WA State Ballot Initiative: Supreme ruler of the universe.

[Duppers]

Assigned Number: 1040
Filed: 01/15/2009

Sponsor
Ms. Kimberlie Struiksma
PO Box 501
Blaine, WA 98231
360-332-2181
Fax: [phone]
[e-mail] Title
Initiative Measure No. 1040 concerns a supreme ruler of the universe.

This measure would prohibit state use of public money or lands for anything that denies or attempts to refute the existence of a supreme ruler of the universe, including textbooks, instruction or research.

Should this measure be enacted into law? Yes < > No < >

Ballot Measure Summary
This measure would require state government not to use public funds or property for anything that denies or attempts to refute the existence of a supreme ruler of the universe, including but not limited to appropriations for displays, textbooks, scientific endeavors, instruction, and research projects. The measure would provide that no person shall be questioned based on their personal values, beliefs, or opinions regarding the existence of a supreme ruler of the universe.

http://www.secstate.wa.gov/elections/initiatives/people.aspx

[FiveGoodMen]

1. All the major religions claim that all the others are dead wrong

So why single out those who don't believe any of them?

[Duppers]

3. Really!

>point<

[moggie]

6. It's worse than that

Not all religions, even in their canonical form, claim that there's a supreme ruler of the universe. And when modern Christians do their cafeteria thing, some of them decide that their god is "supreme ruler" only over those who choose to follow him. This measure says that it's not good enough to simply be religious: it has to be a particular kind of religion. If this passes, it'll be shot down almost immediately. What a waste of time.

There's something a little creepy about politicians who claim there's a supreme dictator who you can't vote out of office.

[enlightenment]

2. Well, to be fair, it doesn't indicate WHICH

supreme ruler of the universe the good people of Washington State will not be allowed to deny or refute . . .
maybe Ms. Struiksma is actually a minion of Ming the Merciless . . .

[immoderate]

4. Uh-oh, look who would be in violation...

C.C. was always bringing down the Ruler.

--imm

[moggie]

5. That would be General Zod

I've got the new state motto:

[progressoid]

7. Supreme Ruler? That would be plankton right?

[onager]

8. They stole this (bad) idea from the Muslims!

Almost every Muslim nation seems to have a law against "insulting Islam." Egypt certainly does, and I'll have a lot more to say about that once I'm no longer in the country. :evilgrin: (I leave this weekend!!! Yay, I can have bacon cheeseburgers again!!! I might even try a Bacon Hot Fudge Sundae...)

This is not one of those wacko old laws that is "just on the books," like some of the old anti-atheist laws in American states.

As one charming example of what can happen when you start mixing religion with the courts--people accused of "insulting Islam" are tried by military courts. And for a very good reason--the verdict of a military court cannot be appealed.

And just as you probably guessed, the crime is very elastic. All it takes is for one nutcase to find an insult and file a complaint with the authorities. In the famous case of an Egyptian blogger in 2007, IIRC, he got arrested for simply stating that the Koran shouldn't be read literally.

[Duppers]

10. how dare you speak badly of Islam on DU

:evilgrin:

I love you!

Bacon, bacon, bacon!

[Warpy]

9. It's a little strange to find this in a state like Washington

with a good sized Asian population, many of whom are Buddhist.

Believing in a Great Dictator in the Sky is completely against their belief system.

[beam me up scottie]

11. You guys are so weird.

Everyone knows Ming is the Supreme Ruler of the Universe



Hey, at least they had a soundtrack by Queen...

[funflower]

12. This derives from the idea that atheism is a religion and that

scientists and teachers are lurking around every corner trying to "convert" hapless bystanders. It will be laughed down the stairs in rational Washington state.