Those of you who know Miss Ginger know she will do just about anything to avoid conflict. She loves harmony of opinion and abhors the ruffling of feathers. However, on this momentous day, she has decided to open a can of worms.
She is as thrilled to see America move forward with our new President. Regardless of your opinions of him or his predecessor, I think well all have to admit America is ready for change. This Inauguration will surely go down in history as one of the most watched in American history.
For many, the one low point was Obama's selection of the minister who gave the benediction. And there is my can of worms- why do we even have a benediction? Why does this State occasion even include the words and opinions of some church's religious leader? It has absolutely nothing to do with our country, or our President's ability to lead this country. Our country was founded upon freedom of religion, among others, and I personally don't think it's appropriate to bring religious opines into the process. We should be free to enjoy our Country and State and completely avoid religion, if we so choose!
AND while I've got the can open- why the HELL do we have the President-elect of the United States place his hand upon a Bible when he is sworn in? Many American may not even believe in the Bible, and even the ones that do may not believe in the specific version upon which he (or she) places his (or her) hand!
Wouldn't it make far more sense to have them place their hand upon a copy of the Constitution? I'm not sure about you, but it is far more important for me that the President of the United States of America understand and uphold the constitution that we have all agreed will govern us. Personally, I could care less whether he even reads the Bible, much less swears on it!
5 comments:
I could not agree more. Preach sister preach!
good point. just because it has always been done a certain way doesn't mean the tradition needs to continue unaltered and can't stand room for improvement or change.
xxalainaxx
i cant wait to get udenes my covers, it's freezing (stretch, i know)
Great point, Miss G, and I'd guess that it's a matter of appeasing a large population of the country. (By the way, I thought Rick Warren's invocation was pretty lame and overly theatrical.) Did you notice that Obama included "non-believers" in his speech when speaking of religion? Good for him.
It's not a requirement that they place their hand on a Bible when sworn in. If I remember correctly, Lyndon Johnson was sworn in on a book of prayer that was found in JFK's belongings.
All in all, one heckuva day. I'm wiped out!
Love, Beth
right on! separation of church & state.
I agree whole heartedly. I want a leader, not a preacher. Funny thing is, I do not believe a swearing in is even required, it goes by the clock.
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