Oklahoma's favorite wingnut legislator, Sally Kern, is now trying to pass a "proclamation for morality" in that state. Predictably, it includes several of those now-infamous fake quotes that David Barton has thrust upon the world. Here's the full proclamation:
OKLAHOMA CITIZEN'S PROCLAMATION FOR MORALITYWe the People of Oklahoma, Invoking the guidance of Almighty God, in order to secure and perpetuate the blessing of Liberty; to secure just and rightful Government; to promote our mutual Welfare and Happiness, do establish this proclamation and call upon the people of the great State of Oklahoma, and our fellow Patriots in these United States of America who look to the Lord for guidance, to acknowledge the need for a national awakening of righteousness in our land.
WHEREAS, "It is Religion and Morality alone, which can establish the Principles upon which Freedom can securely stand" (John Adams); and
WHEREAS, "We have no government armed with power capable of contending with human passions unbridled by Religion and Morality" (John Adams); and
WHEREAS, "Our Constitution was made only for a Moral and Religious people" (John Adams); and
WHEREAS, "We have staked the whole future of American civilization, not upon the power of government...but upon the capacity of mankind for self-government, upon the capacity of each and all of us to govern ourselves, to control ourselves, to sustain ourselves according to the Ten Commandments of God" (James Madison); and
WHEREAS, "Freedom is not a gift bestowed upon us by other men, but a right that belongs to us by the laws of God (Benjamin Franklin); and
WHEREAS, "God who gave us life gave us liberty and can the liberties of a nation be thought secure when we have removed their only firm basis, a conviction in the minds of the people that these liberties are of the Gift of God" (Thomas Jefferson); and
WHEREAS, "Whether any free government can be permanent, where the public worship of God, and the support of Religion, constitute no part of the policy or duty of the state" (Joseph Story); and
WHEREAS, "We hold sacred the rights of conscience, and promise to the people...the free and undisturbed exercise of their religion" (Roger Sherman); and
WHEREAS, "This great nation was founded, not by religionists, but by Christians" (Patrick Henry); and
WHEREAS, "When you...exercise the right of voting for public officers, let it be impressed upon your mind that God commands you to choose just men who will rule in the fear of God" (Noah Webster); and
WHEREAS, "The principles of genuine Liberty and of wise laws and administrations are to be drawn from the Bible" (Noah Webster); and
WHEREAS, the people of Oklahoma have a strong tradition of reliance upon the Creator of the Universe; and
WHEREAS, we believe our economic woes are consequences of our greater national moral crisis; and
WHEREAS, this nation has become a world leader in promoting abortion, pornography, same sex marriage, sex trafficking, divorce, illegitimate births, child abuse, and many other forms of debauchery; and
WHEREAS, alarmed that the Government of the United States of America is forsaking the rich Christian heritage upon which this nation was built; and
WHEREAS, grieved that the Office of the president of these United States has refused to uphold the long held tradition of past presidents in giving recognition to our National Day of Prayer; and
WHEREAS, deeply disturbed that the Office of the president of these United States disregards the biblical admonitions to live clean and pure lives by proclaiming an entire month to an immoral behavior;
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that we the undersigned elected officials of the people of Oklahoma, religious leaders and citizens of the State of Oklahoma, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world, solemnly declare that the HOPE of the great State of Oklahoma and of these United States, rests upon the Principles of Religion and Morality as put forth in the HOLY BIBLE; and
BE IT RESOLVED that we, the undersigned, believers in the One True God and His only Son, call upon all to join with us in recognizing that "Blessed is the Nation whose God is the Lord," and humbly implore all who love Truth and Virtue to live above reproach in the sight of God and man with a firm reliance on the leadership and protection of Almighty God; and
BE IT RESOLVED that we, the undersigned, humbly call upon Holy God, our Creator, Sustainer, and Redeemer, to have mercy on this nation, to stay His hand of judgment, and grant a national awakening of righteousness and Christian renewal as we repent of our great sin.
