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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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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