# Idiotic Left-Baiting in the Missouri Legislature **URL:** \ **Category:** The BBQ Pit\ **Created:** [March 9, 2006, 7:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/idiotic-left-baiting-in-the-missouri-legislature/347725 "2006-03-09T19:21:09Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Homebrew](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/c89c15/32.png) [@Homebrew](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Homebrew)\ **Post date:** [March 9, 2006, 7:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/idiotic-left-baiting-in-the-missouri-legislature/347725/1 "2006-03-09T19:21:09Z")
State representative David Sater of Cassville has introduced legisltation to [recognize Christianity as the recognized majority religion](http://www.house.mo.gov/bills061/biltxt/intro/HCR0013I.htm) of the state and nation. I think it’s a disgusting ploy. He has to know it won’t pass Constitutional muster. His goal is to force the ACLU or other liberal groups to fight the bill so that he can then claim oppression. It’s crass and vile. > [@](#): > > SECOND REGULAR SESSION > House Concurrent Resolution No. 13 > 93RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY > 4572L.02I > > Whereas, our forefathers of this great nation of the United > States recognized a Christian God and used the principles afforded to us > by Him as the founding principles of our nation; and > > Whereas, as citizens of this great nation, we the majority > also wish to exercise our constitutional right to acknowledge our Creator > and give thanks for the many gifts provided by Him; and > > Whereas, as elected officials we should protect the majority’s > right to express their religious beliefs while showing respect for those > who object; and > > Whereas, we wish to continue the wisdom imparted in the > Constitution of the United States of America by the founding fathers; and > > Whereas, we as elected officials recognize that a Greater > Power exists above and beyond the institutions of mankind: > > Now, therefore, be it resolved by the members of the House of > Representatives of the Ninety-third General Assembly, Second Regular > Session, the Senate concurring therein, that we stand with the majority of > our constituents and exercise the common sense that voluntary prayer in > public schools and religious displays on public property are not a > coalition of church and state, but rather the justified recognition of the > positive role that Christianity has played in this great nation of ours, > the United States of America. ---
**Author:** ![Kyla](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/eada6e/32.png) [@Kyla](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kyla)\ **Post date:** [March 9, 2006, 7:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/idiotic-left-baiting-in-the-missouri-legislature/347725/2 "2006-03-09T19:26:07Z")
That’s…really dumb. But I don’t get how the fact that there’s no way this will go through could be construed as oppression. I mean, it’s _unconstitutional_. Why does David Sater of Cassville hate the Constitution? ---
**Author:** ![Xan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/x/ac8455/32.png) [@Xan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Xan)\ **Post date:** [March 9, 2006, 7:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/idiotic-left-baiting-in-the-missouri-legislature/347725/3 "2006-03-09T19:29:17Z")
[QUOTE=Kyla] That’s…really dumb. But I don’t get how the fact that there’s no way this will go through could be construed as oppression. I mean, it’s _unconstitutional_. Why does David Sater of Cassville hate the Constitution? [/QUOTE] Because it keeps him from oppressing others. ---
**Author:** ![Kyla](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/eada6e/32.png) [@Kyla](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kyla)\ **Post date:** [March 9, 2006, 7:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/idiotic-left-baiting-in-the-missouri-legislature/347725/4 "2006-03-09T19:35:09Z")
[QUOTE=Xan] Because it keeps him from oppressing others. [/QUOTE] Well, yeah…but then he goes on about how great America is. The America whose laws are based on the Constitution that will not permit his stupid bill to be passed! Really dumb. ---
**Author:** ![Homebrew](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/c89c15/32.png) [@Homebrew](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Homebrew)\ **Post date:** [March 9, 2006, 7:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/idiotic-left-baiting-in-the-missouri-legislature/347725/5 "2006-03-09T19:40:08Z")
[QUOTE=Kyla] That’s…really dumb. But I don’t get how the fact that there’s no way this will go through could be construed as oppression. [/QUOTE] Because if the ACLU comes out against the resolution, then he can go back to the hoosiers in the hinterlands and shout from the rooftops how he tried to get the state to recognize their faith and allow their Baby Jesus displays on the lawn at the Courthouse but he was stopped by those evil, godless _liberals_. It’s the same oppression that Christians suffer throughout the U.S. None. It’s in their heads. But that doesn’t stop them from claiming it exists or that there is a War on Christmas. Search for _Christian persecution in America_ on Google and see what you get. ---
