Texas Judge Fights Back Against Hate From Newt Gingrich And The Christian Right |

Yes,again

I like the level headed responses from this judge!

"religion of peace"

That's actually a political neologism used to describe Islam, not Christianity.

I do like Gandhi's quote regarding Christians:

I like your Christ, I do not like your Christians. Your Christians are so unlike your Christ.

Lol, I know, grae, but 1) they call Jesus the Prince of Peace and 2) it's to show the similarities between the violence inherent in both religions.

Okey-doke. Thought you may have missed it.

it's to show the similarities between the violence inherent in both religions.

Come see the violence inherent in the system!

bonos_rama Death threats? There goes that "religion of peace" again.

WRONG AGAIN - there go some individuals.......

"Shame" is NOT in the republican vocabulary. Texas should be "honored" to have a Judge like the Honorable Fred Biery....God bless Fred Biery!

This Texan IS "honored" to have The Honorable Fred Biery but ashamed we don't have more.

Lola, we need MORE like him here in Florida too!

TruettCollins - WRONG AGAIN - there go some individuals.......

While you do have a point insofar that one cannot judge the whole by just a part, it is also equally as true that if that same majority stands by and says nothing to condemn such actions, they are equally as complicit.

TruettCollins

bonos_rama Death threats? There goes that "religion of peace" again.

WRONG AGAIN - there go some individuals.......

And, yet, there does seem to be a bit of an epidemic of hate and murderous impulse among the Fundies. From UU Pastors who are killed for being to liberal to judges who are threatened for being too liberal (wait, I see a pattern here), the Christian right has decided they have to moral authority to kill. Why is that?

WRONG AGAIN

Really?

So why is the secular judge taking them to task instead of the local church?

Here are some more paragons of virtue; http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/01/27/jessica-ahlquist-prayer-banner-rhode-island-school_n_1237199.html

Dammit - I committed a typo infraction. No soup for me. I am so ashamed.

While you do have a point insofar that one cannot judge the whole by just a part, it is also equally as true that if that same majority stands by and says nothing to condemn such actions, they are equally as complicit.

Violence from the religious 'right' certainly isn't encouraged by all, but let's not act as if it's an extreme minority who like to threaten (and sometimes worse) violence when they don't get what they want.

Between pedophiles in the church and the violent tendencies of those who love and fear "God", is it any wonder religion has such a bad reputation right now? (and how @!$%#ed is it that some people fear their "God"?)

It seems like as more of secularism grows, and people gain their rightful freedoms, the religiofacists are getting more vile, and threatening.

There are a lot of very vocal crazies in Texas, but the number of liberals would surprise you. We're just more stealth about it.

If we could just run this gub'ner out of office! Yes, there are some very sane people in this beautiful state, and very liberal. I can only hope the tide will turn back in their favor. It used to be 'Live and let live', at least while I was growing up. Seems that sensibility has been reversed.

The judge did a great job on all counts, I feel a little better for the folks in Texas

I live in Texas and feel better also. You can only take so much of that "tar and feather" mentality.

Thumbs up to the Judge, your professionalism is very much appreciated.

The judge can, and judges often DO editorialize during their judgements., so first thing you are ABSOLUTELY 100% WRONG about.

Second, judges do NOT "enforce" the law, the irule on and APPLY the law, the EXECUTIVE power ENFORCES the law. No pass in Basic Government 101 for you.

A judges job is to interpret the law as it applies to each case and therefore, enforce the law. Judges have made personal editorials while making their decision in some cases. And yes, some have used their personal beliefs in their rulings. Which if it is against any laws will be appealed by the apposing side.

However, that is not what this thread is about. It about a judge being threatened for making the correct decision in regard to that case. Perhaps, your attention would be better served addressing that injustice.. :)

Tell that to the Supreme Court of 1835, who ruled in FAVOR of the indians of the SE when Andrew Jackson planned to remove them to open their lands for white settlement. Jackson's response was, they've ruled, now let them ENFORCE their ruling. The five "civilized" tribes were then forced by the army to march from the SE to what is now Oklahoma in the middle of winter, a forced march known today as the Trail of Tears.

Courts do NOT enforce the law, they merely RULE on its application, and any lawyer will tell you that, as well as anybody who actually passed civics 101. The POLICE, as a part of the EXECUTIVE, ENFORCE the law.

And this DOES track with the thrread, because it is a demonstration of the lack of knowledge so many people have of HOW our political/legal systems work, and WHY morons can threaten judges for merely applying the law as written.

