DeMint Fights Against Religious Discrimination in Stimulus Bill

[jabraun00]

remember seperating church and state? stop hugging the baptists balls

[AtlasShruggery]

Jim DeMint: Voted dumbest man in the Senate for two years in a row.

[MarkCh5v9]

Hey, Jim, what about all those non christian groups using those same facilities? You comfortable with a huge Islamic gathering? Something tells me "no."

[CarluvrSD]

It depends on what your definition of "substantial religious activity is".

[OneManAndHisFiction]

The Obama supporters have been calling him "Demented DeMint" and trying to discredit him since he has been pushing for the FEDERAL RESERVE Corporation to be audited.

It's a pity they are resorting to name calling, ridiculing and barely Ad hominem attacks against him.

[surGeonGG]

You're making yourself stupider than you are DeMint. You know the purpose was to prevent the money from going to any official religious purposes. Not to prevent people from freely exercising their religious faith or free speech in a room funded by the stimulus. I agree that the semantics could be clearer and I might even agree with you that the whole line should be struck, but don't make it out to be some atheist conspiracy. It's ridiculous when Christians are in the vast majority.

[greatbookie]

Religious believers in America just want equal protection under the law. A law created by believers in "nature's God", but were of many faiths. Which governemnt does not allow for itself an establishment of religion.

[DarthSchwartz]

Gods are make believe. They were used as explanations before science existed.

It's time to phase this garbage out of our society for the good of the planet.

[ExDxReflection]

DarthSchwartz, science supports the existence of God, here I present the watchmaker argument, if this is phased out, the only thing will have next is nazi germany all over again, a purification.... survival of the fittest, watch your mouth DarthSchwartz

[DarthSchwartz]

Science does not support the existence of gods. And which god does it prove? Jesus, Zeus, Allah, Odin? These are fantasy characters, nothing more. Adults who believe in fairy tales are pathetic and these are the people who will destroy the world. Comparing atheists to nazis is an old tactic by the way. Think of something new.

[KyleLindsey89]

you might see them as pathetic and destructive, but we owe a lot to the Christians for providing us modern science in its most sustained form.

they recognized and attributed the regularity in nature (something atheism cannot explain) to a singular, sovereign God who sustains creation, and sought to better understand that regularity in order to better understand God.

As a paleontologist who studies evolution and geologic actualism, I'm certainly am appreciative of their contribution.

[irendelle]

/And which god does it prove? Jesus, Zeus, Allah, Odin?/ Exactly the question every rational person have in mind. An btw, just to prove that we have nothing personal AGAINST religion, if God is true then let EVERY Religion on earth UNITE as ONE and tell us who that God is resolving all arguments and clearing up every confusion---and then we'll believe.

[MarkCh5v9]

Wrong, science hasn't proven there *not* to be a god, therefore christians take it as proof there is.

[bigfilmhat]

There is a huge grammar error in the info box.

[slytown]

How is this an issue? Lots of what ifs based on a couple of lines. I haven't even read the bill, but it seems it just a declaration the funds will be strictly for education, not religious purposes. Seems like Demint is looking for a talking point.

[JPSwissCheese]

DeMint for President

DeMint 2012

[melissabrianne]

This does not say that they can not use the money; it says that they can't use the money for religious events. Another twist from the right... :)

[NoMereRanger303]

melissabrianne - that's EXACTLY what he's saying. How is he twisting it? It's still discrimination.

[lazyboy33]

I dont see why Americans dont see that America is Babylon the great, the leaders of the Government want to creat a new world order (NWO) with Satan at the head, but beware God will smite this land, wake up people!

[hugBitCH]

Everyone loves to pin point hateful discrimination on Christianity and accuse us of being hateful. However, you seem to forget that we don't believe in suicide bombings and we don't slaughter and kill homosexuals out in public just for being gay like they do in extreme islamic countries. Has anyone ever considered that discrimination comes from all different religions including Judiaism, Islam, buddism, Scientology, etc and not just christianity?

[greeniem]

poor guy's all worried cause we have a president THAT CAN READ AND THINKS. I know, considering the last eight years, that they miss having a dope in there praying for answers to problems.

[greeniem]

jim demint is a cunt

C-U-N-T

[WellConditioned]

A.G.R.E.E.D.

But I must add one more description...

ILLITERATE.

[WellConditioned]

Ooops! I forgot - many christian dollars left over from the filthy hatred they spread in accordance with DeCunt's campaign must be allocated for his awful hair dye.

Perhaps a godly facelift is next on his "good christian agenda."

Christian vanity, you know. It knows no bounds.

