Hi Tamar,

>>Well, then we sing 'secular' or pagan songs, both of which have religious origins then?
>
>So you believe that _every_ song has religious origins? Funny, I remember learning lots of songs in school that had nothing whatsoever to do with religion. One that comes to mind as I look out my window on gorgeous colors is:

No, of course not.

>
>Crunchy, crunchy is the sound
>of the leaves upon the ground.
>Crunchy, crunchy goes the noise
>Made in leaves by girls and boys.

*ROF'L!*



>
>Learned that one in Kindergarten or first grade. We sang lots of songs that had nothing to do with religion or with "the supremacy of man."

Fine, but that's kind of not the issue. If the kids and teacher want to sing songs that have religious origins what is the big deal? IOW, I think this all boils down to two things.

1) The Supreme Court's findings
2) This business with hyper-sensitivity and it being the rationale for forcing societal change.

I think you and I may hav econfused the two. I've no argument with the law other than I'd like to see it changed. It's the 2nd issue that is important to me - this nonsense about using people's feelings and emotions to manage society. I think it's utter nonsense.

Perhaps we're at cross purposes?

>
>>>Why are you (or anyone) forced into non-activity. School is not a 24x7 occupation. Celebrate your holidays outside of school. Behave in a manner in accordance with your faith all the time.
>>
>>School is a part of "all the time" Tamar. Like about one third.
>
>So, I'll ask again. Does your religion require organized prayer all day every day? The only reason I can think of that not having organized prayer in school is a problem is if your religion requires you to attempt to convert everyone you come in contact with.

No, not at all. There's absolutely no prohibition in any sense on prayer. Again, not the point though.

As far as 'attempting to convert everyone' I'll certainly agree that I would like everyone to know God and His love. That's God's business actually. I may speak His words but the rest is up to Him. Still, I can understand why someone might confuse my enthusiasm with some other motive. I always like to talk about those I love and to those I love.

I really try hard to only respond when someone else makes an remark that needs clearing up or in response to a 'challenge' as Alex has done on a couple of occassions. If you're personally uncomfortable with this then don't engage me in these kinds of discussions. I'm sorry if you are uncomfortable but I'm not going to stop for that reason. That's just another example of this touchy-feely approach to life IMO. It's a big part of my life and I understand that it's not that way with others.

>
>
>>Ahh. but I can vote. <g>
>
>And so can I, and so do I. I've never missed an election, general or primary, and it would take a major illness or a family emergency that called me out of town suddenly for me to do so.

Just think.. Next time you pull a lever for a national election I'm going to ruin it by voting a different way... *GD&RVVVF*

Thanks Tamar for your willingness to engage. As always I thoroughly enjoy the discussions.