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Memories And Reflections's avatar

This is one of the finest pieces I have read on the separation of church and state. I would place this in a list of important reading, a list that would include Harry Emerson Fosdick's well-known sermon, "Shall the Fundamentalists Win?" He stated in the late 1920s that he believed Fundamentalists had been put to rest, their arguments had been shown to be without merit and that the world had rejected them. I guess we all should be careful in prophesying about the yet unseen. Again, thank you.

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Joe Chuman's avatar

Thanks for your insightful thoughts. Yes, many in the 20s and 30s thought that religion would fade away under the pressures of modernity, especially science. How wrong they were!

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Marvin Friedlander's avatar

Remarkable how one person’s villainy can leave a disastrous legacy that will continue to disrupt our national tranquility through packing the courts with ultra conservatives, inciting right wing terrorists, and holding Republicans in congress in thrall.

We want to place blame on Trump, Mitch McConnell, Manchin, Sinema, and the six black-robed (less than Supreme) judges for what we are experiencing in terms of hostility, crack-pot rulings, and legislative impasses.

But I believe it’s too many of them who voted for it.

Hopefully, the economy will rebound before the midterms along with lower gas prices and deflation so a bit of a balance might be restored. As for the Supreme Court, I’m afraid the harm is generational.

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Joe Chuman's avatar

All true and all fretful and ominous. I have long believed that the best route to mitigating the extremism and irrationality that infects American society is through restoring economic security and instilling hope in a more promising future. I lament awfully the gutting of the "Bring Back Better" initiative, which I believed was our best shot. What we are left with seems too fragmentary and thin.

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Jean Strickholm's avatar

Dear Joe-Great article on serious issue - Jean Strickholm

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Joe Chuman's avatar

Many thanks, Jean.

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Francesca Turchiano's avatar

I’m moved by these powerful words on the subject: “We do not want to be delivered into the hands of disguised missionaries in the persons of (school) principals who smuggle in sectarian prayers and hymns in our public schools.” 1875. Cited early in “The Power Broker” by Robert Caro. What a priceless piece of history and human behavior!

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Joe Chuman's avatar

Very apt quote! As a child in the NY Public Schools, even at a very young age, I couldn't understand why the day began with a bible reading. Today the yen to return religion to the schools is driven by powerful political motives. It is a front, as I suggest, for very dark forces. Many thanks.

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Francesca Turchiano's avatar

Thx. Very dark forces, indeed! I daydream that an effective, modern, moral, national leader soon emerges but am at a loss to name a name.

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Joe Chuman's avatar

Anyone with a love of democracy, freedom, decency, intelligence, and humane values cries out for such leadership. We are all, I conclude, at a loss. Let us sustain our hope that such leaders will emerge.

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Francesca Turchiano's avatar

You bet!

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