Signed on the second day of July in the year of our Lord Christ Two Thousand and Nine.
Several things jumps out. First, she passes on two fake quotes, one from James Madison and one from Patrick Henry, both of which I've put in bold type. Second, you have to love the comparison between same sex marriage and child abuse as examples of "debauchery." Of course, this is the nutcase who claims that gays are a greater threat to America than terrorists, so what else would we expect?

Ed Brayton is a journalist, commentator and speaker. He is the co-founder and president of 



Comments
PZ rallied his troops to this lunacy a few days ago here: Sally Kern is at it again
Some really fun posts including a choice poem from cuttlefish.
It is very disheartening to see the long list of lunatic, ignorant and embarrassing politicos spouting hypocritical nonsense. Kern, Bachmann, King, and McLeroy leap to mind but the list is much longer and continues to define America as irrational and wildly out of touch with reality. So damned sad.
Posted by: MikeMa | June 30, 2009 9:44 AM
Will Oklahoma's straight news media outlets step up and focus its attention on the falsity of Kern's claims, especially in her district? Will Oklahoma's editorial media outlets step up and ridicule both her character and integrity given her use of propaganda to promote a very anti-American position falsely asserting fealty to our Constitution and founding principles?
The media has the bully pulpit, will they defend the truth in that state?
Posted by: Michael Heath | June 30, 2009 9:48 AM
So coveting will now be illegal? And we thought our prisons were full already. I guess it's hard to prove coveting though, as it only happens inside your own mind. And what about all people who have parents in a low quality nursing home? Will they be thrown in jail too, or just have their wages garnished to support their parents better?
Posted by: catgirl | June 30, 2009 9:55 AM
The fake Patrick Henry quotation can be seen in its original context here.
Posted by: sbh | June 30, 2009 9:58 AM
Obama proclaimed an entire month to immoral behavior? Woohoo! Does that mean the gubmint is gonna pay for my booze and broads?
Posted by: James Hanley | June 30, 2009 10:09 AM
Oh, won't she will be so happy when the "Republic of Gilead" finally is established, and that cumbersome Constitution finally can be shredded.............
Posted by: RAM | June 30, 2009 10:35 AM
I love Sally Kern!! I am so thankful for her!! (She makes our Chris Butters look almost reasonable, and she keeps knocking him off of the stupidest legislature in America perch). Keep it up Oklahoma Sal!
Posted by: Dior | June 30, 2009 11:15 AM
Where to being. First of all I would like to congratulate Oklahoma on recieving the Inbred Country Bumpkin for Jesus award--That's pronounced Hey-Zeus.
What a fucking moron. Maybe we should get together a prayer warrior group and name and claim that female a working brain.
Posted by: seeing eye chick | June 30, 2009 11:19 AM
catgirl,
Let's not forget blasphemy laws (don't take the name of the Lord thy god in vain) and any non-Abrahamic god followers (don't have any other gods besides me) need to go to prison, too. Who knows, for Kern, it may mean all non-Christians. And all those businesses besides churches that are open Sunday (keep the sabbath holy)--it's the pokey for you.
Posted by: Shawn Smith | June 30, 2009 11:28 AM
Um... what happened to the Native peoples who lived here prior to the whites? I guess they don't matter at all...
Which just goes to show that in a state with a large Cherokee population and several reservations, she's the most racist, bigoted hose beast of them all.
Posted by: Aggie Janicot | June 30, 2009 11:53 AM
Wherever you go in the world, village idiots believe that sexual morality plays a decisive role in the rise and fall of nations.
Posted by: Paul Sunstone | June 30, 2009 12:37 PM
Whereas 13 through 17, wow. I wonder if she intentionally started the really wacky stuff at 13?
