Reporter's Notebook: Miguel Contreras

The "I Believe" Florida Vehicle Tag Debate: Sadly Reality Creates More Questions than Answers

I have reviewed with some special interest the rethoric behind the Florida State Legislature attempting to pass a resolution about creating a new personalized vehicle license plate with a Christian Cross and the words "I believe." I consider myself an average 52 year-old retired Mexican-American who spent 30 years working with our government (26 years with the feds and 4 years with the locals as a law enforcement officer). I strongly believe in our Freedom of Speech rights outlined in our U.S. Constitution.  And yes, I am a Christian but I have a tremendous respect towards people who belong to different religions.  I have to be honest, I would not associate with someone who proclaim to worship Satan.  In my entire life, I have learned to "love my neighbor" because I know that it is easy to love than to hate. Now, we have another situation where our religious freedom is being challenged by the American Civil Liberty Union (ACLU) and dozens of other anti-Christianity, including certain entities of our federal state and local governments.  Once again, certain people (civilians and politicians) are attempting to use to their own interest our "separation of church and state" clauses.  I don't have any problems with such "separation" and eradication of all Christian signs, words, crosses and signs from our government-own buildings, historical monuments, U.S. currency ("In God We Trust") etc. I will quote a few lines from the story I decided to post in support of my commentary by Cary McMullen on this subject:

"Now, I might consider putting a bumper sticker on my car that looked like that, but unless I'm mistaken, license plates are created by the state with money from all taxpayers, regardless of what they believe. You wouldn't have to pay the extra fee for it, of course, but there is absolutely no way around the fact that this is a state endorsement of a particular religion. The legal term for this is "sectarian." I am frankly just amazed that any leglislator thinks this would pass a constitutional test."

Unfortunately, I agree with Cary McMullen.  However, I would like to ad some flavor to McMullen's statement.
What I am going to suggest is directed to our U.S. Executive Branch, U.S. Legislative Branch, and U.S. Judicial Branch, and to all state and local governments:Next time you need a place, and a building to place your voting ballot machines and set up your local county voting personnel where our U.S. Citizens can go to vote for our political candidates for office at the federal, state and local government level, PLEASE STAY AWAY FROM OUR CHRISTIAN CHURCHES! It is hypocrital the way our politician and government conduct their business.  Why when is election time, instead of invading our houses of worship, you don't use your government buildings and offices to conduct the electoral process? You cannot have it both ways.  My question to our Christian church pastors and leaders: Why do you allow your church to be used by the same government that doesn't want to have any relationship with the God you worship?  If you are afraid that if you decline to allow your church to be used as a balloting place, Uncle Sam will be auditing your financial books for any tax violation, I suggest you operate your church business in accordance and in compliance with our tax laws.

REFERENCE

"I Believe" -- But Not in the Constitution
Contributed by Cary McMullen - Posted: April 25, 2008 5:48:00 PM

 

Unfortunately, I can't find a source to link to on this, but the AP reports that the Florida Legislature is considering a new specialty license plate. I know, you're thinking -- Another one? What now? Save the spotted-tail iguana? No, this one, according to the AP: "would be the first in the nation to explicitly promote a specific religion. ... (The design) includes a Christian cross, a stained-glass window and the words 'I Believe.'" Now, I might consider putting a bumper sticker on my car that looked like that, but unless I'm mistaken, license plates are created by the state with money from all taxpayers, regardless of what they believe. You wouldn't have to pay the extra fee for it, of course, but there is absolutely no way around the fact that this is a state endorsement of a particular religion. The legal term for this is "sectarian." I am frankly just amazed that any leglislator thinks this would pass a constitutional test. No word on what the chances are this will be approved, but if it is, you can bet the ACLU will challenge it in a heartbeat. And I don't see how any judge -- OK, very many anyway -- would give it a green light.
http://blogs.theledger.com/default.asp?item=2192337