POTPOURRI

"Is Plainfield's Democratic City Committee a bunch of heathens?"

That is the question Dan Damon asked Wednesday March 31 in his "Plainfield Today". What disturbs me is not the intent of the question, whether a religious holiday should impact upon sectarian affairs. I am most concerned by the bigotry expressed by at least one commentator. Sexual affinity is a personal matter not a public crime. Perhaps that author would reveal if he/she has been monogamous or only at a specific moment?

But I do have different cause of concern about that post. Of course in our nation there is supposed to be separation from church and government. Religious holidays should not interfere with the normal cycle. Local Governments stop activities on Good Friday. How many taking the day off do go to Church.

The exception of Christmas and New Years Day has been traditional for years in the "Western World" going back to time when "The Church" had an overwhelming influence on political life as well as the daily activities of the masses.

Christianity in imposing its religious observations upon the population where ever it is dominant is not unique. Nothing could be stricter than the Islamic Theocracy that rules Iran, or the Taliban domination where they held power. In Israel much of the political and civil life is influenced by the small group of Orthodox Rabbis even to the point of determining who is a Jew.

Yes the urge to impose ones beliefs upon all is universal . Instead if one were a true believer in the "Book" and those who taught it, the emphasis would be on respect of the other's religion.
It should behoove anyone making decisions to take into account any impact on other involved individual's religious practices.