Issue XII: April 15, 2016 |
OPINION |
Next online issue: April 29 , 2016 |
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Column: One Goal, One Voice, One PersonLive to Inspire
By LAYLA ABBAS One goal, one voice, one person She had a goal to change the world, But was deliberately told no. She had a goal to change the world, But was constantly told it was impossible. She had a goal to change the world, And did not abide to the judgement of others. She had one voice . . . |
What is Happening in Tennessee?
By JONAS POGGI
Official state bird of Utah: California gull
Official state dog of Wisconsin: American Water Spaniel
Official state dance of Kentucky: Clogging
Official state snack food of Illinois: popcorn
Official state carnivorous plant of North Carolina: Venus Flytrap
Official state dinosaur of Wyoming: Triceratops
When it comes to state legislature, the country's eyes have been directed towards California, Missouri, and North Carolina; many have looked away from Tennessee, where the issue of separation of church and state is being redefined.
Earlier this month, the Tennessee state Senate passed HB 0615 with a 19-8 vote, which would make the Holy Bible the official state book of Tennessee. The bill's fate will be determined by Governor Bill Haslam, a Republican Presbyterian who has vetoed merely three bills since assuming the role of governor in 2011. If Haslam were to sign this bill in to law, Tennessee would be the first state in the nation to have the Bible as their official state book.
What are proponents of the bill saying? They argue that the Bible has been integral to the state of Tennessee, not just in their history but also as a symbol for families and an economic benefactor. State Senator Steve Southerland has said that the bill is merely "recognizing [the Bible] for its historical and cultural contributions to the state of Tennessee."
The Bible contains many records for the people of Tennessee, containing information such as wedding days, birth days, and death days . . .
Official state bird of Utah: California gull
Official state dog of Wisconsin: American Water Spaniel
Official state dance of Kentucky: Clogging
Official state snack food of Illinois: popcorn
Official state carnivorous plant of North Carolina: Venus Flytrap
Official state dinosaur of Wyoming: Triceratops
When it comes to state legislature, the country's eyes have been directed towards California, Missouri, and North Carolina; many have looked away from Tennessee, where the issue of separation of church and state is being redefined.
Earlier this month, the Tennessee state Senate passed HB 0615 with a 19-8 vote, which would make the Holy Bible the official state book of Tennessee. The bill's fate will be determined by Governor Bill Haslam, a Republican Presbyterian who has vetoed merely three bills since assuming the role of governor in 2011. If Haslam were to sign this bill in to law, Tennessee would be the first state in the nation to have the Bible as their official state book.
What are proponents of the bill saying? They argue that the Bible has been integral to the state of Tennessee, not just in their history but also as a symbol for families and an economic benefactor. State Senator Steve Southerland has said that the bill is merely "recognizing [the Bible] for its historical and cultural contributions to the state of Tennessee."
The Bible contains many records for the people of Tennessee, containing information such as wedding days, birth days, and death days . . .