John Noble (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
jackofallgeeks) wrote2002-07-27 01:13 pm
jackofallgeeks) wrote2002-07-27 01:13 pm
(no subject)
A dear friend of mine sent me the following in an e-mail recently, saying I'd prolly enjoy it.
Mark that up as one of the great understatements of the year. ^^
This is a statement that was read over the PA system at the football game at Roane County High School, Kingston, Tennessee, by school Principal, Jody McLoud, on September 1, 2000. I thought it was worth sharing with the world and hope you will forward it to all your friends. It shows clearly just how far this country has gone in the wrong direction.
It has always been the custom at Roane County High School football
games, to say a prayer and play the National Anthem, to honor God and
Country.
Due to a recent ruling by the Supreme Court, I am told that saying a
Prayer is a violation of Federal Case Law. As I understand the law at this
time, I can use this public facility to approve of sexual perversion and
call it, "an alternate lifestyle," and if someone is offended, that's OK.
I can use it to condone sexual promiscuity, by dispensing condoms and
calling it, "safe sex." If someone is offended, that's OK.
I can even use this public facility, to present the merits of killing an
unborn baby, as a "viable means of birth control." If someone is offended,
no problem.
I can designate a school day as, "Earth Day" and involve students in
activities to worship religiously and praise the goddess, "Mother Earth,"
and call it "ecology."
I can use literature, videos and presentations in the classroom that
depict people with strong, traditional Christian convictions as, "simple
minded" and "ignorant" and call it, "enlightenment."
However, if anyone uses this facility to honor God, and to ask Him to
bless this event with safety and good sportsmanship, then Federal Case Law
is violated.
This appears to be inconsistent at best, and at worst, diabolical.
Apparently, we are to be tolerant of everything and anyone, except God
and His Commandments.
Nevertheless, as a school principal, I frequently ask staff and students
to abide by rules with which they do not necessarily agree. For me to do
otherwise would be inconsistent at best, and at worst, hypocritical. I
suffer from that affliction enough unintentionally. I certainly do not
need to add an intentional transgression.
For this reason, I shall "Render unto Caesar that which is Caesar's," and
refrain from praying at this time.
However, if you feel inspired to honor, praise and thank God, and ask
Him, in the name of Jesus, to bless this event, please feel free to do so.
As far as I know, that's not against the law----yet."
One by one, the people in the stands bowed their heads, held hands with
one another, and began to pray.
Disclaimer: I shouldn't need to say this, and it's quite...ironic that I might think to. I believe whole-heartedly in the above statement. i think many here would take that as obvious. however, I know there are a few of you out there who, for one reason or another, disagree with one or more of the claims made. That being as it may, I consider you all - from Suri to Nif to Mel to Claire to Rae to Beth and on - very dear friends, and respect your opinions. If you can't see the logic in that, please just accept it. I'd like to think we can see eye-to-eye, even when we don't.
Just consider the above MY take on things, yes?
Mark that up as one of the great understatements of the year. ^^
This is a statement that was read over the PA system at the football game at Roane County High School, Kingston, Tennessee, by school Principal, Jody McLoud, on September 1, 2000. I thought it was worth sharing with the world and hope you will forward it to all your friends. It shows clearly just how far this country has gone in the wrong direction.
It has always been the custom at Roane County High School football
games, to say a prayer and play the National Anthem, to honor God and
Country.
Due to a recent ruling by the Supreme Court, I am told that saying a
Prayer is a violation of Federal Case Law. As I understand the law at this
time, I can use this public facility to approve of sexual perversion and
call it, "an alternate lifestyle," and if someone is offended, that's OK.
I can use it to condone sexual promiscuity, by dispensing condoms and
calling it, "safe sex." If someone is offended, that's OK.
I can even use this public facility, to present the merits of killing an
unborn baby, as a "viable means of birth control." If someone is offended,
no problem.
I can designate a school day as, "Earth Day" and involve students in
activities to worship religiously and praise the goddess, "Mother Earth,"
and call it "ecology."
I can use literature, videos and presentations in the classroom that
depict people with strong, traditional Christian convictions as, "simple
minded" and "ignorant" and call it, "enlightenment."
However, if anyone uses this facility to honor God, and to ask Him to
bless this event with safety and good sportsmanship, then Federal Case Law
is violated.
This appears to be inconsistent at best, and at worst, diabolical.
Apparently, we are to be tolerant of everything and anyone, except God
and His Commandments.
Nevertheless, as a school principal, I frequently ask staff and students
to abide by rules with which they do not necessarily agree. For me to do
otherwise would be inconsistent at best, and at worst, hypocritical. I
suffer from that affliction enough unintentionally. I certainly do not
need to add an intentional transgression.
For this reason, I shall "Render unto Caesar that which is Caesar's," and
refrain from praying at this time.
However, if you feel inspired to honor, praise and thank God, and ask
Him, in the name of Jesus, to bless this event, please feel free to do so.
As far as I know, that's not against the law----yet."
One by one, the people in the stands bowed their heads, held hands with
one another, and began to pray.
Disclaimer: I shouldn't need to say this, and it's quite...ironic that I might think to. I believe whole-heartedly in the above statement. i think many here would take that as obvious. however, I know there are a few of you out there who, for one reason or another, disagree with one or more of the claims made. That being as it may, I consider you all - from Suri to Nif to Mel to Claire to Rae to Beth and on - very dear friends, and respect your opinions. If you can't see the logic in that, please just accept it. I'd like to think we can see eye-to-eye, even when we don't.
Just consider the above MY take on things, yes?
no subject
Secondly, I have to say again that, though you don't say much, when you DO say something, what you say is both...meaningful and understandable. ^^
That being said... I think I can see what your saying. You would feel "out of place" at, say, a Catholic Mass. I suppose it would be awkward to go to school and have a morning prayer. But... I don't get it. No disrespect intended, but I don't see why if people are uncomfortable they can't, at the least, just stand there quietly and respect the.... well, you can see, I'm sure, what I'm saying, even if I can't say it. ><* I'm rather inarticulate.
I think I almost completely agree with you, Mel, which goes a LONG way to improve my mood right now.
And, for the record, I'd be interested in going to said pagan gathering. Even if I don't agree with them, I think I could appreciate it. And, in the end, if someone leads a good life, what right does anyone have to judge?
(::Looks back on this and winces:: I'm so inarticulate.)