We need to have the Candidates take a test on the Constitution.

[redirish28]

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/10/19/christine-odonnell-church-and-state_n_767910.html


The exchange came in a debate before an audience of legal scholars and law students at Widener University Law School, as O'Donnell criticized Democratic nominee Chris Coons' position that teaching creationism in public school would violate the First Amendment by promoting religious doctrine.

Coons said private and parochial schools are free to teach creationism but that "religious doctrine doesn't belong in our public schools."

"Where in the Constitution is the separation of church and state?" O'Donnell asked him.

When Coons responded that the First Amendment bars Congress from making laws respecting the establishment of religion, O'Donnell asked: "You're telling me that's in the First Amendment?"

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Watch the video. This woman had no clue on the principles of this country.

[randr]

1. A test on government, history, and the Constitution

would do a world of good for the electorate.
Get rid of the ridiculous "debates" and lets see how qualified they really are!
Maybe some group with independent integrity could come up with a quiz and challenge all candidates to fill in the blanks.

[LiberalFighter]

2. Probably doesn't know what is in Delaware's Constitution either.

§1. Freedom of religion.

Section 1. Although it is the duty of all men frequently to assemble together for the public worship of Almighty God; and piety and morality, on which the prosperity of communities depends, are hereby promoted; yet no man shall or ought to be compelled to attend any religious worship, to contribute to the erection or support of any place of worship, or to the maintenance of any ministry, against his own free will and consent; and no power shall or ought to be vested in or assumed by any magistrate that shall in any case interfere with, or in any manner control the rights of conscience, in the free exercise of religious worship, nor a preference given by law to any religious societies, denominations, or modes of worship.

§2. Religious test for office not required.

Section 2. No religious test shall be required as a qualification to any office, or public trust, under this State.


Date of Constitution: 6/4/1897

Document that may have influenced it: James Madison's Memorial and Remonstrance against Religious Assessments. (1785)
Purpose: To prevent the ability of the state to impose a state tax that would support ministers or teachers of all Christian denominations. (More likely would had resulted in one specific Christian religion becoming the state religion and only permitted church to receive funds from the taxation.)

Patrick Henry was the man responsible for the attempt to enact the taxation. He was elected Governor before it could be approved and lost control of the legislation. Governors in that time were elected on an annual basis.

[SheilaT]

3. Wow. Apparently she never took

any kind of a civics class ever.

It seemed as if she didn't even know that we have separation of church and state in this country, let alone that it's in the first amendment. Sadly her level of ignorance is all too common out there.

[Politicalboi]

4. I've been saying that since Bush

You need to take a test to be a laywer, doctor, cop, firefighter, nurse but not to hold office? That has got to change. I myself would never pass, but I would never put my country at risk if I had no idea what I was saying or doing. It's like ya know.... Valley Girls gone wild.

[pokerfan]

5. The best part

was her response to the laughter from the audience (legal professors and law students) after she asked, "You're telling me that's in the First Amendment?"

She thinks she just scored some kind of debate point and is looking so pleased with herself. Pssst, Christine. They're not laughing with you; they're laughing at you!

[butterfly77]

6. LOL!!!

:rofl:

[Dappleganger]

7. Jesus, I'd settle for a basic eye exam.

Can't tell an Asian from a Hispanic--you're not qualified!

[Old and In the Way]

8. Not a bad idea. Maybe we should demand a law that requires a public debate

and a Constitutional Quiz so we can really see how well these people understand the meaning of these written words. O'Donnell was obviously clueless about the 1st Amendment. Strange she couldn't remember those other Amendments, considering that she got her Expert's Degree on the Constitution - based on a week long seminar at the University of Beck.

[alsame]

9. And a psychiatric evaluation. Seriously. nt