Comments by "Sam Brockmann" (@SamBrockmann) on "Spectacles" channel.

  1. The separation of church and state is often misunderstood. People assume it means, "God - however you view God - can't be in politics." Much as the French enforce. But the reality is, the principle is meant solely as a protection for religious freedom. The phrase comes from a letter by Jefferson, to a religious body that, until his letter was received, feared the government would repress them. Jefferson's letter was a presidential assurance that the US Constitution 1st Amendment would be upheld as regards their right to belief. That's all the principle is. It's not meant to keep folks.from praying in government buildings. Yes, horrible examples like the Unification "Church", a heresy at best and a mafia-like band at worst, exist. The principle of separation of church and state doesn't prevent that, nor will it ever.
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  2. Native Hawaiians have several advantages and privileges that non-Natives do not have. For example, for over 120 years, the island of Niihau has been closed to non-Natives. Native Hawaiians are allowed to hunt wild boar, whereas many non-Natives can do so legally. Etc.
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