New governor: Non-Christians 'not my brother,' 'not my sister'

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   Stacie Lposted 13 years ago

   New governor: Non-Christians 'not my brother,' 'not my sister'
   Anti-Defamation League says remarks 'raise serious questions as
   to whether non-Christians can expect to receive equal treatment'
   
   BIRMINGHAM, Alabama — Alabama Gov. Robert Bentley told a church crowd just moments into his new administration that those who have not accepted Jesus as their savior are not his brothers and sisters, shocking some critics who questioned whether he can be fair to non-Christians.
   
   "Anybody here today who has not accepted Jesus Christ as their savior, I'm telling you, you're not my brother and you're not my sister, and I want to be your brother," Bentley said Monday, his inauguration day, according to The Birmingham News.
   
   The Anti-Defamation League on Tuesday called Bentley's remarks shocking.
   
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   http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/41149562/ns … ?gt1=43001
   does he have a right as a public servant, to discriminate?

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      Daniel Carterposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      First, separation of church and state. His personal opinions cannot interfere with the actual rights of any citizen in his state. So his opinion of who his brother or sister is, is entirely irrelevant. But every one who lives in that state is a citizen with human rights, protected by law.
      
      Second, he is not wise for what he did. He just divided his state. A house divided cannot stand. I doubt this will go away any time soon.

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         Evan G Rogersposted 13 years agoin reply to this

         Incorrect.
         
         The supposed separation of church and state only applies to the Federal Government.
         
         "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof;"
         
         Notice: Congress.
         
         Any state CAN make religious laws. It's just that most do not.
         
         I'm not familiar with Alabama's constitution, but it likely has a clause about freedom of religion. New York has one, and so does Ohio (those are the only two i've bothered to check).

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            Daniel Carterposted 13 years agoin reply to this

            All he has to do is mess up and it becomes a federal issue.
            Not entirely incorrect, Evan.

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      2. 60

         BillyDRitchieposted 13 years agoin reply to this

         Separation of church and state?  Sorry, no such thing....read your Constitution....it's not in there.
         
         What he said was perfectly true within the parameters of the Christian faith, and anybody offended by it has way too much time on their hands.
         
         I also highly doubt it means he is planning on any sort of discrimination.
         
         So basically....nothing to see here....

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            Texasbetaposted 13 years agoin reply to this

            "What he said was perfectly true within the parameters of the Christian faith"
            
            correct - exclusion and ignorance. Right in line

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               Pcunixposted 13 years agoin reply to this

               Yeah. Gotta love these Christians. So full of love, tolerance.. It's no wonder I think so highly of most of them..

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                  habeeposted 13 years agoin reply to this

                  We're not all like the governor, so I'm glad you said "most." lol

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                     Pcunixposted 13 years agoin reply to this

                     Of course not. I can admire Christians who really walk the walk.  I think you are deluded, but it's a happy delusion.

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   2. 61

      Evan G Rogersposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      ... he isn't discriminating.
      
      He's simply saying that he wants people to be Christian.
      
      When he puts into LAW that people HAVE to be Christian, then I'll go buy a gun.

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      Stump Parrishposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      I thought he had already appologized for his mistake. He said it was a mistake, not me. I don't think it's anymore than a slip of the toungue or pen. It's on record and will help to point out a pattern if one develops. I say we have more important issues than this. But as most of you know I'm an idiot so take what I say with a grain od salt.

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   Jim Hunterposted 13 years ago

   "does he have a right as a public servant, to discriminate?"
   
   He has a right to say anything he wants irregardless of who he may offend.
   
   Laws already exist to prevent discrimination and if he violates those laws he will be punished.

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   1. 59

      Stump Parrishposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      And re election is where he would face the music if it is descrimination. Of course that assumes that the entire state doesn't support the decrimination of those they dont' like.

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   Mighty Momposted 13 years ago

   I take his remarks to be more pandering to his audience within the church than related to his ability to govern fairly.
   At least, I would hope so.

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4. 61

   Evan G Rogersposted 13 years ago

   What's so bad about saying that someone isn't your brother or sister, but you'd like them to be your brother or sister.
   
   That just means he wants people to be Christian.
   
   Whoopty doo.
   
   He hasn't mandated Christianity. He just said a few words.
   
   Not a big deal.

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   Darrke Thoughtsposted 13 years ago

   " and I want to be your brother " is probably the most important part there.  Doesn't sound like he's planning on discriminating, only that he believes that Christians are all brothers and sisters and wishes everyone was a Christian. 
   
   That's not likely to happen.  But I don't think it means he's going to discriminate against non-Christians...especially if he's hoping they will someday "join his family."
   
   Let's not get excited over imaginary slights... it doesn't help anything.

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