Angel On His Shoulder?
INDIANAPOLIS–Brian Bosma, Indiana House Speaker, says that the U.S. Dept. of Justice and members of Congress are “quite concerned” about the impact of his lawsuit to allow sectarian prayers to be said before the opening of business in the Indiana House of Representatives. Specifically about the allowance of pro-Christian prayers, revival-style singing, etc., that is exclusive of other faiths. Bosma believes it is his right as Speaker to allow whatever opening prayer or song he decides is appropriate.
The prayers have been temporarily restricted to a more inclusive, non-sectarian form by U.S. District Judge David Hamilton pending Bosma’s appeal. This appeal is being financed by private donations and by Indiana taxes.
“I think that’s the fundamental question here: Who decides how an individual prays on the floor of the House–a federal court judge or our 189-year tradition of praying in accordance with one’s conscience and heart?”, stated Bosma.
It is my opinion that the more fundamental question is: Who decides which prayers are appropriate for a multi-denominational, or potentially multi-denominational governing body? The Speaker? The majority? Where, then, does this leave the rights of those who believe differently?
Bosma is doing nothing more than playing to the voters, most of whom are Christian. He hopes to be seen as a champion for “traditional values.” In fact, he is not. He is a champion for majority rules, minority cries, politics. He wants your vote–badly, and is willing to do anything to get it. Even exclusionary tactics.
Is Bosma a religious hypocrite? Maybe. Is he a political grandstander? You bet.
There are 1 Comments to "Angel On His Shoulder?"
Bosma is the worst kind of grandstander; you can bet he is positioning himself for higher office as soon as one becomes available, be it Governor, US Senator, or US Representative. Unfortunately, his shenanigans did not keep him from being re-elected to the Indiana House.