Education

Atheist Valedictorian’s Complaints Lead TX High School to Ban 99-Year Graduation Prayer Tradition

After a church-state separatist group sent a warning notice, Poteet High School in Poteet, Texas, will be scrapping a traditional invocation and benediction that has been part of commencement ceremonies for decades. Americans United for Separation of Church and State, an organization that works to segregate religion and government, contacted the Poteet Independent School District after a student complained about the presence of religion in the school’s graduation ceremony.

Rather than push forward with the program as scheduled, the district and school cited concerns over legal ramifications and subsequently scrapped the religious elements from the ceremony. As a result, Shelby Martinez, a senior who is speaking at the event, is considering altering her speech to include prayer, seeing as this will no longer be a part of the festivities.

KENS-TV has more:

For the first time in 99 years, graduating seniors at Poteet High School will see a small change in the program: There will be no “invocation” or “benediction.”

Instead, those words will be replaced with “opening remarks” and “closing remarks.”

The change is in response to a letter the school district received from Americans United for the Separation of Church and State.

The group requested the high school remove the words from the graduation program.

After other local schools were involved in prayer battles in previous years, the school district inevitably decided to avoid legal drama by making the difficult decision to remove the invocation and benediction. Now here’s the really interesting part: The complaint that is allegedly at the center of the decision to remove the religious tenets apparently came from the school’s valedictorian — an atheist.

Mark Reyes Has Graduation Prayer Banned at Poteet High School

Mark Reyes

The Friendly Atheist blog cites Mark Reyes, the individual in question, as the person responsible for the removal of the tradition. “Thanks to his activism, the school will be getting rid of a nearly-100-year-old tradition of reciting invocations and benedictions at the ceremony,” the blog reports.

Reyes said made his opinion known in an interview with KABB-TV, saying, ”I know it’s tradition, but tradition isn’t always right.”

While Pastor Allen Weaver, a local faith leader at First Baptist Church Poteet, isn’t upset over the dropping of these elements from the event, he has voiced concern over the loss of traditional prayer. But according to the district, if a student chooses to include prayer in a speech, that is his or her right. Reyes says his main concern is the separation of church and state, although he has no objection to his fellow students raising God’s name.

Graduation is scheduled for this Friday evening at 7:30 p.m.

Comments (455)

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  • THX-1138
    Posted on May 31, 2012 at 3:29pm

    Mark Reyes, I‘m a Buddhist and you’re a moron.

    We judge good and bad by the outcome of actions. There is absolutely *nothing* positive about depriving other people of their RIGHT to worship as they please. You atheists are even crazier (and much bigger assh0les) than the people you so stridently try to silence.

    No one escapes their Karma (whether you believe in it or not). If you keep harming others then you will suffer.

    Report Post » THX-1138  
    • @leftfighter
      Posted on May 31, 2012 at 4:18pm

      Here’s the thing, though…

      As I’m reading it, this is a 100 year tradition because for 100 years, the valedictorian has decided to pray. I’m fine with that.

      We’re not talking about a 100 year tradition of bringing in a chaplin or pastor to pray, then cancelling over one Godless heathen’s objections. The way this is being framed is that people seem to expect an Atheist to pray to a God that he doesn’t believe in. I’m not okay with that.

      Good for Shelby Martinez, who will be inviting God back in to the graduation ceremony by praying during her time to speak.

      Oh, and “seperation of Church and State” was intended as a protection of the Church from imposition of the State à la Henry VIII, not persecute the Church out of the State à la the French Revolution.

      Report Post » @leftfighter  
    • macpappy
      Posted on May 31, 2012 at 4:22pm

      Unless of course you are wrong, karma is a stupid idea that makes no real sense. But, it allows the self rightous or Buddist (really, buddist) to propound the rightous facts as they know them. Karma is the idea that all is equal and given time all wrongs wil be made right. Total bull hockey, as anyone over 18 must have witnessed in life. Good things happen to bad people all the time, and bad things happen to good people. Your worship of any God should be private, then there is no problem.

      Report Post » macpappy  
    • Crazy Times
      Posted on May 31, 2012 at 4:24pm

      @ THX,

      never mind Nlitend1; he finished doing his bath salts and eating face before he posted that comment.

      Report Post » Crazy Times  
    • macpappy
      Posted on May 31, 2012 at 4:26pm

      @Nlitend1
      You start by calling the poster dumb, then you proceed by making the most stupid comments i have seen on this thread. Not only are you ignorant on the Constitution, how our government was formed, and the fact that it is not based on religion; but you show a livily ignorance of your own religion.

      Report Post » macpappy  
    • chazmo
      Posted on May 31, 2012 at 4:27pm

      @MCPAPPY the problem with that is that God’s word should be shouted from the highest mountains. We Christians love to pray together. It’s just our thing. Would you not allow us our right to this activity? You disguise your fairness.

      Report Post » chazmo  
    • phillyatheist
      Posted on May 31, 2012 at 4:33pm

      CHAZMO – then go climb a mountain. pick a good one though – might i suggest Everest?

      Report Post » phillyatheist  
    • Crazy Times
      Posted on May 31, 2012 at 4:35pm

      @ MACPAPPY,

      SOoOOOOOOoooOOOO……. Are you implying that all religion should be private? that we should not communitcate any religion in a “secular” society?

      Well “GD”, is that allowed? I’m sure it is, also allowing everyone to mock and shame others in public by using Alinsky tatics by calling them stupid and shouting down other thoughts and comments are allowed also.

      How dictaoral of you Macpappy! Here’s my thoughts: rethink your thinking!

      Good luck in hell devil boy!

      Report Post » Crazy Times  
    • macpappy
      Posted on May 31, 2012 at 4:36pm

      @chazmo
      Well, you could do all this from your Church, or anyone of your members homes. Or, you could knock on peoples doors to see if they want your wittnessing. Or you could do any number of things…..except use our schools, courthouses, or other PUBLIC bldgs. to help correl the lords chosen.

      Report Post » macpappy  
    • Crazy Times
      Posted on May 31, 2012 at 4:40pm

      @ Philly,

      I’m sure Everest is a site to see.

      However, for you, I would suggest to jump into a vortex of nothing.

      Report Post » Crazy Times  
    • phillyatheist
      Posted on May 31, 2012 at 4:44pm

      CRAZY – funny, that made me laugh. however, isn’t a void of nothing kinda what i believe in already? i mean, not now here on earth, but after?

      Report Post » phillyatheist  
    • chazmo
      Posted on May 31, 2012 at 4:44pm

      @philly should I jump when I get to the top? :) I still love you brother.. Someday when you find the Lord, I hope you ease up on the sarcastic remarks.. It really is hard to have an adult conversation with such sarcasm.

      Report Post » chazmo  
    • THX-1138
      Posted on May 31, 2012 at 4:45pm

      @macpappy

      All due respect but…

      Karma makes no sense? You’re willing to believe in the conservation of Mass and Energy but the Conservation of “good” and “bad” is just too much for you? OK, but I‘d bet you’ll find a great deal of evidence if you go looking. Karma is practically Newtonian.

      Of course you’d have to factor in the whole reincarnation thing for it to make any sense (we see this existence as one long continuous process where nothing is unchanging or unchanged), but again, you’d have to investigate it to become informed. It’s primarily logic and reason. We have our Mythology but it’s not the Foundation. Read Nagarjuna on the Nature of Emptiness. It’ll make your head hurt but it might also lead you to a new view of the universe.

      I try never to tear down other religions. It’s rarely a positive thing to do. I tend toward defending all religions and merely pointing out how some people misuse or twist the religious beliefs to their own perceived needs. Like being an Atheist, which is fine (I guess) versus trying to shut up Christians, which I think is destructive.

