The Carroll County Commissioners open their twice-weekly meetings with heads bowed in prayer. Robin Bartlett Frazier began a recent session with words from Joshua in the Old Testament and her hope that the board would "be strong and of good courage in Jesus' name."
Not everyone is saying "amen."
At the same meeting, Union Bridge resident Judy Smith publicly criticized the board. "You are elected officials," she said. "You should not display your religion publicly."
Public prayer is just one of the issues that is defining this five-member, all-Republican board, all but one a newcomer to governance. They were swept into office on the tea party wave last year after a campaign that emphasized property rights and an opposition to many environmental initiatives, affordable housing and public transportation in a county where more than half the workforce commutes to jobs outside its borders.
"We don't want subways or metro buses," said Richard Rothschild, one of the new commissioners. "They are conduits for crime. That's not politically correct, but it is factually substantiated."
Are these invocations said before or after the "call to order?" This is all important.It is also a simple and intelligent way to smooth this controversy.
ReplyDeleteBy simply placing any prayer or scripture before the call nullifies the argument that it is "legally sanctioned." The people who want to participate may, and those who don't can wait respectfully or in the hall if they are uncomfortable. It is a "win-win."
By asking clergy of different faiths to rotate the honor--Voila! A community is strengthened instead of divided.
I wish the Salisbury city council had thought of this.
Richard Rothschild is right it is called the rob and ride for a reason. A total waste of taxpayers money for redistribution reason only
ReplyDelete