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hue

(4,949 posts)
Tue Feb 24, 2015, 09:21 PM Feb 2015

Republicans propose declaring Idaho a 'Christian state'

Source: REUTERS

(Reuters) - Members of a county Republican Party in Idaho are to take up a measure on Tuesday evening that would declare the state a Christian one to bolster what the proposal calls the "Judeo-Christian bedrock of the founding of the United States."

The resolution to be voted on by the Kootenai County Republican Central Committee is non-binding, meaning it does not have the effect of laws or rules.

The proposal seeks that Idaho be "formally and specifically declared a Christian state," guided by a Judeo-Christian faith reflected in the U.S. Declaration of Independence where all authority and power is attributed to God, the resolution reads.

The measure argues that the Christian faith is under "strident attack" in the United States, and cites as evidence the absence of Christian traditions and symbols in public institutions such as schools.

Read more: http://www.reuters.com/article/2015/02/24/us-usa-idaho-christian-idUSKBN0LS2Q020150224



43 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
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Republicans propose declaring Idaho a 'Christian state' (Original Post) hue Feb 2015 OP
There's a semi-decent chance this will fail jmowreader Feb 2015 #1
Defending that in court will be a frivolous waste of taxpayer money. fbc Feb 2015 #2
It wont go to court if its just their party declaring it as their party declare just about anything cstanleytech Feb 2015 #7
How do the Nez Percé and Shoshone feel about this? tclambert Feb 2015 #3
What part of "laws of Nature and of Nature's God" don't they get? starroute Feb 2015 #4
or even "...endowed by their Creator..." jberryhill Feb 2015 #6
The Declaration of Independence is not the law of the land. merrily Feb 2015 #26
This is weird. peace13 Feb 2015 #5
As i understand it, Mormons believe that Jesus is their brother, merrily Feb 2015 #27
Who gives a shit? Aristus Feb 2015 #8
Slippery slope. This insane religious extremism should be criticized loudly, and widely. blkmusclmachine Feb 2015 #12
+1 Among other things, legislators of any persuasion should not be mucking around merrily Feb 2015 #29
GOP trying to declare a christian caliphate Pantagruelsmember Feb 2015 #9
Republican theocracy. blkmusclmachine Feb 2015 #14
Let's add a word: Republican fascist theocracy. (or theocrazy if You like) hue Feb 2015 #20
republicans steal mr potato head Sunlei Feb 2015 #10
lol n/t lordsummerisle Feb 2015 #18
"plastic jesus"by billy idol niyad Feb 2015 #43
Christian reconstructionism/Christian dominionism. blkmusclmachine Feb 2015 #11
Idiots!!! mountain grammy Feb 2015 #13
Dunces. GeorgeGist Feb 2015 #15
" cites as evidence the absence of Christian traditions and symbols in public institutions.." vkkv Feb 2015 #16
Christian traditions azureblue Feb 2015 #19
Illegal, yet present anyway. The Constitution specifically says merrily Feb 2015 #30
Great Idea! azureblue Feb 2015 #17
Silly person. The new definition of Christian means belonging to a certain church.... Moonwalk Feb 2015 #21
don't forget, this is the state that is home to vito barbieri, he of the gyn-cam. niyad Feb 2015 #22
I think the correct term is vagicam, since that is were the camera exits. Elmer S. E. Dump Feb 2015 #40
yes, you are correct. niyad Feb 2015 #41
wow: niyad Feb 2015 #23
Of course, this would put Idaho . . . MrModerate Feb 2015 #24
Will the evangelical cult accept the douggg Feb 2015 #25
The First Amendment trumps such statist nonsense. Next they'll declare it a white state. nt tblue37 Feb 2015 #28
The first amendment bind government. The Republican Party of Idaho is not a government. merrily Feb 2015 #31
Not for their party--but eventually some very red state legislature will try it, too. nt tblue37 Feb 2015 #32
1 of them thinks swallowing a camera shows lady parts irisblue Feb 2015 #33
What a idiot joke workinclasszero Feb 2015 #34
Are they throwing Jews under the bus? Hard to tell from that excerpt. dolphinsandtuna Feb 2015 #35
That Heretic Roger Williams ninjanurse Feb 2015 #36
Funny, but I thought Idaho was the historic home of Indian tribes like the sinkingfeeling Feb 2015 #37
It is a non-binding resolution put forth by a single county. Nitram Feb 2015 #38
BOOM!!! Elmer S. E. Dump Feb 2015 #39
Can they ALL move there and secede from the US? Myrina Feb 2015 #42

jmowreader

(50,453 posts)
1. There's a semi-decent chance this will fail
Tue Feb 24, 2015, 09:24 PM
Feb 2015

