Posted on 02/07/2009 10:45:40 AM PST by Jim W N
The administration's economic stimulus bill needs a fix to avoid a courtroom confrontation.
Jay Sekulow, chief counsel of the American Center for Law & Justice, tells OneNewsNow there is a provision of the act that actually allows for funds to be given by the federal government in the form of grants for renovation of existing colleges and universities.
"But when you read a little bit further into this legislation, there's a specific prohibition on two things," the attorney explains. "One, if the university itself is a religiously based or faith-based institution, it does not qualify. And if the facility that is being renovated allows religious worship to take place, it also does not qualify."
Specifically, the provision reads that stimulus funds may not be used for "modernization, renovation, or repair of facilities -- (i) used for sectarian instruction, religious worship, or a school or department of divinity; or (ii) in which a substantial portion of the functions of the facilities are subsumed in a religious mission."
Under that provision, according to Sekulow, many schools would bar on-campus worship or even Bible study because it will put federal funding in jeopardy. That, he says, should raise a warning flag in a federal courthouse.
Jay Sekulow (Amer. Ctr. for Law & Policy)"It is unconstitutional -- and while I'm prepared to challenge it in court, and we're already working on a possibility, it really needs to be handled in the legislation," the ACLJ leader suggests. "That needs to be job one...remove this provision and get it out of the legislation."
Sekulow states that a "troubling pattern" is developing regarding the use of taxpayer money -- and that this provision is the latest example. He contrasts it with the new administration's swift move to make federal funds available for abortion-providers overseas.
"There is a priority problem in Washington," he says in a press release. "This is not what 'economic stimulus' is about. We know that the American people don't want their tax dollars used for discriminatory measures. That's why this provision must be removed now."
The attorney says if the discriminatory provision is not removed from the stimulus package and is approved and signed into law, the ACLJ will challenge it in federal court.
Matt StaverStimulation of discrimination? Mat Staver, founder of Liberty Counsel, agrees that the "anti-faith" language of the provision will censor and force people of faith from the public square.
"In order to receive stimulus money our public schools will have to expel after-school Bible clubs and weekend religious meetings," says the Christian attorney. "People who want to speak about their faith will be unwelcome in public places."
He adds that President Obama's idea of faith-based initiatives apparently is to "remove faith from all initiatives."
Nobama predictions, if elected, posted last September. Let's see where he is less than 3 weeks after his start:
- Increase the rate of infanticide. Check (Internationally - 1st day!)
- Our enemies to be emboldened, resumption of terrorist attacks. Under way. 1st International Meeting was with an Arab (not Israel, our ally). Islamofascist terrorists released from Guantanamo, one now a leader in Yemini branch of al Qaeda
- The spread and institutionalization of homosexuality. Check (Internationally - 1st day I think)
- Institutionalization of socialism and a resulting economic depression. "Stimulus" socialist package, attempt at wage control, stealth nationalized health-care plans in process
- Resumption of the Fairness Doctrine and silencing of conservative talk, and escalation of thought control from kindergarten on up. In process - 1st shot over the bow, Obama tells GOP not to listen to Rush. 2nd shot, curtailing freedom of religion in Obamanation "stimulus" plans
- Also look for a re-mobilization of Clintonista-era militia camps, a form of Buchanan's "backlash", springing up in outlying areas all over the country, armed and ready for what could be a bloody civil war. Rumblings...
Wow, pretty much 100% as detailed. Sadly, Obama's predictable and also sadly he's ahead of schedule.
He and Carter could hold that title jointly. Carter for being the most incompetent and Obama for being to most dangerous to America.
They are wasting no time in turning this Republic into the United Socialist States of North America. Where is the SCO(i)TUS?? Time to say “WHOA!”.
x42 is looking like a mere pig at this point
“And if the facility that is being renovated allows religious worship to take place, it also does not qualify.”
What university does not allow religious worship to take place? Don’t they all?
Thank God, literally. for Jay Sekulow and ACLJ (American Center for Law and Justice). This is a wonderful organization to support. It’s the anti-ACLU.
Does this mean that all those Mohammedan foot baths have to be removed?
Oh, that’s a real smart move.
Taxing Christians to pay for Atheists. Call the stimulus what is, a dimmi tax.
And we thought it couldn't get worse than Carter. Obama's not only dangerous, but his incompetence, especially regarding economic matters, was known before he was elected - didn't seem to matter to most people, apparently. Less than three weeks into his presidency, Obama's at risk of taking 1st place as worst president in U.S. history.
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