"Any society that would give up a little liberty to gain a little security will deserve neither and lose both."
Ben Franklin
Taking away freedoms in this country voids the entire purpose of why we exist. As said before, it's a fine line we cross. It should continue to be debated and agrued over. Doing so creates a balance.
The ACLU may go a bit overboard sometimes, but it is better to file too many suits and get them thrown out than to not file enough. They have done many wonderful things for people in the past, and continue to do so.
Oh, and on the original post from Civic:
"Case in point, with former Arizona Governor Jane Hull. In 1998, then-Governor Hull issued a proclamation, declaring a "Bible Week" for her state. The ACLU immediately threatened to sue, claiming a violation of the so-called "separation of church and state." Rather than face a drawn-out legal battle, Hull backed down.
Two years later, the same Governor Hull issued another proclamation—this time commemorating the birth of Buddha. While many anticipated another threat of a lawsuit from the ACLU, none came. This time, an ACLU spokesperson said, "Although we may think proclamations are inappropriate, they may not violate the Constitution. "
Declaring a 'Bible Week' and simply observing an important figure are too completely different things. The governor as a person has the right to say whatever she pleases. However, she does NOT have the right to declare a 'Bible Week". More specifics on the story are needed. Please, share them with us.