House Moves to Hinder Church-State Lawsuits

[NVMojo]

Sept. 12 – The House of Representatives is advancing a bill that critics say would hinder people from defending the separation of church and state in the nation’s courtrooms.

As previously reported by The NewStandard, the Public Expression of Religion Act, introduced by Representative John Hotstettler (R–Indiana), would prevent plaintiffs in church-state separation cases from recovering attorney’s fees as part of their lawsuit awards. The House Judiciary Committee approved the bill last week.

Supporters of the legislation, such as the veterans’ organization American Legion, want to limit lawsuits against religious symbols in public settings, from prayer at school football games to crosses on public grounds.

Critics of the bill, including the American Civil Liberties Union and the advocacy group Secular Coalition for America, say the bill would further empower government institutions to inject religion into the public sphere.

more...

http://newstandardnews.net/content/index.cfm/items/3642

[tk2kewl]

1. Try amending The Constitution then!

[BOSSHOG]

2. Just another reason for me to piss on the America Legion

I so look forward to their next attempt to get money out of my pocket.

[Nite Owl]

4. What General Smedley Butler

thought:

You know very well that it (the American Legion) is nothing but a strike-breaking outfit used by capital for that purpose, and that is the reason we have all those big clubhouses and that is the reason I pulled out of it. They have been using the dumb soldiers to break strikes.


Testimony before House of Representatives' Committee, Investigation of Nazi and Other Propaganda. 1935


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Do you think it could be hard to buy the American Legion for un- American activities? You know, the average veteran thinks the Legion is a patriotic organization to perpetuate the memories of the last war, an organization to promote peace, to take care of the wounded and to keep green the graves of those who gave their lives.
But is the American Legion that? No sir, not while it is controlled by the bankers. For years the bankers, by buying big club houses for various posts, by financing its beginning, and otherwise, have tried to make a strikebreaking organization of the Legion. The groups--the so-called Royal Family of the Legion--which have picked its officers for years, aren't interested in patriotism, in peace, in wounded veterans, in those who gave their lives...No, they are interested only in using the veterans, through their officers.


Speech frequently delivered after his appearance before Un-American Activities Committee.

http://www.chrononhotonthologos.com/lawnotes/smedley.htm


Guess they haven't changed in the years since he said this. It fits the repukes well, they are their cover for patriotism which to them is merely a word to be bandied about while destroying our country. Someone had a quote on DU the other day, I don't remember who it was so I apologize for not giving credit: Liberals burn the flag, conservatives burn the constitution.

[Monkeyman]

7. Yep they are losing memebers by the droves

After Rummy speach. Now the asswipe are raising fees and making statement like this bull crap they are no longer a veterans org they are Replugs supporters.You would think with the grades in from real VSO's they stop . Not one replug has a passing grade on veterans issues look for yourself brother

http:www.vote-smart.org/issue_rating_detail.php?sig_id=004044M

[MadHound]

3. So when do we get to declare our government a theocrocy?

Getting closer and closer every day.

[xxqqqzme]

5. They are in session - what? less than 60 days

this year? And THIS is the legislation that is given priority?

The House is pathetic and disgusting! Just once, I want someone to represent me in congress.

[onehandle]

6. Election year desperate pandering. Move along. nt

[Monkeyman]

8. Its not desperate pandering when a veterans org who's charter says no

political involvement

[Vidar]

9. Another victory for the American Taliban.

[PurityOfEssence]

10. We'll cram our fantasy down your throat and you'll accept our superiority

Religion is anti-pluralist; it demands monarchic superiority for those of the preferred belief and relegates others to serfdom. The founding fathers were right: religion has no place in government.

Embedded in all the major religions is a cocksure belief that they're right and the rest of us are lesser beings.

Religionists must be fought at every turn because they don't play fair. They may hem and haw and say that putting "in god we trust" on money is just "symbolic deism", but they'll turn right around and use this as proof that they have the right to hold sway. Do not give them an inch; fight the liberal instinct to be inclusive with people who demand total control.

[countmyvote4real]

13. Come rant by me. I think we're in the same choir...

but I like your lyrics better. Great post.

[nealmhughes]

11. I just finished blogging this before I went to DU.

I am so surprised that only the lonely little NewStandard has picked up on this. I have them set as my homepage, so I read them every morning first time.

Here are my comments: http://screechingrats.wordpress.com

It is amazing that this went thru the House Jud. Committee! Utterly unbelievable...

Note whom the statue proposed will not hit in the pocket book: such entities as AFA, VFW, etc. ad infin.

[jsw_81]

12. I thought 'loser pays' was a key GOP reform

Guess that doesn't apply when the losers are their Talibornagain supporters.

[Tesha]

15. Not on the issues where they routinely lose. (NT)

[w4rma]

14. This doesn't seem Constitutional to me. (nt)