[greeniem]

zombie jesus loves demint

[WellConditioned]

Yes it does!

[bababuba]

discrimination is ALLWAYS WRONG! Wether it be religion, sexual orientation, gender or political views.

However religion have ALLWAYS been the biggest institution who have discriminated others.

[NoMereRanger303]

bababua -

First of all, learn how to spell.

Second of all, while religion does have a bad history of discrimination - it's probably not the biggest institution. The biggest religious institution (using the term loosely) is Christianity and it really has been a source of love and unity. So much so that atheist Matthew Parris could say that he thinks Africa desperately needs God. It's easy to demonize the other side, which in and of itself is discrimination.

[thedoc49inla]

You anti Christians are some really dysfunctional people with the comments you post. I hope you seek the help of a mental health professionalat some point in your llife.

[WellConditioned]

"...professionalat some point in your llife."

Consult a first grade English teacher, please.

[Milmin007]

I agree. Religious groups have every right to assemble. So do non-religious groups. This one bit in the bill is upsetting... and considering Obama's supposed commitment to promoting the use and 'beauty' of religion, I consider it a setback. Hopefully someone will see that this is simple inequality. We have every right to meet on our campuses, just as you do.

[Tmetrvlr]

You are an idiot.

[kirstiere]

..Freedom.. That is what this country stands for. Buddhist, Jew, Hindu, Satanist, Christian, Wiccan, Muslim alike will and are ALL being affected by this bill. STRIKE THE STATEMENT  FROM THE BILL THAT KEEPS ALL RELIGIOUS PERSONS FROM PRACTICING THEIR RELIGIOUS BELIEFS! --FREEDOM--!!!

[polargirl134]

Sen. Demint is like any other Judeo-Christian for which this country was founded on. For being such a young nation, We've become the leader of the free-world in part for that very same reason. The far left will never be happy until ALL religion is wiped away from the face of the earth. If your not happy with what this nation has offered you, take yourself to a godless nation...and take the ACLU with you. Have a Nice Day...and God Bless you all.

[WellConditioned]

"Sen. Demint is like any other Judeo-Christian for which this country was founded on."

I won't trash you for your pathetic English skills, but I will trash you for your complete ignorance of our constitutional right of religious freedom. The U.S. was not "founded on christianity." Read our Constitution, please.

[friedolays]

Your wrong, if we are not supposed to be a Christian nation why does all our currency have "In God we trust" embedded on it?

[NoMereRanger303]

friedolays - I'm a Christian, but that's a terrible argument. We are not a "Christian nation", though we are based on a lot of Christian ideas (to the disdain of the secularist). But to say "Um... it's on the money" makes you sound very uneducated and you need to really think about that more before you use it as an argument. Do some research.

[friedolayz]

Are you kidding me? I think you need to do some research. Have you not ever heard of the Pledge of Allegiance? "I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands: one Nation under God, indivisible, with Liberty and Justice for all."

One nation, UNDER God, not over God, or beside God, but under God. Why do you think all the atheists and left wingers want this removed from our school systems?

[NoMereRanger303]

"Under God" was added to the pledge in 1954, not when the country was founded. If anything, you might be able to make a better argument that we are a deistic nation. I get where your standing. I don't much like the atheist agenda either, but all that is the trying to influence society - the ways and means of a movement. God is sovereign, so don't worry what happens. (I say this because you sound, like many of my friends, very distressed at the current atmosphere in our nation).

I rest my case.

[dapperdamp]

yea this is not just about christians. its about every religion having the freedom to worship as they feel, and losing that right due to a jealous powerthirsty corrupt government.. one of the first steps toward a one world order, one world currency, one world dictatorship.. it is ignorance to think this not a big deal.

[Hdtex]

Tax ALL churches. They are nothing but big business anyway, run by scammers and godless heathens.

Oh, and DeMint...you are an idiot.

[thesandman257]

Tis Very True...

[Hdtex]

This tool is a complete fool.

We SHOULD ban all Christianists.

The are the largest and fastest growing hate group in the world.

[Gerts4th]

Demint is a wonderful Senator- he's protecting our rights as our Founding Fathers spelled out in the Constitution-- the SAME Constitution that the radical Left wants to destroy by slowly dismantling it.

This "stimulus" bill is very dangerous-- if you have not already called/e-mailed any of the Republican Senators to tell them to oppose it-- then should need to do so IMMEDIATELY! They're voting by 6:00PM, CST on Feb. 13th.

[dhahranksa]

@Gerts4th your republicans put in the patriot acts. Which is a perverse violation to the constitution, the right to privacy is lost. You are so ignorant by saying democrats want to destroy the constitution. My goodness.

