Here's a URL a recent congressional record posting.
http://frwebgate4.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/waisgate.cgi?WAISdocID=982420998+2+0+0&WAISaction=retrieve
The above URL has nothing to do with digital photography and I
appologize to Phil for violating his rules as this single URL will
post most succinctly my position as it's part of the offical
Congressional Record of the US Congress.
Thomas:
I had hoped to stay out of this discussion any further; however, blatant faleshhoods are too difficult to ignore. Those who wish to propagate their particular political and religious agenda have ceated the myth that the term "separation between church and state" is a relatively recent creation.
The URL you provided leads us to the text of a 2001 speech by Congressman Bartlett of Maryland. As I spend my days listening to people trying to twist reality, I recognize the act when I see it. Mr. Bartlett played very loose with the truth. He largely bases his statements on the fact the the term separation of church and state "...first appeared in the judicial vocabulary of the United States in 1947...." This statement is a prime example of political spin at work. He goes on state, "Actually, those three words first appeared in .... the constitution of the United Soviet Socialist Republic." This is an unmitigated falsehood.
The usage of the term separation of church and state was first (if not earlier) made by Thomas Jefferson, in reference to the establishment of religion clause of the First Amendment. On October 7, 1801, The Danbury Baptist Association wrote to newly elected President Jefferson on the topic of freedom of religion. On January 1, 1802, Jefferson responded as follows: (Though I would like to be brief, I am including the text of Jefferson's entire letter, lest I be accused of taking anything out of context.)
"Gentlemen:
The affectionate sentiments of esteem and approbation which are so good to express towards me, on behalf of the Danbury Baptist Association, give me the highest satisfaction. My duties dictate a faithful and zealous pursuit of the interests of my constituents, and in proportion as they are pursuaded of my fidelity to those duties, the discharge of them becomes more and more pleasing.
Believing with you that religion is a matter which lies solely between man and his God; that he owes account to none other for his faith or his worship; that the legislative powers of the government reach actions only, and not opinions, I contemplate with sovereign reverence that act of the whole American people which declared that their legislature should 'make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof,' thus building a wall of separation between church and State. Adhering to this expression of the supreme will of the nation in behalf of the rights of conscience, I shall see with sincere satisfaction the progress of these sentiments which tend to restore man to all his natural rights, convinced he has no natural right in opposition to his social duties.
I reciprocate your kind prayers for the protection and blessings of the common Father and Creatore of man, and tender you and your religious association, assurances of my high respect and esteem.
Thomas Jefferson"
As there are good people and good arguments for and against the various issues involved in the interpretation of the Constitution, a party to any such argument only hurts his cause when he stoops to mistruths to support his position. It is particularly onerous when such deception is practiced by a member of Congress. This only points more strongly for the necessity for our "...wall of separation between church and State."
Cliff
