[Modernman]

A victory for states' rights.

A point a lot of people seem to be missing. SCOTUS is not making Oregon do anything here. In fact, states are free to fund all degrees, including divinity degrees, if they so choose.

[gdani]

A victory for states' rights.

A point a lot of people seem to be missing.

Yes, it's amusing how many people - myself included - become wishy-washy on states' rights when it involves an issue they may not support.

Examples: medical marijuana, gay marriage, gun control, assisted suicide, gambling, etc, etc

[babyface00]

A point a lot of people seem to be missing. SCOTUS is not making Oregon do anything here. In fact, states are free to fund all degrees, including divinity degrees, if they so choose.

I do agree with this. I guess my question isn't so much with the SC's ruling as it is with the state's decision on this. From a philosophical standpoint, I agree it should be their decision.

From a practical standpoint, however, I think its too late to try to resurrect any sort of state's rights doctrine in the face of abortion, environmental regulations, and federal funding and regulation of virtually every aspect of our lives. As conservatives, we've capitulated on states rights (or been forced to) for so long, but then we're expected to respect it when it works against us (gay marriage, for example, and perhaps this issue)? I'm not sure that's a winning strategy any longer.

Maybe this is the first example of the tide turning. Or maybe its just the other side using our philosophy against us when its expedient to do so.