When I started reading this article, it reminded me of the Jesus Snowplows in Sioux Falls (there are 2 this year).
That’s because several chairs in the committee room where the votes took place were adorned with holy crosses ahead of the meeting.
And now, the well-intended gesture by Sioux Falls Rep. Sue Peterson and others is drawing the attention of the South Dakota Legislature’s Executive Board, which will consider if action is necessary should the oil substance used to make the markings be unable to be removed.
When are these politicians going to figure out they can’t use taxpayer funded property as if it were their church? But there are other issues besides separation of church and state;
“We were simply praying and blessing the room in which leadership elections were going to be held,” she added (Sue Peterson). “It appears that someone is trying to make a mountain out of a molehill and shame me for my Christian faith.”
Even if you ignore Sue’s little Jesus moment, she also may have damaged taxpayer property, and she could be charged with a crime.
There is nothing wrong with a legislator having faith in a religion, there is also nothing wrong with them praying before a meeting, I actually support an invocation (invented by Ben Franklin, a deist). I wouldn’t even of cared if she passed out New Testaments at the meeting, BUT, you cannot defile or decorate taxpayer owned property with religious symbolism (or any symbolism) BECAUSE WE OWN IT!
I think a fitting punishment would be making Sue lick the crosses off the chairs. Maybe she could bring her son Robert who has been actively licking his wounds after the slaughterhouse ordinance failed.
It’s more than a cross. I also see the image of Mother Mary. It’s time for the pilgrimages to Pierre to begin. Fatima step aside. Alexandria, you’ll need a new tribute shrine. Tourism board, what do you think? Pilgrimages to Pierre, can it be more than an indy movie? Ft. Pierre will never be the same again. Can they keep the Hop Scotch? No wonder the new bridge. Pagan Christmas trees at the Capitol, how fitting. I’ll be damn, said the citizens of the Oahe.
Jesus plows then no snow. Crosses on legislative chairs in Pierre, but still no leadership. I see a similarity, or is it a sign from a greater power?
No where in the constitution bans the government from allowing religious objects or pictures or functions on PUBLIC PROPERTY, there is NOT one word in the constitution that forbids it. We can allow for a church to lease or rent space in a Public Building, School, Auditorium anytime, what the government cannot do is become prejudice against any such religion. The 1st Amendment simply BANS the federal govt from creating a national religion, let alone prejudicing itself against any specific religion.
THere is NO ISSUE with the so called Jesus Plows, “WE” The people love them and will keep them.
It might seem inconsequential but religion must be aside from politics. How many faiths are there? If one is not acknowledged, there’s partiality. Faith is important relevant to persuasion. Government is meant for organization. It’s not simple. It’s necessary. Religion is a freedom. Government is organization.
imagine sue’s outrage if rainbow flags had been draped over the chairs.
“Do you mean like this?”….. 🙂
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/bqjtgsIXPDI
I’ve heard of on-demand busing before, but when did we all sign-up for on-demand sanding and salting?