VIEWPOINTS
SEPARATION OF CHURCH AND STATE: This phrase first appeared in a letter from Thomas Jefferson to a group of Connecticut Baptists, clarifying the language of the First Amendment. The intent at the time was clearly to disallow any state-sponsored religion. No argument there. Somehow we've "progressed" to the point of certain noisy people being intolerant of any allusion to God in public documents, facilities and events. If we allow the removal of all moral anchors and constraints from our society to preserve the civil rights of these few, where is the promised freedom of religion? Personally, I want my government (every last member of it) to demonstrate moral leadership in doing the people's business and I care little if they draw their inspiration from the Christian Bible, the Hindu Bhagvad Gita, or another recognized guide to ethics.
NOTE: The views expressed below are my own. However, they embody the guidance
I would provide to constituents researching these issues. As promised, my voting in Congress will be bound to the expressed majority view of my fellow South Dakotans and I will fervently advocate their collective wisdom.
I would provide to constituents researching these issues. As promised, my voting in Congress will be bound to the expressed majority view of my fellow South Dakotans and I will fervently advocate their collective wisdom.
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ISSUES
U. S. Coin
A related issue arises in the ongoing Right to Life vs. Right to Choose debate. This is my position -- I wish the so-called "Pro-Life" proponents every success in preventing or discouraging elective abortion. However, I must regard any attempt to codify their position, or the position of their opponents, in law, as a violation of the First Amendment. Both life and our freedom of religion are sacrosanct.
This is a classic case of the federal government overstepping its constitutional authority. Laws and regulations in this area (such as Roe vs. Wade) should be repealed as unconstitutional. The Supreme Court and Congress should simply disengage for the sake of preserving family values and family prerogatives.
This is a classic case of the federal government overstepping its constitutional authority. Laws and regulations in this area (such as Roe vs. Wade) should be repealed as unconstitutional. The Supreme Court and Congress should simply disengage for the sake of preserving family values and family prerogatives.
SD State Motto: "Under God, The People Rule"
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