[gracewithsix]

Our founding fathers would be furious!

[pandabead]

Why is everyone on here talking about christians. this is refering to all religions, muslims and christians the like. this is communism buy abolishing the freedoms afforded us. The constitution does not state abolish religion it allows all religions of faith to be expressed. This has nothing to do with separation of church and state this is the state abolishing the right to religion and it is too progressive.

[jabadeer]

but how can anyone say this doesn't give government the right to exclude funding from a building, for example, where a group of students meet and worship God for 2 hours a week????

PROHIBITED USES OF FUNDS.—No funds awarded under this section may be used for—

(C) modernization, renovation, or repair of facilities—

(i) used for religious worship

the OR operator means that if EITHER criteria are met that funding can be prohibited

what am I missing??

[WellConditioned]

Yes! Baby Jeebus! Let's direct christian America towards complete illitearcy! Republican Rules! Baby Jeebus created life and this rock!

PEERAZE BABY JEEBUS!

Ban all scientific and , hell, ALL EDUMACATION - GWAD DID IT!

[lighwave]

What happened to TRANSPAERENCY! It will mean every medical will be overseen by the government!

[lighwave]

Asshole Daschle snuck in a disastrous intrusive healthcare bill into the stimulus package so as they're won't be any debate for it. Daschle said that the more you debate this horrible bill the less likely it will pass, it's that bad. It is designed to slow progress & have the gov take over health care in a more expensive way. It's political coercion. And I'm a democrat & I say don't pass the stimulus bill with this evil health care plan slipped in.

[biker4jesus]

Right on!!!! Pay for you own heath care! Socialism sucks!

Health care is not a right... Personal health care is your right and responsibility! We cannot allow this socialistic, unconstitutional bill to be passed! Fedzilla, as Uncle Teddly says, destroys everything it touches... what will happen if Fedzilla gets a hold of our health care... Watch out... people are gunna die.

[thesandman257]

WWJD?

Jesus was a Commie...

[starVol]

All of those dumb assed sheeple commie liberal brats who wanted Obama as President did not fully understand what would happen to our "Classic" America. I think maybe I'm dreaming, but again this is reality and this scares the hell out of me.

[sfcgal]

Tks for sending me this. Everyone pls contact Senators and tell them your feelings now.

[cdo4Jesus]

God bless you Senator DeMint! Keep doing an awesome job! Can't wait to hear you again on M. Gallagher, H. Hewitt, Dr. Bennett, L. Ingraham and soon!

My daughter is looking at universities to start attending/applying to soon and religous life is a Huge part of her decision-making. I can only pray that her top 4 won't be affected by this if it gets passed (i.e. Doesn't take any of this money).

Get on the radio channels Senator and get the word out quick!

[soldierguardgirl]

Thank you, Sen. DeMint! We MUST have more people like this, both lawmakers and normal citizens, who are willing to stand up and show what's really going on right now. I don't know much about politcs, but does anyone else see the objective of the new administration? Abortion advancement and destruction of religious freedom. How does this help the economy?

[biker4jesus]

God Bless Jim DeMint!!!

We need more true Americans patriots like him... We cannot allow these sudo-intellectual, anti-american, socialist, soulless, brainless, bureaupuke, punks to ruin our country any more.

The Constitution does not separate church and state as soo many ignorantly think it does. It separates the church and state as far as keeping the state out of the church... not the church out of the state.

[WellConditioned]

Of course it has nothing to do with christian lies, does it? I.E. the fact that the government cannot fund religious institutions.....

[biker4jesus]

The government is not funding churches here... we don't want government money (which is "We the Peoples money" anyway...) The only time we would want money from the government is to help meet the needs of the pour and hungry. Which we do all the time...

This portion of the bill is for funding the building/repair of public buildings... we have as much right to these buildings as anyone else.

So... before you cotton ball for brains folks go twisting reality again... think before you speak

[Hdtex]

What a tool...rewriting the Constitution to suit your Christianist war?

Biker...I only hope you don't wear a helmet.

[biker4jesus]

Wow... YOU'RE TOTALLY FILLED WITH HATE and Ignorance! I am sorry... but, I personally do not tolerate fools lighly.

You anti-american and anti-christ, so called intellectually enlightened, truth haters are so blinded by your own ignorance and hatred you would sell you own mother to suit your pathetic selves.

Why do you people always say Christians are hateful? Do we kill everyone who does not believe our way? NO WE DON'T!

By the way.. yes I do wear a helmet you'd better get one...

