On 2008/0105 Saturday, I heard a TV ad from a group called "First Freedom First," touting an on-line petitition.
(The oddly repetitive name refers to freedom of (and from) religion as the "first freedom" enumerated in the Bill of Rights, and suggests it come before other freedoms, ie "first.")
I do not know who they are, or how they would use any money they might raise.
Their petition includes five specific beliefs:
(1) "Every American should have the right to make personal decisions -- about family life, reproductive health, end of life care and other matters of personal conscience. "
HSC comment --
I strongly agree.
(2) "American tax dollars should not go to charities that discriminate in hiring based on religious belief or that promote a particular religious faith as a requirement for receiving services. "
HSC comment --
I have mixed feelings about this.
(3) "Political candidates should not be endorsed or opposed by houses of worship."
HSC comment --
Why shouldn't churches, like other groups of citizens, express political views?
If the issue is tax exemption, the petition drafters need to make the point more clearly.
(4) "Public schools should teach with academic integrity and without the promotion of religious preference or belief."
HSC comment--
I agree.
(5) "Decisions about scientific and health policies should be based on the best available scientific data, not on religious doctrine."
HSC comment--
I agree.