Texas Governor Rick Perry has no idea what Freedom of Religion means
While signing a stupid law to ‘protect’ students and school officials’ ‘right’ to say ‘Merry Christmas’ and display other religious holiday claptrap on school grounds, Governor Rick Perry gave us proof he has absolutely no idea what ‘freedom of religion’ means. He has taken it upon himself to force religion into the public schools under the ruse that it is a right that needs protecting. Countless court rulings disagree with him. I really feel bad for the citizens of Texas who have to put up with such an ignorant leader.
During an announcement of the signing of the so-called “Merry Christmas Bill,” Texas Gov. Rick Perry and state Senator Robert Nichols (R-Jacksonville) said Thursday that freedom from religion was not included in the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.
“I’m proud we are standing up for religious freedom in our state,” Perry said. “Freedom of religion doesn’t mean freedom from religion.”
The new law states that students and school officials have the right to use religious greetings like “Merry Christmas” and display various religious holiday symbols on school grounds.
Texas Gov. Rick Perry: Americans have no right to freedom from religion
Students can say “Merry Christmas” as much as they want and a Christmas tree isn’t religious but many schools have moved away from celebrating Christmas because they know it excludes people who aren’t Christians and due to some court cases.
As Americans United put it:
Consider this as well: Under the right conditions, we all want freedom from religion – or at least freedom from certain religions. A Methodist is not a Muslim for a reason. If the public school system or some other arm of government began imposing Islam, Scientology, Zoroastrianism (or even liberal Christianity) onto people against their will, I’d expect Gov. Perry and his followers would immediately demand to be free from that religion.
The separation of church and state protects us from fundamentalist zealots who’d like nothing better than to be able to use government power to shove their narrow version of religion down our throats. They can’t. That sure sounds like freedom from religion to me.
Despite the efforts of Perry and his theocratic brigades, this is still a free country when it comes to religion. You’re free to spread your faith (on your own dime and with your own resources), and someone else is free to tell you that you’re all wet and they wouldn’t consider joining your faith under any circumstances.
Freedom From Foolishness?: Texas Gov. Misconstrues Religious Liberty
“Freedom of religion” means freedom from religion because we don’t want a religion imposed on us like Governor Perry and his “Merry Christmas” law does.
