Church & State 1A
As time goes by, SG will have a lot to say on the subject of Church and State, primarily in the context of their Constitutional separation here in the US. The topic first appeared (1) by implication in our discussion of the question of same-sex marriage, and this one (1a) is really just a teaser, but timely as can be!
The physical location of the designated Polling Place in one of our local precincts has been changed, from an elementary school to a church about 100 yards away.
When you enter the building, you are staring through the open doors of the sanctuary at a nice representation of modern Christian symbolism– an altar, crucifix, stained-glass windows, menu boards with scripture references and hymn numbers, etc. Left turn to find the end of the line which extends about 30 feet down a brightly lit hallway, which is decorated along its entire length with religious propaganda ranging from crayon drawings by the Sunday School class to a mural-size representation of The Lord’s Prayer.
You are in that line for most of an hour, plenty of time to absorb the message, or to be offended by it, depending on your particular faith or lack thereof.
An Election Judge was asked why the venue had been changed. It seems the school had decided that the operation of a polling place was “too disruptive.”
Shame on the school, for missing a rare opportunity for a democracy-in-action lesson. Shame on Podunk County for replacing it with bible school.
–SG
What do you think? Please enter a comment below.
November 3rd, 2004 at 9:17 am
For shame, indeed! As a non-christian, I am always aware of being an outsider, of being “tolerated,” or “allowed” to enjoy the benefits of America. I strongly feel that houses of worship are inappropriate loci for civil proceedings.