[WellConditioned]

"Why do you people always say Christians are hateful? Do we kill everyone who does not believe our way?"

No, not at all... only most of them.

Shiny shiny mirror on that hateful christian wall....

[vinm28]

This video is Great!! Our Country was founded on Christian FAITH!! If people don't like it move to a Communist country, china or Iraq!!

[WellConditioned]

Yeah - completely against the "EVERY AMERICAN HAS THE RIGHT TO WORSHIP AS HE SEES FIT" clause of the Bill of Rights and the Constitution of the United States.

YOU are the fundamentalist. YOU take your christian hatred and move to Iraq, Iran, Afghanistan or Pakistan.

[biker4jesus]

Wow... who is full of hatred? People like you can't stand the fact this country was founded on the BIBLE and the CHRISTIAN FAITH. Go take an unadulterated lesson in American History and you find this to be true.

America is great because of our national belief in GOD. As you secular humanists push your religion on us... and twist facts to suit your agenda... this nation stats going to hell in a hand basket and you people blame us... wow!

[WellConditioned]

Cotton ball for brains here, read the constitution of the United States. In no way was this country founded on "christian" priciples. Every citizen of this country has the freedom to worship as he sees fit, and that includes the freedom not to worship invisible skydaddys.

You christians have demonstrated your filthy, bigoted hatred time and time again, with your illiterate educational principles -the Earth and the universe is 6,000 years old.

Shiny mirror.

[biker4jesus]

Wow you anti-americans get sooo heated up when fasted with truth!

Ok... here is a history lesson for you.. Cotton for Brains...

"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness."

This is from the Declaration of Independence. The reference to "their Creator" is GOD He is the creator and is the only God. And yes He loves you as well

[biker4jesus]

I don't understand why people like you hate Christians... we're the ones who feed the hungry, shelter the homeless, and show the love of God to millions... why the hatred?

Why would you or anyone try to take our 1st Amendment right to Freedom of Religion away and try to silence only us Christians?

I have my own ideas but I'd like to hear yours...

[jabadeer]

because of our own hatred toward groups of people...

because they hate us, unfortunately alot of christians learn to hate so they wouldn't mind preventing the widespreadness of that. neither would I.

love, love, love

[hugBitCH]

Yes we do have those christians who screw it over for the rest of us real christians by spreading hate and trying to save people. christians who spread hate like that are an insult to those of us who really do live by gods word

[asuqb1]

You know what kills me about those trying to defend this language by saying the "stimulus is being paid for by a large amount of tax payer money" the last I checked, christians are the largest tax paying group there is in this country... and if this is the case, please take out the "Social Engineering" programs completely. These are non-stimulus related items that greatly offend me personally, but the liberals pushing this bill down our throats could care less. So please use a better argument.

[crossfire0]

DeMint is very clever in the way that he's framing this issue: suggesting that a separation of church and state is discriminating against religious groups. Our country has a strict separation of church and state, that is a strong tenant of our democracy.

How about the tax payers who must support the propagation of religions other than their own? If their religions are so popular, why can't they find their own funding or their own places to pray.

DeMint's statements are patently ridiculous.

[sds7508]

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. Does this sound familar? It is the 1st amendment right that state gov can not tell you where you can and can't worship.

[Bonigee]

What ever happened to people in congress who made an oath to uphold the constitution of United States of America to the best of their ability?? Bills like that are written to bring down our rights that have been given to us already. What I am seeing is the NWO is totally against the constitution, our bill of rights...Obama is just a puppet controlled by the NWO and congress goes along too... except for a few like Senator DeMint and Senator RonPaul .

[akkelli]

Your remarks are patently ridiculous if you believe these words - "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof" somehow mean prohibiting the free exercise of religion is acceptable. Public or private the 1st ammendment is clear - we have the FREEDOM to exercise religion. Congress steps into unconstitutionality by suggesting a law prohibiting such in any circumstance.

[WellConditioned]

Thank you! In a nutshell...

[kcstack]

Another thing hidden in this bill is national health care, in which older people have a health problem that is not life-threatening will not get medical attention unless a panel says they can.

Liberals are trying to sneak national health care by hiding it in this bill.

This is a bad bill, through and through. It will not promote jobs, it will only increase our taxes.

[EncompassedRunner]

Yet more assaults to the Constitution & our freedoms under an Obama administration. The growing anti-Christian climate of hate is getting stifling, oppressive.

[GodEqualsLove4ever]

Yes we Christians are being more & more marginalized as the culture & now the government disrespect are values.

