From: <CEvans1950@aol.com>
Hello,
Seems like they elected an institutionizable case for governor in AL.
Guardianship proceedings are called for at the least: someone whose
intellectual capacities are so limited that they cannot understand the
wisdom of the separation of church and state should think twice about
driving a car much less run a state.
Sincerely,
Court Rejects School Prayer Argument
By RICHARD CARELLI
WASHINGTON (June 22) - The Supreme Court quickly rejected a defiant appeal
today in a white-hot dispute over prayers in Alabama's public schools.
The justices, acting without comment, turned away Gov. Fob James' attack
against a federal judge's order that limits religious practices in DeKalb
County, Ala., schools - an order James simultaneously is appealing in a
federal appeals court.
The Rev. Barry Lynn of Americans United for Separation of Church and State,
said the court's action was no surprise. "Gov. James' appeal ... never
had a prayer," Lynn said. "It was so bizarre, the justices brushed
it aside in near-record time."
James, reacting to the court's action, told reporters, "We just
continue ... stronger than ever. I fired with both barrels and if I had
another, I'd fire it."
U.S. District Judge Ira DeMent last year struck down an Alabama law that would
have allowed "nonsectarian, nonproselytizing, student-initiated, voluntary
prayers" at all school-related events. He said the law would be coercive
and lead to "excessive entanglement" between religion and government.
The judge said his barring certain religious activities - including teacher-
led devotionals, vocal prayers at assemblies and Bible giveaways during school
hours - "does nothing to limit individual exercise of personal religious
beliefs."
For example, he said, students in religious clubs can meet and worship
whenever and wherever other clubs are allowed. And students' unobtrusive
silent prayer is allowed at any time.
James appealed the judge's order to the Atlanta-based 11th U.S. Circuit Court
of Appeals, but then asked the Supreme Court to bypass the appeals court and
order DeMent to rescind his injunction.
In seeking such help, James' 30-page appeal attacked the Supreme Court more
than DeMent.
"Freedom of religion is disappearing in America," he argued in an
appeal filed by his son, Forrest H. James III. "Because of this court,
a few people claiming freedom from religion can silence others in public
places such as schools."
James accused Justice Sandra Day O'Connor of basing her vote to uphold
abortion rights on her "agnostic" beliefs, and accused all nine
justices of "disobeying the supreme law by taking for themselves the
unconstitutional power to decide religious issues for the whole nation."
He also contended that government officials and citizens should defy Supreme
Court decisions they deem unconstitutional.
When James filed the appeal in May, American Civil Liberties Union lawyer
Pamela Sumners called it "a profound embarrassment to the state of Alabama."
But the ACLU waived its right to respond to James' appeal, and the Supreme
Court did not press for one.
AP-NY-06-22-98 1748EDT
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Date: Mon, 22 Jun 1998 18:56:21 EDT
Caroline
.c The Associated Press
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