Senator Tom Carper’s response to my email on S. Res 483
Author: PhillyChief
I just received an email response from Senator Tom Carper regarding my email to him about S. Res. 483, the infamous “Ten Commandments Weekend” resolution. Ok, it wasn’t my email, but one I put my name to from another organization who I can’t remember at this time. Anyway, I’ve bolded the parts I liked best.
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April 15, 2008
Dear Mr. Mauriello:
Thank you for contacting my office to express your concerns with Senator Sam Brownback’s (R-KS) resolution, S. Res. 483, which would recognize the first weekend in May as “Ten Commandments Weekend.” I appreciate hearing your views on this matter.
Religion clearly has played a significant role in our nation, even though our founding fathers also placed great value in the Bill of Rights, particularly with regard to the separation of church and state. This emphasis on freedom of religion has been one of the keys to a diverse nation’s success since Americans are free to worship a higher authority as they see fit, or they may choose not to worship at all.
Religion is also an important component of my own life. My family and I are active in our Presbyterian Church, and a number of my colleagues and I meet with Senate Chaplain for an hour of Bible study, prayer, and reflection each week when the Senate is in session. Although we are not all of the same faith, we respect the right of each of us to worship God as we see fit. We also respect the rights of our colleagues not to join us at all during this hour each week. It is a tribute to our free and democratic society that we embrace people of all backgrounds and religions. While most Americans practice Christianity, those who subscribe to other religious faiths deserve equal respect. I also believe it is important to respect the Constitution and protect the separation of Church and State.
S. Res. 483 has been referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, where it awaits consideration. Please be assured that should I have an opportunity to consider S. Res. 483 in the full Senate, I will keep your views in mind.
Thank you again for contacting me. Please do not hesitate to contact me in the future about this matter or other issues of importance to you.
With best personal regards, I am
Sincerely,
Tom Carper
United States Senator
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Atheist Spot
The bolded parts sound great.
Still, the guy never actually says where he stands on the resolution. I hope you’ll keep us posted.
Like Ex, I like the bolded statements. I suspect the reason he never stated his position on the resolution is that he will vote for it and doesn’t have the guts to tell you that.
That’s a whole lot of nothing. ‘Consider your views’ is political speak for ‘piss off, you little atheist pig’. The Resolution leaves no room for considering views. You either know where you stand on something like that or you don’t. If he doesn’t know, he’s pathetic. If he does, he’s lying to you. As Chappie notes, he’s gutless. He’ll string people along to get their vote. That’s all the letter says.
Well no doubt he’s playing it safe there, but then again he didn’t have to acknowledge the separation of church and state. In today’s climate, a politician that is even aware of it is quite a find.
So how do we get a Resolution setting aside a day or weekend for Reason or Common Sense?