[unwashablebrain]

the supposedly "anti-religious" part of this bill has been law since the 60's.

pat robertson has all these social conservatives up in arms over long established policy as if it were something new which attacks religion. it's not discrimination when religion gets special treatment in the first place in the form of tax exemption...now they want government funding on top of that? can anyone say "greedy theological agenda"?

[EncompassedRunner]

unwashablebrain, that's absolutely not true, which is why the ACLJ promises to file suit if this provision is included in any stimulus bill that passes. Like DeMint points out @4:15 all sorts of groups are presently allowed to meet now that would not be allowed to under this bill.

[unwashablebrain]

sorry pal, but it is true. that part of the stimulus is not worded to keep people from having religious meetings in those places, it simply states that the money can't be spent on buildings whose primary use is for religious ceremonies. it's been that way since the 60's. rather than add to the hysteria, why don't you look it up. i'm 100% right on this one...because i actually researched it. you should try doing the same thing.

[TheWestAnemoi]

You religious people saying you can't pray in someplace renovated with these funds are wrong. Pay attention to the vernacular of the bill. It uses a very important word that I'd hoped everyone in America would recognize by now: "or". "Or" is not the equivalent of "and". At the end the bill states "or in which a substantial portion of the functions of the facility are subsumed in a religious mission". Key word being "or". You can pray, it just can't be a predominantly religious facility.

[TheWestAnemoi]

Also in case anyone takes "you religious people" in a vulgar manner, I did not mean it as such, it was merely meant to reference those who so vehemently feel they are being persecuted due to their religious beliefs, which they are not. I would gladly fight and die for the religious freedom of anyone in this country, but that day has not come and will not come for a long, long, long time.

[itsanoutrage]

This man speaks to truth.  It is nice to hear good common sense.

[calihomi]

I would understand trying to pass this bill for high school or middle schools, but not for college. College is about finding yourself, kinda hard to do that, if I walk into a lunchroom or common area that has been renovated with federal funding, deciding that as I'm eating or studying I want to say a prayer, just to be told I can't do it.

[QitUPx]

I don't think this was said to strictly enforce no religion, but more to make sure that it isn't the significant purpose of the buildings.

This is being paid with a large amount of tax payer dollars. I don't think certain people would be happy that they are spending tons of money on a building that is going to serve the faith of one they don't agree with.

[radman53]

He is right!!!! How dare they put a muzzle on the Christian sector.Why cant they use the stimulus? simply to shut those down that have a reverence to God.. This is intimidation and religous racism!!

[bhslb13]

this is stupid... no offense, BUT the bill isnt saying that you cant say a prayer or have a bible meeting or something. It means you cant use the building solely for religion. Why build a church or temple when you can have new dorms, or labs, or classrooms. I go to a catholic university and we have a chapel raised by alumni money. Federal funding goes to classrooms, dorms, etc. like it should be nd what this bill states

[mikel45365]

The language of the bill opens up doors for people to pursue all sorts of bogus law suits if someone uses any of the above for any sort of religious event or gathering like the senator said. its not as simple as federal money going to build classrooms instead of temples; it has everything to do with government control and the secularization of the public square!

[bhslb13]

So what the bill states as I posted the bill section, is that for example, they build a dorm room. You cant dedicate a room specific for religion. Sure you can have a meeting but to name it for example the Gospel Room and hold frequent prayers and what not might even still pass because the bill states SUBSTANTIAL meaning more than less. Anyways its just the right thing to do. You can use this money towards education and not worshipping -continued-

[bhslb13]

Continued- Like I said I go to a catholic school and I love it but I would hate that they would use money on a worship inspired building when my school can use new labs. I'm catholic and agree with this bill. Its the seperation, not so much of church and state but rather education and religion. You want to educate religion, put a theology class in the new building. Dont use this money on a building based on religion. AGAIN not offending anyone, my opinion and im catholic but i agree with this.

[calihomi]

But it says ANY funding, so something as simple as, them needing to fix a toilet or electrical problems, as he said, could be a good enough reason for someone in a dorm room to sue the school if he walk by his neighbors room and hears a prayer group. I agree with the fact that, this bill is just another easy way to start hiring lawyers because someone feels "segragated against"

[bhslb13]

Never mind. I'll copy the important part for you:

PROHIBITED USES OF FUNDS.—No funds awarded under this section may be used for—

(C) modernization, renovation, or repair of facilities—

(i) used for sectarian instruction, religious worship, or a school or department of divinity; or

(ii) in which a substantial portion of the functions of the facilities are subsumed in a religious mission

[TheWestAnemoi]

"These funds, cannot be used for [can't tell what word he says], the facilities that accept these funds cannot be used for [wtf?] instruction, religious worship, or school or department of divinity or in which a substantial portion of the functions of the facility are subsumed in a religious mission"

[TheWestAnemoi]

This having been said, the bill states that the facilities cannot be used for predominantly religious purposes. Students meeting in a dorm every now and then for prayer groups doesn't mean the dorm is used mostly for prayer groups. The dorm is for people to live there, not for religious worship. The bill states that the building can't be a solely religious building or facility, not that you have no right to freedom of religion on its grounds.

