Freedom of Religion...a

right...a relic...a needed

return

J G Lucord

Copyright © 2012 J G Lucord

All rights reserved.

ISBN: 1477412778

ISBN-13: 978-1477412770

DEDICATION

To my family

CONTENTS

1 Freedoms, Petitions, Assembly 10

2 Understanding

14

3 God Bless America

19

4 Courage

24

5 Faith

27

6 Hope

30

7 Patience

33

8 Strength

35

9 Humility

37

10 Overlooked Signs

39

11 Rebuilding the Foundation

42

The United States of America is the greatest nation on earth,

for many reasons. People have for decades immigrated here

to make a better life for themselves and their families, and to

enjoy many freedoms that are not allowed or encouraged in

their native lands. Many come here so that they could be free

to have a voice by being allowed to vote; others so that they

can work freely without governmental control, be able to travel

without any resistance or restriction, take advantage of a

better educational system for themselves and their children,

and practice religious beliefs without a mandate as to where,

when, and what form of religion to practice. Having the rights

and freedoms to conduct their lives without fear of persecution

that other countries deny their compatriots is why this nation

was first formed, why men have died fighting for and why

others from around the globe have sought out this nation as

not only a new address, but a new beginning.

When this nation was founded centuries ago, the leaders who

later became referred to as the founding fathers established a

charter that is known as the Constitution. This new charter

was drawn to allow the citizens of this nation to enjoy certain

freedoms, or “rights”. One of the first issues addressed was

the freedom of free speech, as well as the freedom of religion.

Today it is known as the first article of the U. S. Constitution.

The founding fathers paid attention to the people and drafted

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Freedom of Religion...a right...a relic...a needed return

legislation addressing the people’s concerns in expressing

their thoughts without being persecuted, and for being allowed

the freedom to worship freely as they saw fit.

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Freedoms, Petitions, Assembly

Congress shall make no law respecting an

establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free

exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of

speech, or of the press, or the right of the

people peaceably to assemble, and to petition

the Gov President Thomas Jefferson, who

wrote, "The God who gave us life gave us

liberty at the same time" and asked ‘Can the

liberties of a nation be secure when we have

removed a conviction that these liberties are of

God?’"

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Freedom of Religion...a right...a relic...a needed return

Throughout time, perhaps even more so in modern times,

that freedom/choice to engage in religious practice has

become, to many, an endangered species. People today

engage in language that at times, causes controversy. When

those words and/or phrases become questioned, those that

speak those words or phrases immediately hide behind the

First Amendment, defending their right to free speech.

However, whenever someone cites anything remotely close to

a religious implication, or demonstrates their religious belief in

what most cases have harmless intents, they are criticized for

overstepping the bounds of separation of church and state,

despite the fact that the freedom of religion, like freedom of

speech, is granted in the First Amendment. How then, can

only a portion of the First Amendment be considered by some

to be a “right”, while other portions of the same amendment

are considered unconstitutional and unwarranted? Rather

than acknowledge the right given to us by our founders, rather

than accept it as an entitlement and a right, some see religion

and religious practices in such a negative way that they

continue to make every attempt to discourage not only the

participation of religion, but disparage any public display of

religious symbols as either discriminatory against non

believers, “unconstitutional” or a blatant violation of law. The

separation of church and state has become such a tempered

topic that the nation continues to run the dangerous risk of

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division.

Over time, as our nation grew larger in number, many

different forms of religious beliefs have become intertwined

into our society. That’s not necessarily a bad thing. Differing

viewpoints, be it religious or otherwise, are the kinds of variety

that keeps us from becoming a dull and boring society.

Having multiple choices can be healthy. Sadly, as our society

has grown, and the numbers of different religious viewpoints

has increased, so too has the number of objections to religion.

Somehow we have become so overly concerned about not

offending someone that we’ve drifted away from the

cornerstone this nation was built upon. For decades, two vital

and important events are held; the National Day of Prayer, and

the National Prayer Breakfast.

The National Day of Prayer belongs to all Americans. It is

a day that transcends differences, bringing together citizens

from all backgrounds, It enables us to recall and to teach the

way in which our founding fathers sought the wisdom of God

when faced with critical decisions. It stands as a call to us to

humbly come before God, seeking His guidance for our

leaders and His grace upon us as a people. The unanimous

passage of the bill establishing the National Day of Prayer as

an annual event, signifies that prayer is as important to our

nation today as it was in the beginning.