      We do seem to agree on this point though:
      Your worship of any God (or no God) should be private, then there is no problem.

      Report Post » THX-1138  
    • Nlitend1
      Posted on May 31, 2012 at 4:50pm

      Christians should be allowed to pray it’s that simple and even though the article clearly states that they are…by preventing the government from sponsoring christian prayer (I thought we had FREEDOM OF SPEECH) in a public forum and only allowing individual students to pray there, you are destroying the constitutional right to christianity. I know i’m allowed to climb to the mountain top and scream JESUS (like mel gibson shouted FREEDOM! in that movie Braveheart), but I hate all those that would stop the government from doing it because separation of church and state is only meant to apply to other religions…like those mosque building mooslims in NYC.
      P.S. Buddhists put MSG in my Kung Pao Chicken and will have a Karma coronary as a result.

      Report Post »  
    • Crazy Times
      Posted on May 31, 2012 at 4:50pm

      @ Philly,

      Exactly. Good to see you have a good sense of humor even though we probably disagree.

      Report Post » Crazy Times  
    • macpappy
      Posted on May 31, 2012 at 4:50pm

      @Crazy Times
      You may not have the compacity to understand what i was saying; but what I meant was: Private, as in on private property, or church property.
      By the way, I don’t believe in hell either. SoooooosoooSooo, what else you got?

      Report Post » macpappy  
    • chazmo
      Posted on May 31, 2012 at 4:51pm

      @McPappy This isn’t a fight club. We live our lives as Christians. You know all those good things in life like Prayer, Love, Helping Neighbors. You can’t do that only in your church. But, I will concede one thing.. And that is our Schools.. If you concede we stop preaching Global Warming, Darwinism, Gay Sex, Abortion, communism, Atheism, in our schools and federal buildings. Deal?

      This is exactly why I say SEND YOUR CHRISTIAN CHILDREN TO PRIVATE CHRISTIAN SCHOOLS NOW!!!

      Report Post » chazmo  
    • Crazy Times
      Posted on May 31, 2012 at 4:55pm

      @ Macpappy,

      This is what i have:

      God bless you.

      Report Post » Crazy Times  
    • Cesium
      Posted on May 31, 2012 at 4:57pm

      @THX NILTEND1 is exactly why we atheists are ********… We don’t really want to live amongst so many Americans who think a sky magician made himself into a human that he called the son of himself! forget it!

      Report Post »  
    • macpappy
      Posted on May 31, 2012 at 4:58pm

      THX-1138
      I have to bow to your knowledge of Buddism, and can only reply that i will have to take you up on the reading material you suggest. I am always looking for new knowledge. On you r point tho, everytime I see someone get what I think they deserve I say “karma got him”.

      Report Post » macpappy  
    • Crazy Times
      Posted on May 31, 2012 at 4:58pm

      @ MacPappy,

      I also have a Mount Everest, something more than your vortex with McPilly my bro……

      @ Nlitend1

      Get off the bath salts or you’ll find yourself on the streets of Miami with a homeless guy and flesh in between your teeth

      @ THX – love George and Buddist are cool. Take care.

      Report Post » Crazy Times  
    • usedCZARsalesman
      Posted on May 31, 2012 at 4:59pm

      Good points, LEFTFIGHTER…He has every right NOT to pray, and I am a Christian that fights atheists at every turn when it comes to stripping away our heritage just because they decide (with NO proof) that all the Founders hated religion and wanted it no where near the public square. He isn’t asking to have the tradition stopped forever, just that HE not have to pray to a God he doesn’t believe in

      Report Post » usedCZARsalesman  
    • macpappy
      Posted on May 31, 2012 at 5:02pm

      @crazytimes
      Thank you very much. What a christian thing to do. On bended knee I return the blessing.

      Report Post » macpappy  
    • macpappy
      Posted on May 31, 2012 at 5:06pm

      @chazmo
      I see your point, and if you want your child brought up in the Christian faith then you should send them to private school.

      Report Post » macpappy  
    • Nlitend1
      Posted on May 31, 2012 at 5:06pm

      You are sooo right CHAZMO!!!!
      Teaching Global Warming should be stopped NOW!! While we are at it, we should get rid of Meteorology and Physics…Darwinism is actually not being taught anymore except in history classes, but EVOLUTION is the devil as is most of what is being taught in Biology and Chemistry Classes. Gay Sex and Abortion should actually be taught, but they should teach that it sends you directly to hell rather than teaching my kids about relationships and reproductive responsibility. Communism and Nazi-ism are the same, I didn’t have to take a class to know all about those things, cause my pappy wouldn’t let them teach that poop to me. Finally, ATHEISM is the number one killer of christ, Teachers are out there now!, teaching our children about NOT BELIEVING in jesus…and being PAID by the government to do it. They should never even mention atheism, much less explain what it means to children. Children should be left ignorant of this christ-killing word and what it means. At least teachers don‘t have the power to convert my children to atheism or BUDDHISM because I don’t need no fat asian kids…and if they convert them to liberals, those kids would probably never leave the house and use me like commies use welfare.

      Report Post »  
    • TXPilot
      Posted on May 31, 2012 at 5:10pm

      I hope this kids classmates decide to gang up and beat the cr@p out of the little, self-serving junior liberal. And, shame on the school administration for caving in and destroying a long-time and valuable tradition, just because this little puke wants to whine about it. Tell him to stay home, and send his diploma to him in the mail.

      Report Post » TXPilot  
    • Zarapachi
      Posted on May 31, 2012 at 5:21pm

      May I has more information on the Buddhist faith please. Lord knows I need one.

      Report Post »  
    • Nlitend1
      Posted on May 31, 2012 at 5:26pm

      Thank you TXPILOT!!! Finally someone that understands. I was going to say the same thing–that the other kids should ostracize this valedictorian through a standard beating…thereby shaming his atheism and non-christ conforming beliefs–but, I thought it would make me sound crazy. I guess I’m the coward.
      The thing is, that if the government would do its job by sponsoring christianity, then all those atheists and buddhists would be ostracized already. If the government would stop accepting any and all organized religions (other than christianity (more specifically evangelical anglicans)), we wouldn’t have this problem. Kids wouldn‘t step up and say they don’t believe, because the government would support evangelicals in beating them. That’s what the founders wanted….it’s clearly in the constitution, “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or PROHIBITING THE FREE EXERCISE THEREOF”. Do they have to spell it out!!! REALLY??? Religion means Christ you idiots!!!

      Report Post »  
    • Seymour
      Posted on May 31, 2012 at 5:41pm

      Hey tend? put a sock in it.

      Report Post »  
    • Crazy Times
      Posted on May 31, 2012 at 5:43pm

      @ Nlitend1,

      You are not fooling anyone, your lying and those are not your beliefs.

      So get off the bath salts and stop hanging on Miami streets!…. you freakin leftist fool.

      Report Post » Crazy Times  
    • bob111
      Posted on May 31, 2012 at 5:58pm

      prayer should be allowed. it is free spreech. if you dont like it vote the bums out.
      prayer etc should be allowed just like the public officials opinions and statements on anything else.
      use the polls, pr, pc or any other kind of pressure to change what they say.

      Report Post »  
    • Nlitend1
      Posted on May 31, 2012 at 5:59pm

      @Crazy
      Why are you ridiculing me and my religion? If you don’t agree with me, that is your right, but you should not pick on christianity and for some strange reason say I am using ‘bath salts’ to imply something negative. You are in the wrong place to be picking on christians my friend…So leave our site, and leave our country because you obviously don’t share in our american values. Nevertheless, I’ll pray for you.

