Government 2302

Civil Liberties

a.Justice Black wrote that infamous statement in Everson: “… That wall must be kept high and impregnable. We could not approve the slightest breach” (Rourke, pp. 156). It would become the new standard for Establishment Clause challenges. We may never know Black's true motivation, but his opinion does seem to be contrary to a common sense interpretation of the Establishment Clause and seems to establish a general hostility on the part of government towards religion.

It means that no law relating to the establishment of religion would be legislated by the congress, the prohibition against Congress prohibition is “an official and intentional act” (Rourke, pp. 156), one that establishes a national religion. Establishment Clause and a Free Exercise Clause comprise the individual religious rights, and if the courts go overboard with the Establishment Clause, then it burdens the Free Exercise clause; burdening the individual's right to practice religion freely.

b.According to Douglas Laylock, people do not get annoyed at a recitation of chronological and demographic information. They become irritated, as people are aware of its meaning, for it is in comprehensible language. English. People know that they and their children are aware of these pledges and this makes them guilty of not fulfilling them. They wish for their children to persuade other children to declare and believe the pledge “under God”. Laylock wants people to safeguard and follow the pledge as their moral and sacred responsibility.

Whereas, Jay Sekulow's argument that the expression “under God” is simply a “historical statement” reflecting the faith in God by the majority Americans all through olden times; implores that, pledge should be included in history books taught in schools. Jay believes that it is a patriotic issue and not religious matter; therefore, it should be treated accordingly (Rourke, pp. 156). Jay says that at the time when America is facing the threat of terrorism children needs to feel unity among them, and pledge is part of their history; therefore, it should be taught at schools as a historical subject.

c.Yes, if seen from the nationalistic perspective the pledge should be included in the children's academic lives so that they can harbor patriotic feelings for their country. On the other hand, the recitations can to some extent be the source of disturbance among students, for, if Laylock's study of people's motivation for reciting pledge loudly, may be considered then people and children from other religions may found it offensive.

Civil Rights

a.The fact that people are free to choose to worship where ever they choose; this is because of the separation of church and state and religious liberty people enjoy in the US. Gays are free to choose a clergyman who will, if the state recognizes such marriages, perform such marriages (Rourke, pp. 156). Clergy is also free to do the same thing. That is in point of fact the very same freedom people enjoy to, not worship at a church they choose.

b.The extensive security measures taken by the federal government, to safeguard and protect the rights of gays and ...