Texas GOP violated 10 Commandments 7 times
Republican lawmakers in Texas are proposing a bill that would require the Ten Commandments to be displayed in every public school classroom. Senate Bill 1515, which has advanced in the state Legislature, would mandate a placard displaying the commandments that is at least 20 inches tall and 16 inches wide, with text that is legible to a person with average vision from anywhere in the classroom.
This move has sparked controversy, as it would fundamentally erode the separation between church and state. Despite the Founding Fathers establishing this separation as the foundation of American democracy, some Texas Republicans appear to be ignoring it. The proposed bill could potentially be extremely divisive for the state’s population.
Ironically, the very politicians who are pushing for this bill to be passed have been found to violate the very commandments they wish to display. For example, state Representative Bryan Slaton of Royse City and Attorney General Ken Paxton have both been accused of adultery with individuals other than their respective spouses. Paxton, in particular, has been embroiled in controversy, as he is said to have recommended an alleged mistress to work for a campaign donor who was accused of bribing him.
The hypocrisy of Republican lawmakers in Texas extends beyond violations of the commandments. Other examples include Senator Ted Cruz’s desire to attain the popularity of then-candidate Donald Trump during the 2016 election, and Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick’s seeming disregard for the survival of the elderly during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Democratic lawmakers such as Representative James Talarico have spoken out against the hypocrisy of their Republican counterparts. Talarico has also highlighted the fact that the Legislature is scheduled to meet this Saturday, which is a violation of the commandment to “remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy.”
Some Texans have also expressed dismay at the failure of Texas Republican lawmakers to remove Confederate monuments and abandon Confederate Heroes Day as a state holiday. They contend that such actions are also in violation of the commandment against making graven images.
The proposed bill to display the Ten Commandments in schools appears to be more of a statement of religious values than a thoughtful legislative solution. It merely serves to highlight the divisive nature of politics in Texas and exposes the hypocrisy of those politicians who would seek to impose their religious agenda on others.