      Report Post »  
    • DisgruntledInClinton
      Posted on May 31, 2012 at 6:00pm

      Why didn‘t the school just hold a vote to see who wanted the prayer and who didn’t. Democracy at work rather than one person suing a school.

      Report Post »  
    • SavingtheRepublic.com
      Posted on May 31, 2012 at 6:08pm

      The needs of he few or the one outweigh the needs of the many……

      Report Post » SavingtheRepublic.com  
    • Crazy Times
      Posted on May 31, 2012 at 6:09pm

      @ Nlitend1

      Get real… i read your other postings.

      Report Post » Crazy Times  
    • Nlitend1
      Posted on May 31, 2012 at 6:17pm

      Thank you DISGRUNTLED CLINTON!! That is great suggestion, democracy and christianity are what this country was founded on, and it‘s sad that they don’t even teach it in our schools. It‘s ridiculous that the majority of people can’t decide on something as important as religion. WE THE PEOPLE never seem to get to vote for anything that would stop these minority groups from spouting their beliefs and exercising their ‘rights’. That’s not what the constitution is about folks! Our country was founded on the idea that the majority rule, it’s that simple! The libs are the minority and they want to make it seem like they should have rights too. That’s why they stand with all the other minorities, like the homosexes. If we ran this country according the constitution and respected the power of the majority, the homosexes would go away too, because the majority of us are not like that. The majority (us) could outlaw all of the minorities and people that wanted homosex would be punished and the majority (us) could take all of their property. This has worked throughout history…it is only this country (with its made up ‘rights’ for minorities) that has gone astray. Look it up if you don’t believe me, this is the first country in history to give ‘rights’ to minority groups, as if they needed protection from something?! This is what makes libs dangerous.

      Report Post »  
    • Pizzed
      Posted on May 31, 2012 at 6:28pm

      hey “hardly nlitened1”, first of all I am a Christian and your a sorry ass impediment to the Gospel. You deign to ridicule others regarding Jesus, but can’t be bothered to capitalize His holy name? You will be judged by your own fruit and you can‘t share God’s message of love without tainting it with condescension and hate? You aren’t qualified to speak for the body of Christ you nitwit..Buddhism isn’t even a religion per say, it‘s a philosophy and isn’t in “competition” with Christianity. The Holy Spirit is who brings peoples heart to Christ, not arrogant, ignorant loud mouths like you, so do our Lord a favor and keep your pie hole shut if you can’t be respectful of people. You ain’t Paul son…

      Report Post »  
    • Nlitend1
      Posted on May 31, 2012 at 6:48pm

      @PIZZED
      Did I Pizz you off?
      P.S. It Sounds Like You Know A Little Too Much About Buddha…You Probably Went To A Lib School That Taught All About These ‘Philosophies’ But Were Wouldn’t Talk About The True Word Of christ, Because They Would Get Sued. At Least You Learned Grammar.

      Report Post »  
    • turkey13
      Posted on May 31, 2012 at 7:20pm

      This little twerp just ruined his life. Who in their right mind would hire him. He’s the type that will sue you if he walks in your office after you passed gas and he smells it. Hope he has a guaranted job with the group or the ACLU. If he’s not rich he will be living at home with his parents. You folks in Texas need to come across the river to Oklahoma – we have a way around it. A Baptist church near the High school invites everyone to the church an Hr. before graduation to meet and pray for all the students to go forward with Jesus’s blessings and have a prosperous life. Three years ago a girl confessed her sins and was quickely baptized.

      Report Post »  
    • Enquirer
      Posted on May 31, 2012 at 7:21pm

      Nobody is stopping you praying.. Just consider prayer as a private moment..
      Close your eyes, and talk to whatever your higher power is.. just dont let it get in the way of other peoples’ beliefs and disbeliefs.
      Religion is medieval.. cant we move forward.. and think for OURSELVES, not what someone in the dim dark ages thought was a good idea to control people.

      Report Post »  
    • Nlitend1
      Posted on May 31, 2012 at 7:41pm

      You are absolutely right TURKEY!! This kid doesn’t have a snow-ball’s chance of getting a job even if he can get good grades. Any employer would know that he would question them if he thought they were wrong…that’s what I want as an employer, someone to tell me i’m wrong all the time (*super-sarcasm). It’s just like the problem that comes with desegregation…sure the black people got a better education, but they got uppity and no employer wants uppity workers. I guess there are probably some careers where it is preferable to have someone who is smart and capable of questioning authority, but those jobs require a lot of college degrees…and we all know that if you go to college you will be indoctrinated by those god-less professors. I would rather dig ditches…at least I won’t have to pay out the nose every time some chick thinks I sexually harassed her cause I said she was pretty.

      Report Post »  
    • Nlitend1
      Posted on May 31, 2012 at 7:55pm

      Hey Enquirer, you make no sense at all. Your logic is faulty. You say that we should keep our prayers to ourselves but you openly espouse this hatred for religion. So which is it Enquirer? I understand, the rules shouldn’t apply to you. You just want us to be quiet about our beliefs so that yours are the only ones out there. That’s why our kids are becoming god-less. We take them to church, we pray everyday and night, we teach them of god all of the time…but at school, they are not allowed to give them the WORD, they use this separation of church and state mumbo jumbo to leave school void of religion…and therefor void of christ. In the void, they don‘t have the church’s structure and they go to satan. The void is the problem, because parents can’t fend off people like you enquirer. You live in the void and take advantage of it, to spread your language, like “dim-ages“ and ”equal-rights“ and ”tolerance”. It is people like you that belong in the void, and god-fearing people like me that should be free to teach the word in schools.

      Report Post »  
    • toomuchgovt
      Posted on May 31, 2012 at 9:02pm

      Great point. I am really tired of the “1%” of atheist in this world taking away the rights of spiritual people.

      Report Post » toomuchgovt  
    • Wolfgang the Gray
      Posted on May 31, 2012 at 9:16pm

      The constitution guarantees Freedom OF Religion (you can believe whatever you want), not Freedom FROM Religion (Atheists rule). Our founders said God because there were many different religions in the beginning. I am a Christian, but I support the right of others to believe in Buddha, Shiva, Donald Duck, or nothing at all. To say you should be punished for not believing in Jesus is no different than these Atheists saying we should all be punished (which the government is allowing) for believing in anything. What happens on the other side of death is between God and the individual, but on this side, in this country, they have a right to believe what they want. As for this article, I pains me so to see how everyone is bowing to the Atheists because they are forcing their standard on everyone else. If you don’t want to pray, then don’t pray, but don’t stop others from doing so.

      This of course is another reason to send your kids to private school.

      “We are never defeated unless we give up on God.” – Ronald Reagan

      Report Post » Wolfgang the Gray  
    • binge_thinker
      Posted on May 31, 2012 at 9:31pm

      Freedom from religion should also mean freedom from atheists with their overzealous attempts to squish any and all religious expression. Obviously these aren’t tolerant people; they are bullies and bigots who use the threat of legal action to squelch freedom OF religion of all U.S. citizens. If someone doesn‘t want to believe in God they don’t have to; don’t expect the rest of us to silence our beliefs for you.

      Report Post » binge_thinker  
    • atechgeek
      Posted on June 1, 2012 at 9:15am

      Prayer in Schools is SO EASY to solve. Instead of dictating Christianity by having a “leader” pray out loud for everyone, set aside a few mins to pray on your own. It is Freedom of Religion and there IS no need for an atheist or a Buddist or whatever to have to pray for a God they do not believe in. All you have to do is say .. We now offer a few minutes of silence for personal prayer. Then shut up. After all .. it is your relationship with your God … not the collective like Obama wants. This country is all about individual freedoms … not collective freedoms.

