Political links

[kmusser]

Voting:

Rush Holt has introduced a bill (H.R. 550) that would require a voter-verified paper record for all elections. Read more about it on his website and for the locals consider attending the congressional meetings about it - for the non-locals write your congressperson and ask them to support the bill.

Pagan rights:

Foxnews is soliciting opinions on whether Pagans in the military that die in the line of duty should be allowed to have a Pagan symbol on their headstone (sparked by the Department of Veterans' Affairs denying such a request). More about the case, blog about the campaign to get this changed.

Al Franken:
Al Franken recently debated Ann Coulter (again) and writes about it, be sure to check out his opening remarks.

Comments

[revelrain.livejournal.com]

Al Franken rules!

[tirani.livejournal.com]

From : Tirani
To : speakout@foxnews.com
Cc :
Attchmnt:
Subject : Up or Down, Wiccan Warrior
----- Message Text -----

My vote? As far down as you can go.

I think that it is disgraceful that the military will not allow a symbol
of a man's faith to be displayed on a plaque ment to honor him, regardless
of what that faith was. If this fallen hero were Christian, Jewish or
Muslim, there would be no question or hesitation whether a cross, a Star
of David, or a crescent moon would be allowed.

In a country where 'freedom for all' is a rallying cry, and indeed perhaps
what this man died for, it appears that there is not freedom for the
burgeoning Pagan (which includes Wiccans) population of America.

[rojir.livejournal.com]

The DoD has recognized Wicca as a religion for 10 years.

Thus, it should be allowed on Military Headstones.

'nuff said.

[revelrain.livejournal.com]

Unfortunately, I don't think the Department of Veteran Affairs falls under DoD, and its the VA that is fighting this. I think if it were the DoD, there would already be pentacles on headstones, given the Army Chaplain's Handbook and all that. But the VA is an 'independent agency' established in 1930 and elevated to 'Cabinet level' in 1989. Although I agree completely that if the DoD recognizes Wicca for living service members, the VA should recognize it for deceased service members.

Of course, I think if someone serves their country and particularly if they die for their country, they should be able to put whatever they want on their headstone.

[divalion.livejournal.com]

Al Franken makes me masturbate my brain.