The Counly Record, MAY 26, 2010, Page 2 History behind separation of church and state To the Editor: I watched a debate between two individuals from Texas regarding the School Book Issue which a part of, was the issue of The Separation of Church and State. Each side of this issue claimed considerable credentials that validated their credibility. In fact, I got the very distinct impression that some "incredibility" was verified, too! I felt that it was, if not important, at least interest- ing, that neither side of the issue dealt credibly with the history of this issue, and even the slight homage to the writers of the Constitution was incredibly devoid of fact. I am going to dismiss the lady from the Teachers Association, as she was either intimidated or ill prepared. She com- pletely failed to defend the constitutionality of the Separation of Church and State. Now then, David Bradley, who argued against the Separation of Church and State and claims that the Constitution does not sup- port the separation of church and state, and nei- ther does the writers of the constitution support the notion, in their private writing(s). That is, at best, a lack of familiarity, or, at worse, a lack of candor. Let us explore, very briefly, an historical review of sotime of he itfacts; first, I will only mention the fact that the Separation of Church and State Issue was prominent, in recorded history back in the Shang Dynasty of Chinese history (1766 BC - 1122 BC). Try and get an appreciation that the Separation of Church and State has been an issue for at least 4,000 years. Now, what was the real background of the Plymouth Pilgrims that made them so against to the church having an influ- ence in their government? Again, I apologize for tihe brevity, but space does not allow an in-depth review. In tilte lale Ith century, around 1075, began what is commonly called the Investiture Controversy. In short, this was a period of time in which the monar- chies of Eu rope, had con- trol of the appointments, or "investiture's", of the bish- ops and abbots of the church. As these appoint- ments carried considerable wealth, they were very powerful appointments. They were made by politi- cal alliances, rather than "holy" alliances. Many appointments had no previ- otis connections to the church. Subsequently, many of the Crusades were funded by a promise of wealth, rather than the actual payment of wealth (does this sound vaguely familiar?). Subsequent to the Crusades, and to pre- vent the necessity of repay- ment of honest debts, along came the Inquisition. During this unbelievable interaction between the government and the church, kings, princes, and lords, absolved themselves of debts by bringing charges of heresy against anyone that fell in disfavor of the Crown, like being a holder of a Promissory Note. Notable examples were Jacques De Molay, and William Wallace (Braveheart-Mel Gibson). Consequently, by the time the Pilgrims made the Progress to the American shores, they knew that they had enough of the Church and the governments join- ing in alliance against them. They were deter- mined to have separation of thile church and their gov- ernmient. Thomas Jefferson, who is now reviled by those in Texas that are opposed to the separation of Church and State; said, "I consider the Government of the United States as interdict- ed by the Constitution from intermeddling with reli- gious institution, their doc- trines, disciplines, or exer- cises....", and George Washington, a Christian, mason and loved by all, said, "The Government of the United States of America is not in any sense founded on the Christian Religion." Everybody's beloved, Ben Franklin, said "When a religion is good, I conceive that it will support itself; and when it does not support itself, and God does not take care to sup- port it so that its professors are obliged to call for help of the civil power, 'tis a sign, I apprehend, of it being a bad one." And, finally, Henry Clay stated, "All religions united with government are more or less inimical of liberty. All separated from govern- ment are compatible with liberty." So, to construe that because these fine gentle- men did not include the exact phrase "The Separation of Church and State" in the wording of the Constitution as meaning that they had no intention of addressing this issue is to defy the very logic upon which the Constitution is carried forward into eterni- ty. For example, the con- cept of "Fair Apportion- ment" is not mentioned in the Constitution, except as "according to their num- ber", neither is the word Abortion, and strangely enough, while the 14th Amendment guarantees "equal protection under the law", that did not include the right to vote for all American citizens, nei- ther then, nor now. My point; the dangers that existed with a co-min- gling of the powers of the church and government from near 4,000 yrs ago forward, still exist. Pointedly, when decisions regarding education, health care, employment, and a lot of other social dynamics are based upon religious principles, too many people are