Christians Fighting Back

Freedom of speech is a standard for America. A new proposal for hate crime legislation in the pipeline, however, suggests what is said or written can be deemed a hate crime if opposition to certain groups is suggested. It tosses out the old "sticks and stones will hurt my bones, but words....." What if the Bible story of Sodom and Gommorah had to be removed to satisfy government hate crimes laws. Would that raise a concern as to freedom of speech, even freedom of religion? Looking for motive may become a way of establishing a criminal offense for hate, whether it is actually hate, or simply a different point of view and an expression of a preferred way of life (the other way of life then may feel hated since your stated preference was mentioned.) What you say or write or even read may be motive enought. How wrong would that be?

There is talk in Wasington of restricting radio stations, a balancing act as it were, from broadcasting one viewpoint over another. In other words if conservative talk radio was more popular than liberal talk radio - the case today - thus engendering more ad revenues for the stations by supporting such programming (makes business sense), regardless of the point-of-view of the station itself, the Fairness Doctrine as being discussed, would necessitate the radio station allow for the same amount of liberal talk - even if was costly to the station. I do not consider National Public Radio equal - it is definitely slanted more towards a liberal standard, but has anything been done by the Government itself to balance their own station - at least a station they support?

Texas, to the credit of that State, has allowed for freedom of speech, but a court battle had to be waged to allow school children to mention the bible, quote verses, or even use the name Jesus in school. In 2007 the Governor signed a bill protecting the rights of children in Texas public schools to express their religious beliefs. It is the Schoolchildren's Religious Liberties Act (actual name - Religious Viewpoints Antidiscrimination Act). Go Texas. Today's paper (the Palm Beach Post) mentioned another accomplishment for Texas, the court affirming a Texas law that calls for schoolchildren to have a moment of silence during which they can pray, reflect or meditate. There was a group opposing such action as unconstitutional thus requiring a court case to settle this challenge. It cost time and money, but resulted in freedoms kept. Go Texas. Maybe these standards will find there way into the law of the land - State by State if necessary. Christians can fight back and do.

If you know of similar laws in other States, I'd like to know too. Please respond.

Groups like the ACLU, and others, with a liberal, secularist agenda, often propagandize their postions making many school administrators and personnel in public places think the postions they espouse are the norm, using legal threats and statements that are simply not true. The threat of legal action alone is scary. Lack of knowledge, or appropriate information causes cases where freedom of speech or content in written pieces, even public discussions is being restricted in error. We need to know our rights and fight for those rights. School principals, college deans, government personnel in positions of authority, even corporate personnel, especially human resource directors need to know all the facts, so that Christian freedoms, individual freedoms are not being wrongly subjected to restraint. Why would a group in an office having a bible Study - open to everyone - be prevented from such a group session if conducted on their own time?

We all need to know our rights and the law, and any proposals that might restrict our freedoms in any way. Christians - fight back. Be prepared. Be aware. But be loving.