Examination and Rectification of Modern America

            Now, more than ever, is supposed to be a time of equality. Instead, it is a time of bigotry and ignorance. It is a time of the neglect of others’ beliefs and identities. Supported by the U.S. Constitution, but rarely upheld, separation between church and state must be enforced, now more than ever. With religion a prevailing theme in modern politics, and equal rights for homosexuals, mere empty promises, the line between government and faith is becoming blurred. Although occasionally defended by the Supreme Court, the “separation” is not clearly defined, and thus, is regularly interpreted to one’s own advantage, whether that separation is total, or minute. In order to strengthen and unify the country, as well as to better the government, a separation between religion and politics must be absolute and unquestionably outlined.
            The Bill of Rights upholds the right of religious freedom, in practice, worship and observation. The allowance of religious freedom ultimately permits people to make decisions based on their own religious and moral code and not be chastised for it. Yet, same-sex-marriage and abortion are frequently argued topics. Politicians and citizens dispute over pro-life versus pro-choice, and pro-marriage versus anti-gay, when the fact of the matter is, based on separation of church and state, both abortion and gay marriage should be available to the public. Whether one makes use of the opportunity allowed is up to the individual.
             It is a well known fact that religious affiliation can greatly influence the electability of politicians. Religious views also, undoubtedly, affect how they perceive the country, and where they stand on social issues. Though, religion and morality go hand in hand, the two are distinct from one another: a person can have a strict moral standing, whether it be based on religious teachings, beliefs, or otherwise, and not be devout followers of a religion, or even use religion as support to their moral beliefs. In some cases, religion is used to strengthen a campaign and to gain a following; in others it is used as an accusation to weaken an opponent. Jefferson, Lincoln, Taft, and most recently, Obama, have each been bemoaned for their supposed atheism, though none of our 44 presidents have identified as Atheist, Jewish, Hindu, or any number of other specifically non-Christian religions.
            In America, 78.4% of the population follows Christian beliefs and traditions. 16.1% of the population claims no religion, or unaffiliated and the last 4.7% fall into the “other religion” category, made up of Judaism, Hinduism, Muslim, etc. Religion aids in determining political party; republican groups, most heavily, identify as conservative Evangelist, Mainline and other (mostly) orthodox Christian, where as democratic groups are mainly made up of black Protestant, Jewish, Latino Catholic, and other faiths and independent groups generally consist of those identifying as other (less severe) Christian religions, other faiths, and unaffiliated.
            So here, I propose a change. Seeing as today’s concept of “separation” is not working, I figure that the right to freedom of religion should be revoked, and hereby, each individual shall convert to Shamanism. With no distinct lines to be drawn between faiths, religion may not be used to discriminate. Shamanism encompasses a large range of beliefs and practices, all involving communication with the spirit world. All government buildings will be converted into places of worship and observation of Shamanism. Group rituals will take place on a weekly or bi-weekly bias as to encourage communication and unity among districts. Divination and healing will occur with consent. It can neither be used to support, or dissuade. Because Shamans act as mediators in their culture, and are given the task of preserving traditions through song and story-telling, it is only expected that Shamanism should be the religion of the United States. Additionally, Shamans commonly identify with the opposite gender (in dress, attributes, attitude), and assume that role, and often, sexual orientation; these shaman are thought especially powerful. This further promotes Shamanism on the basis of equality, and open-mindedness. Shamanism comes with some risk, and therefore, must breed a strong leader. Each district will elect one leader; the collection of leaders creates a “board” somewhat akin to a clergy. The board of Shamans alone will discuss issues, consult with the spirit realm, and determine what is best for the country.
            We cannot pretend that violence doesn’t appeal to us, as humans, Americans, and viewers. We search for justice, and the most gruesome justice we can find. Regardless of age, gender, race, affiliation, or reasoning, everyone alike will be threatened with punishment. Those who refuse to convert to Shamanism, and all heretics will be banished, tortured or executed in much the same manner as those during Salem Witch Trials, until dead, or reformed. (“Reformed” to mean that the person sees the error in their ways, and accepts Shamanism and all new laws, regulations, and customs.) Executions will be spectator events, long and painful. Torture will be commonplace. What was once reserved for women accused of mysticism will be used to treat the ailment of refusal.  The public of the district is given the task of choosing the means of punishment, popular opinion wins, be it “cruel and unusual punishment” or no. It makes sense that we would go back to the tried and true methods of the Witch Trials. Thousands upon thousands of books and essays have been written about that time in history; it is taught in modern classrooms: it is obvious we must have been doing something right.
            It is readily agreed that this problem is a true one, with real consequences. It is something which must be rectified and dealt with appropriately. Although I supply a resolution, and am sure that it will be most plausible and effective, I will graciously accept other suggested solutions. It makes little difference as to who offers the fix, as long as one is provided and acted upon. The public, the nation, can no longer ignore the wrongs being done and the blatant ignorance of the Constitutional separation between church and state. We are oppressed, and the only conceivable way to free ourselves is through eradication of religious tolerance, and restoration of the government and its policies. We must reinstate the procedures of the successful days of old. We will be a new, better America, built around the triumphs of the old, intolerant America.