      PS : Praise the Lord Jesus !!!

      Report Post »  
    • atechgeek
      Posted on June 1, 2012 at 9:19am

      @binge_thinker

      It is Freedom “OF” Religion .. not “FROM” Religion. The leftist want you to think it is “FROM” and this is why BO and MO want to “Change History”. Think about it.

      Report Post »  
    • rushvillerocket
      Posted on June 1, 2012 at 11:35am

      Since when did the minority overrule what the majority wants??? Only when it involves Christians? If it were a Muslim tradition, Christians would be forced into complying because if we didn’t, someone would be killed!!!! This country is absolutely going in the wrong direction, and we have Obummer to thank for that!

      Report Post »  
    • davecorkery
      Posted on June 1, 2012 at 12:23pm

      A real Buddhist would understand the zen. Go back to the sound of your one hand slapping…
      He has good karma. He is helping others away from their brainwashing. He is not taking away anyone’s rights. Others are free to come forward and pray their as**s off during their own speech. More power to them and him.
      Religious people have lied long enough when they says that prayer has been removed from our schools. Wrong. You have always been able to pray all you want in schools in America. Just no official prayer from the state or school board. If you want to walk the halls talking to your imaginary friend, knock yourself out. I won’t stop you. Not my business.
      Faith is no reason.

      Report Post »  
    • turkey13
      Posted on June 1, 2012 at 12:49pm

      I thought I recognized who the little twerp looks like. Should have noticed his brown nose. Look at his picture and you will see a younger Anthony Weiner. Looks like Weiner visited this town about 17 years ago.

      Report Post »  
    • Meyvn
      Posted on June 1, 2012 at 2:44pm

      There are all kinds of people because they all operate in the Kingdom of Darkness who would do anything they could to separate you from your faith and your salvation.

      False religionists would do it. Cult leaders would do it. False teachers would do it. There are plenty of people who would do it and plenty of them have influence and power and impact and sophistication.

      Truth is. They can’t. Know that. They will fail.

      And Paul said, “Since God is for us, who’s against us?”

      Report Post » Meyvn  
    • larkspur25
      Posted on June 1, 2012 at 5:54pm

      I do not believe you. Buddhists don’t call people names.

      Report Post »  
  • momrules
    Posted on May 31, 2012 at 3:28pm

    The big stick these cowardly atheists carry is money.
    They love these battles because their groups are so well funded they can stay in court for years.

    They would gladly bankrupt a small town or a school district to keep even one of their their cowardly little brethren from being offended.

    I hope the other students along their parents, families and friends who gather to watch the graduation ceremony stand as one and recite the Lords Prayer and then join in a rousing chorus of ” Onward Christian Soldiers.”

    Report Post »  
    • woodyb
      Posted on May 31, 2012 at 3:39pm

      AMEN to that!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

      Report Post »  
    • momprayn
      Posted on May 31, 2012 at 3:41pm

      Love that song – been going through my head a lot the last few years —- it’s especially appropriate for “such a time as this” huh? Indeed……a war.

      Report Post »  
    • Bluebonnet
      Posted on May 31, 2012 at 3:45pm

      How can a small group of Bass-turds dictate what the rest of us can do? Time to clean house.

      Report Post »  
    • Dismayed Veteran
      Posted on May 31, 2012 at 3:49pm

      Your right Mom. If everyone just stood up and prayed who can stop them? It will take only one stout hearted person to stand and loudly begin “OUR FATHER…More will stand.

      Report Post » Dismayed Veteran  
    • JGraham III
      Posted on May 31, 2012 at 6:13pm

      If I were a graduating senior in this district who was speaking at commencement I would pray loud and long and later say “oops! I’m sorry! I must not have gotten the memo.” There would be few who would object I’m sure and if the Americans United to force everyone to do what we want Foundation objected I would invite them to insert their complaint into whatever body orifice of theirs they preferred; then I would claim freedom of speech enables me to verbally flip them off.

      Report Post »  
  • kickagrandma
    Posted on May 31, 2012 at 3:27pm

    Why is he valedictorian? Seems to me having received his free education in the USA which is “one nation under GOD”, a Valedictorian SHOULD be a student of the CHRISTIAN or JEWISH faith. This IS AMERICA, blessed by GOD, and is yet free by HIS GRACE.

    I’ve no doubt the citizens of this county AND the graduating class will find a solution to the obstacle in their path. Standing and saying in unison, “Mark, we are praying for you” (and meaning it) would be a wonderful thing to do.

    Report Post »  
    • phillyatheist
      Posted on May 31, 2012 at 3:37pm

      i guess earning the top spot is meaningless? i thought Conservatives were all about the merit system. yet you want to give the #2 the #1′s rightfully earned spot. stay classy.

      phillyatheist  
    • momrules
      Posted on May 31, 2012 at 3:41pm

      Praying for Mark would be great. I’ve added Jessica Ahlquist to my prayers too.

      I do not like these kids, I’ll be honest about that, but I pray that God will use them somehow for His glory.

      Report Post »  
    • Locked
      Posted on May 31, 2012 at 3:43pm

      “Why is he valedictorian?”

      Probably because he has the highest grade point average in his graduating class. Does valedictorian mean something different to you?

      Report Post »  
    • binge_thinker
      Posted on May 31, 2012 at 9:34pm

      You can be book smart and life ignorant at the same time. I think that is the problem with Senor Reyes.

      Report Post » binge_thinker  
  • CougarNick78
    Posted on May 31, 2012 at 3:26pm

    @ Git R Done, since it‘s something you don’t care about, obviously you’re fine with minority rule. When it’s something you do give a damn, get back to me.

    Report Post » CougarNick78  
    • VanceUppercut
      Posted on June 1, 2012 at 3:15pm

      @CougarNick78

      Apparently you’ve never heard of the term “tyranny of the majority”.

      Report Post »  
  • Bryan B
    Posted on May 31, 2012 at 3:26pm

    Oliver Ellsworth

    Chief-Justice of the Supreme Court 1802

    The primary objects of government are the peace, order, and prosperity of society. . . . To the promotion of these objects, particularly in a republican government, good morals are essential. Institutions for the promotion of good morals are therefore objects of legislative provision and support: and among these . . . religious institutions are eminently useful and important. . . . The legislature, charged with the great interests of the community, may, and ought to countenance, aid and protect religious institutions—institutions wisely calculated to direct men to the performance of all the duties arising from their connection with each other, and to prevent or repress those evils which flow from unrestrained passion

    Report Post » Bryan B  
    • Locked
      Posted on May 31, 2012 at 3:42pm

      “Oliver Ellsworth

      Chief-Justice of the Supreme Court 1802″

      Oliver Ellsworth only served as Chief Justice until 1800.

      Report Post »  
    • Bryan B
      Posted on May 31, 2012 at 5:08pm

      @Locked

      Oliver Ellsworth died 1807, so whats your point ? He was still Chief-Justice of the Supreme Court, and a founding member of the United States, and a delegate to the Federal Constitutional Convention (the ratifying convention) 1787.. Any statments he would make on the matter gives significant legal bearing.

      Report Post » Bryan B  
  • Locked
    Posted on May 31, 2012 at 3:24pm

    “But according to the district, if a student chooses to include prayer in a speech, that is his or her right. Reyes says his main concern is the separation of church and state, although he has no objection to his fellow students raising God’s name.”

    Absolutely right. If the school doesn’t sponsor the prayer, students can mention God during their speeches. I believe they can also include a personal prayer, but I‘m not sure if they’re allowed to lead a student prayer using school equipment.

