Word: rhode
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...Ohio Democrat Howard Metzenbaum used the threat of filibuster to block a host of self-serving bills of the kind that special interests try to sneak through at the end of a hectic session. As Rhode Island Republican John Chafee graphically described the process: "You can almost hear the hogs moving up to the trough-slurp, slurp, slurp." Among them were bills that would weaken regulation of beer distributors, doctors and lawyers, and the National Football League. None passed...
Many other local officials have settled instead for allowing private groups to set up crèches on government property. Such displays are now often accompanied by signs disclaiming any direct city role. Although the A.C.L.U. in Rhode Island last week decided to bring suit against one such crèche in Providence, other A.C.L.U. affiliates believe that the use of private funds eliminates the constitutional problem. "As long as public land is available to everyone and no public funds are used, we think religious displays are fine," says John Roberts, executive director of the Massachusetts Civil Liberties Union...
...Providence, R. I. city council last night unanimously called for an investigation into Harvard's one of a scholarship fund for Rhode Island students...
...commotion. Councilor David Sullivan initiated an official review of the city's traditional creche sponsorship, and the city manager's office is expected to respond with a recommendation by Monday. Quick action is in order. Cambridge should dissociate itself with the Brattle Square Nativity display in keeping with the Rhode Island ruling and the blunt First Amendment stipulation prohibiting government activity "respecting an establishment of religion." Designed to prevent Congress or municipalities from advocating a particular spiritual belief, that passage clearly requires a city to refrain from even tacit endorsement of the Christian faith...
...ACLU's stated indifference toward the case here, Cambridge should not be deterred either. Finding an Elks Club lodge or a nearby congregation to sponsor the Brattle Square creche would only go half way toward complying with the city's constitutional responsibility. Commenting on Cianci's maneuvering in Providence, Rhode Island Council of Churches President Richard Craig observed correctly that the church has no right "to muscle in on government property just to show that its influence is such that it can be done...