From March 15 through March 20, State Representative Jack Hoogendyk (R-District 61) is sponsoring a tour of the two-and-a-half ton Ten Commandments monument that former Alabama judge, Roy Moore, had on display in a courthouse until he and it were removed on November 12, 2003. The tour will begin in the representative’s home town of Kalamazoo, ending in Detroit. The stops in St. Clair Shores and Detroit are not yet confirmed, but the rest of the tour details follow:
March 15 Display: Bronson Park, Kalamazoo, 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM Rally: Back courthouse steps, 10:30 AM March 16 Display: Lansing, Capitol grounds, east side, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM Rally: Same location, noon March 17 Display: Grand Rapids, Calder Plaza, 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM Rally: Same location, 3:30 PM March 18 Display: Cadillac, Cadillac City Park, 9 :00 AM to 12:00 PM Rally: Same location, 10:00 AM Display: Saginaw, City Hall steps, 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM Rally: TBA March 19 Display: Troy, City Hall, 1:30 PM to 3:00 PM Rally: 12:00 PM Display: Troy, Woodside Bible Church, 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM March 20 Display: Undisclosed location, St. Clair Shores, 9:00 AM to 11:30 PM Display: Undisclosed location, Detroit, undisclosed time
This tour is sponsored by a public official, takes place mostly on public property, will require public money for extra police for added security, and is taking place for the sole purpose of placing displays of the Ten Commandments on public property. In fact, the current bill in the Michigan Legislature, HB 4433, would allow displays in any public building, including schools.
It may be important to note that this bill has one primary sponsor (Casperson, R-Escanaba), and only five secondary sponsors. The bill that appeared during the last session of the Michigan Legislature had over sixty sponsors.
The majority of Ten Commandments displays throughout the United States came from the Fraternity Order of the Eagles, whom Cecil B. Demille, the producer of the 1956 movie, The Ten Commandments, employed to promote his movie. FOE was already distributing written copies of the Decalogue; the movie producer encouraged them to donate granite versions—like the ones in his movie—to schools, state legislatures, courthouses, and other public facilities. The display in Austin, Texas, the subject of one of the Supreme Court cases, came from this promotion.
The display on tour in Michigan, Roy Moore’s rock, differs from the movie promotion tablets in several ways. It’s much larger, and it displays several historical documents on its sides. It would still be illegal to display the granite monument under HB 4433, which calls for the Decalogue to have an equal place among historical documents that represent the foundation of the United State government and laws.
Jerry Springer, on his political talk radio show that airs on 1310 AM in Detroit, wondered aloud why people on both sides of this issue get bent out of shape over displays of the Ten Commandments (although he did say that the displays should not be permitted). Those of us who have been to city council meetings, legislative sessions, or other public places where legislation that includes religion is debated can answer that question: having the Ten Commandments on display, having “In God We Trust” on our currency and on display in public buildings, and having “under God” in the Pledge of Allegiance all serve as stepping stones to insert more religion into government. Public officials use the displays and slogans as excuses to give public money to faith-based social programs, reconstruction of churches, and so on. One specific example in Michigan involves sex education: any decision-making board who meets for the purpose of deciding what is contained in a sex education program in public schools must have two local clergy members on the board. This law, used to stop a sex education program in Novi a few years ago, does not specify which churches the clergy must come from, leaving communities open to disputes over something that should not be a part of public decision-making in the first place. First of all, decisions made by two members of clergy may violate the free exercise of religion of other churches. Secondly, the will of the people, who choose members of the school board—but not the clergy involved—is completely ignored. Finally, this law—like 38 other laws on Michigan’s books—violates the Establishment Clause of the Constitution by giving the establishment of religion preferred status in government affairs.
As for the other side of the issue: people who promote displays of the Ten Commandments and other religious memorabilia attempt to play on the emotions of the faithful. People are led to believe that their religion is under attack; “our religious heritage” is at stake. It is important to note, however, that although tours like the one Rep. Hoogendyk is sponsoring promote such displays as religious, legal arguments label the Ten Commandments a secular (?!) part of the foundation of our nation’s laws—which makes some religious groups believe that their sacred texts have become watered down and trivial in the eyes of government. It is also important to note that the Protestant version of the Ten Commandments is the only one that the supporters of the displays currently promote. In any case, for those who support the displays, misinformation about history and emotional reaction to a part of their religion give them reasons to be bent out of shape over the issue. Some would love nothing more than to have the United States become a Protestant Christian theocracy, destroying the religious diversity and freedom to choose—or not choose—any religion in this country. The only way to protect free exercise is to keep any religious symbols, slogans, or doctrine out of our public buildings and laws.
