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Friday February 4, 2017

February 3, 2017 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, Editorial Cartoonist, The Hamilton Spectator – Friday February 4, 2017

The Johnson Amendment, Which Trump Vows to ‘Destroy,’ Explained

When President Trump told an audience of religious leaders on Thursday that he would ‘destroy’ the Johnson Amendment, he declared his intention to sign a bill that would fundamentally alter a major aspect of the church-state divide that has been a constant in American politics for generations.

But what exactly is the Johnson Amendment?

It is one of the brightest lines in the legal separation between religion and politics. Under the provision, which was made in 1954, tax-exempt entities like churches and charitable organizations are unable to directly or indirectly participate in any political campaign on behalf of, or in opposition to, any candidate. Specifically, ministers are restricted from endorsing or opposing candidates from the pulpit. If they do, they risk losing their tax-exempt status.

Considered uncontroversial at the time, it was passed by a Republican Congress and signed into law by President Dwight D. Eisenhower, a Republican. Today, however, many Republicans want to repeal it.

Back when Lyndon B. Johnson was a senator from Texas, he introduced the measure as an amendment to the tax code in 1954. Like many things Johnson did, the goal was to bludgeon a political opponent, in this case a rival in a primary who had the backing of nonprofit groups that were campaigning against him by suggesting he was a communist. Though there was no church involved, according to PolitiFact, churches were covered by the bill as well.

Mr. Trump promised he would work to repeal the Johnson Amendment as part of his extensive outreach efforts to religious conservatives, a group that took a long time to warm to his candidacy. Eliminating the measure has been a goal of the right. Conservatives have argued that it violates the protections of free speech and free exercise that the First Amendment extends to houses of worship. Courts have not agreed.

Speaking of the implications of a repeal last year, Jerry Falwell Jr., the prominent evangelical leader and Trump supporter, said it would “create a huge revolution for conservative Christians and for free speech.” (Source: New York Times) 

(Colourized and adapted from an earlier version)

 

Posted in: USA Tagged: anthropology, caveman, editoral cartoon, evolution, Family, palaeontology, rednecks, Science, ScienceExpo

Saturday, March 30, 2013

March 30, 2013 by Graeme MacKay

Saturday, March 30, 2013

By Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator, Saturday, March 30, 2013

Hillbilly Heaven operating without city licences

Hillbilly Heaven — the controversial southern barbecue joint that proudly displays the Confederate flag — is operating illegally.

The city confirmed Wednesday that neither the Upper James nor the downtown locations has an up-to-date business licence.

Hillbilly owner Cameron Bailey — who plans to run for city council in 2014 — says he hasn’t licensed his Upper James location since its opening two-and-a-half years ago because of a $2,000 rezoning fee. Bailey has also refused to pay the $250 “zoning verification fee” for his new downtown location.

“My argument is this: in a city where we’re trying to employ people, why is the city being so difficult over small amounts of money?” he said. “If it comes right down to it, I will fire two of my staff so I can give the city their $2,000.”

Bailey says that since his Upper James building was zoned only for takeout, not eat-in dining, he was required to spend $8,000 on architectural drawings to submit to the city. Although the drawings are finished, he still refuses to pay an additional $2,000 to change the building’s zoning to allow eat-in tables.

“To have a small-business owner draw a picture of what amounts to five or six tables is just ridiculous,” he said. “Everybody has to pay the fees, only because they go along like sheep.” (Source: Hamilton Spectator)

Posted in: Hamilton Tagged: BBQ, discrimination, Editorial Cartoon, Hamilton, Heavenly Hillbilly, Hillbilly heaven, licensing, rednecks

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