Theocratic iron fists

Former Texas Republican judge Catherine Crier once made a distinct point: An activist judge is only an activist if he votes in a way that doesn’t follow the far right’s belief structure (Cover, “Deciding Controversy,” March 8-15). If they rule to overturn abortion, deny gays and lesbians from adopting or reproducing, legalize the execution of gays and lesbians, promote eugenics and eliminate welfare, topics that many far-right politicians believe, that’s not being an activist, that’s being an outstanding judge.

I’m amazed that politicians and leaders treat Americans like imbeciles and ignore the hypocrisy in their demands but even more amazed that most Americans are OK with it! Dumbing down doesn’t even describe it. Perhaps our politicians do understand but they are so blinded by the superiority complex of their beliefs that they don’t care. Do they realize their extremist ideals make them no different than those we condemn for their theocratic iron fists?

Claiming that a person should be able to lead a prayer of any sort that promotes the worship of their particular deity is insensitive and self-serving. How many times did anyone lead a Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist or neo-Pagan prayer and ask others to chant or sing along? What would be the reaction of those Christians in the room if they were encouraged to get on their knees and pray to a deity other than their own? What if THEY were the minority?

For years we’ve heard Christians say “deal with it or just leave” while using the venue to encourage others to join the religion or “follow the masses.” Either follow or be shunned is the message that has been sent. The way the religion is designed is that unless you belong you’re destined to face the wrath of an angry god … and the laws of talibangelists of course.

The fact of the matter is that if a judge or law doesn’t in some way support Christianity or is neutral in that all religions are covered then it must be evil because, as we know, the design is to strangle all other beliefs. Hamilton’s decision is as much about being “anti-Christian” as it is about being “anti-Pagan” or “anti-Buddhist” in that everyone falls under the same rules and apparently to our leaders, unless Christianity is the one being promoted, nothing else really matters.

Talibangelists need to get off of their high horse and learn that sometimes in order to play well together in the sandbox you have to be neutral. Unfortunately, it appears they are much more content with just throwing sand in the eyes of neutral justices and non-Christians while screaming that everyone else is at fault and if they can’t have it their way they’ll waste taxpayer dollars and get what they want one way or another. The term “rich, spoiled brat” comes to mind. We elected these people; we’re paying for them to squabble and waste our money to promote their religion in the workplace. If they’re going to stand up and do the job for all people they need to understand equality and neutrality because right now, there are thousands that they aren’t standing for and I’m one of them.

Kudos to Hamilton for being one of the few to know what the meaning of neutrality really is ... It’s too bad our leaders still lag behind with their superiority complexes in tow.