[BIGELLOW]

The word you are not hearing is "sectarian".

[TheWestAnemoi]

Thanks. :)

[fredthouse]

Keep it up Jim! Obama should have spoken about this and give his support for this amendment. It would have been good for him to show he is a bipartisan president. But he chooses to remain silent and let Pelosi impose her will on this nation.

[evilhenny2000]

if we kill all religious funding like Obama wants, we kill the 12 step program and several other great programs.

[KnGproduction]

Can anyone say, 2nd Coming?

[unc68]

I am so glad that all the democrats have assured over the years that they have no agenda. This would probably make me scared if there was an agenda.

[okturus]

keep it in the church!

[AgentOfOblivion]

F*ck you, ya godless commie. The 1st amendment specifically states congress shall make no law prohibiting the free exercise of religion!

[okturus]

I don't appreciate being insulted and called a commie first of all. Like Jesus would, I forgive you.

[AgentOfOblivion]

Live by your own rule and keep your Godless commie opinions to yourself!

[bigjstokes]

A lot of folks, including this senator here, apparently have yet to read that amendment in the Bill of Rights that explicitly says the government can't endorse any religion. Endorsements includes money, sorry.

[AgentOfOblivion]

You're a moron. First of all, it doesn't say that, and right after the clause you think says that, it specifically states congress shall make no law prohibiting the free exercise of religion!

Try reading it yourself nitwit.

[bigjstokes]

"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibit the free exercise thereof;"

One cannot argue that this prohibits the free exercise of religion. However, using this money for religious practice could be argued to be unconstitutional.

Also, the government DOES give money to religious institutions, but it is explicitly intended for secular purposes only. I don't think a penny should be given to these rackets, personally.

[cjkallgren]

I am so thankful that Jim Demint brought this to our attention. It is Sad that so many intolerant people want to discriminate against students of faith. This stimulus bill is 750 pages long and so full of pork it should be voted down immediately. The 9 page plan proposed by Senator Thune is much better and includes across the board tax relief for citizens. And does not contain all this extra spending which is payback to Obama's funder's.

[JimBeam823]

Jim DeMint is yet another demagogue South Carolina Senator in the tradition of "Pitchfork Ben" Tillman. He is an embarrassment to this state and the country.

The law prohibits public funds from going to religious institutions. THIS IS REQUIRED UNDER THE FIRST AMENDMENT. It does not prohibit religious speech, nor does it require public institutions, such as schools, to kick out the religious groups that use the building on weekends.

[AgentOfOblivion]

No it's not idiot. The Constitution prohibits CONGRESS from forming a national church. They can give money to religious institutions all they want (and did just that in the past). Government money has paid the salaries of chaplains since the beginning of our nation you ignoramus!

[JimBeam823]

According to the Supreme Court, for a statute to be constitutional under the establishment clause of the 1st Amendment, it had to meet these three standards: it must have a secular or nonreligious purpose; it must neither promote nor interfere with religion; and it cannot cause an excessive entanglement of government with religion.

Giving money to religious institutions violates the second and third prong of the test (and probably the first one as well)

Like it or not, that's the law.

[AgentOfOblivion]

Supreme Court Justice Joseph Story (appointed by James Madison) states: "The real object of the amendment was, not to countenance, much less to advance Mahometanism, or Judaism, or infidelity, by prostrating Christianity; but to EXCLUDE ALL RIVALRY AMONG CHRISTIAN SECTS, and to prevent any national ecclesiastical establishment, which should give to an hierarchy the exclusive patronage of the national government. ~ Commentaries on The Constitution of The United States, Vol. III, p. 728, 1871."

[AgentOfOblivion]

[A]t the time of the adoption of the Constitution, and of the Amendment of it now under consideration, the general, if not the universal, sentiment in America was that Christianity ought to receive encouragement from the State... An attempt to level all religions, and to make it a matter of state policy to hold all in utter indifference, would have created universal disapprobation, if not universal indignation. ~ Joseph Story A Familiar Exposition..., P. 259, 260, 261, "Freedom of Religion."

