Recently the U.S. House of Representatives passed an amendment I introduced, the Ten Commandments Defense Act Amendment. The measure was overwhelmingly approved by Democrats and Republicans.

This amendment is now part of the House's juvenile justice bill, H.R. 1501. This legislation has to first be voted on in the House and Senate Conference Committee before it can go to both Houses, and finally to the president's desk to be signed.

The Ten Commandments Defense Act Amendment says the states should have the right to make the decision whether or not to post the Ten Commandments in public places. The amendment doesn't force the Ten Commandments to be posted, or even say the states must consider the issue. However, posting the Ten Commandments is a decision that should be made close to the people - not by the federal government.

This amendment is based on the First and 10th amendments, which have been misinterpreted over the past 40 years by activist judges who seek to infringe upon those religious rights by denying expression of faith.

Our nation was founded on the principles such as the Ten Commandments. Do not steal, do not kill, obey your parents - who can argue with these important rules for any functioning society?

So many people today are trying to find answers to why we have so much youth violence. I believe the lack of moral principles and the garbage that is coming out of Hollywood is a very large factor.

Those who oppose the Ten Commandments Defense Act Amendment want to say that such an amendment is establishing a religion, but my question would be what religion would we be establishing? Both Christianity and Judaism are rooted in the Ten Commandments.

I usually point out that if I were trying to establish Christianity as a religion, I would choose a quote from Christ from the New Testament instead of the Ten Commandments. Since my youth, I have been taught that the central part of Christianity is trust in Christ - not simply following a set of rules, but of course, the Ten Commandments are very important and the cornerstone of a free and just society.

With a surge toward a violent culture, many things must happen to redirect our society. I understand that simply posting the Ten Commandments will not instantly change the moral character of our nation; however, it is an important step to promote morality and moral absolutes in our society.

I appreciate all the positive comments from many of you about this legislation. If you have not written, please drop me a note about this issue.

Rep. Robert Aderholt is serving his second term representing North Central Alabama in the U.S. House of Representatives. He can be contacted at 1007 Longworth Building, Washington, D.C. 20515, (202) 225-4876. Or, send e-mail to: robert.aderholt@mail.house.gov.

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