subject to be harmed, for purely sectarian rea- sons. For example, if the Advanced Programs within a school district are under the auspices of a religious school, admissions are like- ly to be influenced by church membership and not scholastic abilities. This could seriously affect some- one of a minority religion. Further teachers will be required to meet church related criteria that are not related to academic excel- lence. Finally, the least attractive possibility is that; in the fullness of time, some religion that is now in measured disfavor may become the dominant reli- gion of America (some are saying we are headed in that direction now)! What is going to happen when , the taxpayers of America r are required to pay for the ; rebuilding of a Mosque in ^ Iraq? You think that could- ' n't happen? We have S already put into place the mechanisms to allow that to happen. However, at this time Christianity is the pre- vailing religion in America. Thankfully! But we are already on the slippery slope of state supported churches. This concept made its entry into govern- ment via the school sys- tems. Next will be the court system. When this issue receives the blessing and endorsement of the Supreme Court, our grand- children will begin to be educated on the Koran. Think me a foolish doom- sayer, if you must, but attention to the warning of Washington, Jefferson, Franklin, and Clay is cer- tainly worthy of considera- tion. The Separation of Church and State was a strong principle for the framers of our Constitution, and it should remain so, today. It was not my idea, it was theirs. I just happen to agree with it! Robert S. Davis, Blountstown Tea Party, Patriots send letter to AZ Governor , * CALHOUN COUNTY May 18: Richard Leon Flanders, order of contempt and commitment; Marcus Andrew Andrews, traffick- ing in cocaine, trafficking in Loratabs, poss. of cocaine with intent to distribute, poss. of marijuana with intent to distribute; Jonathan Holmes, armed robbery May 20: Charles Andrew Hendrix, attempting to manufacture meth, poss. of firearm by convicted felon; Greg Allen Couch, grand theft May 21: Matthew Hall, warrants/unauthorized poss of drivers license, obstruction by disguised person, resisting arrest without violence, DWLSR; Phillip Allan Colbert, domestic battery May 23: Ashley Brown, VOP/Bay County LIBERTY COUNTY May 18: Briena Cooper, introduction of contraband; Susan Craig, passing worthless bank checks; Janita Monlyn, hold for CCSO; Kandis S. Garrett, hold for CCSO; Laporshe R. Watson, hold for CCSO May 19: John Edward Six, Sr., trafficking in hydrocodone May 23: Rosio Garcia, DUI The above Individuals were booked Into the Calhoun or Liberty County Jail over the past week. Although they have been charged with a crime, they are considered Innocent until proven guilty. the ountp, Rtcord USPS 135-060 Published very Wodenosay by Calhoun Publishing Co., Inc. 20311 Central Avenuo West Blountstown, FL 32424 PHONE: 850-674-504l -FAX 850-674 -5008 e-mail therecord vtcoirs.n el wobsite: www.Tlrcotintyloodrr 11 Periodicals postailo paid ait Blountkown, FiL Post Office POSTMASTER: Sond addiess cliiw Fes io THE COUNTY RECORD P.O. Box 366, Blountstown, IF ;1-'l 1 $21.00 in Calhoun & Lib er ty Counties $26.00 Elseiwhere. Robert A. Tirtner Publisher/Edilor/Advri Using Sharon Turner Bookkeeper/CirculAlrion Kolli Peicock....News Fdidoi Somehow, largely thiouegh the Grace of God, devoted loyrilty, and the vast pride on the part of nir ny people, I IreCounty Ilocrird lias never rrirsrd atn i n isae. and and the Calhoun County Tea Party (State of Florida) have gone on record strong- ly supporting Arizona's Immigration Enforcement Law. State Bill (SB) 1070 as well as other lawful efforts to secure our nation's borders and national security. Both conservative organizations are located in the Panhandle of Florida and have been overwhelmingly registered as Democrats since the inception of the two counties. We are undergoing a transforma- tion of Constitutional val- ues. Even though the per- centage of voters in both counties have historically been approximately 80% Democrat there has been a recent reversal of voting winch aligns with conset va- tive and Constitutional val- lies. Both organizations have unanimously voted to sup- port Arizona's state rights and would like to thank you and your legislature for your heroic demonstration of standing strong with moral and physical courage. - You and your state are quickly becoming an example of what Americans are looking for in public representation. Artist urges visiting library Letter to the Editor and all the friends that I made at the Blountstown Library the other Saturday night: It was a fun evening with a large crowd. I hope that I taught you all as much as you all taught me. The interactive canvas painting came out great and is now hanging in the UnReal ARTists Gallery. Paul and his flutes were a pleasant relaxation under the stars, thoroughly, enjoyed by all. I encourage everyone in Blountstown to go to the library. If you haven't been there yet, it is awesome. Youth library