**Author:** ![Giant\_Spongess](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/94ad74/32.png) [@Giant\_Spongess](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Giant_Spongess)\ **Post date:** [March 9, 2006, 7:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/idiotic-left-baiting-in-the-missouri-legislature/347725/6 "2006-03-09T19:50:48Z")
Gah, I’m going to go froth at the mouth and chew on some carpet, now. Though it’s nice to see some really crazy bullshit legislation coming from somewhere besides Utah, for once. ---
**Author:** ![Homebrew](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/c89c15/32.png) [@Homebrew](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Homebrew)\ **Post date:** [March 9, 2006, 7:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/idiotic-left-baiting-in-the-missouri-legislature/347725/7 "2006-03-09T19:53:11Z")
[QUOTE=Giant\_Spongess] Gah, I’m going to go … chew on some carpet, now. [/QUOTE] I didn’t know you were a lesbian. ---
**Author:** ![Captain\_Amazing](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/6de8d8/32.png) [@Captain\_Amazing](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Captain_Amazing)\ **Post date:** [March 9, 2006, 8:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/idiotic-left-baiting-in-the-missouri-legislature/347725/8 "2006-03-09T20:06:41Z")
[QUOTE=Kyla] \ I mean, it’s _unconstitutional_. [/QUOTE] I don’t know if it is unconstitutional, just because it doesn’t seem to do anything. I mean, if it said something like “voluntary prayer in public schools and religious displays on public property are not a coalition of church and state and therefore public schools shall have daily prayer”, then it probably would be unconstitutional. But this resolution doesn’t seem to do make or prohibit anyone from doing anything, therefore it doesn’t affect anybody, and therefore nobody has standing to challenge its constitutionality. ---
**Author:** ![Kyla](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/eada6e/32.png) [@Kyla](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kyla)\ **Post date:** [March 9, 2006, 8:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/idiotic-left-baiting-in-the-missouri-legislature/347725/9 "2006-03-09T20:13:17Z")
[QUOTE=HomebrewIt’s the same oppression that Christians suffer throughout the U.S. None. It’s in their heads. But that doesn’t stop them from claiming it exists or that there is a War on Christmas. Search for _Christian persecution in America_ on Google and see what you get.[/QUOTE] I know, I know, but it’s so damn stupid I can’t even bring myself to get upset. Like a crazy guy ranting on a streetcorner with a cardboard sign. Maybe if I lived in Missouri, or if this had any chance of passing, I’d get more worked up. As it is, all I can do is say “that’s…really dumb”. ---
**Author:** ![Marley23](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/45deac/32.png) [@Marley23](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Marley23)\ **Post date:** [March 9, 2006, 8:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/idiotic-left-baiting-in-the-missouri-legislature/347725/10 "2006-03-09T20:17:04Z")
[QUOTE=Captain Amazing] I don’t know if it is unconstitutional, just because it doesn’t seem to do anything. [/QUOTE] So he’s trying to be provocative, but still a coward. 😉 It probably doesn’t mean anything and wouldn’t do anything. But we know what the spirit of the resolution is, and it’s aggravating to say the least. To borrow from common political speak, he’s being “divisive.” Or trolling, if you will. ---
**Author:** ![John\_Mace](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/john_mace/32/185_2.png) [@John\_Mace](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John_Mace)\ **Post date:** [March 9, 2006, 8:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/idiotic-left-baiting-in-the-missouri-legislature/347725/11 "2006-03-09T20:23:41Z")
[QUOTE=Homebrew] State representative David Sater of Cassville has introduced legisltation to [recognize Christianity as the recognized majority religion](http://www.house.mo.gov/bills061/biltxt/intro/HCR0013I.htm) of the state and nation. I think it’s a disgusting ploy. He has to know it won’t pass Constitutional muster. His goal is to force the ACLU or other liberal groups to fight the bill so that he can then claim oppression. It’s crass and vile. [/QUOTE] Not necessarily. It might be even worse. As I said in the GD thread on this issue, it might be that he wants to have some political opponents on record as being “anti-Christian” if this goes to a vote. Then he, and other Republicans, can use that against them in the upcoming election. I doubt very seriously that he just wants to stir up the ACLU. BTW, it might not be unconstitutional since it doesn’t really do anything. But you never know. The Suprremes could decide that this is like posting the 10 Commandments in a courthouse, and rule it unconstitutional. It sure does create a climate of intolerance toward non-Christian religions. ---
**Author:** ![Cervaise](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cervaise/32/16693_2.png) [@Cervaise](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cervaise)\ **Post date:** [March 9, 2006, 9:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/idiotic-left-baiting-in-the-missouri-legislature/347725/12 "2006-03-09T21:39:20Z")
[QUOTE=Captain Amazing] I don’t know if it is unconstitutional, just because it doesn’t seem to do anything. [/QUOTE] That’s the beauty of it. ---
**Author:** ![Left\_Hand\_of\_Dorkness](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/left_hand_of_dorkness/32/7156_2.png) [@Left\_Hand\_of\_Dorkness](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Left_Hand_of_Dorkness)\ **Post date:** [March 9, 2006, 9:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/idiotic-left-baiting-in-the-missouri-legislature/347725/13 "2006-03-09T21:55:13Z")
It doesn’t do anything. I wonder if this would be ripe for a poison pill amendment? Daniel ---