    Report Post »  
    • colt1860
      Posted on May 31, 2012 at 3:44pm

      That’s what you think. Next, as has happened before, they‘ll just shut off the student’s microphone, or won’t let them speak, if God or Jesus are mentioned.

      Report Post »  
    • Therightsofbilly
      Posted on May 31, 2012 at 3:53pm

      How absurd.

      So they can’t say a prayer if they are speaking in to a microphone that is school property, but if he or she hangs a small amplifier over their shoulder and brings their own microphone………it’s ok?

      Report Post » Therightsofbilly  
    • Therightsofbilly
      Posted on May 31, 2012 at 4:18pm

      @LOCKED

      Before you correct me,……. I meant……..lead a student prayer……..not just, say a prayer.

      Report Post » Therightsofbilly  
    • Locked
      Posted on May 31, 2012 at 4:28pm

      @Billy

      “So they can’t say a prayer if they are speaking in to a microphone that is school property, but if he or she hangs a small amplifier over their shoulder and brings their own microphone………it’s ok?”

      Not sure how the court would rule on it, Billy. Likely the microphone would be fine for a personal prayer, but not for leading a prayer at a student event. The latter has been ruled before by the SCotUS. As said, there’s nothing stopping students in their speeches from mentioning God, or praying for people, but if they say “Now let us all stand for the Lord’s Prayer”… that would likely cross the line.

      I’m not a Supreme Court justice though, so I couldn’t tell you for sure :-)

      Report Post »  
    • Therightsofbilly
      Posted on May 31, 2012 at 4:48pm

      @LOCKED

      Isn’t an entire group of people simultaneously reciting a prayer, nothing more than many individuals saying a personal prayer at the same time?

      So,…… while using the school microphone, what if he said……..”Now, let only those that wish to join in, stand and join me in saying the Lord’s Prayer”

      If that is not ok, how about if he turns the school mic off, and just yells it real loud?

      Or is it not ok because he might be standing on school ground?

      Like I said……….absurd.

      Report Post » Therightsofbilly  
  • Smokey_Bojangles
    Posted on May 31, 2012 at 3:24pm

    Why do Communist forget the part that says “…or prohibiting the free exercise thereof;” Denying some one their 1st amendment rights does not give some one else 1st amendment rights.You can always Not Pray.To Deny some one the right to pray is violating their 1st amendment rights,not validating your own.

    Report Post » Smokey_Bojangles  
  • georgette
    Posted on May 31, 2012 at 3:24pm

    my two cents? ….to the small elements of the population flexing your mouths and making a general nuisance of yourselves, all you children and emotional adolescents.wanting your 15 minute of fame…. Learn something relevant to contribute to society….be a plumber….be a doctor…or nurse…dig ditches……build highways…..raise food….do something other than boring the socks off the adults.

    Report Post »  
  • acovenantinblood
    Posted on May 31, 2012 at 3:23pm

    Still waiting for the Christians to realize that it’s them no longer acting like Christians that have brought this judgment upon us. If we did not deserve Barak Obam then we would not have gotten him. Still wondering how bad it has to get befoer we:

    Let us search and try our ways and turn agian to the LORD. Lam. 3:40

    This implies that a nation under judgment has turned form God no matter how “religious” they may seem. Was no the Pharisees preaching God? Yet the very presence of the Roman judgment was testament agianst them.

    Report Post » acovenantinblood  
    • ChiefGeorge
      Posted on May 31, 2012 at 3:53pm

      Its not so much judgment as it is a lifting of Gods protection over our nation that is at work top to bottom.

      Report Post » ChiefGeorge  
    • momrules
      Posted on May 31, 2012 at 4:15pm

      Chiefgeorge………..I think our hedge of protection is gone. I have prayed about it but I don‘t see turning back to God in America’s future. We have gone too far as a nation and the godless seem to be holding all the cards now.

      Without a God filled, God protected America the world is lost too. Prophecy is being played out before our very eyes.

      Report Post »  
  • zstevie
    Posted on May 31, 2012 at 3:22pm

    What’s the problem? We have prozac, pharmaceutical companies, obadmascare and psychiatrists and they all agree, there is no God. They all are unanimous that it is illegal to use faith, hope. love and prayer to deal with issues first.

    Report Post »  
  • Bryan B
    Posted on May 31, 2012 at 3:21pm

    I have lived, Sir, a long time, and the longer I live, the more convincing proofs I see of this truth, that God governs in the affairs of men. And if a sparrow cannot fall to the ground without His notice, is it probable that an empire can rise without his aid? We have been assured, Sir, in the Sacred Writings, that “except the Lord build the House, they labor in vain that build it.” I firmly believe this; and I also believe that without His concurring aid we shall succeed in this political building no better, than the Builders of Babel: We shall be divided by our partial local interests; our projects will be confounded, and we ourselves shall become a reproach and bye word down to future ages. And what is worse, mankind may hereafter from this unfortunate instance, despair of establishing governments by human wisdom and leave it to chance, war and conquest.

    I therefore beg leave to move that henceforth prayers imploring the assistance of Heaven, and its blessings on our deliberations be held in this Assembly every morning before we proceed to business, and that one or more of the clergy of this city be requested to officiate in that service.

    Benjamin Franklin April 17, 1787

    The separation of Church and State doesn’t exsist, it’s made up….

    Report Post » Bryan B  
    • StonyBurk
      Posted on May 31, 2012 at 8:17pm

      Bryan B. –T’anks. In that speech by Benjamin Franklin he cited the authority of Scripture no less than a half dozen times in every accepted literary form from use of the title Father of Lights (James1:17 ) through to his reference to the Builders of Babel-followed by the suggested consequences for forgetting to invite God into the “political building”they were about. (Compare Dan.9:16to the Franklin comments on becoming a reproach and bye word. In Sept.1774 the first acts of the Continental Congress was to invite Rev.J.Duche to conduct divine services-and they acted to officially Thank him for the excellent prayer-one ending in the name of Jesus Christ Thy son and our Savior.,Amen” Franklin was not alone in quoting Scripture -see The theme is Freedom by M.Stanton Evans.The twice passed Northwest Ordinance Article III (1787/1789) National Days of Fasting ,humiliation and Prayer most common in th eColonial era up past our Civil War etc.

      Report Post »  
  • Blacktooth
    Posted on May 31, 2012 at 3:17pm

    If a person wants to pray, then pray. You do not need the sanction of a school or anyone else.
    This is not an issue to get upset over.

    Report Post » Blacktooth  
  • Just in time
    Posted on May 31, 2012 at 3:15pm

    Why are people in this country allowing their religious freedom to be stripped from them? We in this country have freedom of religion, not freedom from religion

    Report Post »  
    • macpappy
      Posted on May 31, 2012 at 3:23pm

      Excuse me, I don’t have freedom from religion? So, which religiion do I have to follow? If I choose no religion, what happens to me?

      Report Post » macpappy  
    • phillyatheist
      Posted on May 31, 2012 at 3:28pm

      JUSTINTIME – that’s a new one. i wonder if the Courts have ever looked at it from that angle. (sarcasm)

      your freedom of religion is not being violated here. people at the ceremony can pray during the whole thing if they want. the school, being a public secular institution, cannot sanction a specific religious belief. the students are free to do so on their own if they wish, and it sounds like they will.

      Report Post » phillyatheist  
    • Blacktooth
      Posted on May 31, 2012 at 3:37pm

      macpappy,

      There are thousands of conflicting religions, a wide choice is available for mankind to follow. They all cannot be true.
      Jesus indicated the true faith is a “narrow road” and is “cramped”, and few are the ones finding it.

