Don’t impose religious views

Here we go again. Once more we have the religious right sanctimoniously raising up on their hind legs to try to force their particular ideals into every citizen’s life. This time through Initiative 250 (excluding unmarried partners of state employees from receiving insurance benefits). Another initiative sponsor, Tim Eyman, can’t get it through his head that we have a representative republic form of government, and the religious right refuses to believe that there is a reason for the separation of church and state.

I was raised as a Christian but I have not referred to myself as such for many years because I cannot follow a religious concept so filled with bigots and hypocrites. There is a simple solution to this problem of insurance coverage for same sex partners: allow same sex couples to be married. But the political righteous Christians are not after solutions, they want to punish those who do not fit their severe definition of Christianity. Since, by their own definition, we are all creatures of God, nothing says you have to be heterosexual to love God or have God love you. But there appears to be many in the Christian leadership who have no problem preaching hatred to the choir because they have found many who love the message, and it fills the collection plate.

What they still don’t get is that the congregation is much bigger than the choir, which is why the abortion and hate laws they continue to propose aren’t passed by the electorate. From my readings of their works the two men I most respect in the founding of this country, Thomas Jefferson and James Madison, would be repulsed by this vindictive initiative. As Jefferson wrote, “When there is a union of church and state, tyranny will follow because those who do not believe in the state sponsored church will be subjected to tyranny and oppression.” He believed, appropriately, that religion should never be forced on the people. The originators of Initiative 250 obviously do not.

Snohomish

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Opinion

toon
Editorial cartoons for Friday, April 4

A sketchy look at the news of the day.… Continue reading

King County Executive Dow Constantine and Senator Maria Cantwell walk through the Lynnwood Center Station to board the 12:30 pm train during the Lynnwood 1 Line extension opening celebrations on Friday, Aug. 30, 2024 in Lynnwood, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Editorial: Transit board, new CEO have much to deliver

Sound Transit’s board hired one of its own as chief. The stakes for success are high for all involved.

Schwab: After the lawyers, the judges, the free-thinkers …

The Trump administration’s hollowing-out of democracy is going after our ability to speak and decide.

Due process must be observed for ICE arrests, deportations

The 14th amendment to the U.S. Constitution says that no state shall… Continue reading

Canada statehood would shake up U.S. politics

While the idea of Canada becoming the 51st state may be a… Continue reading

We’re still waiting on the ‘Great Again’ part of MAGA

We keep hearing, “Make America Great Again,” but is that happening? I… Continue reading

Stephens: Gaza won’t be free until it is free of Hamas

Palestinians in Gaza now are protesting Hamas’ leadership. And being met with familiar brutality.

Everett mayor Cassie Franklin delivers her State of the City address on Friday, March 28 in Everett, Washington. (Will Geschke / The Herald)
Editorial: The state of Everett amid the state of play

In her state of the city speech, Mayor Cassie Franklin makes the case for optimism amid dark clouds.

Genna Martin / The Herald
Piles of wires, motherboards and other electronic parts fill boxes at E-Waste Recycling Center, Thursday. 
Photo taken 1204014
Editorial: Right to repair win for consumers, shops, climate

Legislation now in the Senate would make it easier and cheaper to fix smartphones and other devices.

The WA Cares law is designed to give individuals access to a lifetime benefit amount that, should they need it, they can use on a wide range of long-term services and supports. (Washington State Department of Social and Health Services)
Editorial: Changes to WA Cares will honor voters’ confidence

State lawmakers are considering changes to improve the benefit’s access and long-term stability.

toon
Editorial cartoons for Thursday, April 3

A sketchy look at the news of the day.… Continue reading

Comment: Voters trumped cash in Wisconsin; keep it that way

Elon Musk’s $20 million to back a candidate failed. Strengthen laws to prevent campaigning by bribery.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.