Reply #10: My local encounter with theocrats [View All]

[david_vincent]

I was in the local stationery store having a map laminated. While I waited, somehow the subject of the separation of church and state came up as I chatted with the gray-haired little old lady at the counter. I can't remember the exact cause of the conversation, but it was something happening in that day's news - possibly the nonsense in Alabama about the 10 commandments statue. When the subject came up, I assumed that this nice lady, somebody's grandma, saw things the same way I do and was appalled by the idiocy of Roy Moore. But in a few moments, I was overcome by the horrid realization that she supported this kind of thing!
Taken aback, I responded to her with a quote: "The government of the United States of America is not in any way founded on the principles of the Christian religion." Then, to drive my point home, I added the name of the author. "John Adams!" I said to her. She stared at me, blank. "John Adams!" I repeated. Again, not the slightest sign of recognition. "JOHN ADAMS!!" I cried, but the name evidently meant nothing to her.
At this point, a young fellow who had been browsing the maps behind us came up to us and, completely ignoring me, leaned in toward the lady and said, "I'm sorry you had to hear that."
Yes, they're here and they're among us. That's why I chose the name "David Vincent" for my DU handle.