Before I get on my soapbox and start my rant, let me begin by saying that I support anyone’s religious beliefs as long as they aren’t using their God to hurt someone else. If they don’t believe their God wants them to perform a terrorist bombing, start a religious war, join the KKK or stand on a corner with a “God hates fags” sign I support their religious freedom.

I also support anyone’s religious beliefs as long as they do not try to force their faith on me or society. Whether they be (In no particular order) Catholic (both Roman and Greek Orthodox), Seventh Day Adventist, Jew, Christian Scientist, Muslim, Buddhist, Scientologist, Hindu, Methodist, Baha’i, Mormon, Krishna, Lutheran, or any other faith.

I apologize if I left your religion off my list, but I only have so much space available. Did you know that, according to Wikipedia, in the United States alone, there are 53 different Baptist sects?

Which brings me to the rant portion of the column.

Who are these people who think it’s OK to use public funds to promote religious schools? Do they not understand the First Amendment? It specifically says that “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion.” That’s pretty cut and dried if you ask me.

However, the proponents of the Oklahoma law that went before the Supreme Court last week are hanging their hat on the second part of that amendment, which states, “or prohibiting the free exercise thereof.”

Do they really think that by not providing our tax dollars for their kids’ religious education it’s prohibiting their right to practice their faith? There are churches everywhere you look. Most, if not all, of them offer classes like Sunday School, CCD classes, Madrasa, or other teachings. These classes are generally offered without cost or a minimal free will offering. If your child isn’t getting the religious education you want, that’s your fault, not the public school’s fault.

Until my family moved to Omaha my junior year, I went to Catholic Schools. Next to my parents, Sister Marlene had the biggest impact on my life. I was an altar boy. Our class went to mass on a regular basis. The priests would often come to speak to us. We started every day with a prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance led by Sister Carol over the PA system. My younger brother graduated from Roncalli, and my sister from Mercy. I am not against religious schools. I am against our tax dollars being used to fund them. And you should be too.

Notre Dame is the force behind this Oklahoma law that every court so far has ruled is unconstitutional. Does Notre Dame believe that if the Supreme Court rules in their favor that only Catholic Schools will benefit? No, what’s good for the goose is good for the gander. Will they be OK with taxpayer money going to fund a Muslim school? A Mormon School? A school for Scientologists or any of the 53 different Baptist sects? Do they not see how a ruling in their favor is opening a can of worms?

It’s now before the United States Supreme Court, and anything could happen. The conservative justices seemed to favor allowing Oklahoma to fund the St. Isidore of Seville Charter School. Justices Alito, Thomas, Kavanaugh, and Gorsuch appeared to allow the Oklahoma law to take effect. But since Justice Amy Coney Barrett has recused herself, it all comes down to what Chief Justice John Roberts will do. If he decides in favor of the opponents of the law, it will end up a 4-4 tie. In that case, the lower court rulings would stand, and tax dollars could not be used to fund religious education.

This country gives you the freedom to pray to the God of your choice. But don’t make the rest of us pay so your kids can pray to your God in the classroom.

Like I said, I support everyone’s religious beliefs as long as they don’t hurt someone else. Taking tax dollars from people of different or no religious beliefs and giving them to schools with a specific religious belief takes funds away from public schools, and hurts a lot of kids. Theocracies never turn out well. I pray Chief Justice Roberts does the right thing, because if he doesn’t, the country will be in a goddamn mess.

Tom Becka is a long time Nebraska broadcaster who for over 30 years has been covering Omaha and Midwest issues on both radio and TV. He has been a guest on numerous national cable and news shows, filled in for nationally syndicated talk radio programs and Talkers Magazine has recognized him as one of the Top 100 talk show hosts in the country 10 times. Never afraid to ruffle some feathers, his ‘Becka’s Beat’ commentaries can be found online on Youtube and other digital platforms.

Opinions expressed by columnists in The Daily Record are not necessarily those of its management or staff, and do not constitute an endorsement or recommendation. Any errors or omissions should be called to our attention so that they may be corrected. Contact us at news@omahadailyrecord.com.