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.
I've left the High Episcopalian church because of the depravity coming from the top and filtering down to the bottom. I need a church that's willing to take a stand and not constantly brag about valiantly "holding the middle." I Think Christian churches need protection not attacks right about now. Attacks have been in vogue for quite some time, it's not funny any more, it's suppression, we'll do ok underground, but it's not fair, and it's not good for the country, so expect us to do what we can to fight it.
I saw some interview on the local news several months ago. Don't you ever drive down the highway and see the signs saying "Doe's Business, A Christian Company"?
Remember a certain Attorney General whose staff had to take part in prayer each morning? It is quite commonplace.
Bishop Salmon here in Charleston is quite conservative and has been adamantly against what has happened. I can't give up on my Church.
What most people refuse to acknowledge is the fact that if you are not Catholic, you are Protestant and that Christianity encompasses all people who believe in Christ. Not just the small sects of "Born Agains".
--If your coach tells you to go to hell, or your commanding officer, or your teacher, what can you say back?
Is that your idea of a loving conversion?
-I agree that that's not the best way to do it. But please send a link to show that that's how it happened. (Actually, the charge would be that they said something like "you will go to hell if you don't believe", not "go to hell".) Cuz the Demo's and the religious liberal groups seem to be characterizing the situation as being different than it really was...
Maybe indeed the media mis-portrayed it. I'll try to ask a cadet who is coming home soon here. Regards.
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