Religious whacko congresswoman...(Democrat!)

[Archae]

Yup, even in the ranks of the democrats, there are religious nuts.

Rep. Monique Davis (D-Chicago) interrupted atheist activist Rob Sherman during his testimony Wednesday afternoon before the House State Government Administration Committee in Springfield and told him, “What you have to spew and spread is extremely dangerous . . . it’s dangerous for our children to even know that your philosophy exists!

“This is the Land of Lincoln where people believe in God,” Davis said. “Get out of that seat . . . You have no right to be here! We believe in something. You believe in destroying! You believe in destroying what this state was built upon.”

Apparently it’s still open season on some views of God.

Outside of Change of Subject, where I posted a transcript and the audio, Davis’ repellent, un-American outburst received no attention whatsoever. (h/t Michael)

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/chi-change_atheist_bd06apr06,0,1260452.story

[mac2]

1. It's not just Republicans who are religious nuts....Democrats

are getting on the record to be like Obama. They don't stop the Faith Based Funding since they get votes and money out of it. I call it "religious cronyism"

The area outside Chicago is called a Bible Belt. There has been an attempt to hold school prayer in the Illinois public schools. Churches want to run their own candidates for office. With their wealth since Faith Based dollars...I see with Obama and Davis this might just come true.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monique_Davis
http://www.votesmart.org/bio.php?can_id=6317

Emm...see she's a member of the same church denomination as Obama. A very rich church maybe who gives money to her campaign?

There is a religious war going on in this country by the various clergy (and Obama). They very much want those public tax dollars. Who will rule could lead to religious wars.

Sherman should have answered her by saying her use of her God in the house of the people violates the Illinois State Constitution. She's the one who should resign. If we want a democracy (and freedom of religion) for children in the future we have to keep religion out of the state chambers.

[xchrom]

3. religiosity is the new 'cool'-aid. nt

[ZombieHorde]

17. New?

[LanternWaste]

51. I think big screen TV's and gaming console systems...

I think big screen TV's and gaming console systems have knocked religion from the number one spot in that regard...

[mrreowwr_kittty]

5. Unlike Hillary Clinton, who doesn't belong to a creepy powerful prayer cult oh wait....

She does.

http://thecurrent.theatlantic.com/archives/2008/03/clinton-fellowship.php


Your point?

[mitchtv]

7. Excellent defense

typical

[mrreowwr_kittty]

9. It was a typical attack I was responding to.

What's your point?

I mean, other than, "It's always different when Her Majesty does it" ?

[mitchtv]

10. Your point?

"Please let me change the subject".
I don't care what the Clintons do/did/will do;that's not a defense.

[mrreowwr_kittty]

47. "I don't care what the Clintons do/did/will do..." Of course you don't. nt

[mitchtv]

50. Maybe I should say in the context of the woman you are "defending"

HRC did not make her do it. You gave no defense other than the typical Republican one: "the Clintons did it too" I surely am not about to defend that Methodist, HRC. another republican meme "you are not with us there fore you love Hillary". She is my second to the last choice

[MonkeyFunk]

21. Can you name any instance

where you think Clinton's used her religion to attack people, like the assemblywoman in the OP did?

The fact is, Clinton does not belong to some right-wing cult, and she's not a theocrat nor a fundamentalist. She prays with some people who are, though.

[mrreowwr_kittty]

46. First, can you explain to me how Obama is responsible for that woman's comments?

Second, can you explain to me why Hillary Clinton fought for a Workplace Religious Freedom Bill, which among other things would allow pharmacists to refuse to fill prescriptions if it conflicted with their religious values?

[ikojo]

55. So one who just happens to pray with

someone affiliated with al queda, isn't really suspect? Tell that to some being held prisoner in Gitmo.

[Fireweed247]

2. we must take back the Democratic Party

We must be able to look at ourselves as a party, and work to make the Democratic Party one that JFK, MLK and RFK would be proud of.
www.peacecandidates.com

[mac2]

4. A party of "We the people" who believe in the Constitution.

[Bluenorthwest]

6. Democrats have gone Fundy

And it worked out so well for the GOP! This new trend of religious dogma being injected into the Democratic Party needs to end.
I for one see it as hypocritical now when Democrats attack the GOP for being alligned with religious wackos. Look who's talking, the Party of McClurkin and Caldwell and Davis and Dubois and so many other nasty opprotunists.

[OwnedByFerrets]

8. I tend to believe that athiest are

one of the most discriminated groups in Murika.

[mac2]

32. No worry they let you believe in worshiping that tree.

[SeattleGirl]

11. Shit! "Get out of that seat"???

To steal a line from the McCarthy ear, "At last, have you no shame?"

[mac2]

33. Which one?

The non-believer who has a right to his speech and thoughts or the Constitutional breaker who forces her's on others?

[Lennon]

12. Its Dangerous For Children To Know Atheism Exists

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=214x168215

Audio
http://blogs.chicagotribune.com/news_columnists_ezorn/files/DAVIS.mp3

:)

[mac2]

34. Like violence, torture, and death?

No one gets upset about that today.