[AgentOfOblivion]

What does Story's opinion matter, aside from the fact he was appointed by the "Father of The Constitution?"

"I entirely concur in the propriety of resorting to the sense in which the Constitution was accepted and ratified by the nation. In that sense alone is the legitimate Constitution. ... What a metamorphosis would be produced in the code of law if all its ancient phraseology were to be taken in its modern sense." ~ James Madison -- The Writings of James Madison, 1824.

[AgentOfOblivion]

"On every question of construction, carry ourselves back to the time when the Constitution was adopted,... and instead of trying what meaning may be squeezed out of the text, or invented against it, conform to the probable one in which it was passed." ~ Thomas Jefferson to Judge William Johnson on June 12, 1823.

Owned!

[71Warrior4Jesus]

this is why our country is failing taking God out of the pic. He blessed this nation because we had shcools in the Church deul purposes. and had God everywhere back in the 1700s 1800s and believed in Jesus. most of these folks are from other countires( 1st 2nd Generations) and what to destoy the US.

[spadata]

"The establishment of an American Soviet government will involve the confiscation of large landed estates in town and country, and also, the whole body to forests, mineral deposits, lakes, rivers and so on."

--- ACLU co-founder and former chairman, Communist Party USA. William Z. Foster

"I seek social ownership of property, the abolition of the propertied class, and sole control of those who produced the wealth: communism is the goal."

--ACLU founder, Roger Baldwin

[jpppen]

The ACLU is the biggest bunch of money chasing, American destroying sons of b......!!!!!! They have the ANYTHING goes attitudes, except when it comes to morals and human nature! ACLU was a great group for many years when it first started. Now it is controlled by nuts!! They r a great example of what happens when human beings are spoiled by freedom and get it handed to them on a silver platter!! That group is a bunch of spoiled babies. No moral person should support that group. ACLU SUCKS!

[rocknrolldude3280]

Legislation just like this truly reveals the liberal agenda. Obama and his liberal cronies in the House and Senate seek to remove our freedoms of speech and religion: effectively turning this nation into a dictatorship, where their agendas can be forced down our throats and any attempt at retaliation (even verbal) will be punishable by law. THIS is what one gets when he or she votes for bigger government. Stand up Americans and fight for the rights our forefathers fought and died to give us.

[daughterrevolution]

Constitution says you can't prohibit religious worship. That includes ANYWHERE in America. Liberals / socialists / communists hate God and are hell bound sinners. I'm not listening to them, ever.

[bbugmenott]

religion has no place outside their worship buildings.

[Verlch]

Neither does the Babylonian Mystery Religions then.

[jgehbrr]

Intolerant and full of hate. And by the way the first amendment guarantees free exercise of religion. It does not limit it. That is the amendment that you choose to ignore, because you hate people of faith.

[dennist3hmenace]

Idiots like me? You cant refute my claim or present any evidence to the contrary. You simply resort to insults.

Its what Ive come to expect from people who defend value faith.

[dennist3hmenace]

"It is in hard times that our society most needs faith."

As reasonable, rational minded people, we should reject this notion. Faith is the active canceling of reason. Faith is the opposite of evidence based argument.

Oh, I forgot. Most people aren't rational or reasonable. I guess that explains the incumbency rate in congress, even with their abysmal approval rating.

[jablair51]

Did DeMint even read the bill? There's nothing in there about religious discrimination. Jay Sekulow started all this by flat out lying about what the bill says.

[LeGioNoFZioN]

the fact that the facility cannot be used by anyone for religious worship or sectarian instruction means it does. it means that these activities are in effect banned from the locations that utilize this money for rennovation or expansion. That is religious discrimination.

If they said the locations couldn't be used for political purposes, rallies etc or couldn't be used for LGBT groups for meetings the effect would be the same.

Textbook discrimination.

[jablair51]

Ok, give me the exact line in the bill that says that religious groups cannot use facilities that receive federal money.  I want you to show me word for word where it says that.

[jablair51]

Never mind. I'll copy the important part for you:

PROHIBITED USES OF FUNDS.—No funds awarded under this section may be used for—

(C) modernization, renovation, or repair of facilities—

(i) used for sectarian instruction, religious worship, or a school or department of divinity; or

(ii) in which a substantial portion of the functions of the facilities are subsumed in a religious mission;

[LeGioNoFZioN]

I think you just proved my point, it targets religious activities and locations as not being legitimate for these funds. if any other group were targeted what would the result be ?

if it read

PROHIBITED USES OF FUNDS.—No funds awarded under this section may be used for— LGBT groups meetings, or political discussions

you proved my point yourself which is what DeMint was saying. thanks

[jablair51]

First, athletic buildings are also targeted. You don't see sports fans crying about persecution, do you?

