On Jan. 16, President Obama issued a proclamation declaring that day to be Religious Freedom Day. He cited many reasons why religious liberty is so important; that it is not just an American right, that it is a universal human right to be protected, an essential part of our human dignity and without which our world cannot sustain peace. The proclamation was very broad in scope. It was a statement designed to be applauded by every person of good will.
But it couldn’t help but be noticed how the administration’s own actions were so obviously missing from the president’s proclamation. Following is a statement made by Kyle Duncan, general counsel for the Becket Fund for Religious Liberty:
“Today we welcome the President’s Proclamation on Religious Freedom Day. However, we deeply regret that the President does not mention the HHS mandate, which was issued by his administration and which is now trampling the religious freedom of millions of individuals, schools, hospitals, charities, and businesses throughout our nation. Perhaps this mismatch between words and deeds can be explained by the phrase “freedom of worship,” which the President uses in the first sentence of his proclamation. Religious freedom certainly includes worship, but it extends beyond the four walls of a church. If it is not to be an empty promise, religious freedom must also include acting on one’s deepest religious beliefs when one is feeding the poor, caring for the sick, educating the young, or running a business. The HHS mandate ignores that simple truth and is therefore out of step with our traditions and our laws, which promise religious freedom for all.”
Excellent rhetoric can never substitute for leadership. In other words, pay close attention to what is done, not what is said to be done. There is no more sacred and cherished freedom guaranteed by our U.S. Constitution than religious liberty for all Americans. Your freedom to practice your faith (or not) is no longer. Constitutional protections are now under full attack by both our president and his administration. So, stand up for your religious freedom today.
Letters
February 5, 2013
Viewpoint: Constitution guarantees religious liberty
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Letter: Community has witnessed Dr. Campbell's good works
Dr. Frank Campbell has practiced medicine in the Anderson community for over 40 years.
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Letter: Big Brother is listening; what is he learning?
Big Brother is listening. If you are too young to know where this came from, read George Orwell's "1984." Old George was just 29 years ahead of his time.
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Letter: County did not need tax on transportation
Wheel tax! The straw that broke the back for many. Note the number who have been forced to file for bankruptcy and the number in foreclosure on homes.
- Viewpoint: Theatrics displayed in County Council's wheel tax vote I was present at the Madison County Council meeting on May 13 to discuss reinstating the wheel tax. I was both amused and amazed by the theatrics that transpired.
- Letter: Indy 500 had strong Anderson presence What a day for Anderson at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway's 500-mile race! Sitting in the pole position was Ed Carpenter, son-in-law of Alberta and Todd Pettigrew of Anderson.
- Letter: Stand against segregation upheld In the early ’60s, Sister Mary, Sister Cletus and others of The Congregation of Holy Cross (CCS) served on a committee for the United Way.
- Letter: Letter carriers collected 49,785 pounds of food On behalf of the NALC Branch 489 (Anderson Post Office), I would like to thank everyone who donated food or made a monetary donation to our May 11 food drive.
- Letter: Rein in government officials' million I want to know how at the time officials are sworn into office they have estates worth "X" amount. But, after a few years in office, their wealth has risen by millions?
- Letter: States rights crowd are obstructionists Wall Street and the Republicans want the Internal Revenue Department restructured. Yeah — like so they pay no taxes. They also want the states running their own affairs (states rights).
- Letter: Only 3 councilmen listened to public As Kojak would say,“ Who loves ya, baby?”
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Letter: Community has witnessed Dr. Campbell's good works
