Roy’s rock is still sitting in the rotunda of the state judicial building in Montgomery. Believe it or not, Moore’s minions have come up with yet another desperate scheme to keep it there.
Let’s review: Moore’s opponents filed a federal lawsuit over a year ago to have the Ten Commandments monument removed. A federal district court said Moore had violated the First Amendment. Moore then took his case to the federal court of appeals, which also ruled — unanimously — that the religious monument had to go. The case went back to the district court that said, because Moore had lost, the monument had to be moved by Aug. 20. Moore asked the Supreme Court to intervene on his behalf, but it declined.
Defiantly, Moore said he doesn’t care what the federal courts say about the First Amendment, because in his twisted worldview, the Bill of Rights doesn’t apply to the states.
So, when faced with no other options, and the pending removal of Roy’s rock, what do Moore’s supporters do? What else? They file suit in federal district court to let Moore keep his religious display.
This is just sad. Every federal judge who has heard this case agrees that the display is a blatant violation of the First Amendment. This isn’t a judgment call; it’s a no-brainer. A federal district judge has ordered the monument’s removal, and Moore’s cult thinks a different federal district judge is going to help them ignore the rule of law?
In defending the move, Moore offered this gem yesterday: “It’s not about religion. It’s about the acknowledgment of almighty God.”
Think about that one for a minute.
U.S. District Court Judge William Steele has agreed to hear the case tomorrow afternoon. Try as I might, I can’t quite imagine how the hearing will go. Here’s what I’m thinking:
Theocrats: “We believe the government-sponsored religious display is legal and should be left where it is.”
Judge: “Four federal judges disagree and have ordered it to be removed. How can I overturn the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals?”
Theocrats: “Because we want the state to acknowledge almighty God.”
Judge: “I see.”
[awkward silence]
Theocrats: “So, can we keep it?”
Judge: “No.”