Secondly, separation of church and state is in play here. If churches received bailout money then the government can put regulations on what they do with the money. Trust me, you don't want that.

Why do religious groups need federal money anyways?

[LeGioNoFZioN]

separation has nothing to do with this since the fund are available for religious schools. Why can a religious school qualify for federal funds when it exempts religious activities in the location to be rennovated ? This money is not only for public schools as private schools also have access. that is flawed legislation.

churches don't need bailout money. Groups don't need the money for new churches, but when you introduce a section of a bill targeting improving school infrastructure ...

[LeGioNoFZioN]

...and you make the funds available for all kinds of schools but exempt religious displays within the local, something is wrong. If this was for public schools only then it would make perfect sense, but it is not. It is the inherant contradiction of offering school access to money, but preventing them from being able to conduct what they want with the space after. That is my issue.

[gadsden74]

Very well said, Mr. DeMint.

This man has already earned my vote for standing up for Christians (currently a minorty voice in government).

[Butterflybreakfast]

I'm sorry y'all, I'm not thrilled about subsidizing a beautiful garden fountain for my daughters college, only to have it mandated what she can and cannot do near that fountain WE THE PEOPLE supplied. Y'all remember 'right to free speech'? 'Freedom of assembly'? Whether Jesus, Buddha or the Flying Spaghetti Monster...HUH? If you don't like what you see/hear/feel/smell/taste, get over your sweet self and move away from the fountain!

[vulrare]

Please SC Democrats choose a good candidate to unseat this ignorant blowhard........no one's religious freedom is being threated. The economy is going down the tubes,but he's trying to ignite some kind of culture war......God, what a jackass........

[AmosPressley]

Vulrare, you miss the point.

Why in the name of all common sense and honesty would someone sit down to write a stimulus package" and put something like this in the middle of it? What does this have to do with economic stimulus?

If this issue deserves to be enacted as law, it should be brought before the floor and debated in an openly honest manner, not hidden in the middle of something else like this.

By the way, Demint cannot "ignite a culture war." It was ignited a long time ago.

[kg6120]

This is just the begining. This stimulus will have an agenda in certain ways to deny us our freedom, and it is all in the fine print

[bamagirl369]

Thank you Jim for finding this in a bill that is over 500 pages! You are defending the constitutional right of millions of future college students, including President Obama's children to practice their faith when they attend an American university.

[spielmann]

When will John McCain be expressing his outrage over DeMint's dishonest analogy with Wallace?  Or does that outrage only apply to apt analogies involving McMaverick?

[spielmann]

What appalling dishonest demagoguery! There is no provision in this bill attacking Christians, there are however millions of Christians who need financial help provided by this bill. I would say DeMint should be ashamed by his heinous lies, but he clearly has no shame.

[5M1L3]

Tell that to the guy that keeps suing to have the words "one nation under God" removed from the pledge. He would have a field day with a clause like that, and the courts would most likely have to side with him due to the way that clause is written.

[AmosPressley]

Exactly right, 5M1L3.

MAYBE the institutions will be able to defend themselves against the lawsuits that will be brought against them because of Campus Crusade, Hillel and similar groups and individuals, but the fact that this gives the enemies of faith a toehold makes it dangerous.

What good is ANY right to do ANYTHING when you have to pay to deflect lawsuits every year? No, it is the job of government to "secure these rights" against these locusts.

Thanks, Sen Demint!

[JimBeam823]

As one of his constituents, I can assure you, DeMint has no shame. His last election featured shameless gay baiting.

DeMint comes from a long tradition of South Carolina politicians who gain power by playing on the prejudices of the ignorant masses of this state.

The bill doesn't do any of what DeMint says it does. If it did, it would be an unconstitutional restriction, not of religious expression, but of free speech. But DeMint likes to whip up a frenzy.

[WellConditioned]

"For 37 years, the law of the land is that the government can't pay for buildings that are used for religious purposes."

PERIOD.

Stop your filthy lies.... DeMint!

[WellConditioned]

It should get zero play in the media, as it would expose this idiot as just another religious right liar. Apparently the ten commandments only apply to non-christians, as DeMint and thousands of other so called "christians" have been lying for decades.

Lying for Jeebus - only "christians" can apply.

[rexriley]

This got zero play in the media... I wonder if it ever will?

[Butterflybreakfast]

You rock Jim!!! Keep at the truth!!!