Madison, Miers and Church-State Separation

Religious Activism, Church-State Separation and why I Love Molly Ivins

I can't remember how long I've loved Molly Ivins -- I just know that I do.

The first time I heard her in person she talked about a church-state separation issue in Texas. It seems someone decided to place a nativity scene in the Capitol Rotunda.

Calling around to various elected officials for comment, the only person in their office was Ann Richards, who I believe Molly said was state treasurer at the time. Molly asked Ann what she thought about having a nativity scene inside the Capitol and without missing a beat Richards responded, "gee, it might be the only way to get three wise men in that building!"

In Ivins latest column she is again talking about the importance of church-state separation, and how George W. Bush just doesn't get it.

The paper trail on Harriet Miers is slim, but we do know two things for sure. She adores Bush and she is part of a very small circle of people he seems to trust. So, when times are tough -- as they are in the White House right now -- go with a loyalists.

As Ivins says: ". . .it's Bunker Time at the White House. Miers' chief qualification for this job is loyalty to George W. Bush and the team.

"Miers, like Bush himself, is classic Texas conservative Establishment, with the addition of Christian fundamentalism."

So there we have it. Another member of the religious right, in line for one of the top legal seats in the country. But, as Ivins comments, is Miers another religious activist?

If you don't think that's an important question for the Senate Judiciary Committee to uncover consider what Ivins writes in her column: "Separation of church and state is in the Constitution because this country was founded by people who had experienced both religious persecution and state-supported religions . . .Nevertheless, we are now beset by people who insist on dragging religion into governance -- and who themselves believe they are beset by people determined to "drive God from the public square."

"This division has been in part created, and certainly aggravated, by those seeking political advantage. It is a recipe for an incredibly damaging and serious split in this country, and I believe we all need to think long and carefully before doing anything to make it worse.

"As an 1803 quote attributed to James Madison goes: "The purpose of separation of church and state is to keep forever from these shores the ceaseless strife that has soaked the soil of Europe with blood for centuries."

As the Senate considers Miers it would serve them, and us, well if they kept Madison's words in mind.