As Andy Rooney might say, “Did you ever wonder how far out of the mainstream your own views were? “

Try this: Sixty-five percent of Americans believe that the nation's founders intended the U.S. to be a Christian nation and 55% believe that the Constitution establishes a Christian nation.

That comes directly from a report by the First Amendment Center based on their own survey. Think it through. More than half of Americans think the Constitution establishes Christianity and two-thirds think this is what the Founders intended.

So if you’re reading this, or if you ever find yourself nodding in agreement with Sheila Kennedy, it’s important to remember that you’re pushing a square rock up a hill.

There’s more: Only 56% think freedom of religion extends to all religious groups, no matter how extreme. About three-fourths—74%--would prevent high school students from wearing t-shirts with slogans that might be offensive (whatever that means).

There’s a little good news for civil libertarians. “Only” 34% think the press has too much freedom—remarkably, this is the lowest number yet registered. And “only” 25% think the First Amendment goes too far in the rights it guarantees. This number was 49% in the survey taken closest after 9/11. So if you ever wondered if people would trade a little liberty for a little temporary security, the answer is clearly that many would.

So keep a little perspective. If you think the government should NOT be Christian, you’re in the minority. If you think freedom of expression, freedom of religion, and freedom of the press are near absolutes, you are in the minority—at least some of the time.

It’s ok—heck, it’s imperative—to dissent, but don’t make the mistake of thinking a small minority of religious or social conservative extremists are hijacking your culture. If, like me, you’re arguing for a hard line on the Constitution and a liberal interpretation of individual freedom, it’s you who's on the outside looking in.

Arthur Farnsley's blog | login or register to post comments