The Imperfect Community

[MedeaNJ]

This is something of a scary thought.

Not that it would happen anytime soon. But the thought of a whole state being a Christian theocracy is unnerving (sp).

It is not the first time that a group would think about moving en masse. Those of a liberty-minded mindset (not calling it Libertarian by name) is trying to bring 20,000 to New Hampshire.

Any thoughts in general about this?

[Jessica]

We'll always have states that lean a certain direction and people migrating to those areas based on where they think they'd fit. Look at the Seattle area, if you publicly state that you are a Republican/Democrat, your property gets vandelized and violence against you and your family can ensue. To me, this S. Caroline business is no more scary than that.

Bottom line, you won't see me living in either state.

I do support states being able to legislate according to their constituents. I think abortion and gay marriage should be left up to the states and that people should live where they feel is a good fit. It's already like that today, as I explained about Seattle and that is why I could never move there, but I could also never move to a southern state either because that seems rather foreign. I really think the only two places I could tolerate is Chicagoland or New York, but that's just me. I like Illinois a lot because it's very tolerant of both sides and even though Illinois usually goes Democrat, they are very down to earth people and the people are nice, but motivated and educated, at least in the metro area. I don't feel like it's ultra-conservative or ultra-liberal and I like that!

[ShadesofBlue]

I guess my first thought was that I don't see how it would help them politically, especially in national elections and politics. They are moving to a place that already supports those agendas typically so it actually seems that they are giving up some of their power since they will no longer counterbalance the liberal votes in the other states. If they simply want to be with like minded people I can see it. The state laws would be more supportive of their beliefs.

It may also make it more difficult for them to spread their ideas, to teach, to set an example which I thought was an important idea in Christianity.

But to be honest when we've decided where to live we've taken the prevailing political and social views of the areas we look at into consideration. But it wouldn't surprise me to find that we're the most liberal on the block.

[Scout]

I have a feeling this is the way the country is headed anyway--toward segregation based on ideology. I almost don't care. At least I'd know to stay away from Gillead, aka SC. But I have a sinking feeling they wouldn't stop there, and would try to use their clout in the national arena.

[Jessica]

[Scout]

[Jessica]

[Jessica]

[MedeaNJ]

Excellent arguements all around, thank you!

I live in the most conservative county in the Blue state, so I am definately in the minority. However the good news is that everyone gets along very nicely.

I am surprised to hear about the near fanaticism in Seattle, being that I never been there. Even in my book that is over the top.

Also, along with Jessica I do believe that various laws should be maintained on a state to state basis. My concern is that if one law is passed one could get penalized if they pursue their needs in another state and then return to their home state. Let's take the case that I brought up Unauthorized Reproduction and Gestational Certification in Indiana. Let's hypothetically say that this law was passed. Let's bring on the scenario that I am not married, not in relationship and I want to have a baby via IVF. Indiana Doctors by law are unable do the procedure because I am not certified due to my not being married. I go to New York have the procedure done sucessfully and return to Indiana. I have committed a Class B demeanor. Does the State of Indiana have the right to arrest me?

Getting back to South Carolina. I still do not have issue if conservative christians want to live in community, so to speak. However to implement laws that potentially blatantly crosses the line between separation of a Church and State gives me the willies. South Carolina would need to separate from the Union altogether. I am sure that there is a movement to do just that.

Thanks for the input!

[Scout]

The comment about being thrown in jail was referring to the reality these people are trying to achieve. If they are trying to establish a theocracy, as they say they are, that means laws. That doesn't mean they won't invite you to coctail parties if you aren't a christian in the way that they define that. It means it will be illegal to break the religion-based laws they plan to enact.

So yes, I think there's a big difference between a city where most people are liberal or conservative, and a state that has formally adopted a theocratic model. That's the goal of these people, is it not?

[prescott]

I say good for them. I think voluntary wingnut internment is an excellent idea.