Free Speech For Chaplains: Executive Order Needed

Posted by johnsblogs42 in April 29th, 2008

So, for about the last four years or so, Military Chaplains have been taking heat over invoking the name Jesus in their prayers. Slowly at first. But now becoming commonplace. About a year and a half ago, it was supposed that this issue was being dealt with. Apparently, it didn’t happen after all.

I delved into this issue a bit earlier on, back in October 2007. You can skim through that article HERE whilst also addressing a similar but separate topic; http://hoopyfrooddude.blogspot.com/2007/10/freedom-of-speech-not-for-military.html

Now, spearheading a campaign to preserve the First Amendment, in the form of free speech for military chaplains, the ACLJ along with Congressman Walter Jones of North Carolina are calling for an Executive Order from the President. A petition is being circulated to allow and protect a military chaplains right to pray as their faith dictates.

HERE is the ACLJ page regarding this issue; http://www.aclj.org/TrialNotebook/Read.aspx?id=612

Whatever an individual thinks about “government employees” and religion is completely irrelevant in this matter. It was put best by Congressman Jones when he said,

“A chaplain demonstrates his faith through the medium of speech in his worship services, his counseling, and the other functions he performs in his role as both advisor to the commander for religious matters and as a representative of his faith community to the Army. I believe a chaplain represents the Constitution at work; he practices freedom of religion while facilitating the religious freedom of others, and does so by exercising free speech without establishing an official government religion. . . .Allowing this outrageous suppression to go unaddressed is a repudiation of the very principles upon which our liberties depend and which soldiers defend.”

For those who are concerned about “Civil Rights” abuses in America, regardless of religious bent, (or lack there of,) this should actually be of great concern to you. When chaplains, military or otherwise, begin to lose their freedom of speech, what, or even WHO is next? Religions other than Judeo-Christian based religions debased? Freedom to assemble denied? Any other rights you enjoy coming to mind at this point?

I recommend at least looking into the subject, to get a better understanding as to what kind of “other abuses” are happening in our country, that don’t make it into our “fair and balanced” media.

http://hoopyfrooddude.blogspot.com/2008/04/free-speech-for-chaplains-executive.html

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