[ronald_reagan]

But, if the Moslem student asked that ALL students join him/her in placing the mat eastward and praying? Here is my guess: allowances would be made for the student to find a private place to practive the TRADITIONAL observance of his/her religion. Ever met a Christian who whips out a towel, orients toward Jerusalem and prays five times a day? Different tradition. The separation of church and state is important because there were Dark Ages, because there were Salem Witch Trials, because the Puritans drove Roger Williams into the wilderness. You don't think stuff like that could happen again, RR? Many of the bullets you cite are just like five times a day prayer, except they are part of the "grand tradition" of these institutions. It is somewhat at odds, as you say. However, the history of what happens when the State and the Church marry in power and repression is enough to go a little overboard toward freedom of conscience.

You missed the entire post. About 2 lines of if dealt with islamic students. And you once again failed to address the idea expressed and the questions ask. This is habitual on your behalf, and understandably so when there is no defense.

What law did congress enact that was unconstitutional? Why did the very court that ruled kids couldn't publicly pray, held public prayer themselves that morning? and each morning since? The congress that won't amend the constitution to allow for public prayer for kids, opens the sessions that they refuse to pass such an amendment with prayer? Teachers can pray at school, but Congress hires their very own chaplains.. and fund preachers for the military. Yet they won't pay for college for someone wishing to become THEIR chaplain, or join their military for that reason.

As I said, this isn't really a thread about school prayer as much as it is about governmental hypocrisy. "the free exercise thereof". Well in the church that I go to, we hold public prayer. We act just as Washington, Lincoln, FDR,, and about 95% of the founders on this issue. We don't do it for man to hear, but for man to join.

You continually misrepresent my point as that of someone who wants a state church or something. I WANT seperation of church and state. I want it more so than anyone else. But to be so hypocritical... and indeed punishing for absolutely no constitutional reason, is treason against our kids, and God. I don't care if the Islamic student wants to pray in private. I welcome it. However, why would that offend me if he chose homeroom to do it in? Why would it offend me if Abu Sharik let the graduation prayer, invoking Allah and Ali? I'm proud of religious FREEDOM.. and its not freedom when you restrict it to the point that its impossible to practice it openly. The denomination that I attend is among the strictest of all with its belief that 'others are wrong'. Yet I welcome all forms of faith, and the free exercise thereof. When Congress allowed it first Hindu prayer just a few months back, I applauded it. This is a matter of right and wrong. And I know exactly what side of the issue I'm on.

Its ridiculous that you would disagree with me on this, and I'm convinced the only reason you would... is because its the opposite of what I know to be true.

The 1st amendment was meant to PROTECT us. Not limit us. Congress didn't make a law mandating prayer. And when I pray in front of others, they don't have to do the same, or even listen for that matter. And if they have a different faith or wish to pray a prayer of their own, let them.