I’m not kidding, though I wish I were. Check out H. Con. Res. 121 offered by Rep. Paul Broun (R-GA):
Now, therefore, be it Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate concurring), That the President is encouraged–
(1) to designate an appropriate year as `The National Year of the Bible’; and
(2) to issue a proclamation calling upon citizens of all faiths to rediscover and apply the priceless, timeless message of the Holy Scripture which has profoundly influenced and shaped the United States and its great democratic form of Government, as well as its rich spiritual heritage, and which has unified, healed, and strengthened its people for over 200 years.
Isn’t it funny how when lawmakers say one thing, they often mean the exact opposite? This bill is supposed to promote unity and healing? The best way to promote unity and healing is to celebrate America’s vast religious diversity and our Constitution which keeps government out of the business of enforcing religion on a free people.
Likewise, check out this whopper. Rep. Broun told Politico: “This [resolution] doesn’t have anything to do with Christianity.” Rather, he concocted some story about the Bible’s central role in our history and heritage. Remember when Christian conservatives at least had the courage and honesty to admit they were trying to make the United States as a Christian nation? Now theocracy is cloaked in smoke and mirrors.
This resolution led Rep. Barney Frank to issue the quote of the day: “What is 2012 the year of? The Quran?” Somehow I think Rep. Broun might object to that proposal…