is full of excel- lent resources to take advantage of, the Saturday Arts Events is just one of them. Next time there is a program take the kids and enjoy the evening with the family. Paulette Perlman Artist of Whimsey The UnReal ARTists Gallery, Panama City, FL Library event with 'big city class' Letter to the Editor, Accolades once again are in order for the outstanding staff at our Calhoun County state-of-the-art library! The May 15 Art and Musical event held in tlie early evening hours lihad to be, without a doubt, with Big City class. The evening was professionally and artistically orchestrated by the unique flair of Anna Layton, Cultural Arts Coordinator, and Darlene Earhart, AmeriCorps VISTA. Rita Maupin Director and the rest of her exceptional staff were on board keeping tlie evening together with their gra- ciolusness nind welcoming ways. Thle inspiring Paulette Perlnin s lowed her method of starting a paint.- ing while children drew their own pictures and col- ored ndt tie tables. Tlhe sec- ondl half oftlie special event was held in a magical back patio of tile library coiim- plete with sparkling lights surrounding tihe bushes, colorful flowers on tables. Pnarin'rin City flutist, Paul McAuliffe, weaved a spell with his haunting flute work and sharing of history about each flute that lie had brought and made. Materials ranged from wood flutes, to bamboo, to even a PC pipe, which sounded great! Gourmet refreshments rounded out the evening and the entire program left a smiling and appreciative crowd. More events are being planned, and I for one hope for more community sup- port. You will not be disap- pointed! Connie Williford BE BOLD. SPEAK UP. WRITE A LETTER TO THE EDITOR.' ALL LETTERS MUST BE SIGNED EMAIL NEWS@THE COUNTYRECORD.NET DEADLINE MONDAY NOON You and the State of Arizona may well become the modern Patriot's cry for state rights and Constitutional Values. about Constitutional val- ues. state rights, America's laws and our national secu- rity. As concerned American Thank you and your cit- citizens. both the izens for drawing the line Calhoun/Liberty Patriots and helping the rest of and the Calhoun Tea Party America to stand up. We recognize that the opposi- would encourage the gover- tion to SB 1070 are efforts nor and the legislature of to fruWg tlah nmmigrti our own state to follow suit I. lainO4m1itOrafCace" .a9 and stop the problem that Sl.ite" "and e-s 'a -wy-4to- we also experience here in s* re'� 'political points '-t, Florida. advance amnesty and a socialistic/secular agenda. Logan Barbee, Please keep the faith and Chairman help show the rest of Calhoun Tea Party America the way forward. Jim Pruette. President, These and other issues are Calhoun/Liberty Patriots Jami Daniels thanks supporters To the Editor: I would like to thank everyone for their support last Friday as I held a fundraiser in Blountstown for my trip to Miss Florida USA. A very special thank you to the Blountstown Police Dept.. Mr. Glen Kimbrel, Rodney Smith, and Fred Tanner, Adams Funeral Home, Mike Bailey, and everyone who had a hand in the event! I would also like to thank everyone who Food drive helps To the Editor and Calhoun and Liberty County Citizens, Thanks to each of you for supporting the mail car- riers food drive. We received a large donation made a donation or pur- chased a lunch, as your generosity means a lot. I hope to represent this area well in July as I com- pete for Miss Florida USA and also throughout the remaining months of my reign as Miss Emerald Coast USA. Thank you again for all your support! Jami Daniels Miss Emerald Coast USA Ministry Center from the carriers. This donation will help feed the hungry in our counties. God Bless Each of You, The Calhoun Liberty Ministry Center Drug arrest continued watched entrance of the parking lot. as the He and Sgt. Bateman took transac- Six into custody as Ivw. tion went Wheetley recovered the d o w n . $40 Six had paid for the 15 S g t . hydrocodone pills. The M a r k pills were located in the Mallory console of his vehicle. of the Calhoun Six was booked into the C ou nt y John Six, Sr. Liberty County Jail.He Sheriff's bonded out the following Office closed in from the day. Arizona bill continued believe it simply reinforces federal laws already in exis- tence. "You and your state are quickly becoming an exam- ple of what Americans tire looking for in public repre- sentation," 1l'a Party Chair Logan Barbee and Patriot President Jim Pructte wrote in a letter to Arizona Governor Jan Brewer. "You and the State of Arizona imay well become the mod- ern Patriot's cry for state rights and constitutional values." This is the first public issue the local Tea Party and Patriots have voted to support - and both votes were unanimous. "We're not a militia, we're not radicals," says Pruette. "But we are pas- sionate." Barbee agrees. "We're here to educate, inspire, monitor and present consti- tution values." Check out their letter to the editor for their message to Gov. Brewer. The bill, signed into law by Gov. Brewer last month, will go into effect in lute July.