In the comments, Mel McGuire recently posted a link to Senate Resolution 483 for a “Ten Commandments Weekend” in the first weekend of May 2008. Here’s the relevant bits of text:
Recognizing the first weekend of May 2008 as ‘Ten Commandments Weekend’.March 13, 2008
Mr. BROWNBACK (for himself and Mr. LIEBERMAN) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary
RESOLUTION
Recognizing the first weekend of May 2008 as ‘Ten Commandments Weekend’.
Whereas the Ten Commandments are precepts foundational to the faith of millions of Americans;
Whereas the Ten Commandments are a declaration of fundamental principles for a fair and just society;
Whereas, from the founding of the United States, the Ten Commandments have been part of America’s basic cultural fabric;
[Quotes from past presents omitted]
Whereas, in addition to being understood as an elemental source for American law, the Ten Commandments have become a recognized symbol of law in our Nation’s culture;
Whereas a marble relief portrait of Moses, the Hebrew prophet and bearer of the Ten Commandments, is located prominently in the United States Capitol over the gallery doors of the chamber of the House of Representatives in honor of his work in establishing the principles that underlie American law;
Whereas images of the Ten Commandments are prominently displayed in many Federal buildings, including the United States Supreme Court, the National Archives, and the Library of Congress; and
Whereas the first weekends of May in 2006 and 2007 were celebrated by many Americans as ‘Ten Commandments Weekend’ in recognition of the importance of the Ten Commandments in their faith and the history and culture of the United States: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the Senate–
(1) recognizes the first weekend of May 2008 as ‘Ten Commandments Weekend’;
(2) celebrates the Ten Commandments as a significant aspect of the national life of the United States; and
(3) encourages citizens of the United States to reflect on the integral role that the Ten Commandments have played in the life of the Nation.
UGH.
If you want to know why the basic moral view endorsed in this resolution — Divine Command Theory — is so totally, awfully, and completely wrong, regardless of the contents of the actual commands, I’d recommend Onkar Ghate’s lecture: Religion and Morality. It’s available for free to registered users of the Ayn Rand Institute web site.