[Solon]

13. Its possible that he may be able to sue her for this...

I'm not sure, but it sounds like he was there to testify before a committee in an official capacity, and she interrupted him and at least attempted to get him thrown out. That's a blatant violation of the First Amendment, and he may be able to at least personally sue her because of her discriminatory attitude while acting in an official capacity.

[BuyingThyme]

14. No chance.

Take my word for it.

[Solon]

15. I don't know about that, even Conservative Judges take a dim view...

of religious discrimination, even when it involves Atheists. Of course, the first hurdle would be whether he has legal standing to sue, I'm no lawyer, but an elected official can't discriminate against people based on religion, or the lack thereof, especially if the person in question is called to testify before an elected government committee. If this woman wants to rail against atheists in campaign rallies, etc. that's fine, but when working as a government employee, she should follow the Constitutions of both the United States and the State of Illinois.

I'm not saying he would be successful, and even if he failed, he could tie her up with legal fees defending herself, that's something.

[Irishonly]

40. I wish he could

I have no clue if he could because I am not a lawyer. I despise what fundamentalists have done to our country and also to religion. As an American and also as a liberal Christian her words gall me. No deserves to have someone's beliefs shoved down their throat and absolutely no one should be criticized for their beliefs. I am so tired of having to say that I am not a Christian like Bush and now there's a democrat prostituting my faith. Many liberal Christians call themselves spiritual and when incidents like this happen it just is shameful. I wish she could be recalled and/or lose her seat but I fear she used religion to get power.

[gmudem]

16. This woman needs to be thrown out of her job

She clearly has never read a word of the Constitution. What an idiot.

[Freddie Stubbs]

18. This post is bullshit. There is no Congresswoman named Monique Davis:

http://www.house.gov/house/MemberWWW_by_State.shtml

[Behind the Aegis]

19. State

Representative Monique D. Davis (D)

[Freddie Stubbs]

20. That's not a Congresswoman

[SeattleGirl]

22. So Illinois doesn't have a congress?

:shrug:

[MonkeyFunk]

23. State legislators aren't referred to as congresspeople

they're state assemblymembers or state senators, usually.

[SeattleGirl]

24. Okay, thanks.

For as much of a civics/political geek as I am, I didn't realize that. :blush:

[Behind the Aegis]

25. No, she is not.

However, the post is not "bullshit," just the title. The rest of the story is accurate and is only "bullshit" in that in this day and age, we have politicians arguing over stuff like this.

[mac2]

35. Davis is a IL State Representative

http://www.votesmart.org/bio.php?can_id=6317

A member of the religious education board and member of The United Church of Christ. Think she has self interest in mind?

[readmoreoften]

26. But we should vote for her because the shadow of a greater evil hangs over her seat?

All I have to say is: thank god GWB doesn't have one or two moderate viewpoints that would allow him to be a conservative dem. Can you imagine having to argue that we have to vote for GWB because he could be replaced by a greater evil?

[KharmaTrain]

27. Rob Sherman Is A Moron

I've known Rob for over 25 years...he's a real work. For years he was the local chapter of American Atheists and was tight with the O'Hairs. Then he went on his own...all sorts of legal troubles...including beating his kid. We laughed cause while Rob plays Mr. Atheist, his wife is very active in the Jewish community. Go figger....

Rob's number one passion is getting face time on the tube. Looks like he's got some again. Mention Rob's name around Chicago and prepare to hear laughter.

[Bluenorthwest]

31. I never do this

But if you are going to accuse someone of beating his kids, a link is in order, or at least something other than a declaration of a stranger. That is one hell of a thing to say without back up for it.

[KharmaTrain]

39. From Rob's Own Site...

Read into as you will...