Posted by: Owen | June 30, 2009 12:44 PM
Will Oklahoma's straight news media outlets step up and focus its attention on the falsity of Kern's claims, especially in her district? Will Oklahoma's editorial media outlets step up and ridicule both her character and integrity given her use of propaganda to promote a very anti-American position falsely asserting fealty to our Constitution and founding principles? The media has the bully pulpit, will they defend the truth in that state?
As a native Kansan, but one who spent some time in Oklahoma, I can assure you that the answer to your question is a resounding "no" (with the exception of the state's sparse alternative news outlets, of course). This site does a good job of chronicling the right-wing media slant in Oklahoma's news outlets. We are truly talking about a state that makes Kansas seem like a liberal paradise.
Posted by: Sadie Morrison | June 30, 2009 12:58 PM
I'm just glad she's in the legislature working on pointless proclamations instead of in the classroom poisoning young minds, as she'd been doing for the two decades prior to taking office. By all means, let her bring national attention to the corrupt and nonsensical ravings of her sect. I can hardly think of a better utility for Kern, except perhaps doorstop.
Posted by: Abby Normal | June 30, 2009 1:25 PM
If we're going to start basing our laws on the Bible, Kern is going to have to step down from her position:
1 Timothy 2:11-14 (New International Version)
11A woman should learn in quietness and full submission. 12I do not permit a woman to teach or to have authority over a man; she must be silent. 13For Adam was formed first, then Eve. 14And Adam was not the one deceived; it was the woman who was deceived and became a sinner.
Posted by: Scotty B | June 30, 2009 1:38 PM
Um... what happened to the Native peoples who lived here prior to the whites? I guess they don't matter at all...
We've kinda gotten used to that one... ;o)
Posted by: dogmeatIB | June 30, 2009 1:59 PM
RAM, thank you so much! Now my hair is standing on end and I've got the shivers. Though the thought of Kerns as a Handmaid is pretty good.
Posted by: JustaTech | June 30, 2009 2:07 PM
"WHEREAS, this nation has become a world leader in promoting...same sex marriage"
Strange, I was sure that honor would go to, you know, a country that actually allows gays to marry. But certainly lots of vigorous research went into this, so I must be wrong.
Posted by: Andrew S. | June 30, 2009 2:14 PM
Strange, I was sure that honor would go to, you know, a country that actually allows gays to marry.
Shut up. The Netherlands doesn't count, didn't you know that?
Posted by: Stu | June 30, 2009 2:37 PM
Thanks, MikeMa @#1--
Here's the direct link to my version of Sally's proclamation:
http://digitalcuttlefish.blogspot.com/2009/06/ahh-sally-sally-kern.html
Posted by: Cuttlefish | June 30, 2009 3:00 PM
Cuttlefish,
You quite welcome. Another marvelous effort! First rate as always.
Posted by: MikeMa | June 30, 2009 3:42 PM
This stupid crap from Krazy Kern is NOT a legislative bill or resolution; it is entirely separate from legislative items and is only her action, although there will be some far-right legislators who will sign it - it has no official standing whatsoever.
Nevertheless, the Oklahoma ACLU plans to be at the State Capitol, second floor at noon on 2 July to oppose the crap when Silly Sally prsents her 'proclamation.' ALL OKLAHOMANS OPPOSED TO KERN'S CRAP ARE URGED TO BE THERE TO SHOW THAT THERE ARE MANY OKLAHOMANS THAT DO NOT AGREE WITH
HER.
Posted by: vhutchison | June 30, 2009 3:54 PM
It bears noting that this one is a flat-out lie as well:
... the Office of the president of these United States has refused to uphold the long held tradition of past presidents in giving recognition to our National Day of Prayer ...
Obama issued the proclamation on the 1st Thursday of May, as stipulated by law and as practiced by Pres.'s Reagan (in whose last term this venerable tradition began), Bush I, & Clinton. It was only that president whose name and acts we are all supposed to forget who made a big ceremonial production out of it.