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Freedom of Religion...a right...a relic...a needed return

I know that there are some within our borders that adhere

to only one form of religious belief, and all other forms of

worship are considered threatening. Granted, there are

radical and extreme sectors in almost every form of religion.

These sectors, their teachings, and those who follow them, are

not only destructive, but are ones that are gradually tearing

this country apart, almost beyond the point of reconciliation.

Rather than accept or more importantly respect the differing

views, some have chosen this as an all out assault on one of

the very principles this nation was founded upon.

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CHAPTER ONE-UNDERSTANDING

“I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our

Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in

what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but

that you be perfectly united in mind and thought.” 1

Corinthians 1:10 (NIV)

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Countless numbers of Americans over the course of time have

dedicated their lives and careers trying to keep the message

of faith and religious practices from becoming a thing of the

past. Many others devoted to either public service or the

enforcement/preservation of the values which helped pave the

foundation for this great land.

For those who have over the years faithfully served in our

armed forces, as well as those who hold political office, each

knows or remembers the oath of office/service that they swore

by the raising of their right hand. At the end of these oaths are

general y concluded with the words “so help me God”;

including those who hold the highest levels of authority. For

most, the earlier educational years included a recital of The

Pledge of Allegiance, a document written by a Baptist minister,

Francis Bel amy in 1892 which includes the phrase “one

Nation, under God…”, which to some today are seen as

“offensive”.

In 1954 when President Dwight D. Eisenhower, despite

mild objections from the Bellamy family, approved adding the

words "under God". As he authorized this change he said: "In this way we are reaffirming the transcendence of religious faith

in America's heritage and future; in this way we shall

constantly strengthen those spiritual weapons which forever

will be our country's most powerful resource in peace and

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war."

Many today generally equate Christianity more with the

conservative, republican party as opposed to the liberally

based democratic party; fair or unfair, it a stigma or stereotype

that has been given to each party. Those few spoken words

make no mention of any political party affiliation, merely

stating the importance of keeping and recognizing our

religious roots. President Eisenhower had the wisdom and

courage to understand how important having a strong religious

foundation was. Despite modern attempts to the contrary, a

religious base is a vital part of our history, and should be in our

lives.

Have we strayed so far from the very foundation this

country was built upon that references to God and a reflection

of our past are seen as offensive? Have we entrusted the

very essence of our future to political leaders who consistently

vote to protect those who are offended and forgotten that it is

the Almighty God, and only Him, who we should entrust our

futures to, and whose guidance should be trusted and whose

path for our futures should be placed. The phrase which is on

our monetary currencies, “In God We Trust” is not something

that should be removed but rather adhered to.

Three innocent yet significant phrases, “One Nation under

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God”,” In God We Trust” and “so help me God”, are

concepts/beliefs that have been entrenched in our society for

decades, and helped lay the foundations that have allowed

this great nation to become the greatest nation on earth

thanks to the freedoms and privileges that our founders have

bestowed upon us. There is nothing offensive about these

phrases, nor discriminatory against any one sector of our

society. They should not be viewed any other way than one of

honoring a promise handed down to us by our Father who

has, through His Grace, rewarded our obedience and sacrifice

and allowed us to enjoy a life that many other lands are not

allowed to enjoy.

During each election cycle, as we go to the polls to elect

individuals that are supposed to represent our best interests, it

is becoming increasingly obvious that a few major themes

arise, First, it is almost a certainty that these individuals

seeking a political position make every attempt to belittle their

opponent in the hopes that they won’t have to address the

major issues or make any promises they may actually have to

be held accountable for at a later time. Additionally, they seek

to prove that they, unlike their opponent, are someone who

can be trusted.

"It is better to trust the LORD than to put

confidence in man" (Psalm 118:8).

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Perhaps it is long overdue that we resort back to our roots

and put the trust in the one that can truly be trusted, not mortal

man.

They are politicians, yes, but they’re also human. In GOD

we should trust, not Man.

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God Bless America

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One of the greatest musical composers in recent time was

Irving Berlin. In 1918, he wrote, and revised years later, one

of the most influential and important songs in our Nation’s

history. Singer Kate Smith introduced the revised "God Bless

America" during her radio broadcast on Armistice Day, 1938.

No one will ever forget that tragic day of Sept 11, 2001.

Our nation experienced one of, if not the most terrifying days

in our history. Individuals bent on destroying everything good

about this land attacked the outskirts of our nation’s capital,

fields in Pennsylvania, and New York City. Their venomous

attempt to bring us to our knees and have us cower down with

fear was unsuccessful. While paralyzing the country for a

short time, once the shock wore off, we avenged those

cowardly acts, started the healing process, then continued to

live our lives with the freedoms and liberties that we’ve always

enjoyed.