Arlene-Marie, American Atheists State Director for Michigan, plans on being at the Lansing, Troy, St. Clair Shores, and Detroit stops on the tour, and would like all Michigan Atheists and anyone else concerned about protecting our First Amendment rights to come out and protest the promotion of public Ten Commandments displays. The press will most likely be there, so be prepared with short, concise statements. Here are a few:
On March 2, 2005, Arlene-Marie delivered a speech regarding the Ten Commandments displays in Michigan, and our Governor’s support of them. The speech follows. Note: HB 4596 appeared in the last legislative session. Although its current equivalent does not have nearly the number of sponsors as its predecessor, the number of sponsors of the previous bill remains significant, especially with the Supreme Court hearing two relevant cases. If the Court rules that states must decide whether or not displays are appropriate, Granholm’s opinion leads us to think that she will sign a bill supporting them.
Jennifer Granholm has an underhanded and disgusting history of religious tyranny as Michigan's Governor.
Don't be misled by her soft support of gay rights and abortion. As a proud reader in her church, Granholm is deeply religious and has no problem displaying her beliefs in public and in our Government. In 2002, during a Democratic primary debate Granholm delivered Bible verses. And in March 2004 she ordered "in the year of our Lord' be added to all official documents bearing her signature. When the press reminded her that not all Michigan residents share belief in HER Lord she quipped, "Well, they will just have to fend for themselves."
During the past year, in the wake of budget battles, Granholm often publicly attacks the religious convictions of our already overtly religious legislators with statements such as: "I question the religious convictions of those who would cut services." Stating, "Often those who clothed themselves in a cape of religiosity happen to be some who are the biggest cutters." She goes on to say, "That's when I question whether somebody is really living out the faith that they profess."
Granholm is well known to the press and our legislative body as one who quotes the Bible chapter and verse, stating, for instance, "Helping the unfortunate is really helping the Lord." When she is chastised for a "holier than thou" attitude, Granholm arrogantly states, "We do have to keep religious values in mind even through the budget process." Bottom line - our legislators are not religious enough to satisfy Granholm. She often suggests, "Some in Lansing need to do a faith check."
Yes, Granholm is a master at mixing religion and our politics, and on Saturday, February 12, 2005 she arrogantly displayed her disdain for the Michigan and US Constitutions, stating she has no objection to displaying the Ten Commandments in government buildings, including the state Capitol. Immediately, emails of complaint started arriving from Michigan Atheists and others, including the ACLU. At long last, Granholm got caught with her hand in the cookie jar and on Monday, February 14th, she tried to weasel her way out of a jam by backing down, stating, " Such a display would be unconstitutional."
Who does she think she's fooling? Not us! We know her track record as Governor of Michigan is peppered with unconstitutional acts and statements that are in direct violation of separation of state and church.
Beyond that, the damage is done. Granholm has made her position clear, much to the delight of the American Family Association of Michigan, who claim they will seek Granholm's sponsorship for a display of former Alabama Supreme Court Justice Roy Moore's Ten Commandments monument at our Capitol sometime this month.
And conservative, ultra religious House member, Robert Gosselin, immediately seized Granholm’s support of the Decalogue as an opportunity to introduce House Resolution 0024 to place a display of the Ten Commandments in the Capitol. And very quickly 36 House members joined him in sponsoring this Resolution.
This new resolution comes on the heels of House 4596, which would allow, if not enforce, the posting of the Ten Commandments in ALL of Michigan's public buildings, including public schools. This bill has 66 sponsors, more than half of our State Representatives.
The message is clear: Our Governor and over half of our State Representatives favor endorsing a monotheist God by displaying the Ten Commandments on and in public property in Michigan. They are unaware of their global illiteracy when they state that the Decalogue is universal. They are beguiled by exaggerated, undocumented claims that the Decalogue is the foundation of American law. They are unashamedly admitting their disregard for Michigan's rich flavor of cultural diversity and religious freedom.
If the Supreme Courts takes the cowards way out in their ruling on the public display of the Decalogue by giving it states rights status, we are in serious trouble in Michigan.
What I am asking you to do today is to write to your State Representative, your Senator, our Governor and the press.
Please educate them on the fact that the Ten Commandments are not universal.
Two-thirds of the world is non-Judeo-Christian; Western Europe is proclaiming their secular status, and on December 11, 2005 France will celebrate its 100th anniversary of the law of separation of state and church. The Decalogue can hardly be called universal.
Please educate them on the fact that four of the Ten Commandments demand intolerance of other religions.
The first four commandments not only violate the constitution, they are un-American, as they contain a harsh monotheist message.
