Editor, The Pine Bluff Commercial:
When the wise Solons in Little Rock’s Arkansas Assembly are not busy trying to organize Congressional Conventions to do away with abortion and gay marriage or when they are not busy debating what will be the “official state dinosaur,” then they are busy trying to determine the most important thing of all — the “official” state book. Are you surprised that it is the Bible? You shouldn’t be.
This resolution has already been authorized by the State House. No matter that this is a gross breach of the separation of church and state, but our wise leaders in their religious fanaticism know better than we do that we need their brand of religion thrust into our faces.
No matter that it would offend people of other faiths or even nonbelievers. Our tough luck. Move somewhere else. “We know what is best for you and it’s not your beliefs. Only ours.”
House Resolution No. 1047 unconstitutionally “supports the naming of the Bible, published in any recognized version, as the official book of the State of Arkansas.”
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
This book has a lot going for it, but also a lot that is not good. There is violence, misogyny, genocide, homophobia, slavery, bad science and intolerance toward nonbelievers to name some.
To keep everyone happy perhaps it would be best to not have a “State book” at all and just not go there. To do so is endorsing one religion over another, the whole purpose of the separation of church and state. Why not instead debate the naming of the official “State Dog and Cat?” and do something productive. Don’t bother trying to govern. You were sent there for that but you would rather proselytize any chance you get.
This is bad policy and needs to be rescinded. If you agree contact your representative and let your opinion be heard.
Bob Curry
Pine Bluff