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Page: Profile: Wren's Nest News Local
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Article: 18984
[Civil]
Date Posted:
12/4/2007
8:06:28 am EST
Wvox Stats
Views: 6,115
RSS: 15,416
Comments: 9
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Court Says Public Cannot Pay For Christian Prison Program
Author: William Petroski Source: Des Moines Register
Title: COURT SAYS PUBLIC CANNOT PAY FOR CHRISTIAN PRISON PROGRAM
Spending the public's money on a faith-based rehabilitation program in which Iowa prisoners immerse themselves in evangelical Christianity is unconstitutional, a federal appeals court ruled Monday.
The 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, in a 28-page decision, concluded the program at the Newton Correctional Facility has advanced religion at government expense. The eight-year-old program now operates solely on donations after Gov. Chet Culver, a Democrat, signed legislation earlier this year eliminating a state appropriation.
The appeals court threw out an order issued last year by U.S. District Judge Robert Pratt of Des Moines that would have required the program's sponsor to repay about $1.5 million to $1.7 million to state government.
Additional Article Link: [Click HERE]
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Community Thoughts: There are 9 comments posted | Reverse Sort |
| If It Helps Them...... | Dec 4th. at 6:45:09 pm EST
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Katmandu (elba, Alabama) - Email Me
fine. But 1) not on the taxpayers if they're gonna exclude other faiths and 2) are there not other programs the prisons have that perform similar task.
Mysteries Child has a point. Go read MC's post again.
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| I Have No Problem With Religious Outreach | Dec 4th. at 5:06:13 pm EST
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Shadowbear (Hillsboro, Oregon) - Email Me
It can be especially valuable in prisons. I totally object to funding any type of religious outreach program with my tax dollars. Government and religion don't mix. This program is continuing to function, paid for out of donations. That is proper if other volunteer outreach programs are allowed from other faiths. I am not surprised to hear that the members of this group received special privileges - which is definitely not proper. I do think it would be nice if the pagan community were organized enough to reach out in this way to those in need of help - but it is easier to organize cats to march in a parade than to get a bunch of solitaries to agree on almost anything - but we keep on trying. Eternal optimism.
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| Good. | Dec 4th. at 5:01:38 pm EST
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bigcat (peoria, Illinois) - Email Me
Well, at least those taxpayers that don't want to, won't have to foot the bill. I don't mind a prisoner trying to "find himself" but not at government expense to fund a xtian evangelical religious program to the exclusivity to all else. My tax dollars have a better use elsewhere.
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| Mixed Feelings | Dec 4th. at 3:55:58 pm EST
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Mysteries Child (Garfield, Arkansas) - Email Me
You know, I sincerely believe that faith-based rehabilitation works. There is no 'magic bullet,' but I sincerely believe it is an effective strategy in the old 'hearts and minds campaign' to reduce recidivism.
I mean, Paganism saved me from drug addiction, nonexistent self-esteem, nihilism, and perisuicidal depression. If faith-- true, heartfelt faith-- can turn my life around, it can at least help anyone.
I cannot, however, continue to lend the benefit of the doubt to our government (read: our tax dollars) funding the exclusive promotion of Fundamental, Evangelical, and in far too many cases Dominionist Christianity.
Christianity is a nice religion. Immature, but nice. Some of my best friends, most beloved relatives, and favorite neighbors are Christians.
But.
Our government-- and our tax dollars-- represent all of us. If they're going to be spent, they need to be spent in a way that represents all of us.
Now, if they wanted to start a truly interfaith counseling/rehabilitation program, that might be a different kettle of fish.
Or, a better idea: Our people of faith, whatever label of people they be, can volunteer their time and their resources to attempt to improve this, and so many other, situations.
Ever wonder how many abortions the damn protesters could prevent...
...if they spent the time and effort to mentor a child instead???
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| Sweetness | Dec 4th. at 2:18:05 pm EST
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R. Cicero (Seattle, Washington) - Email Me
Thanks Chet! And I'm glad they mentioned he's a Democrat, even though that was done with ill intent. Because it reminds people that in a world ruled by the intensely stupid, Republican theocrats are far worse than pandering Democrats. It was a politically dangerous position to take, but also the right and just one. Thank you Governor, for setting reasonable precedent.
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| ... | Dec 4th. at 1:07:43 pm EST
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Ahria (Minot AFB, Iowa) - Email Me
I'm glad I voted for Culver. And I'm glad the court made this ruling.
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| Attack Them While They're Down | Dec 4th. at 12:57:46 pm EST
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Young Coyote (W. Hempstead, California) - Email Me
I doubt much explanation is needed with the idea that people are more malleable when they are in a desperate or confining situation. Prisoners are probably perfect candidates for fundie indoctrination.
Now if it works for an individual, I've got not problems with it. What I do have a problem with is our tax dollars being spent on this.
Good thing the judge ruled properly on this.
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| Did Anyone Else Notice This Tiny Thing..... | Dec 4th. at 11:54:05 am EST
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Mystic Man (Nashville, Tennessee) - Email Me
"...after Gov. Chet Culver, a Democrat, signed legislation...."
Now, why would the writer feel the need to point out the party affiliation of the governor in association with this piece of legislation? Interesting.....isn't it?
'If you are not outraged, you are not paying attention!"
(my fave bumper sticker)
Mystic Man
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| Program Should Go Regardless Of Funding | Dec 4th. at 9:14:30 am EST
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Titania (Smallville, New York) - Email Me
The comment that ". . . no constitutional problem involving separation of church and state." would only be true if it did not give participants preferential treatment or early release that non-participating inmates would also deserve but be denied for lack of participation.
However, these two comments throw the Constitutionality of the program out the window:
"Americans United had contended during a district court trial in Des Moines that inmates in the Newton program were given better treatment and privileges that were not available to other inmates, including better housing and faster access to classes required for parole. The plaintiffs also claimed that InnerChange staff members were frequently hostile to other faiths, including Catholicism."
"The court record showed that non-Christians were frequently referred to as "unsaved," "lost," "pagan" and "sinful" by the InnerChange staff."
This program is clearly discriminatory against non-Christians and should not be in the prison system. It does not provide equal access or equal treatment.
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