Shortly after those attacks, baseball stadiums across the

land changed a long time tradition. As the visiting teams

concluded their half of the seventh inning, it was tradition for

stadiums to play “Take Me out to the Bal game”. The renewed

patriotic spirit that this nation was experiencing after the

attacks found stadiums, and the nation as a whole, adopting

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another patriotic classic as the new seventh inning ritual, “God

Bless America“, written by Irving Berlin and recorded later

most notably, by Kate Smith. Once again, a large part of the

healing process was provided through song, by our Heavenly

Father as a reminder of His presence and His love. His love

lives on. We only have to remain faithful, dedicated to His

spirit, hope for His guidance, and allow His light to shine so

that our paths will continue to be traveled in the proper

direction.

In the mid 80’s, country music superstar Lee Greenwood

recorded a song that has become a classic, “God Bless the

U.S.A“. Every July, during the numerous Independence Day

celebrations, this song is played along with various other

songs devoted to the patriotic spirit and dedication of our

military heroes who have, throughout our history, made the

sacrifices that have helped preserve the freedoms that make

this nation great.

The fal and winter of 1990 saw this nation’s participation

in what began as Operation Desert Storm. As our courageous

military forces fought to aid in liberating the country of Kuwait

from the grasps of the country of Irag, radio stations here at

home once again began playing “God Bless the U.S.A“.

Somehow those words have either been forgotten over

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time, or have not been recited with any degree of sincerity.

Truthfully, with the military as an exception, many who have

taken these oaths and recited those words seem to have done

so out of obligation, and done so without meaning. Many folks

have given the impression over the years that God is almost

an afterthought, having been replaced by greed and overcome

by ego. Too often we read or hear on the newscasts how

trivial protests by non believers and those who despise

everything to do with religion, even though those objections

are directed towards things that are superficial and trivial.

Clearly the message of these classics, and the

inspirations behind them, was divine inspiration. Even in the

darkest of times, His light still shines. Search for the light, it will

be there.

Objections to a religious symbol on property owned by

the government have been seen by some as being somewhat

understandable. The objections to overstepping the

boundaries of the established separation of church and state

to others is viewed as defensible when political sessions begin

with a prayer, and when courtroom proceedings have people

swear on the Bible. As for a cross being placed in a cemetery

on privately owned land to pay tribute to our fallen military

heroes and others who left this earth in a prior time many feel

as a disrespectful gesture to those who gave their lives so that

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others may continue to live with the freedoms they have

enjoyed.

Understanding should be practiced to acknowledge that

this nation is one of numerous diversities, including the

observation of religious beliefs. Although we may not

appreciate or understand the differing viewpoints of others,

perhaps we can look deep within ourselves and at least learn

to respect them. After all, it is faith that helped build this

nation, and diversities of various religious beliefs should help

strengthen us, not divide us. Should we continue to follow the

path we are on, and ignore all forms of religious belief to the

appeasement of all, we are destined for a very dangerous and

destructive path.

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COURAGE

"I have told you these things, so that in me

you may have peace. In this world you will have

trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the

world.” John 16:33 (NIV)

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It is often said that it takes more courage to lead the way

than to follow the paths that others have paved. While forging

one’s own path is sometimes trying, fol owing the leads of

others can result in a more painful one.

When this nation was under the rule of another country,

our desire to be an independent and free country and not be

bound by any rules other than the ones we were to adopt for

ourselves, we had to fight for that right and those freedoms.

History shows that it wasn’t an easy battle, and many

sacrifices and hardships were encountered. None the less,

we were willing to incur such trials so that we could earn the

honor of becoming a free society, able to enjoy a lifestyle of

our choosing and not one mandated by another land.

Somehow over time we have allowed ourselves to become so

consumed with how our actions are viewed by others within

our borders or how offensive others may take them, that we

have somehow lost sight of how our actions are viewed by our

Maker.

This nation’s history has had its sad share of damaging

words and acts. Over time, various actions have been taken

to address the hateful nature of these acts, and no longer are

they tolerated. Despite this, a small minority continues to wage

battles with every given opportunity to reverse history and

destroy this great land. They graciously accept their monetary

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gains yet try to remove the words “in God we trust” from al

monetary currency. They show despite for any religious

beliefs contrary to their own, yet continue to force their beliefs

on others. Giving thanks to the Almighty should not be one

that is taken lightly, used advantageously for personal gain, or

taken out of context. We must have the courage, lest not be

ashamed of giving honor to whom it truly belongs.

