The ongoing chaplain controversy in the U.S. House of Representatives seems to be the product of both political and religious objections to the Catholic priest who has recently held that position. Some say his firing was in response to his criticism of the Republican Tax Cut while others report that evangelical Congress Members want a chaplain who is more accepting of their beliefs.
In my opinion, the real scandal lies with the appointment of a House Chaplain to begin with, funded by American taxpayers and plying his trade on Government property. The same goes for those Prayer Breakfasts that our Presidents and Congress Members attend; I assume we also fund those mystical events.
Legislators certainly have the right to attend the church, synagogue or mosque of their choice and can seek the advice of shamans if they like; they can even arrange for their piety to be photographed in order to impress or appease their constituents. But this mysticism should not occur on Government property or be paid for by American citizens. The separation of Church and State is vital to our Democracy.
In my opinion, the real scandal lies with the appointment of a House Chaplain to begin with, funded by American taxpayers and plying his trade on Government property. The same goes for those Prayer Breakfasts that our Presidents and Congress Members attend; I assume we also fund those mystical events.
Legislators certainly have the right to attend the church, synagogue or mosque of their choice and can seek the advice of shamans if they like; they can even arrange for their piety to be photographed in order to impress or appease their constituents. But this mysticism should not occur on Government property or be paid for by American citizens. The separation of Church and State is vital to our Democracy.
