Overheard (September 2024)

Project 2025 is nothing less than a blueprint for returning America to Christian nationalist control.

Columnist Margaret Renkel, “Why are there neo-Nazis on the streets of Nashville?”

New York Times, 7-22-24

These are attacks on religious freedom. We are a constitutional republic which is a form of democracy, NOT a theocracy. More people across the U.S. need to start paying attention to what’s happening [in] Oklahoma.

Oklahoma state Rep. Mickey Dollens, who the FFRF Action Fund named as the “Secularist of the Week” for his outspoken opposition to the “Christian nationalist crusade” against Oklahoma’s secular public schools.

X, 7-24-24

Norman Public Schools is not going to have bibles in our classrooms and we are not going to require our teachers to teach from the bible. The standards are clear and our curriculum is very clear. And we’re not going to deviate from that.

Norman (Okla.) Public Schools Superintendent Nick Migliorino, in an op-ed calling out the mandate that bibles must be present and taught in every public school classroom. Migliorino was named FFRF Action Fund’s “Secularist of the Week” on July 18 for his comments.

Norman Transcript, 7-11-24

Since I turned 18, I have never missed a vote for president. If you don’t vote, you don’t get the right to complain. As President Obama says, “Don’t boo. Vote.” If you don’t know the facts, research them — that should apply in politics and life. Don’t ignore the local and state elections. As we’ve seen in recent years, school boards and libraries really matter.

Actress Leslie Uggams, in a personality profile article.

New York Times, 7-28-24

The plaintiffs are free to practice their religion, including the teaching of their religion as they see fit, but cannot require the state to subsidize their religious teachings if they conflict with state antidiscrimination law.

U.S. District Judge John Woodcock Jr., in his ruling that Maine didn’t violate the U.S. constitutional rights of religious schools by requiring them to abide by the state’s antidiscrimination law to receive taxpayer-funded tuition assistance.

Associated Press, 8-12-24