The First Amendment

"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof, or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press, or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances."

There are several important issues addressed here: establishment of religion and prohobition of religion; freedom of speech and freedom of the press; peaceable assembly and petitioning the government. I'll take a look at each in turn.

Religion has been a very hot topic throughout history. Various groups have fled their homelands in order to safely and freely practice their beliefs. The framers of the Consitution realized that the creation of a national religion would be detrimental to all of those who had helped to form this new nation.

In modern times, the debate continues. "Separation of chuch and state" is a phrase that is thrown around a lot. This part of the first amendment is the origin. Of course the meaning that phrase has nothing to do with the writing. Displaying religious objects at government buildings does not violate the first amendment in any way.

Another current topic for discussion is the requirement for "feet washing" stations at universities. This mandation, however, is a violation of this amendment. Why are public schools barred from student prayers? See the inconsistancy?

Freedom of speech is always a fun discussion. "Why can't I say '#@$!*'?" That's not the purpose of this liberty. Outside the laws protecting people from slander, we are free to make statements about our government, other people, etc. whether fact or opinion. Which rolls us right into the secons half of this piece.

The press was a very important part in rallying support for the revolution. Many non-sactioned writings were published and distributed which could not be in the mainstream press due to the restrictions put in place by the king. Currently there is a "Fairness in Media" bill being debated. Since the Marxists and Socialist cannot maintain a talk radio presence, they are trying to silence the great shows which have been broadcasting for years.

The right to peaceable assembly has great history of which most people have some knowledge. Ever heard of the Boston Tea party? Since the founders did not have representation in the British government, they found other ways to be "heard." Rallies and marches are a staple to many movements for groups of citizens to voice their opinions to the government.

Have a grievance? An assembly is an option, but there are other channels. Let your representatives know. You have elected them (more on that with the 17th amendment) and they are to listen to your views. That's why they have the title which they have and serve in the legislative branch where they serve.

I hope that this has been a bit insightful. Stay tuned for more. Comments for discussion are welcome.

Looking Back at America

I have decided to create some posts concerning the history of America. Working from the Constitution to the Bill of Rights to some ammendments which are of great interest. Reading good history books and the writings of the framers of our Constitution and other founders has really enlightened me. Sure I've learned a lot during my schooling, but I've learned much more since then through my own research and friends who also desire true understanding of our founding principles. Therefore, I thought this might be a nice way to review it and possibly share it with others. Check out http://www.usconstitution.net/const.html for some nice reading. More to come.

Gas Prices

Yes, gasoline prices are high. Yes, it requires a budget adjustment. Why is this the case? What can be done about it?

Inflation is always an applicable reason. In the past, petroleum cost has increased at a rate less than that of inflation. This is part of a natural adjustment. How about the "gas tax"? Obviously taxes (in one form or another) are necessary to fund government activities. This tax gives the government approximately 18% of the price you pay at the pump. The oil companies only see about 5% as profit. Who's doing the work and who's making the profit?

So you want a solution, eh? Remove all of the rediculous red-tape and allow our petro companies to drill the wells on our soil. Our nation holds the second largest reserve known. As soon as these companies begin preparations, the foreign companies will drop their prices just to keep the business coming. Lest we forget the laws of supply and demand.

So stop complaining. Contact your goverment officials and request that they make some changes to allow this nation to be competative in the petroleum market and reduce our dependence on foreign oil sources. Go forth.

My Logical Nature

Being logical is a great asset. At least I believe it is. It assists me with doing my job. It helps me explain my values. Logic is a great asset in most discussions. However, being the only non-Christian in my family . . . using logic creates a very interesting religious conversation.

Obviously religion is based on faith. Interestingly, there are plenty of books using logical scientific arguments to support the faith. There is nothing wrong with that. Some people need that. Some people use it as a tool to persuade nonbelievers. I have nothing against that. Logic is a tool . . . use it.

Recently, my family (myself included) was having a religious discussion. My brother, also being very logical, was discussing the Big Bang theory (BBT). The proof does not exist for the Big Bang theory. The proof also does not exist for God. So, it was a good discussion.

It seems that many (not so much the case with my family) feel that if you give any credit to the evidence for the BBT, then you are being foolhardy. Obviously, the same could be said about religion. "Ahhhhh . . . but it's about faith." I guess that faith means that you are no longer foolhardy.

No, I am not calling those with faith foolhardy; just pointing out the flaw in the argument. In fact, I make it a point in every religious discussion I have to note that I do not discourage anyone for having faith in a religious system which teaches positive values. It's only logical to promote (or at least not demote) any method for teaching good morals to ourselves and fellow humankind.