The gloves are off

People often say you shouldn't discuss religion or politics. I subscribe to 50% of that theory. I make not bones about my Christianity, but I also don't make it the sole source for my political theory. I understand that not everyone is like me and even though I'm a firm supporter of "separation", I understand that even politicians can be guided by their faith.

Oh, due to the fact that I don't claim to be an expert on Christianity, staying out of theological discussions is pretty easy for me. Then again, I try to be respectful of the faith of others. Yes, even the ever persecuted Christians. I may need to reconsider that value:

Let's start with the easy part. I wasn't "likening" them. Substantively, they have nothing to do with each other. The only thing they have in common is that they are all constitutional principles which do not appear in the constitution.

As far as the writings of our forefathers go, might I recommend Thomas Jefferson's letter to Dr. Thomas Cooper, February 10, 1814. I don't expect it to change your point of view, nor should it. I learned a long time ago that that picking and choosing the writings of men like Thomas Jefferson drives a discussion nowhere. I also know that the faith of those men was not as easily defined as some might wish it to be.

Next; I have read the Bill of Rights many many many times. I've studied constitutional law at UWL under, among others, Alan Bigel [by no means a liberal]. If you want to learn something, seek him out. He's an unbelievably smart man and he'll agree with a lot of what you say. His arguments will be based on well formed and educated theories, but he'll agree nonetheless. I say this not in an attempt to impress you [because I know that's a lost cause]. I know the spirit in which the Constitution and the Bill of Rights was written. I also learned enough to know that it's probably not a good idea for me to receive a Constitutional lecture from someone who mistakenly claimed that the right to life is in the Bill of Rights, who mistakenly claimed, on two occasions, that members of the legislative branch are part of the President's administration, and who implied [or outright claimed] that a beauty contestant's response to a question in competition was protected speech. I could go on with that list, but I won't.

Lastly, and probably the most difficult; It's troubling to me that, rather than clarify your reasons for believing the Bill of Rights is based on the 10 Commandments, you chose to question and/or disparage my faith and my church...all based on our discussions here. Generally, I'm fairly certain that I've been respectful of your faith and the genuineness of it. Throughout these discussions, we've questioned each other's intelligence. We've questioned each other's ability to read. I, however, have left your faith alone. Apparently, I can not expect the same respect from you. I'll keep that in mind.