One peculiarity of yesterday's statewide primary in Texas is that the Republican ballot included not only candidate races but also ballot propositions. These are non-binding of course – we can't let members of one party determine state law – but they do reflect the viewpoints of their party's voters on issues they would like to see become public policy. One of the gems up for a vote yesterday was Ballot Proposition 4 – Public Acknowledgment of God:
The use of the word “God”, prayers, and the Ten Commandments should be allowed at public gatherings and public educational institutions, as well as be permitted on government buildings and property.
It's hard to say what's worse here, the misleading language – after all, God and prayers are "allowed" in all of those places so long as they do not constitute government speech or imply government endorsement- or the political cynicism that would try to drive voters to your party by giving them hot-button, sensationalized religious themes at the ballot box. (Want to "acknowledge God"? You must be right for our party!)
Dividing citizens between the religious and non-religious is a sad political strategy, bad for our politics and our religion alike. It replaces serious discussion about church-state issues and the role of faith in government with a false choice and a foolish contest, over who loves God more.
The measure passed, by the way, 95%-5%.
