Obama's America 2016

[LaterBloomer]

When you state, "...over the last several decades, religion, prayer, etc. in the schools has been under attack." it would be helpful to provide more information regarding the basis of your argument. It would take up too much of my time to research the first three allegations as the information provided is insufficient to easily research.

As to the other, might I suggest that you go to the case, and reread (read?) them. Your interpretation and my reading of the cases are radically different.

In Ohio v. Whisner, 1976, the finding of the Court was that the state had imposed unreasonable standards on non-public schools. Nothing about using "God" in its official writings. (Even if it did hold that, why would the Board of Education be using "God" in its official writings?)

In Roberts v. Madigan, 1990, Mr. Roberts, a teacher, had his students read quietly for part of each class. To model the importance of reading, he would use the fifteen minutes to read, too. Often, it was the Bible. In the Court's ruling, no mention is ever made that he read the Koran, Torah, etc. In addition, the Bible was on his desk during the entire school day. While the children could bring books to class, he had created a library for the classroom and the students could choose any book from the library. It contained two Christian books; one was on the Bible, and one was on the life of Jesus. Again, the Court's ruling makes no mention that he or his attorneys provided evidence that there were books on other religions in his personal library. Finally, he had a poster on the wall which said, "You have only to open your eyes to see the hand of God." For the most part, I adored and looked-up to my elementary school teachers. I don't think that I am unusual in that. It would not be unreasonable to make sure that teachers are not influencing children's religious beliefs at public schools. IMHO Mr. Roberts was subtly indoctrinating his students, and his freedom of expression/academic freedom did not outweigh his students' rights to be free of such indoctrination.

FLOREY v. SIOUX FALLS SCHOOL DISTRICT, 1979 does NOT stand for the position that it is unconstitutional for a kindergarten class to ask whose birthday is celebrated on Christmas. The school district was attempting to set up guidelines for religion and school activities. Before the Christmas holiday season had even rolled around after the creation of the guidelines, some people who feel strongly about religion and school activities sued the School District. In its ruling, the Court cited The Beginners Christmas Quiz as an example of what could NOT be used. (I'll cut and paste it at the end of this post so you can see what it entailed.) In my opinion, it was dealing with the greatness of Jesus. A religious position, no?

At this point, I figured I didn't want to spend anymore time disproving any more of your "facts." Also, in case it's not obvious at this point, I suspect that we'll have to agree to disagree about whether America not being the same America it used to be is a bad thing.

The Beginner's Christmas Quiz:

Teacher: Of whom did heav'nly angels sing, and news about His birthday bring?

Class: Jesus.

Teacher: Now, can you name the little town where they the Baby Jesus found?

Class: Bethlehem.

Teacher: Where had they made a little bed For Christ, the blessed Saviour's head?

Class: In a manger in a cattle stall.

Teacher: What is the day we celebrate as birthday of this One so great?

Class: Christmas.