A Senator’s Vision of Tolerance
It’s rare that an elected official baldly states the hypocrisies in their line of thinking, but the almost stream-of-consciousness nature of Twitter seems to catch normally risk-averse folks (and politicians, even the loud-mouthed ones, are notoriously risk-averse) off guard. For example, The Colorado Independent catches two tweets, made within twenty minutes of each-other, that seem to imply that Colorado Springs Senator Dave Schultheis has a “foggy” grasp of religious tolerance.
Yes, it seems that religious intolerance is bad when it happens to Christians in Egypt, but a little bit of it is OK when talking about Pagans getting a worship area at the Air Force Academy. Sadly, his Twitter feed is now protected, so we have no idea if there was any follow-up concerning his thoughts on religious (in)tolerance. We do know that he is sponsoring one of those “religious bill of rights” for Colorado public schools. It, like similar bills passed into law in other states, is supposed to allow students greater freedoms to wear religious garb, give religiously-themed presentations, and allow schools to offer “religious education” courses.
“Teach a religious topic in public school for historical, literary, or other educational purposes, including but not limited to the religious origins of various holidays.”
One wonders if Schultheis will remain a big fan of the law, if passed, once religious minorities start taking advantage of it. Because the answer to “where does it end” for Schultheis is most likely “far beyond where you’d like it to”. Perhaps Pagans in Colorado Senate District 9 should drop him a line to let him know how eager you are for Pagan students to express themselves more fully in class (pentacles! t-shirts!), and for teachers to discuss the pagan origins of Christmas, Halloween, Easter, and other major holidays.
27 responses so far
Are the messages from Twitter called "Twits"? Is it a service that Twits use? I'm confused. But it all seems to make sense.
Maybe in this case, we should call them 'Twittches.'
Where does it end? With him actually having to earn his paycheck, that's where it ends.
Where the serpent's teeth meet its tail?
Apologies for the double post – my browser had a hiccup.
Where does it end?
Why should it end? Let a thousand flowers bloom.
Heh. Oh how I love Twitter and other New Media.
Okay, I officially have a new favourite superhero. Batpagan, get to work! The forces of evil abound!
Thanks for the chuckle.
What a moron.
Beautifully put.
Well, there's always Canada.
That would make a great comic strip. Any artsy people in here?
Well said, friend.
Really, nothing need be said more than *headdesk.*
Zinger! Jason, this post exemplifies the great work that you do everyday here at the Wild Hunt. Thank you for keeping us updated on all things Pagan.
I'm glad to hear it.
I think that Twit if far more appropriate, especially in this case.
That comment = perfection.
With the rope running out of slack and him dancing a jig. Then slowly twisting in a circle as he goes to meet Odin. Vae victis.
Robin,
this was beautiful.
Oberon Osiris
Exactly!
/Faceplam ??
Seconded! I honestly don't think I could have said it better.
And it's not just Canada. It's also true of right-wing Christian fundies in Africa, Latin America and India.
Especially if they're giant carnivorous Christian eating Venus Fly Traps. Plant them at churches. Burp!
[...] Colorado Springs Senator Dave Schultheis. Please read the original post to support the Wild Hunt here. In response I can say this. The reason why so many Christians will find what was said ok is [...]
[...] [2] http://wildhunt.org/blog/2010/02/a-senators-vision-of-tolerance.html [...]