The KCRCC itself is divided on this: the John Birchers (or people who think like Birchers, anyway) are all "Christian America - Fuck Yeah!" and the Paulites are sitting there going, "hold on hoss, isn't this unconstitutional?"

http://cdapress.com/news/local_news/article_9e25cca3-8827-5d9e-9746-c0f3fd50163b.html

cstanleytech

(26,080 posts)
7. It wont go to court if its just their party declaring it as their party declare just about anything
Tue Feb 24, 2015, 09:45 PM
Feb 2015

it wants.
It only becomes an issue that can go to court if they try to get the state government officials to try to pass it with some sort of official vote when the government is official in session.

tclambert

(11,080 posts)
3. How do the Nez Percé and Shoshone feel about this?
Tue Feb 24, 2015, 09:33 PM
Feb 2015

Seeing as how it was their land first, seems like one ought to ask their views. (I know, I was just being silly. White Christians ain't gonna care what Injuns think. Just keep 'em on the rez and forget about them.)

starroute

(12,977 posts)
4. What part of "laws of Nature and of Nature's God" don't they get?
Tue Feb 24, 2015, 09:37 PM
Feb 2015

Even in the 18th century, Nature came first and God was an afterthought -- and was only the god of Nature and not the Christian god, at that.

Idiots.

 

jberryhill

(62,444 posts)
6. or even "...endowed by their Creator..."
Tue Feb 24, 2015, 09:42 PM
Feb 2015

Not "Our Creator", but a third-person possessive "their" Creator... whatever such persons might think the process of their creation to have been.

merrily

(45,251 posts)
26. The Declaration of Independence is not the law of the land.
Wed Feb 25, 2015, 12:27 AM
Feb 2015

I am sure you know that, but many others think it is.

 

peace13

(11,076 posts)
5. This is weird.
Tue Feb 24, 2015, 09:41 PM
Feb 2015

Been to Idaho and many of the folks don't consider Mormans to be Christian. Mormans consider themselves to be Christian. This should be fun!

merrily

(45,251 posts)
27. As i understand it, Mormons believe that Jesus is their brother,
Wed Feb 25, 2015, 12:30 AM
Feb 2015

not any more nor any less God's child than each of them is. That does not fit with any conventional definition of Christianity of which I am aware.

I've talked with Christians who think Mormons are demonic. "You can see it in their eyes," I was once told.

(To be clear, I am not taking sides, just reporting.)

Aristus

(66,096 posts)
8. Who gives a shit?
Tue Feb 24, 2015, 09:54 PM
Feb 2015

It's Idaho, for Pete's sake.

Let them try it in one of the major-league states and see what happens...

merrily

(45,251 posts)
29. +1 Among other things, legislators of any persuasion should not be mucking around
Wed Feb 25, 2015, 12:38 AM
Feb 2015

with separation of church and state, even if this stupidity is within the Idaho GOP.

Pantagruelsmember

(106 posts)
9. GOP trying to declare a christian caliphate
Tue Feb 24, 2015, 09:58 PM
Feb 2015



Any doubt the GOP is the American Taliban is being erased by the day.

niyad

(112,435 posts)
43. "plastic jesus"by billy idol
Wed Feb 25, 2015, 12:56 PM
Feb 2015



TITLE: Plastic Jesus


Well, I don't care if it rains or freezes,
Long as I have my plastic Jesus
Riding on the dashboard of my car
Through all trials and tribulations,
We will travel every nation,
With my plastic Jesus I'll go far.

{Refrain}
Plastic Jesus, plastic Jesus
Riding on the dashboard of my car
Through all trials and tribulations,
We will travel every nation,
With my plastic Jesus I'll go far.

