I guess I must put in a cent or two on the Alabama Ten Commandments thing. As opposed to the Chester County Ten Commandments thing, on which I've already commented. Which is why I feel the need to differentiate. L'havdil, as we say in the vernacular.
The Chester County plaque has been up for 80 years. It's a more or less permanent part of the courthouse wall and it's displayed off the street next to an entrance that's no longer used. And it wasn't put there for the express purpose of challenging the status quo or political pandering. For these and other sensible reasons, the Court of Appeals ruled that it could stay. Had the ruling gone the other way, however, I would not have been prostrating myself on the pavement in front of it, weeping and gnashing my teeth, nor would I have had the least bit of sympathy for those who were.
More to the point, I believe that this country's well-being relies heavily upon obedience to the (mostly just) rule of law. That's why it's so important for us to participate in the electoral process and keep tabs on the lawmakers we elect. And that's why it's so important that the balance of power between the legislative and judicial branches is carefully maintained. But the whole system only works so long as no one is above that law. Judge Roy Moore doesn't seem to get that. And that makes him a disgrace to both his profession and his country.
No, I have nothing to say that hasn't been said before and said better. I just didn't want to leave any doubt as to where I stood. As Meryl has pointed out, Mac Thomason probably has the most comprehensive coverage of this sorry episode from beginning to (hopefully) end. I also found an interesting little synopsis (from a slightly different point of view, perhaps) over here.
Ok, enough already. It's a holiday weekend. And it's not raining (yet). Better things to do.
Shabbat Shalom.
