Uednesday, Sept. 19, 1984/IHE BLUE BANNER/2
Editorial
Church/state debate
Church and state have no business crawling into
bed together. Yet forces in United States politics
are enticing them to make, at the least, an assigna
tion; at the most, a marriage.
We think such a union would be ruinous to both
the liberties and the rights of the American people.
A church and state embrace would, first of all,
infringe on the Constitutionally guaranteed liberty
of freedom of conscience, religious freedom. Tlie
First Amendment to the Constitution states in part:
"Congress shall make no law respecting an establish
ment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise
thereof."
Secondly, it would infringe on the civil right to
worsiiip, or not worship, as one chooses. V/hen govern-
miBnt begins legislating religious practice, it begins
ceasing to defend religious diversity; it begins
cecising to protect the dissenting minority's right to
disagree with the assenting majority.
Vi/e agree with Democratic vice-presidential candi
date Geraldine Ferraro’s statement that "this country
is based on separation of church and state. I have
been blessed with faith," she continues, "but otliers
have not. I have no right to impose my beliefs on
them."
In contrast, President Reagan, courting church
groups inclined to legislate their Ix^liefs, continues
to back issues with religious overtones.
"We are for life and against abortion," he says.
"We are for prayer in the schools; we are for tuition
tax credits" (for parents of private and parochial
school students). In addition, he is the first presi
dent to establish full diplomatic relations with a
religious power, the Holy See, thus granting it
political status.
To us these actions are as dangerous as they are
well-intentioned.
Life is good; but a woman should )je able to fol
low her own conscience regarding abortion. Prayer is
good; but unbelievers should not bt? forctid to pray or
to feel shamed because they do not. Parochial educa
tion is good for those who wish to pay the extra mon
ey it costs so their children may receive religious
instruction in school; but taxpayers in general
should not have to subsidize their choice. Granting
political recognition to a religious power, is, hoiNr-
ever, in no way good.
These are issues that cross party lines and in
flame rhetoric from both Democratic and Republican
camps. Tlie Democratic platform states support for
separation of church and state, yet many Democrats
side with Reagan on the above issues.
At the same time, many Republicans fault Reagan
and the New Right for this stance. As Republican
John Buchanan, former Alabama Congressman, says, "The
New Right claifas that it {las a moral monopoly on be
ing 'pro-family' and 'pro-God.' Those who disagree
are branded 'anti-American,' 'anti-family,' or 'anti-
Christian.' There is nothing more arrogant than e
political leader who suggests that his politics are
God's politics."
We must agree with iiuchanan. If, as our founding
fathers stated, God aided this country in gaining the
freedoms it enjoys, then surely He does not support
their abrogation. Freedom can be lost while we are
asleep; but it is seldom gained without fierce strug
gle.
The promulgation of religion is the purpose of
the church. The church should not, however, ask the
state to help it accomplish this task. Neither should
the state use the church for political ends. They
should remain what they are, separate powers, never
joined.
Sen. Lowell Vfeicker (R. Conn.) said it well when
he compared combining religion and government with
"putting nitroglycerin in a Waring blender.”
Comer’s Corner
NO FaIRI.'
His
Bl66eR
omp-up:
beat —
''it's Goop For you - • • RsaLly //
50 5AV Troops oF GeNeRaL Ep
Lstisrs.
Hunt defended
Dear Editor:
As Governor Hunt has said, "IVhat's at stake is our future, our children's
future, what we believe in, and the way we believe things should be done." We
feel the N.C. Senate campaign is boiling down to a choice between the past and
the future. Jim Hunt, as Governor of N.C. for eight years, has established a
reputation for fairness, integrity, and working progressively for the future.
While Jim Hunt has made offers of a mutual agreement between the Seante candi
dates to cut campai^pi spending and elimiante negative political ads, Jesse Helms
has consistently refused to reciprocate. Hunt has been a governor for the peo
ple; Helms has IxBen a senator against them.
Sincerely,
^ , UNCA Voter Registration Committee.
Come register
Dear Editor:
This is a very important election year! Important issues are at stake. We
feel all UNCA students should take the time to study the candidates and issues
and register to vote.
The Student Governinent Association, the Political Science Association, the
College Democrats, the College P^publicans, and other concerned people at UNCA
are joining together in the non-partisan National Student Campaign for Voter Reg
istration.
Registrars for the League of Women Voters will be in the Highsmith Univer
sity Center, Sept. 25 and 26 from 11-4 p.m. The registrars will only be regis
tering residents from Buncombe Co. The (ieadline for applying for absentee bal
lots is Oct. 8.
People are needed to help with publicity and to assist on registration days.
Students who wish to get involved should contact Ken Cagle, President of Student
Government.
Our goal is registering 500 new voters. Do it sept 25 and 26!
Sincerely,
The College Democrats. UNCA
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