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FAITH

“Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but

test the spirits to see whether they are from

God, because many false prophets have gone

out into the world”. 1 John 4:1(NIV)

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One year ago I faced a life threatening health scare.

Many who had faced a similar surgical procedure were not

fortunate enough to share their experience with others, but

were instead called home to be with the Lord. For the first

time in my life, I not only underwent a surgical procedure, but

an emergency one that saved my life.

Despite the immense pain, and the uncertainty brought on

by the huge financial burden, deep down I knew that the Good

Lord had a reason; it was all a part of His plan for me. From

my upbringing, I knew I had to trust in His plan, and have faith

to allow the plan to unfold.

It is easy to find faith and trust during times of hardship. It

is not uncommon for folks, including me, to cling to religion

when our backs are against the wall and the future becomes

filled with uncertainty. As personal situations improve, the

perceived need for religion and faith in the Almighty diminish.

We must learn to recognize or at least acknowledge that

regardless of hardship or pleasant times, that every day is a

gift, every day is a blessing. During the hardships, we must

not only adopt a spirit of faith, but continue to keep it as

situations improve.

The aftermath from the surgery found me facing a

financial burden unlike any I had ever encountered. There

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was a part of me that couldn’t possibly conceive any way of

overcoming this daunting challenge. Another part of me kept

saying “have faith”; that the Lord hadn’t given me a chal enge

that I couldn’t handle, least not with His help. I knew down

deep that with a little faith everything would work out fine.

Sometimes in the past I had experienced similar obstacles

to overcome, nothing this severe. In every instance, things did

work themselves out. Reflecting back, when there were times

when the timing of a due bil didn’t correspond with a pay

cycle, somehow it seemed that I would be asked to work an

extra shift, or put in a little overtime. Each time I felt an

obstacle placed in front of me was too tall to climb, he

provided a way. Even if I discovered that the path was either

too long or too hard, even if I had chosen a different path than

the one He had chosen for me, a path had been created.

It’s been said that what doesn’t kil you makes you

stronger. As long as one doesn’t quit, keeps going forward,

and continues to try, the reward will come to those who

believe and continue to keep the faith in the forms of

unexpected strength and prosperity as provided by the Creator

and ultimate provider, Christ the Lord.

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HOPE

“Hopes placed in mortals die with them; al the

promise of their power comes to nothing.”

Proverbs 11:7(NIV)

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As I was recovering from a life threatening illness, I

couldn’t help but think of the sense of helplessness I

experienced, and how much I had taken things for granted.

Little things that I needed assistance with, that I had never

given a second thought to before. I began sharing with others

that every day was a gift; everyday was a blessing.

Looking at the current state of our nation, I wondered if

perhaps we too, as a society, have taken too many things for

granted. Perhaps we also have so engrossed in our daily

routines that we have forgotten that the freedoms and liberties

we sometimes take for granted are both a gift AND a blessing.

Our founding fathers drafted a set of rights and liberties that

are enjoyed daily, and our Heavenly Father blessed us

through those founders, and with His Eternal and unwavering

love.

It takes tragedy for some to realize the hard way that the

gift of life and al of life’s pleasures, are due to our Creator.

Should we chose to continue to take Him and His gifts for

granted, hard times may have to be experienced so that His

light will be seen.

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PATIENCE

“For everything that was written in the past was

written to teach us, so that through the

endurance taught in the Scriptures and the

encouragement they provide we might have

hope” . Romans 15:4 (NIV)

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So many times in our hurried lives, we expect things to

happen now, not later. We rush to work and/or become

bothered when lines are long at places we shop, creating

unnecessary stress. How many times has it been overheard

or perhaps used that there aren’t enough hours in a day;

there’s too much to do and not enough time to do it. The

aspects of time management and organization aside, it is

patience that is a virtue that all could improve upon. Many

times that I have felt stress or a sense of being overwhelmed

could have been greatly reduced had I slowed down enough

and had enough patience to let the Lord take the reins. I had

to realize that there were times or events that I could not do by

myself. With a patient spirit, one that allowed the Lord to do

things on His schedule, things would have turned out much

better. Realizing that it is easier said than done, I’ve come to

accept that flaw I have, and am constantly striving to improve

by letting go and letting the Good Lord handle things

according to his time schedule, not mine.

