Eroding Freedom

Yesterday, as I tried to write my daily reflection, I was unable to do so. I had several ideas floating around, but none materialized. I even tried to develop a couple of thoughts, but nothing would flow on to the paper.

I finally sent out the “no reflection today” note and returned to my busy schedule. All day I pondered by blockage.

Last night, as I lay in bed, it occurred to me what was happening.

I was resisting writing about that which my soul insisted I needed to address.

Why the resistance?

I feel really hesitant to discuss politics in this forum. I am going to have to open a blog to have a venue for this type of discussion.

My problem is that sometimes my soul will not rest until I voice that which is inside of me. I realized, last night, that this is one such occasion.

I have been seriously concerned about some of the things going on in this country right now.

The latest to grab my attention is this story of the IRS threatening to remove the non-profit status of the All-Saints Episcopal Church in Los Angeles, because the pastor was critical of the War in Iraq and of President Bush.

Here is a link to the story as reported in the Chicago Sun Times: Short Version

For the more in-depth report read the story in the LA Times: Full Story.

It concerns me that this “Religious Right” government is willing to use its power to attack everyone and everything that even appears to stand in opposition to its agenda.

What bothers me more is that there seems to be no public outcry. Is this government truly the voice of the majority of Americans or are people too frightened or too apathetic to speak up?

Are we willing to allow the government to dole out and remove tax-exempt status based on the non-profits willingness to agree with the government?

There was never any mention of “tax-exempt status review” of any of the churches which insisted that their people vote for George W. There was never any governmental rebuke of the churches who denied communion to those in opposition to the war or the other policies of the Bush Administration.

Why would it be fair for the churches who agree with our “would be dictatorial leaders” to preach pro-Bush, even to the point of refusing membership benefits to those who failed to comply; and be unlawful for churches to preach the opposite message?

It is time for us to say "enough". Regardless of our political viewpoints, we must not allow this or any other administration to further impair the basic rights granted to us by our constitution.

This government has “no right” to take away our freedom of speech, unless we stand by and allow them to do so.

My hope, in writing this, was that I would feel better after voicing my concern.

As of this writing, I am not feeling better. In fact, I have more of a fire burning inside. I am forwarding this message to my representatives. In a state that just voted “evolution” to be bad science, I am not sure how much good that will do.

We need to discuss where our government is headed, and if we are going to allow it to go there without our involvement. With two new Supreme Court justices, we are going to see a different America than we have known for the last 20 years.

I know I must somehow help shape that new direction. What that means, I will continue to discover.