... in the year of our Lord Christ Two Thousand and Nine.
When and where did the custom begin of adding that superfluous C-word in translating the traditional "Anno Domini"?
Posted by: Pierce R. Butler | June 30, 2009 7:22 PM
I have cleaned up that proclamation a little and made it conform to US law:
OKLAHOMA CITIZEN'S PROCLAMATION FOR MORALITY
We the People of Oklahoma, in order to secure and perpetuate the blessing of Liberty; to secure just and rightful Government; to promote our mutual Welfare and Happiness, do establish this proclamation and call upon the people of the great State of Oklahoma, and our fellow Patriots in these United States of America to acknowledge the need for a national awakening in our land.
WHEREAS, "It is Morality alone, which can establish the Principles upon which Freedom can securely stand" (John Adams); and
WHEREAS, "We have no government armed with power capable of contending with human passions unbridled by Morality" (John Adams); and
WHEREAS, "Our Constitution was made only for a Moral people" (John Adams); and
WHEREAS, "We have staked the whole future of American civilization, not upon the power of government...but upon the capacity of mankind for self-government, upon the capacity of each and all of us to govern ourselves, to control ourselves, to sustain ourselves" (James Madison); and
WHEREAS, "Freedom is not a gift bestowed upon us by other men, but a right that belongs to us (Benjamin Franklin); and
WHEREAS, “[I couldn’t make any sense of this one]”
WHEREAS, "[Or this one]and
WHEREAS, "We hold sacred the rights of conscience, and promise to the people...the free and undisturbed exercise" (Roger Sherman); and
WHEREAS, "This great nation was founded, not by religionists" (Patrick Henry); and
WHEREAS, "When you...exercise the right of voting for public officers, let it be impressed upon your mind to choose just men " (Noah Webster); and
WHEREAS, "The principles of genuine Liberty and of wise laws and administrations are to be drawn" (Noah Webster); and
WHEREAS, the people of Oklahoma have a strong tradition of reliance; and
WHEREAS, we believe our economic woes are consequences of our greater national moral crisis; and
WHEREAS, this nation has become a world leader
WHEREAS, alarmed that the Government of the United States of America is forsaking the rich heritage upon which this nation was built; and
WHEREAS, [this whole clause is unconstitutional]; and
WHEREAS, [what? The President is telling us to have a month of immoral behavior? Nobody told me!];
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED [Now it becomes not only unconstitutional, but offensive to a very large proportion of the US citizenry]
Signed on the second day of July,Two Thousand and Nine.
Posted by: Oldmoo | June 30, 2009 7:27 PM
When and where did the custom begin of adding that superfluous C-word in translating the traditional "Anno Domini"?
I think it's to clear up, just in case there was any doubt, that Kern and the bulk of her supporters are of the Christian persuasion, and that they weren't addressing, say, Lord Vishnu. Also, "Anno Domini" might have heretic Catholic connotations. Can't have that.
Posted by: Sadie Morrison | June 30, 2009 8:57 PM
Impossible as it may seem, by comparison Sally Kern truly makes Michele Bachmann resemble a cool, logical voice of reason.
Posted by: CHV | June 30, 2009 9:30 PM
I hope some reporter from the Oklahoma news media asks here if she knows that Obama did indeed recognize the National Day of Prayer by signing a proclamation which did just that.
Posted by: daniel rotter | July 1, 2009 1:54 AM
Does anyone have a reference for the context of the fake Madison quote? Or is it utterly manufactured out of thin air?
RE: OK news media asking Kerns even a single challenging question - fat chance. I live here. They eat that christian crap sandwich every day for lunch and dutifully regurgitate it on the 6 o'clock broadcast.
Posted by: Fallsroad | July 1, 2009 11:20 PM
Posted by: WScott | July 2, 2009 11:14 AM
@WScott: Thank you ever so much for the link.
Posted by: Fallsroad | July 3, 2009 2:17 AM