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STRENGTH

“No temptation has overtaken you except what

is common to us all. And God is faithful; he will

not let you be tempted beyond what you can

bear. But when you are tempted, he will also

provide a way out so that you can endure it”.

Corinthians 10:13 (NIV)

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Conviction and strength are attributes that are easily

attainable, yet ones that are often difficult to maintain. So

often we tend to allow society to dictate our behaviors, rather

than conduct ourselves in a manner we’ve grown accustomed

to. Fear of how others will view us, fear of what others will

think of us, combined with a fear of being so “political y

correct” as to not offend others has driven many of us to

become timid in our behaviors and our expressions of our

beliefs. It’s the human nature in us that drives some to seek

acceptances of others that it interferes with our ability to live

our lives in a way that is pleasing to the One whose

acceptance truly matters.

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HUMILITY

“Humility is the fear of the LORD; its wages

are riches and honor and life.” Proverbs

22:4(NIV)

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During acceptance speeches for entertainment

performances, be it for acting, singing, or whatever, almost all

of the winners make part of their acceptance speech as a

thanksgiving to the Almighty. Sadly, despite giving thanks to

the Giver of all gifts, some of those same folks are also ones

that make the headlines for activities that could be perceived

as immoral, ignorant, and in some cases, illegal.

This is not to demean or degrade those folks. It’s human

nature that people make mistakes, or errors in judgment

brought on by the pressures of fame or the greed therein.

Most of these could have been avoided.

Often times we are opportunistic when it comes to either

accepting praise or acknowledgement of our talents. While we

may give thanks and praise to the Almighty for the many

talents he has provided, we also, at times, make statements of

an almost boastful manner that could be interpreted as if we

have done all these things and deserve all the accolades due

to our own toil and talent.

Truth be told, none of us whether we chose to believe or

acknowledge it, have the things we have due to our own

actions.

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OVERLOOKED SIGNS

“Who comforts us in al our troubles, so that we

can comfort those in any trouble with the

comfort we ourselves receive from God”. 2

Corinthians 1:4(NIV)

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Every day we see signs of every type wherever we go, be it a

stop sign, speed limit sign, a billboard advertisement,

whatever it may be. Signs are everywhere. Most are seen

with such frequency that over time, they are either overlooked

or simply taken for granted.

Signs provided by our Heavenly Father also appear on a

daily basis. Like most of the highway signs and billboard ads,

they too are more often than not taken for granted. Signs

such as a sunrise; signifying the beginning of a new day and a

reminder that His light shines eternal, helping us to realize that

no matter how dark life becomes, His light is still with us even

though our acceptance of that fact may not be acknowledged.

Sometimes the signs are less noticeable. Perhaps a

favorite song is played on the radio that reminds us of

someone or a memorable time in our past. Perhaps we

encounter someone with the same birthday of a loved one

who is no longer with us. Personally, when I hear of

someone’s birthday who shared the same birthday as one of

my grandparents, it brings back fond memories of the times

we shared together. Something that simple that triggers

pleasant memories is not a coincidence. I truly believe they’re

simply subtle reminders from our Father that we are not alone,

that our existence is meaningful, and that as long as we keep

the love alive deep inside, that everything will be fine. After

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all, despite our many flaws, His love never wanes, never

strays, and is and will always be there. We just have to open

our eyes to see it.

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Rebuilding the Foundation

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Every homeowner knows that one of the most important

attributes of a good home is one that has a strong base.

Certainly one would not purchase a home that had a

weakened or damaged foundation unless they were in the

business of fixing/repairing them.

Following the aftermath of a major storm such as an

earthquake, flood, or hurricane, one of the most important

questions that face a homeowner is damage, especially any

done to the walls, floors, or cracks in the foundation.

A strong base is needed not only in housing, but in life.

Parents instill on their children certain values that they hope

will serve as a strong base as they grow up. Some call it a

strong character, some a strong moral upbringing; whatever

definition is given the results are the same. A strong

foundation is essential to a sound upbringing and a successful

existence.

Clearly some have forgotten that. Almost every day the

news broadcasts cover issues that shouldn’t be as

controversial or discussed with any great length. One cannot

watch the news or read a paper without some coverage

relating to a challenge of some type to one of our

constitutional rights. The second amendment which

addresses the right to bear arms, the fourteenth amendment

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which covers citizenship rights, and the fifteenth amendment

which addresses voting privileges have become sensitive

issues of late.

One has to wonder if any of these issues would be as

prevalent today if the FIRST amendment was adhered to like it

was written and intended.

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