me. ******** prickks.

[fibonacci_]

Religion smuligion. Just a bunch of fantasies that give people comfort and enslave their minds.

[patriotic9]

CHRISTIANITY has been used in the United States as a TOOL TO FOOL the people of United States.

Majority of Americans have been forced to support a NON-AMERICAN CAUSE, NON-AMERICAN GOD-CHOSEN PEOPLE and a NON-AMERICAN HOLY LAND on the cost of UNHOLY LAND UNITED STATES and GOD-NEGLECTED AMERICAN MONEY and GOD-NEGLECTED AMERICAN LIVES.

Do you support the idea of GOD-NEGLECTED AMERICAN SOLDIERS losing their limbs and suffer from TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury) and PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) for a NON-AMERICAN CAUSE, NON-AMERICAN GOD-CHOSEN PEOPLE and NON-AMERICAN HOLY LAND?

Do you support the idea of GOD-NEGLECTED AMERICANS working day and night to pay tax to the government and NON-AMERICANS, CHOSEN by an ANTI-AMERICAN, RACIST and UNJUST GOD to snatch more then $3 Billions a year from the US TAX MONEY for the killing of those who give us OIL in cheaper prices?

For how long, you plan to continue your animosity against GOD-NEGLECTED AMERICANS and UNHOLY LAND UNITED STATES?

Why do you think, we shouldn%u2019t help ARABS in the destruction of ISRAEL to enjoy OIL in cheap price?

Why do you think we should protect existence of ISRAEL far away from the CONCENTRATION CAMPS in GERMANY to buy HATRED, TERRORISM and 9/11 against UNHOLY LAND UNITED STATES and GOD-NEGLECTED AMERICANS?

[patriotic9]

It''s ridiculous to have intellectual debate with a CHRISTIAN since CHRISTIANITY is PSYCHOSIS and CHRISTIANS are PSYCHOTICS. I am not just making a statement but prove it with valid, sound and undeniable reasons;

Do you see any connection between SINS committed by ADAM and EVE, SINNERS are those NEW BORN CHILDREN born in SINS who cant even think about committing a SIN and the price is paid by a THIRD PARTY FREE of SINS named JESUS.

Do you see any connection between JESUS-LOVER to be GOD-NEGLECTED and JESUS-HATERS to be GOD-CHOSEN?

Do you see any connection between people killed by HITLER and price paid by those PALESTINIANS who can''''t even speak the language spoken by HITLER?

Do you see any connection between CONCENTRATION CAMPS in GERMANY and ISRAEL founded in a completely different country named PALESTINE?

Do you see any connection between OSAMA BEEN-FOGOTTEN in TORA BORA and PSYCHOTIC CHRISTIAN BUSH attacking IRAQ which had nothing to do with 9/11?

On the basis of above mentioned reasons, I came to this CONCLUSION;

"CHRISTIANITY is PSYCHOSIS and CHRISTIANS are PSYCHOTICS"

If anybody disagrees with me, please feel free to correct me with valid and sound reasons. If you prove me wrong, I would acknowledge my mistake and change my point of view.

[abdoul_pasha]

robertkjj, Most Muslim countries are much more secular than the USA, nobody affords spreading religious hatered like you.

[mcvet]

"Drawing The Line Between Church And State" ? Sheee---it, the only line I want to draw is between the US and the whole Islamic world. Just put a STOP to these scum from coming into our country, and start deportation proceedings against the few million already here. Send them ALL back to their original shi*thole backwards camel-infested lands. Let them breed like rats over THERE and kill each other forever. And if even one more attack on Americans occur, just press that big red button, ''''cause nothing would give me more joy than to see Mecca and Tehran and Damascus and Karachi turned into blackened-glass parking lots.
www.thereligionofpeace.com



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Posted by robertkjjj at 12:29 PM : Dec 23, 2007
+ report abuse

Becoming FASCIST like this isn''t going to help anything. I''ve know a LOT of Muslims and folks I''m here to tell you they were MILES ahead of the "Christian''s" I met in the South during the 60''s. When we start to judge People as People again we will win against those who wish to kill us. Take it from someone who went up against the Klan here, UNTIL we gain the support of Moderate Muslim''s, we can not win against Radical Religious Views. The Brand makes NO difference, just ask our fathers about the Radical Religious in Japan during the 40''s. Sieg Heil and Amen

[mcvet]

The last thing we need is some religious nut job like huckabee or romney. Boo all you cult fantasy believers. How can you possibly believe all that ***?


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Posted by fibonacci_ at 12:27 PM : Dec 23, 2007
+ report abuse

Especially with the embarrassment they''ve gotten recently from those who they sold their votes too. They were nothing more than ****** to these pimps who told them what they wanted to hear only to do much worst. LOL

[sparks224]

Why did Thomas Jefferson hate America?

I would really fee more comfortable if the government would just make everyone believe what I believe.

[gunownerdan]

"I believe today that I am acting in the sense of the Almighty Creator... I am fighting for the Lord''s work."
- Adolf Hitler, 1938

"May God Almighty give our work His blessing, strengthen our purpose, and endow us with wisdom and the trust of our people, for we are fighting not for ourselves but for Germany."
- Adolf Hitler, 1933 Berlin Speech

"I would like to thank Providence and the Almighty for choosing me of all people to be allowed to wage this battle for Germany."
-- Adolf Hitler

"I swear by God this Holy Oath to the F|hrer of the German Reich and the German people, Adolf Hitler. I pledge to you, Adolf Hitler, my obedience unto death, so help me God."
- German Military Oath of Loyalty to Adolf Hitler, 1934

Hitler and the Church -
http://www.nobeliefs.com/nazis.htm

GOD WITH US = GOTT MIT UNS
http://www.nobeliefs.com/mementoes.htm

[uzzisanta]

Why do ya gotta make people believe what you gotta believe? Why can''t ya mind yer own ******* business?

[uzzisanta]

Ya make''n crosses? Huh? Ya sell''n Bibles? Ya scream''n yer ******** head off with a sweaty upper lip like a ******** fool on the teevee? Huh?

Is that yer business?

[blancadebree]

There is no line between Church and State. These are just liberal lies by the secular progressives, who brought you such radical ideas as votes for women, civil rights, and the 40-hour work week. Jesus, himself, signed the Declaration of Independence. Don''t believe me, just take a look for yourself. What? It''s not there? Well, it was magic invisible Jesus ink. Yeah, that''s right.

A vote for Mike Huckabee is a vote to being Jesus back in the White House. In fact, he''ll have VP Cheney''s office. And there will be hot line to Heaven right on Mike''s desk in the Oval Office. It will be red, just like the Bat Phone.

http://blancadebree.blogspot.com

[uzzisanta]

I''ll bethca war makes you think yer hearts in the right place fella. I''ll betcha capital punishment, abortion, and all them other issues make you feel like you know God. Like you got everybody''s ******** soul in the palm of yer greasy ******** hand.

[uzzisanta]

And if it weren''t fer war? Why you''d think you were wrong..

"Hi! My name is ******** doofus! All I gotta do to look good is declare war!"