*sigh*

shaktiqueen posted a link to an article in the Washington Post. It regards the recent decision in Virginia to post the national motto In God We Trust in every public school building in the state. This has actually made lots of news here over the last couple years.

Still, though, one thing irks me...

A Virginia Senator is quoted:

Sen. Nick Rerras (R-Norfolk), a sponsor of the legislation requiring the motto, said the motto and the pledge are reminders of the importance of God in American history.

"I think we need to remember that this is the greatest nation on earth. It was put together by people who were God-fearing people. If this nation is to remain strong, we need to remain a God-fearing people," Rerras said.

What the hell? It angers me that a Senator in a state where Thomas Jefferson is regarded as a near saint could be so ignorant. Thomas Jefferson wasn't exactly god-fearing in the modern sense of the word. He believed in natural order and morality. Jefferson believed God (or the Creator, a term he seemed to use far more often) instilled this in humankind so that humans could function in society by means of reason.

And you know what? I'm excusing the fact that Rerras is ignorant of the writings of Franklin, Washington, Paine, Adams, Madison, and other founding fathers. I'm just astounded that he could say something so unqualified.

( lots of jefferson quotes )

and now i should talk about this, right?
( once upon a time... )

(no subject)

hey, morbid_curious

could you give michellew a hand?

she has some questions about NZ.