The decision is obvious – It's amazing that America which has the highest rate of church goers also has the highest crime rates.

I agree FULLY - the end does not justify the means - as you can tell from the above comments.

Keep religion out of schools and politics. Just turn on the radio and and TV to see the hate and intolerance that abounds in theocratic societies.

I give if five as it shows up the Vatican for what it really is - a machine that is oiled by hate and hypocrisy

I hope Galileo didn't fall into that trap

But that's not patriotic...

O how true this is... and the more they control education the more they are able to manipulate the young and malleable minds of youth. The more we steer the young from political and philosophical discourse the more they can be controlled. The more a mind is educated the more they become Liberal and Liberalism is a dirty word in America.

Yes, so sadly true (e. it's also quote within a quote by Lord Acton). Last night, on a flight from Atlanta, I sat next to a returning soldier from Iraq he was a super chap but I experienced first hand essence of this quote.

They do the work of those who pay their salary and if not those who are ignorant.

How applicable this is considering the world's present government

I agree with Kevin

Reston, we need more people like you then perhaps sanity may return to these batted shores and yes, PEACE - well done. The human race has been the most damaging force to own home called Earth and its exactly this mentality that will bring about the demise of the human race.

Thank you Reston, don’t be intimidated by those less fortunate – it’s good to know other civilized people exist. How about a third amendment to change the second amendment – in the US more people are killed with their own guns. Who supplied Iran with the materials to build their nuclear plant? And who supplied Iraq with chemical weapons? You are the hypocrites not the Liberals.

I thought this may be woth repeating from the WEST WING (TELEVISION SHOW): Somebody came along and said 'liberal' means 'soft on crime, soft on drugs, soft on Communism, soft on defense, and we're gonna tax you back to the Stone Age because people shouldn't have to go to work if they don't want to.' And instead of saying, 'Well, excuse me, you right-wing, reactionary, xenophobic, homophobic, anti-education, anti-choice, pro-gun, Leave it to Beaver trip back to the '50s,' we cowered in the corner and said, 'Please don't hurt me.'

Obviously there are many who still use the word “Liberal” to denigrate and to throw aspersions and yet have no idea that they are talking rubbish – it’s liberals that have made this country what it is to day otherwise it would still be a third world sovereignty with gun-slingers shooting it out. I am absolutely amazed of the ignorance to the achievement of a liberal government. There are fundamentalists in every political persuasion. I love Liberals, they are mostly kind, thoughtful, fare, giving, and understanding of others differences – I sure prefer that to despots, and the far-right movements who only believe in immediate and personal satisfaction. It will be Liberals that save your … when the fascists come knocking on your door. Have a great weekend…

O how blind we are to the happiness of others especially with a gun tucked in our belt...

The need to defend yourself comes from the same need as your country's need to defend itself against aggressors - while this mentality exists peoples will be of the same inclination. Though I am against individuals carrying guns until nations do the same I see no progress with this ideal - it's really a matter of logic.

The use of this quote to demonstrate the correlation was unnecessary.

Bravo Clint. Unfortunately those on the front line that are meant to protect us don't need an MBA.

Everything breaths including the Bill of Rights and the Bible - nothing is for ever... Bill's quote may not have been the best chioces of words but the thought is good.

Did he mean the police or politicians when he said pigs? Unfortunately America is more divided than the government would have you believe - there is the right wing Christian fundamentalists, the fascists, the national wrack jobs, and so on and so on - or are they what he meant by Pigs. There are so many factions in America that the enemy may come from many fronts so perhaps the right to bear arms may have a point.

Bravo Dave - there's nothing wrong in an ordered chaos; it depends on who's doing the ordering.

Don't get me started...

If this is correct then why do we allow it today. And why do we not allow proportional representation in America. If an individual has over 3 million votes and not have a seat in governemnt is that right? (not that I agree with that particular persons political views)

Mike, I couldn't agree with you more, re; the souce and the quote. Yet, we are blind to this very act taking place today.