"The judiciary (also known as the judicial system) is the system of courts that interprets and applies the law in the name of the state. The judiciary also provides a mechanism for the resolution of disputes. Under the doctrine of the separation of powers, the judiciary generally does not make law (that is, in a plenary fashion, which is the responsibility of the legislature) or enforce law (which is the responsibility of the executive), but rather interprets law and applies it to the facts of each case." - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Judiciary

It doesn't surprise me that conservatives can't even understand basic constitutional concepts and that the judiciary interprets the constitution and the laws, not enforces them. Either its the school system (unlikely) or its the churches (most likely)...

"correct" - not necessarily "right" (that's a "loaded word" lately)

With all due respect, if we can be civil with one another maybe we can work out our differences.

You cannot be civil and work differences with Republican politicians, you instead must evil like them.
BtW this is not being directed to you or any one here, why this reply of yours.

Sorry, but it seems obvious to me. You are doing a fair bit of name calling. As an independent, I just don't see how much can be accomplished if people cannot at least try and talk to one another and work things out without without the trash talk.

When federal judges are individually attacked, we have a serious problem.

Well I don't know, if presidents who are higher ranked and more secured than judges have been assassinated in the past and are still being threatened today, it looks like a judge is but an ant that can be crushed unintentionally by stepping feet let alone intentionally. When two civilians are fighting, the government arrest and fine them. But who is to arrest and fine two government officials who are fighting? They say "When two elephants are fighting, the grass suffers". We, the people, are the grass. You dig?

I dig. We, the people, the grass, are being stomped on by self-serving politically-partisan elephants who have unilaterally decided they have a divine and moral right to stomp on us. This is being done by radical ideologues who are attempting to redefine the U.S. Constiution.

Part of this redefinition reconstitutes federally-appointed judges as being labeled "activist" and "constitutionalists." To these elephants, an "activist" judge protects the grass and a "constitutionalist" judge allows them to stomp upon the grass at will.

When so-call "activist" judges like Fred Biery are openly attacked, the elephants, in this case rouge elephants, are not only stomping on the grass; they are ensuring it can no longer grow. A judge is more than an ant. A federal judge is the caretaker of the grass, i.e., a caretaker of the rules which govern, "We, the people."

When federal judges are harassed, threatened, and intentionally "stepped on," it is "We, the people," who suffer. If judges, like Fred Biery, are not allowed or prohibited from doing their jobs, it is "We, the people ... the grass" who have a serious problem.

I believe you dig.

Welcome to the Brave New World of the progressives. Obama can do it because he is always campaigning. Students cannot do ituse they actually believe in God. Obama can do it because the progressives believe he is god, students cannot do it because the progressives are afraid of God

Obama can do it because the progressives believe he is god, students cannot do it because the progressives are afraid of God

I gotta vote you up on that one.

You mean a private prayer breakfast?

Students can pray all they want, as long as it is not school/gov sponsored(paid with our tax dollars)....

#11 garrisonbye

Operative word is "prayer." Everyone attending is in on the focus of the breakfast.

#11.1 alinskys

Fear is the endless parade of circus clowns that not even the GOP party faithful want.

AlinskyS: #11.1

That is funny. You know everyone who prays and whether they mean it or not ?? I didn't know you were God. Oh that's right you are not GOD !!!

So your opinions are as valid as what people will accept them to be. Not very valid by my beliefs.

But hey keep swinging that right wing sledge hammer, you are sure to crush something else along the way. LOL

Students can pray all they want, as long as it is not school/gov sponsored(paid with our tax dollars)....

Isn't the Washington prayer breakfast government sponsored paid for by tax dollars??

dunno - why don't you research it and report back on your findings with supporting data?

GarrisonBye no tax money, it sponsored K street is private. And K street is a GOP religious right.

Students cannot do it

Incorrect.

No one is infringing on the right to prayer. What the judge declared is the school can't lead prayer in public events.

There's a *huge* difference there.

We have a tradition in this country of holding "Silent prayers" or "moments of silence" when appropriate to aviod offended any other faith.

"Religious controversies are always productive of more acrimony and irreconcilable hatreds than those which spring from any other cause. Of all the animosities which have existed among mankind, those which are caused by the difference of sentiments in religion appear to be the most inveterate and distressing, and ought most to be depreciated. I was in hopes that the enlightened and liberal policy, which has marked the present age, would at least have reconciled Christians of every denomination so far that we should never again see the religious disputes carried to such a pitch as to endanger the peace of society." --George Washington, letter to Edward Newenham, October 20, 1792

This has worked for undress of years, that we in America tolerate all faiths as long as they are not intolerant to any others.