And, just for the fun of it, let's look at Commandment #4 - keeping the Sabbath holy. Does our 'holier than thou' Granholm and our supporting legislators hold those who work on Sunday in religious disdain? Are they seriously advocating that all emergency services, transportation services, utility services, nursing homes, hospitals, and all domestic duties such as child care, food preparation, home maintenance and veterinary care of our pets or care of farm animals cease each Sunday so we may all honor their Lord?
The remaining six commandments can be immediately ruled out as they would bring an end to one's civil rights and wipe out our judicial system. Failing to honor one's mother or father, committing adultery, killing, stealing, lying or women refusing to be viewed as chattel would be crimes against God and might as well be tried in the house of the Lord. How silly is that!
And we must educate our Governor, our legislators and the press to the fact that the Ten Commandments are NOT the source of American or Michigan law.
No law in the Michigan Compiled Laws is based on the Ten Commandments. And no law in the US Code is based on the Ten Commandments.
In conclusion, I wish to leave you with this question, which is my burning question: If Granholm and our supporting legislators do not intend to enforce the Ten Commandments why do they wish to display them on public property?
Please ask Granholm and your Senator and your State Representative that question. Please ask them to provide evidence that the Ten Commandments are Universal. Please ask them to document laws based on the Ten Commandments. Please ask them about their position on cultural diversity and religious freedom in Michigan. And, please, don't forget to respectfully request a response to your questions.
ARLENE-MARIE
Rally Organizer and Michigan State Director
American Atheists
amarie@atheists.org
(313) 388-9594
www.michiganatheists.org
PO Box 0025
Allen Park, MI 48101
On Monday, March 14, at 9:30 AM, Governor Granholm will be holding a faith-based resource symposium designed to strengthen the relationship between government and religious leaders. Translation: money from the state treasury will be used to promote faith-based social programs.
The governor has created an office of faith-based and community initiatives, which will create a central point for faith-based social programs to create partnerships with the state to provide social services.
Faith-based initiatives are often presented as ways to save the state money by handing over services typically performed by qualified, state-employed social workers to faith-based programs that are—so we’re told—doing the same work. However, there are several reasons why these programs should not be supported by the state.
First, faith-based social programs often have no clear-cut record of success. Claims of high rates of success often break down under scrutiny. The rates are often based on a small percentage of people who stay in the program, ignoring the high program dropout rates.
Second, using faith-based social programs puts qualified social workers out of their jobs, replacing them with people whose only necessary qualification is that they are part of whatever church or other faith organization sponsors the program. Instead of using methods proven through research, faith-based social programs use whatever doctrine the sponsoring faith supports.
Another reason faith-based social programs should not receive state funding involves marketing: when faith-based programs are the only option, faith organizations have a marketing tool to promote their dogma—a violation of the Establishment Clause and Free Exercise. Citizens at their most vulnerable become a captive audience for whatever faith the program promotes, violating their right to free exercise under the First Amendment to the United States Constitution. These programs often have no oversight, so this marketing often goes unchallenged.
Finally, these faith organizations have the right to discriminate in their hiring practices, excluding people of other faiths or no faith at all, homosexuals, and anyone else whom they wish to exclude. Our tax money goes to organizations that discriminate against us and others.
It is not surprising, given Granholm’s record on mingling religion and government, that her office would participate in routing tax revenue to faith-based organizations. Even so, readers of this newsletter are encouraged to contact Granholm to let her know what we think of our tax money being routed to organizations with questionable success, discriminatory hiring practice, and no requirement of professional qualifications. For information on how to contact Governor Jennifer Granholm, go to http://www.michigan.gov/gov/0,1607,7-168-21995---,00.html.
TopOn Sunday, March 20, Michigan Atheists will be having their annual Spring Equinox dinner at the China Star Palace in Westland. The dinner will take place after the Detroit Ten Commandments protest.
The price of the buffet is $13, payable at the door. Dinner will be served around 4:00 PM, followed by Michigan Atheists business and a speaker. The speaker will be Frederique Roux, who is from France. Mademoiselle Roux will speak on United Nations security law.
China Star Palace is located at 270 S. Wayne Rd. The phone number is 734-356-1410. Please park in the bank lot next door to the restaurant.
Reservations are appreciated. Please let Arlene-Marie know you’re coming by e-mailing her at amarie@atheists.org, or by phone at 313-388-9594.
TopThe Michigan Atheists Newsletter is an electronic publication containing news about separation of state and church, the events of Michigan Atheists, and the civil rights of Michigan's godless citizens. All content of the newsletter is the intellectual property of Greg Reich and Michigan Atheists, unless otherwise credited.
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