Bush Secy of Agriculture Nominee Mike Johanns' "Burning Times Award"

[Bush_Eats_Beef]

PLEASE NOTE: 2 separate sources quoted, 3 paragraphs from one and 4 from the other, in accordance with the DU "4 paragraph rule."

http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2004/12/20041202-6.html

President Nominates Governor Mike Johanns as Secretary of Agriculture

THE PRESIDENT: Governor Johanns is an experienced public service -- servant from America's agricultural heartland. As a son of Iowa dairy farmers, he grew up close to the land. He will bring to this position a lifetime of involvement in agriculture, and a long record of a faithful friend to America's farmers and ranchers. He will lead an important agency with the executive skill he has learned as mayor and as a two-term governor of Nebraska.

I've known Mike for a number of years, going back to my own service as a governor. I know firsthand his deep commitment to a strong farm economy. He's been a leader on drought relief in Nebraska and throughout the Midwest. He's a strong proponent of alternative energy sources, such as ethanol and biodiesel. He's traveled the world to promote American farm exports.

Governor Johanns is a man of action and of complete integrity. He knows how to bring people together to achieve results. He has been a superb leader for the people of Nebraska, and I'm grateful that he's agreed to take on this important new responsibility in my Cabinet.



http://www.religioustolerance.org/burn_aw1.htm

The "Burning Times Award" given to Governor Mike Johanns of Nebraska

http://www.religioustolerance.org/burn_aw1.htm

Occasionally, a North American political figure makes a statement or performs an act that is profoundly religiously intolerant or which violates the federal constitution in a major way. We now recognize such events by issuing a Burning Times award. More details about the award. This award was given to the Governor of Nebraska, Mike Johanns on 1999-MAY-8 in recognition of being the North American political figure whose behavior most closely exemplifies the spirit of the Witch burning times of the 15th to 18th centuries.

On 1999-MAY-6, newly elected Governor Mike Johanns of Nebraska, a Republican, 6 is reported to have signed a proclamation for the "March for Jesus Day" to be held on 1999-MAY-22. 2 The proclamation reads in part: "March for Jesus Day was established as a time for us to join together as people of many faiths so that we may pay homage to our divine authority."

Governor Johanns' Award:
We feel that Governor Johanns' statements and actions are sufficiently bigoted to warrant receipt of our first Burning Times Award. Our decision is based on his:

Violation of the establishment clause of the 1st Amendment of the U.S. Constitution which mandates the principle of church-state separation, and prohibits either the promotion or the inhibition of religion by any governmental body or official; and
Creation of a two-tiered system of religions in Nebraska; and
Inability to separate his political responsibility to represent all citizens in his state from his own personal religious beliefs; and
Relegation of Wiccans to second-class citizenship in his state; and
Relegation of gays and lesbians to second-class citizenship in his state.