**Author:** ![Mayo\_Speaks](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/c57346/32.png) [@Mayo\_Speaks](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mayo_Speaks)\ **Post date:** [March 9, 2006, 9:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/idiotic-left-baiting-in-the-missouri-legislature/347725/14 "2006-03-09T21:56:58Z")
[QUOTE=Homebrew] State representative David Sater of Cassville has introduced legisltation to [recognize Christianity as the recognized majority religion](http://www.house.mo.gov/bills061/biltxt/intro/HCR0013I.htm) of the state and nation. I think it’s a disgusting ploy. He has to know it won’t pass Constitutional muster. His goal is to force the ACLU or other liberal groups to fight the bill so that he can then claim oppression. It’s crass and vile. [/QUOTE] Here’s what some Missouri Legislature needs to introduce counter-recognitions: establish women as the “recognized majority gender,” dogs as the “recognized majority canine,” grandparents as the “recognized majority child-spoilers,” poor people as the “recognized majority socio-economic status,” etc. The stupider the better. Then, any legislator who votes against that hates women, dogs, grandma and Grandpa and poor people. The attack ads will write themselves! Seriously, though. This is Colbert Report-esque. ---
**Author:** ![Terrifel](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/c68b51/32.png) [@Terrifel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Terrifel)\ **Post date:** [March 9, 2006, 9:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/idiotic-left-baiting-in-the-missouri-legislature/347725/15 "2006-03-09T21:58:48Z")
Maybe someone could introduce legislation to revoke the letter ‘C’ from the name of Rep. David Sater’s hometown. ---
**Author:** ![Mayo\_Speaks](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/c57346/32.png) [@Mayo\_Speaks](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mayo_Speaks)\ **Post date:** [March 9, 2006, 10:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/idiotic-left-baiting-in-the-missouri-legislature/347725/16 "2006-03-09T22:01:48Z")
[QUOTE=This space intentionally blank] **Here’s what some Missouri Legislature needs to** introduce counter-recognitions: establish women as the “recognized majority gender,” dogs as the “recognized majority canine,” grandparents as the “recognized majority child-spoilers,” poor people as the “recognized majority socio-economic status,” etc. The stupider the better. Then, any legislator who votes against that hates women, dogs, grandma and Grandpa and poor people. The attack ads will write themselves! Seriously, though. This is Colbert Report-esque. [/QUOTE] Let’s try that bolded part again: **“Here’s what someone in the Missouri Legislature needs to do:”** Sorry about that. ---
**Author:** ![saoirse](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/5daacb/32.png) [@saoirse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/saoirse)\ **Post date:** [March 10, 2006, 1:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/idiotic-left-baiting-in-the-missouri-legislature/347725/17 "2006-03-10T01:02:30Z")
[QUOTE=This space intentionally blank] This is Colbert Report-esque. [/QUOTE] How do you pronounce that? ---
**Author:** ![John\_Mace](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/john_mace/32/185_2.png) [@John\_Mace](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John_Mace)\ **Post date:** [March 10, 2006, 1:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/idiotic-left-baiting-in-the-missouri-legislature/347725/18 "2006-03-10T01:18:26Z")
[QUOTE=saoirse] How do you pronounce that? [/QUOTE] Stooooopid! 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![tomndebb](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/b9e5f3/32.png) [@tomndebb](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tomndebb)\ **Post date:** [March 10, 2006, 1:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/idiotic-left-baiting-in-the-missouri-legislature/347725/19 "2006-03-10T01:46:19Z")
[QUOTE=Homebrew] then he can go back to the hoosiers in the hinterlands [/QUOTE] I seriously doubt that a state legislator from Missouri has any interest in talking to people in the hinterlands of Indiana (at least until some future date when he runs for national office). Here is the **GD** thread: [Bye bye nonestablishment clause?](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=361481). ---
**Author:** ![saoirse](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/5daacb/32.png) [@saoirse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/saoirse)\ **Post date:** [March 10, 2006, 2:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/idiotic-left-baiting-in-the-missouri-legislature/347725/20 "2006-03-10T02:56:23Z")
[QUOTE=tomndebb] I seriously doubt that a state legislator from Missouri has any interest in talking to people in the hinterlands of Indiana (at least until some future date when he runs for national office). Here is the **GD** thread: [Bye bye nonestablishment clause?](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=361481). [/QUOTE] I believe **Tom** is unaware that “Hoosier” is a derisive term for unsophisticated hicks in Missouri. Unsophisticated hicks who have money are called “Hooseoisie.” [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/idiotic-left-baiting-in-the-missouri-legislature/347725.md?page=2)