To be honest. Obama uses his faith as a political tool just like all politicians. As an agnostic I find it all nauseating. But religion still has no place in public schools.

On the other hand I would never consider voting Republican. The Tea Party wants schools that are essentially Christian madrassas. And the Jesus Obama follows obviously bears little resemblance to the Rambo Jesus of the Right who led us into Granada and Iraq and sides with the 1%.

To be honest. Obama uses his faith as a political tool just like all politicians. As an agnostic I find it all nauseating. But religion still has no place in public schools.

You are refreshingly honest. Most viners will never admit Mr Obama uses his faith as a political tool. They will defend Obama, but not the young student who wants to lead a prayer at a graduation ceremony.

You mean the agenda of the U.S. Constitution?

Let me be the first to tell you....welcome to America....

The first thing you need to do to become a good American, is to read the Constitution.

Welcome, have a good time learning about our great Country!

CAF:

Oh and by the way only God has the power to forgive, Judge.

Really ??? Hmmm !!! That is strange because God says to be forgiven you must forgive those who sin against you.

Oh wait, you didn't know that ?? You must be a conservative christian then.

Ya see I forgive people every day. Do ya have kids ?? If so have they ever done anything wrong ?? If they have ?? Have you forgiven them or do you figure God will forgive them and you still hold it against them.

I'm sure you'll figure it out one day. Good luck to ya.

Oh and I forgive ya for making a mistake. It's no big deal I'm sure God is good with me forgiving you, because I don't hold it against you. I'm not saying He has forgiven you, but I have. LOL

Simple huh ??

Really ??? Hmmm !!! That is strange because God says to be forgiven you must forgive those who sin against you.

Oh wait, you didn't know that ?? You must be a conservative christian then.

Grandpa--Have I told you lately that I love you? :-)

Yeah, Grandpa not feeling the love.

Grandpa--Have I told you lately that I love you? :-)

Hold up, trm! I loved grandpa first! LOL...

Thanks. You are all loved as well.

Even you CAF. ;~)) ;~))

Just because I rebuke someone does not mean that I don't love them. I rebuked my children plenty, and I rebuke my grandchildren.

If I didn't care. I wouldn't say anything at all.

That happens when I see the same behavior over and over. I just let the person go, because I figure that they are listening to spirits that are not of Him.

You are all loved as well.

I'm not.

I'm not.

You're right, Grae. I totally hate you. AAAAAHAHAHAHAHA!!!! Just kidding. ;~)

Grae:

Why not ??

You're on my friends list as well.

It's never a waste of time if you are trying to do what is just. It can be very frustrating though, like paddling against the current.

Of course your right itstoolate.

I am so glad I don't believe in that silly outdated mythology.

Amen to that!

Pablw-123, please let me correct your statement.

Death threats by so called, self proclaimed christians.

I think that sounds better

Death threats by so called, self proclaimed christians.

I think that sounds better

"Is uniformity attainable? Millions of innocent men, women and children since the introduction of Christianity have been burnt, tortured, fined and imprisoned, yet we have not advanced one inch toward uniformity." --Thomas Jefferson: Notes on Virginia Q.XVII, 1782.

Who’s brand of Christianity is the Right one?

I bet a Million dollars you think it’s the one you believe.

Christians are like the Highlander, there can be only one, and you have ben killing each other for centuries.

"As I understand the Christian religion, it was, and is, a revelation. But how has it happened that millions of fables, tales, legends, have been blended with both Jewish and Christian revelation that have made them the most bloody religion that ever existed?"
-- John Adams, letter to FA Van der Kamp, December 27, 1816

When I think of Christianity, I envision, love, kindness, compassion, hope and acceptance. This is a tough road to follow and I will state again that most self proclaimed Christians, at any time in history, do not even know the road is there.

Then you will be a target to the fanatics and given a choice, join them or be an enemy. You back the wrong side, atheist are the vehicle to intolerance to all.
If you don't know this then you are a fool and it will be to late to change you mind when you are not allowed to have free thought.

Who's brand of Christianity is the Right one?

No brand of Christianity... no brand of any religion... is the Right one. None. Religion is man-made and meant to inject fear into the masses in order to gain power. That's it, that's all.

and that's the gospel truth?

You had to go and use that word, didn't you?

Mofongo by there stupid belief they are dangerously they run around with their guns and bible, which they don't know are make up stories anyway.