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If you've ever wondered just how out of touch university faculty can get, look no further than the behavior of the University of New Hampshire's faculty union during its recent contract talks.
After shunning the Dalai Lama in September, President Obama must have shocked the Red Chinese when he spoke firmly for human rights.
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Andrew Cline has been editorial page editor of the New Hampshire Union Leader since October of 2001. His writing has appeared in more than 100 newspapers and magazines, including The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, and National Review.A Scout vs. Congress: Bringing a victory for faith
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Reader commentsFOR FOUR YEARS the architect of the U.S. Capitol has censored letters from constituents by removing political and religious messages. That outrageous policy was halted by a 17-year-old Ohio Boy Scout originally from New Hampshire.
Andrew Larochelle of Dayton, Ohio, whose grandfather Marcel is an Army veteran from Manchester, wanted to celebrate his attainment of the rank of Eagle Scout by giving his grandfather a flag that had been flown over the Capitol. He wrote this message to go on the certificate: "In honor of my grandfather Marcel Larochelle, and his dedication and love of God, country, and family."
Well, Stephen Ayers, acting architect of the Capitol, removed "God" from the message. Rules prohibited any mention of politics or religion, you see.
Larochelle contacted his representative, Rep. Michael Turner, R-Ohio, who got more than 100 members of Congress to petition House Speaker Nancy Pelosi to change the rule. Amazingly, Pelosi at first refused. But as the campaign got national attention, she relented.
Ayers rescinded the rule, saying, most correctly, that it was "beyond the scope of this agency's responsibilities to censor messages from members of Congress."
And so a 17-year-old Eagle Scout scored a win for free speech, religious tolerance and faith.
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YOUR COMMENTS
BTW - My read of the editorial doesn't have the writer praising Pelosi: "Amazingly, Pelosi at first refused. But as the campaign got national attention, she relented."
- Tom, Campton
Stephen - the noble scout mentioned God, not any particular creed.
Why are liberal Democrats so afraid of God?
- Tom, Campton
Christians don't have the market cornered on a faith in G_d.
How do you know the Scout isnt Jewish?
I am pretty sure That they worshiped God before Christians did.
- Billy C, Andover
I agree with the editorial; however, I feel that this editorial plays to a feeling that somehow Christians and The Faithful are being victimized nowadays. The reason the UL felt worthy to write this piece was that the scout wanted to mention God, and this plays on the fears of some that everyone in the world is out to get Christians. The UL does not hesitate to attack the Democrats when they preach a "culture of victimhood", but this is an example that both parties use the victimhood game to mobilize their bases.
- Stephen Boyington, Chester
Stephen if the Eagle Scout wanted Islam more power to him. This isn't about celebrating one faith over another. This is about one person wanting something on a personal item. Had he been asking the phrase to be posted in side the capital dome that is one thing but asking that a gift given basically from him to his grandfather have the phrase removed is PC run amok.
- Brian Schwatka, Wakefield, NH
What would have been the reaction if the Eagle Scout wanted the citation to read: "In honor of my grandfather Marcel Larochelle, and his dedication to love of family, country and Islam."? Would the UL have praised Pelosi for allowing that to be read?
- Stephen Boyington, Chester
Hurray for Andrew Larochelle and common sense! All of this hypersensitivity and reluctance to mention God's name must go. After all, if you truly believe that there is no God ... you'd BETTER be right.
- Jim Turner, Edmond, OK
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