I don't care if it rains or freezes
As long as I've got my Plastic Jesus
Glued to the dashboard of my car,
You can buy Him phosphorescent
Glows in the dark, He's Pink and Pleasant,
Take Him with you when you're travelling far

{Refrain}

I don't care if it's dark or scary
Long as I have magnetic Mary
Ridin' on the dashboard of my car
I feel I'm protected amply
I've got the whole damn Holy Family
Riding on the dashboard of my car

{Refrain}

You can buy a Sweet Madonna
Dressed in rhinestones sitting on a
Pedestal of abalone shell
Goin' ninety, I'm not wary
'Cause I've got my Virgin Mary
Guaranteeing I won't go to Hell

{Refrain}

I don't care if it bumps or jostles
Long as I got the Twelve Apostles
Bolted to the dashboard of my car
Don't I have a pious mess
Such a crowd of holiness
Strung across the dashboard of my car

{Refrain}

No, I don't care if it rains or freezes
Long as I have my plastic Jesus
Riding on the dashboard of my car
But I think he'll have to go
His magnet ruins my radio
And if we have a wreck he'll leave a scar

{Refrain}

Riding through the thoroughfare
With his nose up in the air
A wreck may be ahead, but he don't mind
Trouble coming, he don't see
He just keeps his eyes on me
And any other thing that lies behind

Plastic Jesus, Plastic Jesus
Riding on the dashboard of my car
Though the sun shines on his back
Makes him peel, chip, and crack
A little patching keeps him up to par

When pedestrians try to cross
I let them know who's boss
I never blow my horn or give them warning
I ride all over town
Trying to run them down
And it's seldom that they live to see the morning

Plastic Jesus, Plastic Jesus
Riding on the dashboard of my car
His halo fits just right
And I use it as a sight
And they'll scatter or they'll splatter near and far

When I'm in a traffic jam
He don't care if I say Damn
I can let all sorts of curses roll
Plastic Jesus doesn't hear
For he has a plastic ear
The man who invented plastic saved my soul

Plastic Jesus, Plastic Jesus
Riding on the dashboard of my car
Once his robe was snowy white
Now it isn't quite so bright
Stained by the smoke of my cigar

God made Christ a Holy Jew
God made Him a Christian too
Paradoxes populate my car
Joseph beams with a feigned elan
From the shaggy dash of my furlined van
Famous cuckold in the master plan

Naughty Mary, smug and smiling
Jesus dainty and beguiling
Knee-deep in the piling of my van
His message clear by night or day
My phosphorescent plastic Gay
Simpering from the dashboard of my van

When I'm goin' fornicatin
I got my ceramic Satan
Sinnin' on the dashboard of my Winnebago Motor Home
The women know I'm on the level
Thanks to the wild-eyed stoneware devil
Ridin' on the dashboard of my Winnebago Motor Home
Sneerin' from the dashboard of my Winnebago Motor Home
Leering from the dashboard of my van

If I weave around at night
And the police think I'm tight
They'll never find my bottle, though they ask
Plastic Jesus shelters me
For His head comes off, you see
He's hollow, and I use Him for a flask

Plastic Jesus, plastic Jesus
Riding on the dashboard of my car
Ride with me and have a dram
Of the blood of the Lamb
Plastic Jesus is a holy bar
 

vkkv

(3,384 posts)
16. " cites as evidence the absence of Christian traditions and symbols in public institutions.."
Tue Feb 24, 2015, 10:33 PM
Feb 2015

Because they are illegal, and for a good reason, dumb-shits!

azureblue

(2,131 posts)
19. Christian traditions
Tue Feb 24, 2015, 10:39 PM
Feb 2015

begin with "do not judge", Pray in private", "thsi you do to the least of these, you do unto Me"", "the rich helping the poor", all principles put forth by Jesus.
They don't want those "traditions", though.

merrily

(45,251 posts)
30. Illegal, yet present anyway. The Constitution specifically says
Wed Feb 25, 2015, 01:00 AM
Feb 2015

Article VI, paragraph 3 of the Constitution of the United States says:

The Senators and Representatives before mentioned, and the Members of the several State Legislatures, and all executive and judicial Officers, both of the United States and of the several States, shall be bound by Oath or Affirmation, to support this Constitution; but no religious test shall ever be required as a qualification to any office or public trust under the United States.


Yet, Congress opens with prayer; so do inaugurations, which also close with prayer, much like a church service; every day, the SCOTUS begins its business after someone declares, "God save this honorable court;" Presidents and, with few exceptions, members of Congress, take their oath of office with one hand on a Bible; there are National Days of Prayer, Prayer Breakfasts, etc. etc. etc. ad inifinitum.