      Report Post » Blacktooth  
    • chazmo
      Posted on May 31, 2012 at 3:42pm

      @MacPappy that’s the beauty of America man.. You don’t have to pray, worship, attend church, or anything that has to do with God. But, in the same vain you have no right to infringe on my believe to do such things. This is exactly why Public Schools are a danger to Christians. Go Christians and educate your children in private Christian schools… Your kids will be happy for it. I have living proof. My son attended a Liberal Community College in Northern Calif. Came back loving Chavez. Now he attends Cal Baptist University and WOW what a change. That is the best school in California BAR NONE.

      Report Post » chazmo  
    • macpappy
      Posted on May 31, 2012 at 3:55pm

      @chazmo
      That is the answer you know. Keep it private and no one can complain, why would they? I understand that Christians have a right to practice their faith, just as a Jew or Muslim, or even Athiest have a right to carry on the pursuit of happiness and health without having another religion being pushed into their faces at all government bldg.
      So, keep it private.

      Report Post » macpappy  
    • scarebear83
      Posted on May 31, 2012 at 4:23pm

      Question, I have asked several times on other threads but no one seems to reply. If our Founding Fathers original intentions were to keep religion and state separate and it‘s unconstitutional to have anything mentioning a religion on public lands or prayer at a public school then why isn’t anyone asking for the Liberty Bell to be taken down? It is inscribed after all with a Bible verse, “Proclaim LIBERTY throughout all the Land unto all the inhabitants thereof” (Leviticus 25:10). It was used publicly back then and is on public grounds now. So why isn’t the Liberty Bell moved to private lands?

      Report Post » scarebear83  
    • chazmo
      Posted on May 31, 2012 at 4:40pm

      @macpappy do you really feel offended by religious symbols on public buildings? Or do you just have hate for those religious symbols? Because seriously is it affecting your life? I mean the 10 commandments is what our Laws are based on. Should we revamp that too? The Dollar? All the Federal Buildings? The Supreme Court? Man this could get expensive. Does Love really bother you that much? Is this really the battle of a life time? When I was an agnostic I didn’t care either way. Now that I‘m a born again Christian I don’t care either way. Symbols, signs, etc are not what define me as a Christian. Why would it define you as an Atheist? Fine take it all down. Won’t change who I am. Won’t change who you are either. You are making a mountain out of a mole hill.

      Report Post » chazmo  
    • macpappy
      Posted on May 31, 2012 at 4:46pm

      Good question. The answer is quite obvious though. See back then the only ones with foresight to see a problem was the authors of the Constitution. Everyone else was pretty much either well based in some sort of christian belief, and no one objected.
      Today after over 200 years of progressive leanings in our schools, our govenment, and our homes….(remember it OK to marry ones own sex today) We have allowed multi-cultureal communities to prosper in America. It had to happen, sooner or later constantly being assualted with Christian doctirne at every turn will make the learned start complaining.
      Why do you feel you must push Christianity on others?

      Report Post » macpappy  
    • colt1860
      Posted on May 31, 2012 at 5:40pm

      “the school, being a public secular institution, cannot sanction a specific religious belief.”

      LMAO! What a load of crock.

      Benjamin Franklin declared it best, “Freedom is not a gift bestowed upon us by other men, but a right that belongs to us by the laws of God and nature.”

      The mere mention or acknowledgement of God is NOT a violation of the Constitution.

      Heck, the Virginia Act For Establishing Religious Freedom (1786) states that “Almighty God hath created the mind free” and that “the Holy Author of our religion” is “Lord both of body and mind”.

      The Virginia Bill of Rights (June 12, 1776) said that “it is the mutual duty of all to practice Christian forbearance, love, and charity, towards each other”.

      I’ll trust the words of the founding fathers over the modern decisions made by a bunch of radical, closet communist judges, or pathetic remarks made by a bunch of high minded, liberal atheists.

      Report Post »  
    • scarebear83
      Posted on June 1, 2012 at 12:33am

      So… it was ok back then simply because the majority was Christian and now it’s not ok simply because we have different cultures?

      Report Post » scarebear83  
  • Conservative1234
    Posted on May 31, 2012 at 3:15pm

    Look at this kid; he freaky looking, like a serial killer. If he doesn‘t believe in God then he’s going to hell anways so whatever. Good luck in Hell devil boy!

    Report Post »  
  • jefftavolieri
    Posted on May 31, 2012 at 3:15pm

    It took a lot of bravery to make this stand. I applaud this young man. We should all look toward him as an example of how we change the world for the better.

    Report Post »  
    • chazmo
      Posted on May 31, 2012 at 4:56pm

      no it didn’t.. he has plenty of support.. Now do that in say Saudi Arabian to Muslims.. Now that’s brave.

      Report Post » chazmo  
    • Altair
      Posted on May 31, 2012 at 6:44pm

      Pampered minorities have been wagging the dog in America for fifty years.

      Report Post »  
  • The-Monk
    Posted on May 31, 2012 at 3:15pm

    Mark Reyes looks just like I envisioned an anonymous mouse would look like.

    Stand up Texas, don’t take that BS…..

    Report Post » The-Monk  
  • PATTY HENRY
    Posted on May 31, 2012 at 3:12pm

    Well, Christian Soldiers…where are you? I agree with the great idea to have TWO Graduations, one for the Atheists and one for those who believe in GOD. THE ONLY WAY TO STOP A BULLY is to Stand up and stop him/her/them. THIS IS PATHETIC…you sure this is TEXAS?

    Report Post » PATTY HENRY  
    • phillyatheist
      Posted on May 31, 2012 at 3:23pm

      the whole idea of unity is so overrated anyway. i think it’s important to teach this youth that he is an outcast in society sooner than later. some of the kids should grab him before the ceremony and brand a big ‘A’ onto his forehead. it won’t kill him, but at least he’ll be marked. then no need for a separate ceremony.

      (was that Christian enough? did i do it right?)

      Report Post » phillyatheist  
    • CougarNick78
      Posted on May 31, 2012 at 3:32pm

      @ Phillyatheist, shut up you mocking slathering leftie. You’re no expert on Christianity, you snide fool. Shut up about what you do not know a thing about. Book knowledge is not equal to life and heart. You have no heart, apparently.

      Report Post » CougarNick78  
    • Therightsofbilly
      Posted on May 31, 2012 at 3:35pm

      No Philly,

      You need to be a little more over the top.

      Report Post » Therightsofbilly  
    • phillyatheist
      Posted on May 31, 2012 at 3:42pm

      BILLY – well it is Texas, perhaps it’s time to bring back tar and feathering!

      COUGAR – not sure if you are aware of this, but name-calling is both immature and inneffective when used against someone you don’t actually know. you could call me a 2 headed rapist and it wouldn’t matter. sorry that my analogy rung so true to you, which it obviously did. the truth can hurt.

      Report Post » phillyatheist  
    • myvotecounts
      Posted on May 31, 2012 at 3:53pm

      Lord forgive this valedictorian and phillyathiest for they know not what they do.

      Report Post » myvotecounts  
    • phillyatheist
      Posted on May 31, 2012 at 4:06pm

      MYVOTECOUNTS – how very kind to pray for me and to assume you know what’s in my mind. fwiw, you’re wrong. i know exactly what i’m doing.

