|
|
Resources for Life |
| Reading Room | Resources for Life Home | QuickLinks© | Map | |
Government and Religion
Note: This document represents a liberal response to the recent initiative by President George W. Bush to provide federal funding for faith based social programs. It is provided here to offer a "View From the Left." The audio track of this skit is available for checkout from our library on CD format only.
A View From The Left...
Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert
"Headlines: Faith-Based Initiatives"
ÒThe
Daily ShowÓ
January 2001
Jon Stewart (JS): "Religious groups to receive federal money for social programs." President Bush says, "That's me in the corner funding my religion."
If you like church and state, and you can't choose between them, you are going to love George Bush's latest plan which allows religious groups to compete for billions of dollars in government grants.
The one major concern is whether or not religious charities will force people to convert in order to receive the social services. To which the answer is, of course, they will. I mean, after all, if Jesus keeps you from drinking why should Allah get the credit? I'll let that one work over the crowd for awhile.
Such initiatives could ultimately face a constitutional challenge in the Supreme Court. Though early word is Bush would win that challenge 5 to 4.
Bush explained his plan in simple terms, "My administration will look first at faith-based programs and community groups which have proven their power to save and change lives.'' Bush added, "For instance, uh, a faith-based alcohol and drug program could be very useful for a young man, say, from a wealthy family who hates his father and doesn't want to go into politics. I don't want to run, Papa, I don't. I want to run a baseball team. Papa, Papa, don't make me."
I don't know how I turned that into Yentl all of a sudden. "Papa, I don't want to."
Texas Congressman Chet Edwards said Bush's plan is tantamount to government endorsement of discrimination adding, "I don't want Bob Jones University to be able to take federal dollars for alcohol treatment programs and put out a sign that says, 'No Catholics or Jews need apply.'" A Bob Jones spokesman denied the accusation, saying that "Such a sign would render the campus zeppelin useless." [Video shows picture of zeppelin with the sign, "No Catholics or Jews need apply" painted on the side.] Not a lot of campuses have a zeppelin so that's a nice thing for them.
Now, obviously the Bush plan is a complicated one and to help provide some needed insight I'm joined now by veteran political correspondent, Stephen Colbert. Stephen, can you try and let us in on what's behind these initiatives from George W. Bush?
Stephen Colbert (SC): Well, Jon, this is an exciting new approach to fighting societal ills in our nation because, historically, government-religious partnerships have been a huge success. Take for example 15th Century Spain. They had a problem with a small segment of the population, so they established a broad base outreach program that efficiently identified and then eliminated the problem.
JS: I don't mean to interrupt, but aren't you, I think you are referring the Inquisition. I mean they tortured non-believers.
SC: Look, Jon, if you want to get hung up on labels, you can call it anything you want. The point is the Spanish government had a problem and they solved it with faith-based action. There is no reason we can't have the same results today. Look at Afghanistan. What a turnaround. No smoking, no drinking, no immodest dress, no unnecessary education for women.
JS: That's the Talaban. That is religious fanaticism.
SC: But, Jon, all religious fanaticism means is that youÕre a "fan" of religion. And the president just wants to see a little more of that here.
JS: Well, I think there's going to be some opposition to it.
SC: Sure. I mean the "constitution-huggers" should give him a little resistance.
JS: The First Amendment does address the separation of church and state.
SC: But, Jon, you've got to keep in mind, it was just the First Amendment. They didn't know what they were doing at that point. They were just ripping, you know. They got it right on the second one with the guns.
JS: I guess a case can be made that government funding of churches though is a bit of a slippery slope.
SC: Jon, it is not just about churches. It is about synagogues, and mosques, Idaho bunkers, and mysterious gated compounds. Even your friendly neighborhood coven. For instance, my local Church of Satan has a midnight basketball league where troubled teens can get off the street, shoot some hoops, and feast on the entrails of a newborn lamb to satiate the rapacious bloodlust of their sweet Lord Lucifer. The point is they get results, Jon. And as I read this proposal, they are going to get a little funding.
JS: That is quite a mouthful that goes on at the Church of Satan. I had no idea.
SC: And it's a tiny little church.
JS: It's a tiny church but lovely adjectives in that church.
SC: Absolutely.
JS: Let me ask you this though: You believe that these religious initiatives can replace our existing government social programs?
SC: Jon, government social programs are just handouts. If you give a man a fish, he'll eat for a day. But if you fund a religious organization to give a man a fish, he will eat as long as he shows up for morning services.
JS: Thank you, Stephen.
This page complies with Planning & Development Standards - Revision 20010209fr1010
Please use the QuickLinks© below to jump to another location. [Top of Page]
