Today the New York times published an article regarding the removal of all religious books, videos, tapes and CD's from libraries in federal prisons. http://www.nytimes.com/2007/09/10/us/10prison.html?_r=1&hp&oref=slogin The reason for the removal off these materials, as directed by the Bureau of Prisons, is "justified" by the fear that they will promote extremist behavior, and cause prisons to be a breeding ground for terrorists. The answer that has come to those confused and angered by the removal of these materials has been the creation of lists of "approved materials." These lists contain 150 items (books, videos, etc) for each religious group.
I believe that the removal of these books is a disgusting act. The government has no right to keep books on religion from people who want them. The right to freedom of religion is not a right "bestowed upon us by our benevolent government" in the Bill of Rights, that right is God-given.
I have a problem with the government pre-approving literature. It is just a little too Big Brother fog me. I have always been critical of religious groups that try to ban certain literature as well. Ideas can only be presented on the written page they can not be carried out. Each individual person must make a rational decision to believe what they read or hear each day. Action comes from the individual, and not from the pages of the book. If we feel the need to live in fear so much that we continue to impede civil liberties (see Patriot Act) then God help us....
I believe that the removal of these books is a disgusting act. The government has no right to keep books on religion from people who want them. The right to freedom of religion is not a right "bestowed upon us by our benevolent government" in the Bill of Rights, that right is God-given.
I have a problem with the government pre-approving literature. It is just a little too Big Brother fog me. I have always been critical of religious groups that try to ban certain literature as well. Ideas can only be presented on the written page they can not be carried out. Each individual person must make a rational decision to believe what they read or hear each day. Action comes from the individual, and not from the pages of the book. If we feel the need to live in fear so much that we continue to impede civil liberties (see Patriot Act) then God help us....
1 Comments:
Interesting ... so does that mean that inmates are also not allowed to possess religious books and pass them around or let their cellmates read them? I agree - that is very Big-Brotherish ... unfortunately however, it's not the first time rights of inmates have been disregarded ...
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