I have to admit this story took me completely off-guard, even though it involves the state of Kentucky and actually took place two years ago. It just happens to be one of those things that was slid under the radar screen during a session of the Kentucky Legislature. Seems as though Kentucky has its own "Department of Homeland Security" which receives a considerable share of its funding from the federal government. Yet, according to this story on Kentucky.com, the number one line of defense against a terrorist attack in the state is-God.
The story is covered extensively by Feral Child, who includes the following segment along with a quote from the Kentucky legislator, who happens to be a Baptist minister responsible for the inclusion of the language of the bill-along with a plaque on the walls of the Kentucky Homeland Security office which also credits God for our safety and security-
As amended, Homeland Security’s religious duties now come before all else, including its distribution of millions of dollars in federal grants and its analysis of possible threats.
The time and energy spent crediting God are appropriate, said [State Representative Tom] Riner, D-Louisville, in an interview this week.
“This is recognition that government alone cannot guarantee the perfect safety of the people of Kentucky,” Riner said. “Government itself, apart from God, cannot close the security gap. The job is too big for government.”
Of course I think I see what is going on here. This language was included at the insistence of State Representative Riner who was probably needed for passage of the bill, or perhaps it was a trade-off pertaining to some other matter. Whatever the case, the bill passed overwhelmingly in the Kentucky Legislature, enjoying widespread bi-partisan support.
And really, it doesn't bother me so much other than the fact that federal funds are involved. Even at that, it doesn't disturb me greatly, other than the implication that there exists the potential to divert blame for any future failure in security on a vengeful God, or on the sinful natures of the citizens of Kentucky.
Feral Child misses the mark however at one point, asserting that-
That must explain why Kentucky has fared so well in the aftermath of the September 11 attacks. That and the utter absence of any strategic or even symbolic targets within the state. That and the fact that Al Qaeda terrorists couldn’t find Kentucky if they were handed a map of the midwest. They probably think that Kentucky is some of hat worn by infidels.
That of course is wholly inaccurate. There is Churchill Downs during the Kentucky Derby, or for that matter any part of Louisville during that period. There are also several tourist attractions of considerable note that might be a target for the simple fact that they might not be considered high priority. Yet, a devastating attack on them during the peak of tourist season would be devastating, and the impact would reverberate throughout the nation. It would draw attention to the numbers of such places nationwide, and cause a feeling to permeate throughout small town communities everywhere that, yes, "we could be next".
Nor do I think the Kentucky Legislature will be impressed by the following witticism-
If God loves Kentucky so much, why does the commonwealth need an emergency operations center at all? Why not just have a plaque?
Nor this-
Case in point: India. I’m sure Mr. Riner would agree that the troubles in India this week were caused by a lack of plaques, proselytizing, and graven images. What India needs is not a competent government security apparatus, but more religion.
Clever, yes, but I'm sure Representative Riner, for one, would quickly point out that India tends to worship "heathen idols", which might thereby explain why God so quickly unleashed his wrath on these pagan idolaters.
By and large, I have no problem with Kentucky being a predominantly Christian state, nor do I care that this is reflected to more or less a degree within some pieces of legislation.
At the same time, I would hope that, sometime in between prayer session at the Kentucky State Department of Homeland Security, the officials in charge actually find some time to do some real work. If there is no need for such work, then I guess maybe we can all thank whatever God or Goddess we feel most comfortable with, but in that case I'm not so sure that US federal and Kentucky tax dollars would not be better spent on other endeavors.
Hat Tip Secular Right
