Court's latest step in eroding democracy
The Supreme Court in Washington. Credit: AP/Jacquelyn Martin
Court’s latest step in eroding democracy
When the Supreme Court ruled Monday that religious education could be supported by our taxes, that violated the Constitution [“High court: Coach can pray on field after games,” Nation, June 28].
In 1948, in McCollum v. Board of Education, the court ruled that an Illinois public school board had violated the First Amendment by allowing religious instruction during school hours and on school property: “This is beyond all question a utilization of the tax-established and tax-supported public school system to aid religious groups to spread their faith. And it falls squarely under the ban of the First Amendment.”
Monday’s ruling is a step in the wrong direction. A main reason the Pilgrims came to the New World was for religious freedom. It’s in our Constitution. This ultra-conservative court should not be allowed to erode our democracy. Although most justices are appointed for life, our representatives who vote on their appointment are not.
— Lionel T. Bauman, Baldwin
On July Fourth, let’s stay proud as Americans
I have traveled with my family to Europe, Asia and South America the past 50 years. I am proud to have been born in America and never regretted identifying myself as a proud American.
Then came Jan. 6, 2021. I watched with horror and disbelief as the Capitol was assaulted in an attempted coup. It felt even more disturbing than 9/11 because it was carried out by so-called “patriots,” blindly following a wayward president whose criminality is in question during the Jan. 6 congressional hearings [“Witness tells of Trump’s Jan. 6 actions,” News, June 29]. I suggest people read the definitions of sedition and treason in the Constitution.
This July Fourth, while celebrating our freedoms, please remember why we have the lifestyle that some of us take for granted. We are still looked upon by most people around the world as the greatest nation. Let’s try to keep it that way.
— William J. Raniolo, East Setauket
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