Polling place tiff erupts over North Richland Hills church sign questioning Obama’s citize...
I have long objected to churches being used as political elections polling locations. To begin with, at face value it is a clear violation of the separation of church and state. I would think that this alone would be clear to all. But then their behavior, as described in this piece and countless others, should serve to demonstrate exactly why these places should be excluded. Besides posting their clearly partisan beliefs, they can also intimidate others in making their personal choices in the elections. Intimidation techniques that they employ are passive/aggressive in nature.
You know, the "you'll go to hell" kind of crap.
Polling place tiff erupts over North Richland Hills church sign questioning Obama’s citizenship
By AMAN BATHEJA
abatheja@star-telegram.com
Democrats and Republicans are divided over what to do about Maplewood Baptist Fellowship.
The North Richland Hills church has operated as a polling place for over 15 years but has recently drawn attention for a sign questioning President Barack Obama’s citizenship.
Pastor Gary Hopkins said he put up the message "Where’s the Birth Certificate?" on his church’s sign about two months ago. He changed the message last week.
"I put it up to get people to ask questions, just to provoke thoughts and that’s pretty much it," Hopkins said. "I do know there are a lot of people asking that question, and my understanding is that question has not been answered."
Local Democrats first noticed the sign last month. The Tarrant County Democratic Party posted a photo of the sign on its Web site with the message: "Do you feel comfortable with this being a polling location?"
Tarrant County Elections Administrator Steve Raborn said he was sent the photo of the sign and contacted Hopkins about it. Raborn said the church can remain a polling place as long as it does not post any political messages during elections.
"We have other polling places at nonelection times that have political activities," Raborn said.
I have long objected to churches being used as political elections polling locations. To begin with, at face value it is a clear violation of the separation of church and state. I would think that this alone would be clear to all. But then their behavior, as described in this piece and countless others, should serve to demonstrate exactly why these places should be excluded. Besides posting their clearly partisan beliefs, they can also intimidate others in making their personal choices in the elections. Intimidation techniques that they employ are passive/aggressive in nature.
You know, the "you'll go to hell" kind of crap.
