My Own Political Party
by
Theresa Chaze
I’ve decided to start my own political party; it’s going to be called, “I have my own life and can mind my own business; you do the same.” In the past few years more and more people believe that it’s their duty to compel people to conform to the “flock’s” expectations. To them, anyone who is unique and different is considered a threat to society and must be converted, by force if necessary. Judge Bradford, Chief Judge of Marion Superior Court in Indiana is only the latest to impose his narrow views on others. Over stepping his authority he degreed that the parents, in the divorce case he was presiding over, could not expose their son to their Wiccan beliefs. Neither parent requested it, but Judge Bradford determined, without evidence, that their family religion was a threat to the child.
In the last election, the question of gay marriage was on many ballots. I fail to understand why so many people are threatened by the concept of loving people making a lasting, legal commitment to each other. More than the religious and romantic aspects, marriage is the connection that helps partners establish survivorship, child custody, and many other legal issues. So what’s the big deal? Who cares if it is a man and a woman, two men, two women or a commune? In Genesis, marriage is defined as a man and one or more women. In addition, the official marriage shall not interfere with the man having as many concubines as he can afford. It’s a little different than what the right wing religious fanatics are promoting. Instead of reinforcing and strengthening the sense of community, they are selectively isolating smaller groups in order to put them at a disadvantage legally and economically, so they can more efficiently coerce them into changing their religious path.
Another example is the pharmacists for life. Across the country, pharmacists have started forcing their beliefs on others, specifically women, by refusing to fill their birth control or morning after pill prescriptions. They claim they have the religious authority and legal right to not to fill prescriptions they consider immoral. Many believe that they should have the right to do so, that the women can simply take their business elsewhere. But this is not always true. In smaller towns, there are frequently only one pharmacy. In the case of the morning after pill, there is a time factor to be considered; there is only a small window of opportunity for the medication to prevent pregnancy. In addition, using their logic, anyone who disagreed with a medication could refuse to supply it. Several religions believe that faith and prayer are the only way to deal with illness. They could just as easily claim religious exception when they are asked to fill heart medication or insulin, offering instead to pray for the person’s healing.
At Arlington National Cemetery, all other religions can have their symbols at the gravesites, however pentacles, representing the Wiccan and Pagan religions are forbidden. Both religions are legally recognized, yet those who gave the ultimate sacrifice for their country are denied the right to use their holy symbols. In Oregon Township in Michigan, a family moved into a new home. The neighbors learned they followed the Wiccan path and tried to force them out of the area. They claimed to be afraid the family would practice animal sacrifice. In Interlochen, Michigan a small occult bookstore opened only to have their storefront and cars damaged. Why? Because a local Christian Church felt threatened by the witches who owned it. A couple of years ago in Texas, a woman owning a new aged store was driven out of town by a fanatical Christian group. She moved to another town and they followed her, continuing their threats of violence. In Lancaster, CA, a small group was celebrating Beltane behind their new age store. It was private property, yet a group of Christians roared up in their pickups, blaring Christian music and physically threatened them. In all cases, the legal system either delayed acting or never acted at all.
So where does it end? Can doctors refused to treat someone whose life style they find objectionable? Can paramedics leave someone untreated for the same reason? Can one group bully others because they are afraid of what they believe or what they could possible do? Where is the line between enjoying the freedom religion or free speech and harassing others? It’s actually very simple. You may speak out and say whatever you wish, but the moment your actions affect others, you have crossed the line. Talking and sharing information, then listening to the other side brings communication and understanding. Violence and threats of violence create disrespect, fear, and dishonor. There is an old say, I don’t know who originally said it, but it’s true--you can force another to change their outward behavior, but you can never force another to change what’s in their heart. So believe what is true to you and live your life honorably, helping when asked--but beyond that mind your own business. One spiritual path does not discount the validity of another. Love can only be defined by those involved in the relationship. Medical decisions, whether traditional, natural or experimental, are to be made by the individual, not by a committee or by society. If we all follow these simple rules, then we can come together in peace.