That Government and Prayer Thing
I was going to stay out of the fray over prayer at city council meetings but, since Marc Matteoli brought it up last night...
Most of us know a lawsuit is being filed against the City of Eureka by an atheist, Carole Beaton, who wants to end the practice of invocation at city council meetings. I'm not sure that this should be fodder for a lawsuit, but I'd like to see invocations ended. Maybe not for the same reasons the atheist gal does, but I do find them annoying.
I am not comfortable with religion. I see no point in religious reference being used for the start of a city council meeting. There's no need for it. It's a waste of time. Those that are into that sort of thing can do it before or after the meeting. It's a distraction, at best, that shouldn't have any place in a government meeting.
It's like smoking. While I am a smoker, I don't have a problem with smoking being prohibited in government buildings. I can always smoke elsewhere, just not in a government building. Perhaps not the best analogy, but no harm done by restricting some personal preferences while tending to government business.
People need to deal with government at some point or another in their lives. When they do, they shouldn't be subjected to annoyances that don't work towards accomplishment of that government business. Do the government business and move on.
As far as the Mayor being able to hold or attend prayer meetings, I don't see a problem with that. I'm not sure I even have a problem with it if he did it in the city council chambers, so long as it wasn't during a city council meeting and attendance was voluntary.
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And while we're at it, let's also do away with that blind nationalist's Pledge of Allegiance. Do they still do that at council meetings?
posted by Fred Mangels @ 8:10 AM
7 comments
7 Comments:
Anyone can have a prayer meeting anytime they like, including Mr. Jager if he does it as "Mr. Jager," private citizen. But he is very clearly doing as Mayor Jager and it's also clear that prayer on city related matters will be offered, and that is clearly an unconstitutional support of religion by a government official. One could easily assume that any local business person who does not attend or who does not pray, could be subject to discrimination.
"Henchman Of Justice" says,
Agree with both Fred and anonymous!
Yet, a looming question: "Why is it that her injuries and damages ae allowable under state statute to recover reasonable attorney's fees, equitable relief, declaratory determination, etc... but that a homeowner who has been attacked by any public agency comitting "legal torts" is barely able to sue because of government immunity?"
Ya see folks, the focus is all wrong when it comes to government abuses and injuries and damages because the real problems are mostly not "constitutional matters". In fact, "out of all the constitutional matters", it is usually equal protection standards that are violated and breaches of obligations and breaches of contracts, all three being less inclusive in remedy due to the state laws that encourage corruption and racketeering.
Funny thing is that the people in government who "believe in God" are the ones damaging and injuring people the most. So, is Jager just a liar who deceives people under the guise of GOD? - HOJ
But he is very clearly doing as Mayor Jager....
I don't have a problem with him using his title as Mayor- even acting under it- to have a prayer meeting so long as attendance is voluntary and the city isn't paying for it.
I can understand how some who are more adverse to religion may have a problem with it. I don't. My problem is simply people being subjected to it during city council meetings where they may not have a choice.
If people have a problem with the Mayor hosting a prayer meeting, they should vote for someone else next time.
Praying in an official capacity as mayor is endorsement of a specific religion, and that is both insidious and disgusting. The government should keep its big fat nose out of our religious beliefs. Separation of church and state is all about protecting religious freedom. It's too bad the mayor doesn't seem to understand that most very basic point.
And look where are Country is since they took prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance out of schools. Liberals have destroyed the morals we used to live by and made Christians out to be the bad guys in life. Sorry, but there are bad apples in Christians, as there are bad apples in Liberals, as there are bad apples in aethiests, as there are bad apples in democrats, etc.
8:50 am. Prayer, Invocation, Hymns sung, Psalms recited in the Council Chamber. Voluntary. 9:00 am. Start meeting. For you sad folks that feel like when you die, thats it, you go into the ground, period, I feel sad. But, hey, thats just me. Maybe everyone gets what they plan for....(I don't believe that, but some might), so you sad people go into a hole in the ground, and the others go onto their Higher Rewards.
RefFan.....
Some of the worst criminals are the party of "no" that is making one effort after another to block any sort of beneficial help that might be proposed for the sick, elderly, young, down n out. Without compassion, I think we would all be better off rolling things back to about to a time when people actually cared about their families, neighbors, and friends, and no only to see how they can get into their livelihood.
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