      Report Post » phillyatheist  
    • Therightsofbilly
      Posted on May 31, 2012 at 4:29pm

      @PHILLY

      Yes, you do

      Report Post » Therightsofbilly  
    • Therightsofbilly
      Posted on May 31, 2012 at 4:30pm

      And so do we, (know what you are doing……that is)

      Report Post » Therightsofbilly  
  • cemerius
    Posted on May 31, 2012 at 3:11pm

    Sign of the times folks…….problem is, when religion dies in America we have NO WHERE to go to!!! So cometh the beast and it will rend flesh from bone……

    Report Post » cemerius  
  • hi
    Posted on May 31, 2012 at 3:08pm

    I don’t have a problem with this. I would not want to be present during Muslim prayers to Satan. In fact, I say let’s not let the valedictorian speak in case it is a Muslim who decides to say a prayer. Get rid of the valedictorian speech altogether. I don’t want to hear what the atheist has to say either like “life has no meaning , we may as well just keel over right now.”

    It is easy for the Christians to facebook each other about prayer at the church before graduation 5:30-6:30. Then we can thank and praise Jesus all we want.

    Report Post » hi  
    • mtcountrygrl
      Posted on May 31, 2012 at 3:13pm

      No it is time for massive school reforms including choice. Parents can then chose a school that reinforses THEIR values. I say privatize all the schools and then give each parent a set amount of cash and let them spend it on educating their kids they way they choose

      Report Post »  
    • chazmo
      Posted on May 31, 2012 at 3:52pm

      I’m not one for Vouchers only because it will ALWAYS have strings attached. I say if you really love your children you will pay for their education instead of material things you crave. Once you are buying their education directly you as a parent will be more involved. And will hold the school accountable for their product.

      Report Post » chazmo  
  • conventschoolgirl
    Posted on May 31, 2012 at 3:08pm

    When the valedictorian goes to the podium to make his speech, everyone (students and audience) should stand and turn their backs on him.

    Report Post » conventschoolgirl  
    • phillyatheist
      Posted on May 31, 2012 at 3:13pm

      yes, that would be the Christian thing to do. ostracize this kid who doesn’t believe as they do. so much love, i can feel it all the way from Texas.

      let’s hope the kids are more mature than you.

      Report Post » phillyatheist  
    • cemerius
      Posted on May 31, 2012 at 3:18pm

      @Phillyathiest

      Yes, your use of Christain values in a mocking tone is WHY you athiests are never satisfied to let old dogs lay……..I would rather be wrong in my beliefs and nothing is lost on the other hand if YOU are wrong in yours???

      Report Post » cemerius  
    • MrSunshine
      Posted on May 31, 2012 at 3:22pm

      F u c k you Philly. Smug piece of s h i t!

      Report Post » MrSunshine  
    • phillyatheist
      Posted on May 31, 2012 at 3:24pm

      CEREMIUS – sounds like you have some doubts. wanna talk?

      Report Post » phillyatheist  
    • Popp40
      Posted on May 31, 2012 at 3:26pm

      @Phillyathiest…….isn’t that exactly what this kid is doing to those who believe in the prayer.

      Report Post »  
    • phillyatheist
      Posted on May 31, 2012 at 3:32pm

      MRSUNSHINE – (what a misnomer) so when i strike a nerve by calling out the bigotry against this Atheist, you retaliate with….name calling. good luck with puberty, it’s a wild ride.

      Report Post » phillyatheist  
    • phillyatheist
      Posted on May 31, 2012 at 3:45pm

      POPP – how? you honestly think he’s ostracizing all of the other students by eliminating the school sanctioned prayer? perhaps you don’t know what the word ostracize means.

      Report Post » phillyatheist  
    • right-wing-waco
      Posted on May 31, 2012 at 3:45pm

      Funny how the atheists demand tolerance but do not intend to be tolerant themselves. The most intolerant people are the ones demanding tolerance to their issues.

      Report Post »  
    • henryKnox
      Posted on May 31, 2012 at 3:55pm

      What the kid did to his peers and their parents and grandparents wasn’t a very Christian thing to do. Oh, I forgot, he’s not a Christian. Why doesn’t that surprise me? He must have a serious self esteem problem to diss his classmates and their families for his own personal assertion of his self worth.

      Report Post » henryKnox  
    • macpappy
      Posted on May 31, 2012 at 3:59pm

      Mr. Sunshine
      Using all your words today are you?

      Report Post » macpappy  
    • TODOSSOMOSPUTOS
      Posted on May 31, 2012 at 8:02pm

      Mark Reyes is a hero. Good for him for protecting those students and adults who don’t want to sit through that ghastly, dull prayer crap, particularly those who believe in other god(s), other forms of spirituality or just don’t want to hear it.

      Bravo to him. And notice that Mark Reyes is the Valedictorian and the girl who wants to inject prayer into her speech is… not.

      Mark, you will inspire others. Well done.

      Report Post »  
  • CougarNick78
    Posted on May 31, 2012 at 3:00pm

    And another willing figurehead helps evil along.

    Report Post » CougarNick78  
  • honestynow
    Posted on May 31, 2012 at 2:59pm

    I hope the graduates will all stand up simultaneously at a given point and burst out in The Lord’s Prayer!

    Report Post »  
    • phillyatheist
      Posted on May 31, 2012 at 3:12pm

      better yet, they should throw cabbage and tomatoes at the valedictorian activist. that’ll show him!

      oooh, another idea: all the speakers should mention his name, stare, and collectively point at him while chanting, “heathen” over and over. after all, he deserves it, right?

      Report Post » phillyatheist  
    • momrules
      Posted on May 31, 2012 at 3:37pm

      Honestynow………I said the same thing. The Christians may not have the money that the atheist front groups have but they should take a stand any way they can.

      Report Post »  
    • goahead.makemyday
      Posted on May 31, 2012 at 3:48pm

      You know PHILLLY I definitively get a feeling of anger and hate coming from you. Did someone do you wrong or were you taught it‘s okay to be rude and mean to other people if the’re Christian? You know if you need someone to talk to about a past wrong there are people here who would listen to you without bias. Just please treat every Christian to the same treatment, but feel free to make fun of those who actually do say some stupid things.

      Report Post » goahead.makemyday  
    • phillyatheist
      Posted on May 31, 2012 at 3:57pm

      “but feel free to make fun of those who actually do say some stupid things.”

      that’s all i was doing! there is no anger, but i am interesting in pointing out the absurdity of some people’s ideas. i was raised in a loving household, and i’ve been (blessed?) fortunate to have had few tragedies in my life. and i was raised Catholic, BTW. i‘m a happy guy who disbelieves in God and doesn’t like when Atheists get treated so poorly.

      Report Post » phillyatheist  
  • cessna152
    Posted on May 31, 2012 at 2:58pm

    I’ve learned, the best thing to do is pray for this lost kid… reach out in prayer. Pray for those who persecute you… There is power in that! Say a prayer for Mark Reyes….

    Report Post » cessna152  
    • johnjamison
      Posted on May 31, 2012 at 3:01pm

      No the best thing to do is have seperate graduations let the kids who want a prayer have a prayer and let those that don’t not have one.

      Report Post »  
    • hi
      Posted on May 31, 2012 at 3:09pm

      Amen!

      Report Post » hi  
    • mtcountrygrl
      Posted on May 31, 2012 at 3:09pm

      No the best thing to do is to privatize all the schools and then give the parents a choice which school they want to send their kids to. Then the athiests can have their schools, full of drugs and violence and sex and void of any of that horrible God stuff. And the rest of us can return to the values that made this country great.

      Report Post »  
    • phillyatheist
      Posted on May 31, 2012 at 3:17pm

      MTCOUNTRGRL – so Christian schools don’t have drug use, sexual misconduct, or fighting? i used to attend one and that seems awfully different than how i remember it. do you get out of the house much?

      Report Post » phillyatheist  
    • chazmo
      Posted on May 31, 2012 at 3:45pm

      @mtcountrygrl EXACTLY
      @PhillyAthiest Why would you oppose this?