http://www.robsherman.com/information/aboutrob.htm

My fame results from my success in getting many practices by government and private business changed without going to court. My effectiveness results from my spotless reputation and from my ability to politely but firmly identify differences between the positive intent of public or private policy and the negative effect that those policies inadvertently have. By offering constructive solutions that would result in a positive effect and address the economic impact of those changes, and by working with government officials and business leaders rather than issuing press releases that criticize them or their policies, I have become highly regarded for my effectiveness while maintaining an impeccable and flawless personal reputation. Attempts to smear my reputation with false rumors and fake convictions have completely failed to tarnish my image in any way, whatsoever. The local State Court, widely known in the community as the House of Fraud, has proclaimed me guilty, on many occasions, for supposedly violating state statutes and municipal ordinances, but I have never been accused of doing anything that actually constitutes a violation of those statutes and ordinances. Sometimes the accusation and conviction is for the crime of "We don't have to tell you what the accusation is," such as when I was arrested, convicted and sent to jail for supposedly causing bodily harm to my 16-year-old son. I've never caused bodily harm to any one, but more significantly, I've never even been accused of doing anything which constitutes bodily harm. None of that matters when you're dealing with the House of Fraud, where conflict of interest is the only thing that matters. In this scam, an area Republican Party Chairman filed charges against me in behalf of the head of a local Boy Scouts troop, shortly after I successfully sued the Boy Scouts troop leader for illegal discrimination in the use of public funds. When I repeatedly asked the Republican Party Chairman, during the trial, what bodily harm was he alleging that I caused my son, the answer was always, "I don't have to tell you." The judge turned out to be the Republican Party Chairman's former law partner and someone who was about to run for public office as a Republican, so naturally I was convicted and sent to jail, but neither the Republican Party Chairman, the head of the Boy Scouts nor the judge who was the former law partner of the Republican Party Chairman, have ever accused me of actually doing anything that constitutes a crime, since I've never committed a crime. The conviction was completely fake, and everybody in the community knew it, so the fake conviction only served to change my reputation in the community from that of being an advocate for good government to that of being a martyr for good government. Sometimes the accusations and convictions are for things that are completely legal, such as driving a commercial vehicle on the roadway. (Huh? No, it's not illegal to drive a commercial vehicle on the roadway. That's why people buy license plates, but I've had charges filed against me, repeatedly, for driving my commercial vehicle on the same roadway that all other commercial vehicles drive on legally.) Sometimes, in fact, charges are filed against me for things that are simply fictitious, such as improper parking of a recreational vehicle. I don't own a recreational vehicle and never have. I'm a law abiding citizen, so when charges are filed against me for unspecified accusations, things that are completely legal or things that are completely fictitious, don't take it seriously. It's all fake. When convictions on those baseless and fake charges are rendered against me by the House of Fraud, on the basis that a person loses his presumption of innocence upon conviction and that, therefore, I have to create an accusation against myself and confess to it, or else be sent to jail for "not cooperating with the efforts of the court to help me," don't take it seriously. It's all fake. It's all part of being a successful social activist. It's simply government's feeble and, ultimately, futile attempts to intimidate me, but as you can see, the fake arrests and the fake convictions haven't slowed me down one iota.

This occured in the early 90's...buried in the Google of lots of other things he's been involved in.

Read into Rob's explanation as you will...

[klyon]

49. and people wonder what Obama's pastor was speaking about?

I assume this guy is white, he would have been lynched if black for speaking out in the past

[mac2]

36. His district chose him

and he has a rigth to speak without having his non-religious beliefs attacked.

[KharmaTrain]

41. Agreed...And Trust Me He Gets His Word Out

If anyone knows the First Ammendment and how to make a lot of noise with it, it's Rob. I have a bunch of Rob Sherman stories about his radio exploits...going back to the 80's...many in the Chicago area have heard him many times. I have always admired his convictions...but there's a self-serving side here as well.

[mac2]

42. We Democrats deserve better.

People aren't going to vote for a Republican so he keeps his seat.

[spanone]

28. who the fuck does she think she is?

[goddess40]

29. The religiously whacked are trying to force atheists back in the closet

They are afraid and are lashing out.

[mac2]

38. Church membership is down in some "tradition" church groups

Bush is funding and supporting them or many would not be there period.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Demographics_of_the_United_States#Religious_affiliation You see the non-demnominational groups are growing very fast? I call them "box churches". I wonder where they got the money to grow so fast and so large?

[Marrah_G]

30. She should be arrested for violating his civil rights.

[mac2]

37. And the Constitution.

[hootinholler]

52. I think that would be a civil action, but I like the sentiment.

Clearly the witness should sue.

-Hoot

[GreenPartyVoter]

54. For slander, too.

[QueenOfCalifornia]

43. Holy Bat Shit

Why do some people (most people?) insist on having an imaginary friend to blame everything on or to credit everything with?

Religion is what is dangerous.

Not the lack thereof.

I have never read about a war started over the lack of a theology....

[mac2]

44. The atheists in Germany hid and saved many Jews.

They seem to have more compassion than the religious groups (who supported Hitler).

I just hope Ms. Davis doesn't need them to help her when the brown shirts come marching down the street for her.

"When fascism comes to America it will be wrapped in the flag and carrying a cross." -- Sinclair Lewis

[riderinthestorm]

45. Can you imagine if an atheist attacked Ms. Davis' christianity?

The horrors!! The assault on Christians and Christianity would be all over the airwaves, Bill O'Reilly leading the charge! Can you imagine the repercussions if someone had told Ms. Davis about her christianity “What you have to spew and spread is extremely dangerous . . . it’s dangerous for our children to even know that your philosophy exists!" ?

But this woman's rant? Virtually nada in the public sphere. For anyone who dares, dares! to challenge atheists when they try to articulate just how difficult it is to exist in the current US uber-religious culture, this story from Chicago illustrates it in a nutshell. That this woman believes, nay KNOWS that she can get up there in the people's house and holler this stuff and get away with it with impunity - hell she probably got applause! - well, that's just it isn't it?

And politicians' persistent and growing embrace of uber-religiosity in their campaigns and public office is very, very disturbing. Because imho, it leads to bullshit like this.

[mac2]

48. We'd all have to wear a cross when being near him.

I agree it would be a horror is she was attacked by him for her religious cronyism.

[pleah]

53. She will be on KO's worst person in the world tonight.

What an idiot.