In my opinion, the Democratic Party should long ago have made enforcing separation of church and state a priority.

azureblue

(2,131 posts)
17. Great Idea!
Tue Feb 24, 2015, 10:35 PM
Feb 2015

Post a copy of the Ten Commandments in front of the State House, along with this quote from Jesus in Matthew 25: 33- 47. then pass a law that says any office holder that breaks the Ten or refuses to do what Jesus taught will be immediately ejected from office. Make them put their asses where their mouths are. If they want a Christian nation then they better start doing what Christ tells his followers to do, if they are to be Christians..

Moonwalk

(2,322 posts)
21. Silly person. The new definition of Christian means belonging to a certain church....
Tue Feb 24, 2015, 10:55 PM
Feb 2015

...not following any dictates in the Bible. That would take too much work. Much easier just to attend services, get a "I heart Jesus" bumper sticker and fish symbol for the car, and make sure public schools don't teach evolution. That's modern Christianity.

niyad

(112,435 posts)
22. don't forget, this is the state that is home to vito barbieri, he of the gyn-cam.
Tue Feb 24, 2015, 10:57 PM
Feb 2015

on closer reading, this is a county puke resolution.

niyad

(112,435 posts)
23. wow:
Tue Feb 24, 2015, 10:59 PM
Feb 2015

"We're a Christian community in a Christian state and the Republican Party is a Christian Party," said Jeff Tyler, a member of the committee and backer of the draft resolution.

 

MrModerate

(9,753 posts)
24. Of course, this would put Idaho . . .
Tue Feb 24, 2015, 11:53 PM
Feb 2015

. . . in conflict with the Constitution. And even though it's a state (and not the fed), that's a pretty big leap.

If they can blow off the First Amendment, what's to stop another legislature from blowing off the Second?

douggg

(239 posts)
25. Will the evangelical cult accept the
Wed Feb 25, 2015, 12:23 AM
Feb 2015

Mormon cult as true Christians?

There are a lot of Mormons in Idaho.

merrily

(45,251 posts)
31. The first amendment bind government. The Republican Party of Idaho is not a government.
Wed Feb 25, 2015, 01:02 AM
Feb 2015

It's disgusting that politicians are even contemplating this, but I don't know that it's illegal.

irisblue

(32,829 posts)
33. 1 of them thinks swallowing a camera shows lady parts
Wed Feb 25, 2015, 01:34 AM
Feb 2015

Idaho, do NOT trust these schmucks
they are of limited intelligence & abilities

 

workinclasszero

(28,270 posts)
34. What a idiot joke
Wed Feb 25, 2015, 07:59 AM
Feb 2015

And I say that as a Christian! This country was founded on freedom from any official religion being imposed by the state!
Most of the founders were NOT Christian at all!

To say that Christian faith is under attack in this country is the biggest lie and joke and damn insult to Christians in other countries who are losing their life's in real attacks like the 21 Egyptian brothers who were slaughtered by ISIS.
The stupidity of people in this country blows my mind!

ninjanurse

(92 posts)
36. That Heretic Roger Williams
Wed Feb 25, 2015, 08:39 AM
Feb 2015

There wouldn't be a Rhode Island if the good Christians of the Massachusetts Bay Colony didn't have a habit of persecuting people who were the wrong kind of Christian. They themselves were here because they couldn't submit to the Church of England. Do we really want to go there again?

sinkingfeeling

(51,278 posts)
37. Funny, but I thought Idaho was the historic home of Indian tribes like the
Wed Feb 25, 2015, 09:43 AM
Feb 2015

Nez Perce and that no 'white' man had stepped foot in it until the early 1800's. It wasn't even a US territory until the Civil War was almost over with. Nor was Idaho even a part of the United States until 1890.

Nitram

(22,671 posts)
38. It is a non-binding resolution put forth by a single county.
Wed Feb 25, 2015, 10:10 AM
Feb 2015

Nothing to see here folks, just keep moving right along.

Myrina

(12,296 posts)
42. Can they ALL move there and secede from the US?
Wed Feb 25, 2015, 12:53 PM
Feb 2015

Then we can build a huge fence to keep them out of OUR country.

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