The Colorado Independent has a great editorial from John Tomasic, who questions Senator Dave Schultheis about that whole religious tolerance thing. Schultheis -- like many other politicians -- has a Twitter account on which he recently bemoaned the plight of a Christian girl in Egypt, who is apparently being treated unfairly by the Muslims around her. Then, just twenty-odd minutes later, Schultheis Tweeted his clear displeasure about Wiccans and Pagans getting a place to worship at the Air Force Academy, asking, "Where does it end?"
Where, indeed? Perhaps it will end when all religious groups are granted the same rights and privileges, whether there are a thousand people participating in a giant church, or just five people in a shady grove. Schultheis seems to be under the mistaken notion that religious tolerance only extends to religions that he likes. Oh, and here's the best part - Schultheis is introducing a Public Schools Religious Bill of Rights this session that would, if passed, "allow for religious education in the public school curricula." I wonder if Schultheis will be in favor of lessons about my religion and yours being included alongside his?
Probably not. This is a guy who said back in 2005 that testing pregnant moms for HIV was rewarding them for being promiscuous, so I doubt that he's on the same page as a lot of us in the Pagan community. Regardless, if you happen to live in Colorado Springs and this is the guy who's making decisions on your behalf, you might want to drop him an email and let him know that your religious beliefs matter just as much as that girl in Egypt that he's so concerned about.
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Where, indeed? Perhaps it will end when all religious groups are granted the same rights and privileges, whether there are a thousand people participating in a giant church, or just five people in a shady grove. Schultheis seems to be under the mistaken notion that religious tolerance only extends to religions that he likes. Oh, and here's the best part - Schultheis is introducing a Public Schools Religious Bill of Rights this session that would, if passed, "allow for religious education in the public school curricula." I wonder if Schultheis will be in favor of lessons about my religion and yours being included alongside his?
Probably not. This is a guy who said back in 2005 that testing pregnant moms for HIV was rewarding them for being promiscuous, so I doubt that he's on the same page as a lot of us in the Pagan community. Regardless, if you happen to live in Colorado Springs and this is the guy who's making decisions on your behalf, you might want to drop him an email and let him know that your religious beliefs matter just as much as that girl in Egypt that he's so concerned about.
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Patti…I could not have said it better.
There are far too many “c’s” out there who whine about so called religious intolerance…but it usually only applies to those who believe as they do, but not to all religions.
“Ohhhhhhhhh! Poor little christian girl surrounded by those horrid big bad muslims! Perish the thought! Save her! Save her! These people are so intolerant! It’s absolutely unAmerican!
Oh Jesus Lord help us all!!!! There are Wiccans celebrating a Sabbat in the woods!
Well, hell, we can’t tolerate such heathen goings on around here! Dang those Wiccans for practicing a different religion than ours in this religiously free society! And on christian grounds grounds no less! It’s unAmerican!”
Yes….religious tolerance only applies to those who subscribe to a like religion.
Worse, his hypocrisy extends to everything else too. He won’t answer questions to his constituents about his comments. Ignores the question and sends you off on other quests. No vote from me at re-election time.
Patti,
The email link for Schultheis is not working. Is it mis-spelled or is it turned off?
Well, there *are* cases of Christians being physically assaulted for their faith in Egypt (and some other places), but you’re right, he is being hypocritical about religious rights. I mean, there’s a big ol’ Christian chapel at the Air Force Academy, so why can’t other faiths have a space? And sadly, there are others like him.
I email the Senator and told him my opinion, which of course is different from his, on his Public School Bill of Rights. Here is his answer:
Susan:
You unfortunately are not a fan of the Constitution and particularly in the Bill of Rights, let alone the 1st Amendment.
Religious freedom is a GUARANTEED right…and one does not give up that right when entering the public school as a teacher or student. You may not like it, but that’s the law.
Sen. Dave Schultheis
Colorado Senate Dist. 9
He wants to let teachers and children opt out of classes if they do not agree with the material being taught. Now is that ridiculous or what. The way it is worded a teacher could teach something other than what a class needs to pass their tests at the end of the year. We already are falling behind much of the world in education, now he wants to let religion into the classroom instead of science. If teachers or students decide to let their religious beliefs dictate what they learn. If they use the bible to figure out the timeline of the earth, history is only a few thousand years old instead of millions. We will have students boycotting classes all over the place. Not learning anything. And I DO NOT believe in religious freedom. Of course not, I must belong to the dominant religion. He obviously has no idea who he is talking to. I am a Vet. I obviously believe in the Constitution since I swore to uphold it with my life. And being pagan I believe very much in religious freedom since it allows me to practice my faith.
Oh well. Hypocrisy seems to be another word for polititian.
http://twitter.com/sen_Schultheis
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http://twitter.com/sen_Schultheis
It does seem that the email link provided has been disabled. Here is this idiot’s website; his email can be found at the very, very bottom of the page. I suggest we bombard this fool and let him know that we do not approve of him attempting to force his “ideals” on the rest of us (and your children).
This guy is just another politician who wants the whole cake and only willing to share it with those he thinks worthy of his religious life. He has to remember, though, there is such a thing as the separation of church and state. Our government was founded on that principle and has staved off the challenges in the past. The fight isn’t over. What we have is a classic case of Law v. Religion and religion ain’t doing so hot these days.
I am one of his constituents. After I used his own words, from his email to me, back at him in reference to the Stone Circle at the Air Force Academy I haven’t heard anything from him. I guess he didn’t like it.
Just another case of self righteousness………. sad he’s an elected official!
This does not surprise me. Remember that the Puritans (always held up for coming to America for Religious Freedom) expelled Roger Williams and the founder of the Quakers (I’m sorry-can’t remember her name off the top of my head) as well as disapproved of the liberal Pilgrims because they did not worship as they saw fit. They also witheld the right to vote from anyone who was not a member of their faith….