McCotter Cosponsors Unconstitutional, Unreasonable, Unnecessary Resolution

Thaddeus McCotter is a cosponsor of House Concurrent Resolution 121, a bill that "Encourag[es] the President to Designate 2010 as 'The National Year of the Bible'".  There are so, so, so, many problems with this.

First off, the unconstitutionality of such a declaration.  I consider myself a liberal Christian, but the First Amendment is pretty clear that this is a no-no.   A declaration like the one "encouraged" by H. Con. Res. 121 would fly in the face of the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment.

Secondly, there's the question of why.  Is the Bible slipping?  As far as I can tell, The Bible is still the best-selling book in the world.  Why would the government need to intervene to promote it?  And why only 2010?  Are we not supposed to read the Bible in 2011?

Lastly, does Rep. McCotter realize that, even if points one and two were set aside, this bill would be pointless?  This is a bill encouraging President Obama to do something he, a Constitutional law professor, would under no circumstances do.  It's a meaningless gesture encouraging a meaningless gesture.

H/T:  Jill Richardson

Natalie Mosher Steps Up

Someone finally stepped up to challenge Thad.  Ladies and gentlemen, Natalie Mosher:

On Wednesday, the 65-year-old lifelong Democrat announced she is running for Congress and will challenge Republican Thaddeus McCotter of Livonia, who is currently in his fourth term representing Michigan's 11th District.

Mosher is at least a credible candidate:  her  website is legitimate, she has a Facebook, and is known for her fundraising prowess.  The DCCC is still looking recruit a better candidate, but it's nice to see someone announce.  Whether Ms. Mosher is the right candidate to beat Thad McCotter, I don't yet know.  But we will be challenging Thad, make no mistake.