Inherent Theocracy? A Newly Revitalized Constitutional Trojan Horse

By David Trillo, guest writer

Newt Gingrich's flamboyant suggestions that the Executive Branch should merely ignore Supreme Court rulings at will and legally threaten judges who dare to uphold Constitutional freedom might be the hottest news in recent weeks. The under-reported truth, however, is that ideas like his are far from unique within the far right today.

Like shady insurance companies looking for every diabolical way to deny claims on what appear to be good indemnity policies, power-hungry politicians and special interest groups have been hatching ingenious schemes to evade or strip away the Constitution's protection of individual rights almost since the day it was ratified.

Let's take an extended look at this multi-partite war against the Constitution.

One early tactic that some within today's far right have resuscitated is the claim that state governments don't have to honor the Bill of Rights. Another tactic, championed by presidential candidate Michele Bachmann, is to take away the court's jurisdiction over their pet agenda issues.  The Conservative Caucus would combine both tactics. 

This column by Kristy Milligan appeared in The Gazette on 12/27/11.

Citizens Project, a local organization dedicated to promoting and protecting equality, diversity and religious freedom through the separation of church and state, supports Tim Tebow's right to celebrate God in the end zone.

That's the thing about the First Amendment. The free speech and exercise clauses protect every private citizen. Religious freedom means religious freedom.

Citizens Project also has no fundamental objection to students exercising their right to assemble, pray, or "Tebow" in the hallways of their public schools, assuming they comply with conduct codes and safety standards.

Amid all this "Tebowmania," however, we must draw an important distinction between the First Amendment rights of individuals and the responsibilities of government.

Read the entire column

Join Citizens Project at the 2012 Divine Award Celebration!

Please join us on February 2 as we present the 2012 Divine Award to Rosemary Harris Lytle, award-winning journalist, activist, Communications Director for ACLU of Colorado, and President of the local NAACP.   

In special recognition of Citizens Project's 20th anniversary, this year's celebration will present two additional awards: a Legacy Award to long-time Springs resident and activist Sharon Berthrong, and a Divine Organization Award to the Gay & Lesbian Fund for Colorado.

Thursday, February 2, 2012, 5-7pm

Free and open to the public, but $15 donation is recommended. RSVP or view the invitation. 

Open Door Democracy

Citizens Project is proud to support a new initiative called Open Door Democracy that seeks to empower voters and make democracy accessible in Colorado. 

We need your help in identifying and recommending polling locations for the 2012 general election! Have great ideas? Like Open Door Democracy on Facebook and make your voice heard on important election issues!

Save the Date: Citizens' Religious Freedom Institute

Citizens Project is proud to announce our third annual Citizens' Religious Freedom Institute, a one day seminar on how the First Amendment to the US Constitution protects religious freedom in public schools. For teachers, students, parents, administrators, staff, school board members, and open to the public.

Saturday March 10, 2012, 9am-5pm

Colorado College, Slocum Commons

In-service credit for teachers and graduate credit is available. Lunch, textbook and supplemental materials are provided to all participants.

Learn more

Happy New Year: Japanese Cultural Event

Saturday, January 21, 2012

Colorado College: Worner Student Center

more information

Educating Children of Color Summit

Exploring Diversity Issues Brownbag Series: The Loving Story

February 3, 2012

 12-2pm

Division J, West Tower of the Terry Harris Judicial Complex, 270 S. Tejon  

Black History Live

February 7, 2012

5:30-7:00pm

Stargazers Theatre

more information