Posted on 06/20/2005 3:32:30 PM PDT by NormsRevenge
WASHINGTON - A Republican congressman accused Democrats on Monday of "denigrating and demonizing Christians" by concluding there was religious intolerance at the U.S. Air Force Academy.
During debate on a proposal by Democrats that would put Congress on record against "coercive and abusive religious proselytizing" at the academy, Rep. John Hostettler (news, bio, voting record), R-Ind., criticized Reps. Steve Israel, D-N.Y., and David Obey, D-Wis.
"Like a moth to a flame, Democrats can't help themselves when it comes to denigrating and demonizing Christians," Hostettler said.
Democrats leapt to their feet and demanded Hostettler be censured for his remarks. After a half-hour's worth of wrangling, Hostettler retracted his comments.
The imbroglio broke out as the House conducted an otherwise sleepy debate on a spending bill to fund the Pentagon and provide an additional $45.3 billion for the war in Iraq.
At issue is how Congress should respond to allegations of proselytizing and favoritism for Christians at the Air Force Academy.
Obey had succeeded during committee debate in attaching a provision condemning Air Force Academy officers for creating a climate where non-Christians were discriminated against.
The Air Force is investigating numerous allegations of inappropriate actions by academy officials, including a professor who required cadets to pray before taking his test and a Protestant chaplain who warned anyone not proselytizing would "burn in the fires of hell."
Obey said a senior chaplain at the academy was transferred to Japan after criticizing what she saw as proselytizing.
Republicans offered softer language requiring an Air Force report to Congress on the steps it was taking to promote religious tolerance. They said they did not want to jump to conclusions before the investigation was complete.
Democrats criticized Hostettler's remarks, which began, "The long war on Christianity in America continues today on the floor of the United States House of Representatives."
Obey said Hostettler's "outburst ... is perhaps the perfect example of why we need to pass the language in my amendment."
Hostettler, a Christian and social conservative, made headlines last year when he was caught carrying a loaded handgun in a carry-on bag in the Louisville, Ky., airport. He pleaded guilty to carrying a concealed weapon and received a 60-day sentence, which he will not have to serve unless he has other criminal troubles before August 2006.
Tak! Serdecznie dzie,kuje.
"Christ's followers have continued to outrage people through two millennia; they are still outraging people today -- and paying the same terrible price. In China, authorities have tortured Christians to death by pouring molten metal over their heads. In North Korea, Christians are sent to re-education camps, tortured, and killed. In Saudi Arabia, the death penalty threatens anyone converting from Islam to Christianity. Tyrants subject Christians to this ferocious treatment out of fear: The Christian's obedience to a higher authority threatens their own power. China's leaders, for example, are acutely aware of the role Christianity played in the collapse of Communism in Eastern Europe -- and are determined not to let the same thing happen to them. Since the first century, the story of the carpenter and the Cross has been attacked, ridiculed, driven underground. In the former Soviet Union, Communist leaders spent 70 years trying to wipe out belief. In the West, the story earned the contempt of Enlightenment thinkers and the followers of Darwin and Freud. Theologians have tried to de-mythologize the Bible, academics have torn it to shreds, and teachers have told generations of children that it's just a collection of myths. The result? Two billion people worldwide put their faith in Him. The reason is simple: The story is true. God acted in time and space, providing hope for every human being."
--Chuck Colson
Cool.
TLR
Well actually it's God's not yours. But I get your gist.
As a practicing Christian who avoided politics while I was in the Army Figuring whoever won would govern, I was a Registered Democrat- ,and bought the LIES told by that Party until After We elected the Draft dodger. I find that
the Republicans Campaign as Christians- and will NOT stand up to the Democrats -NOR insist on the endless investicgations and mean spirited talk Forever preferring
compromise and surrender. I can no longer be swayed by the
arguement that any vote cast for anyone but the Party favorite of the would be a waste. I cnnot support either Party For neither represent America- NOR the Christian.
SAw that live....delicious!
You're vision of "Christophobia" is of those who oppose enforcement of a sect of Christian faith's views and teachings which is in direct opposition to our national value. There are many who would turn this into a totalitarian state with fascisticly enforced religious adherence.
When one's religious demands extend to repression of fellow citizens in public education or in willful ignorance rather than education, it's no longer a free nation with equal protection.
I went to the Tut exhibit in L.A. over the weekend, one of the great pieces is a gold burial mask for a FETUS. Very power image. So telling about modern "civilization" compared to 3000 years ago.
Only one sentence.....
Your Congresscritter at work and he's right.
He was right to begin with and shouldn't have retracted his comments. He probably thought they would never shut up if he didn't, but still...
There. Fixed it right up.
As much as I hate to say this, I don't think the congressman should have used such intemperate language on the floor. It may be satisfying to hear, but it does not advance the debate, it detracts from the strength of our position, and it gives the media actual sound bites to use against us rather than making things up.
I have three and the second is "my".
I'm getting tired of being told I can't worship MY way. Last I checked Christians haven't been telling anybody they can't worship THEIR way. WE'VE been the only one's being suppressed, so you can shove off and go pray to whatever idol strikes your fancy.
Thanks glock. That's very good.
:}}}}}}}}}}nie ma za co:}}}}}}}}thank you
Democrats demonize anyone who disagrees with them.
Why the heck should he retract his comment? It is the truth, as witness Howard Dean and the attempts to impose a religious test on the judiciary.
Yes, this country was built on religious tolerance, which is precisely why the shrill demonization of traditional Christian believers by the Democrats is so pernicious! Apparently, Christians are not allowed to be judges, and are second class citizens not entitled to Constitutional rights.
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