Yarborough: Non-Christian Prayers Could Spell Trouble!

[CS Foltz]

Anyone know if the "Wickens" will be represented? Clay would just love them! Or how about Scientology?

[buckethead]

Suppose his supporters (a majority of voters who elected him to represent themselves) prefer to have him oppose any alternatives to the preferred religion or doctrine.

Isn't this what democracy is? The majority put him there and if we truly live in a democracy, he should do as his supporters wish. As for other councilpersons, they should do likewise.

Anyone disagree with the concept of Democracy??

One person, one vote.

[CS Foltz]

buckethead.........I can not disagree with that principle! But would have to ask......is it right to have a specific religion touted as the one and only? I need to point out also, that would be the majority in his district and not in mine, but wish that all council persons truely represented their respective districts in that manner! This is an issue of religion though and I don't argue either politics or religion! Most people have an opinion on both and the chances of coming to an agreement on either is slim to nonexistant...........just mho!

[buckethead]

Isn't every religion touted as "the one and only true religion"?

It almost sounds like there are very few fans of democracy in da house.

[Charles Hunter]

buckethead, the Bill of Rights, and especially the first, are to protect the rights of individuals from the tyranny of the majority.  Following your same logic, since Mayor Peyton won the last election in a landslide, everyone here (and elsewhere) who criticizes him should not have the right to express those opinions, and be forced to listen to Peyton supporters talk endlessly about how great he is.  (See Amendment #1 about free speech and redress of grievances).

[Jaxson]

Suppose his supporters (a majority of voters who elected him to represent themselves) prefer to have him oppose any alternatives to the preferred religion or doctrine.

Isn't this what democracy is? The majority put him there and if we truly live in a democracy, he should do as his supporters wish. As for other councilpersons, they should do likewise.

Anyone disagree with the concept of Democracy??

One person, one vote.

We are not a democracy.  Our nation's founders established our government to prevent mob democracy from running amok.  This is why we have the Electoral College.  This is why they gave state legislatures the power to elect Senators, and not the people.  Democracy is the basis for our government, but it is not the entire premise of our nation's politics.  A more accurate description of our government would be a 'representative democracy' or a 'constitutional republic.' 

That said, the will of the majority is great, but there are reasons why we do not have referenda on everything like we would if we were living in a pure 'democracy.'  Our representatives, while they are supposed to reflect the will of the people, are also expected to make informed decisions in our best interest. 

I recently spoke to a city councilman and asked if he supported sectarian prayer because it was the will of the majority.  He said no.  Why?  Because he said that demographics can always shift and that Muslims (for example) could end up in the majority in many areas.  If majority rules, he said, there will be many areas taking the route of Islam in public prayers.  He said to me that our nation's foundation in Judeo-Christian tradition should suffice in supporting his beliefs without going the route of 'majority rules.'

[buckethead]

Very nice posts, Jaxon and Charles. This is the point I am trying (backhandedly) to make (perhaps a bit off topic) by illustrating the lunacy of a true democracy. (The very system we have been taught our governmental system is and should be).

Additionally, I would also assert a religious group has every right to representation a secular group or corporation has. A religious group does not have the authority to establish religious rituals in governmental proceedings whether excluding others or not. ( Does the first amendment apply to a city council? Congress shall pass no law.... yada yada yada)

Perhaps it is constitutional for a city/county to establish Christian prayer as the exclusive prayer performed at city/county functions and proceedings?

[finehoe]

I would also assert a religious group has every right to representation a secular group or corporation has.

They should pay taxes then.

[Doctor_K]

I would also assert a religious group has every right to representation a secular group or corporation has.

They should pay taxes then.

"Amen!"

[buckethead]

I would also assert a religious group has every right to representation a secular group or corporation has.

They should pay taxes then.

Like ACORN, N.A.R.A.L, NAACP, Greepeace, The Sierra Club and N.O.W.? (et al)

Should we apply that same rule to federal elections? No federal tax liability = no vote? 

Not to mention the fact that members of a religious group have the same requirement to tax liability as do all citizens. (with the exception of clergy, which I see as a violation of the equal protection clause)