Guess I'm not welcome in Illinois...

[bronwynrh]

Illinois State Rep. Monique Davis (D-Chicago) says so.

O_o

As is so often the case, I tip my hat to Radley Balko.

Comments

[travellight.livejournal.com]

Having lived in Iowa, I'd think you'd have had enough of the I states.

[bramey.livejournal.com]

True dat

[mysterygal11.livejournal.com]

A Democrat said that?

The religious fanaticism in parts of this country reminds me of that in certain other areas of the world...

[bramey.livejournal.com]

I know. The first instinct is to say, "damn right-wing fundy nutjob!"

Some people find it relevant to point out that she is a fellow parishioner of Oprah and Sen. Obama at Rev. Wright's church. Me... I don't find that quite so relevant as her blatant disregard of her oath to uphold the Constitution.

It's also a good time to note that Lincoln was quite the agnostic.

The woman is wrong on so many points, it's difficult to know where to begin.

[gwangi.livejournal.com]

Well, actually

To the Voters of the Seventh Congressional District.

FELLOW CITIZENS:
A charge having got into circulation in some of the neighborhoods of this District, in substance that I am an open scoffer at Christianity, I have by the advice of some friends concluded to notice the subject in this form. That I am not a member of any Christian Church, is true; but I have never denied the truth of the Scriptures; and I have never spoken with intentional disrespect of religion in general, or any denomination of Christians in particular. It is true that in early life I was inclined to believe in what I understand is called the "Doctrine of Necessity" -- that is, that the human mind is impelled to action, or held in rest by some power, over which the mind itself has no control; and I have sometimes (with one, two or three, but never publicly) tried to maintain this opinion in argument. The habit of arguing thus however, I have, entirely left off for more than five years. And I add here, I have always understood this same opinion to be held by several of the Christian denominations. The foregoing, is the whole truth, briefly stated, in relation to myself, upon this subject.

I do not think I could myself, be brought to support a man for office, whom I knew to be an open enemy of, and scoffer at, religion. Leaving the higher matter of eternal consequences, between him and his Maker, I still do not think any man has the right thus to insult the feelings, and injure the morals, or the community in which he may live. If, then, I was guilty of such conduct, I should blame no man who should condemn me for it; but I do blame those, whoever they may be, who falsely put such a charge in circulation against me.

A. Lincoln

July 31, 1846

Just sayin'.

[bramey.livejournal.com]

Well, that's some valuable input right there. Thank you.

I do have to wonder if he was expressing his true feelings in that letter, or if he was doing as today's politicians do, saying what needed to be said to keep the electorate happy.

Politics has made me so cynical :-/

[bramey.livejournal.com]

Although, on looking at it again, he doesn't say he's a believer. He just asserts that he doesn't scoff at religion anymore, nor does he support those who do.

[miss-manners.livejournal.com]

Nah...just listen to the media: Christians are only dangerous is they vote Republican. You can have wacky religious beliefs and be left-wing and you're safe.

[(Anonymous)]

Most of us Chicagoans live here despite the incredibly horrible city, county, and state governments. Under protest, even though I love and adore Chicago itself. Though, eventually they're going to push us too far and my little family is going to give up and move to Indiana.

~Leah
http://lakelinesthoughts.com/

[bramey.livejournal.com]

You may not be much happier in Indiana - of course, I say this based only on my rather limited knowledge of your preferences :)

Granted, for many of the things that irk me, Kentucky isn't much better, either!

[curlicue.livejournal.com]

"...what this state was built on..."

It's not a coincidence that there's NO mention of Christianity in the US Constitution.

I guess I should be accustomed to this closemindedness, but it still rattles my cage.

[bramey.livejournal.com]

There is a reference to "God" in the Illinois constitution (if you follow the comments thread on Radley's page, you'll find it) but still, the document is very clear that belief of one sort or another is not a requirement.

[curlicue.livejournal.com]

Gee, I would say about the Illinois const, "Well, that's just fucked up" except I'm afraid that you would look at Florida's.

Florida's brings new meaning to fucked up. We address pregnant pigs in our constitution.

I find it odd how tolerant I am of Catholics, Jews, Muslims, and others, yet intolerant of intolerant fundamentalists. Hearing them speak makes me clench my fists. If any of them thought for themselves I'm sure I wouldn't be so annoyed.