Free Republic
Browse · Search
Smoky Backroom
Topics · Post Article

To: DrMartinVonNostrand
The meaning of "shall not respect" is not the same as "shall disrespect".

That is completely beside the point, since the phrase "shall not respect/disprespect" does not appear in the first amendment.

It is "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion". In this sentence "respecting an establishment of religion" refers to the law, not the Congress. A law can do many things, but it cannot respect in the sense that you meant it. It can only respect as in pertain to, as regards, concern, etc.

Basically, Congress----->no law----->establishment of religion. It's so easy when you stick with the original meaning and not try to make it mean something else two centuries later.

358 posted on 08/12/2003 6:49:05 PM PDT by hellinahandcart
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 347 | View Replies ]


To: hellinahandcart
"Respecting" in the establishment clause means simply acknowledging or pertaining to. I don't really see where you and I materially differ on that.

Basically, Congress----->no law----->establishment of religion

Of course things are never apprached so simply in law. If they were, there would be no lawyers!

Even still, the above distillation you laid out reaches the same conclusion: Congressional endorsements of the God of Abraham are in direct conflict with the Establishment Clause.

371 posted on 08/12/2003 7:06:41 PM PDT by DrMartinVonNostrand
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 358 | View Replies ]

Free Republic
Browse · Search
Smoky Backroom
Topics · Post Article


FreeRepublic, LLC, PO BOX 9771, FRESNO, CA 93794
FreeRepublic.com is powered by software copyright 2000-2008 John Robinson