In 1779, while serving in the
Virginia General Assembly, Thomas Jefferson authored a bill of legislation that
would ultimately become the basis for our Constitution’s First Amendment. Titled A Bill
for Establishing Religious Freedom, it was passed by the assembly in 1786,
and laid out the principle that individuals could not be compelled by the state
to participate in, or financially support organized religion, nor could he be compelled to
alter his beliefs though civil penalties.
I would draw your attention to this
excerpt: “That to compel a man to
furnish contributions of money for the propagation of opinions which he
disbelieves and abhors, is sinful and tyrannical;”
As a founder, along with James Madison, of what is today the
Democratic Party I find it interesting that his party now seeks to compel,
through law and regulation, principles that stand in direct contrast to his
sentiments. Maybe it is because they see
themselves as something other than what they are?
You can believe what you will, but it is unmistakable that the
proponents for Women’s Rights carry with them the same organizational fervor, as any Puritan
living in Salem Mass in 1692. They
demand the government fund their right to choose, and when in a position of
power have used their authority to force that obligation on those who hold
different moral beliefs. They have
become, in every sense, the very thing that Thomas Jefferson argued so
critically against. When the expression of your belief is labeled as a war on
woman, and is intended to disqualify one for public office, it would seem to be
in direct opposition to what Thomas Jefferson labeled as man’s natural right.
I wonder what side President Jefferson would take in this debate?
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