      Report Post » chazmo  
    • phillyatheist
      Posted on May 31, 2012 at 3:53pm

      CHAZMO – i’m not against it in principle, i’m against her claim that sex, drugs, and rock and roll would disappear if you remove all the Atheists.

      i don’t really love the idea of creating additional division, but i’m not opposed to choice.

      Report Post » phillyatheist  
    • mtcountrygrl
      Posted on May 31, 2012 at 6:21pm

      I went to a Christian school through Jr. High. No one I knew was having sex, drank or did drugs. Fighting was rare because the punishment was severe. But the biggest difference I remember from the Christian school and the public school that I later attended was that acheivement was highly prized at the Christian school. Competition was not just for sports but also for grades. At the public school if you got good grades, you kept it to yourself, for fear of being called a nerd. At the Christian school you bragged about it.

      Report Post »  
  • TSUNAMI-22
    Posted on May 31, 2012 at 2:58pm

    Funny, I always thought Texas had more moral strength than lefty-states like California, but I guess I was wrong.

    There’s susceptibility to moral decay everywhere.

    Report Post »  
    • myvotecounts
      Posted on May 31, 2012 at 3:07pm

      Think about it. Californians and some of the other northern blue states have screwed up their state so bad they have lost their jobs and are moving to states like Texas that are doing pretty darn good. But they are bringing their liberal views with them. What a shame!

      Report Post » myvotecounts  
    • LookTowardsTheLight
      Posted on May 31, 2012 at 3:12pm

      Seriously, how is this happening in TEXAS????

      Now, I really am losing all hope for this country.

      Report Post » LookTowardsTheLight  
    • cemerius
      Posted on May 31, 2012 at 3:15pm

      @ Tsunami-22 ALL I have to type is Sheila Jackson Lee, D-Houston……she is a beacon to the lefty loons in California!!!

      Report Post » cemerius  
    • TSUNAMI-22
      Posted on May 31, 2012 at 3:17pm

      @ myvotecounts

      You’re preaching to the choir.

      1) I live in California and am contemplating an escape.
      2) I’ve been to Texas and have had your assertion confirmed to me by law enforcement friends.

      Evidently, the majority of issues like this topic discusses are becoming more and more the norm. Formerly strong red states are being infected by blue state ideology. In my opinion it starts in kindergarten.

      Report Post »  
    • macpappy
      Posted on May 31, 2012 at 3:31pm

      Our morals are derived from many things, some use religion to determine how to treat other folks, some use the ole Golden Rule, while others yet will use the old Cowboy Code. To think that you and your belief in a particualr God merits you as the only one with morals speaks more to your intellect than your morals.
      How would you like it if the commencement started out with a Jewish prayer or better yet some good ole Muslim head bobbing, and chanting?

      Report Post » macpappy  
    • TSUNAMI-22
      Posted on May 31, 2012 at 4:06pm

      @ macpappy

      Our morals are derived from many things, some use religion to determine how to treat other folks, some use the ole Golden Rule, while others yet will use the old Cowboy Code. To think that you and your belief in a particualr God merits you as the only one with morals speaks more to your intellect than your morals.
      How would you like it if the commencement started out with a Jewish prayer or better yet some good ole Muslim head bobbing, and chanting?
      ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
      Convenient.

      How about they just remove the atheist from the graduation ceremony and allow the traditional commencement to take place? But no, we’ll just cater to political correctness to render absurdity on the majority, despite tradition.

      You wouldn’t see Muslims allowing a similar attempt on their Islamic traditions, would you?

      Report Post »  
    • momrules
      Posted on May 31, 2012 at 4:34pm

      BARBER2……….Where have you been? I’ve missed your comments. You are usually right on target.

      Report Post »  
    • macpappy
      Posted on May 31, 2012 at 6:10pm

      Politically correct, not often, but sometimes is just plain correct. I think the problem with the commencement speach was that tradition dictated a Christian prayer at the beginning at this time the validictorian was not christian. Why would a non christian speaker have to stand through a prayer to a God he did not believe in? Where is the intolerance here?

      Report Post » macpappy  
    • TSUNAMI-22
      Posted on May 31, 2012 at 6:35pm

      @ macpappy

      Politically correct, not often, but sometimes is just plain correct. I think the problem with the commencement speach was that tradition dictated a Christian prayer at the beginning at this time the validictorian was not christian. Why would a non christian speaker have to stand through a prayer to a God he did not believe in? Where is the intolerance here?
      ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
      The intolerance is coming from the valedictorian, evidently.

      Report Post »  
    • The-Monk
      Posted on May 31, 2012 at 7:58pm

      @TSUNAMI-22

      Thought you might like this….

      http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gz-e0dSwjnA

      Report Post » The-Monk  
  • ConservativeCanucklehead
    Posted on May 31, 2012 at 2:56pm

    Who cares how long a practice has been in place? It is irrelevant.

    Report Post »  
    • CougarNick78
      Posted on May 31, 2012 at 3:01pm

      Try, maybe, the townspeople AKA THE MAJORITY care……

      The school isn’t agreeing with these slimebags, they’re dodging a suit and bankrupcy causing legal fees.

      There’s your secular tolerance for you.

      Report Post » CougarNick78  
    • Git-R-Done
      Posted on May 31, 2012 at 3:02pm

      So your freedom from being offended is more important then freedom of speech and freedom of religion?

      Report Post »  
    • TSUNAMI-22
      Posted on May 31, 2012 at 3:04pm

      I agree, just like Roe vs. Wade.

      Report Post »  
    • wvernon1981
      Posted on May 31, 2012 at 3:08pm

      Exactly. We’ve done this forever this way, therefore it’s right. Stupid argument.

      Report Post »  
    • momrules
      Posted on May 31, 2012 at 3:46pm

      Didn’t Michelle Obama say that we are going to have to change our traditions? I wonder what god (little g on purpose) she worships if any.

      Report Post »  
    • colt1860
      Posted on May 31, 2012 at 3:58pm

      The renowned Constitutional scholar, Henry Black (1860-1927), author of Black’s Law Dictionary, and editor of The Constitutional Review from 1917 to 1927, recognized and acknowledged America’s Christian foundations. In his Handbook of American Constitutional Law (2nd ed. 1897, 3rd ed. 1910, 4th ed. 1927), he stated,

      “…that many of our best civil and social institutions, and the most important to be preserved in a free and civilized state, are founded upon the Christian religion, or upheld and strengthened by its observance; that the whole purpose and policy of the law assume that we are a nation of Christians, and while toleration is the principle in religious matters, the laws are to recognize the existence of that system of faith, and our institutions are to be based on that assumption; that those who are in fact Christians have a right to be protected by law against wanton interference with the free and undisturbed practice of their religion and against malicious attacks upon its source or authority, calculated and intended to affront and wound them and that the prevalence of a sound morality among the people is essential to the preservation of their liberties and the permanence of their institutions, and to the success and prosperity of government, and the morality which is to be fostered and encouraged by the state is Christian morality, and not such as might exist in the supposititious “state of nature” or in a pagan country.”

      Report Post »  
    • barber2
      Posted on May 31, 2012 at 4:23pm

      MOM: I think it is the god of fashion….

      Report Post »  
    • ConservativeCanucklehead
      Posted on May 31, 2012 at 5:16pm

      Howdy NICK
      What the majority wants is also irrelevant, if it is unconstitutional. (Ever hear of the phrase “the tyranny of the majority”?)
      Tradition (historic practice) isn’t relevant either. At one time we have a pretty strong tradition of keeping slaves. And at another time we had a long history of denying women the vote.
      Point is, both tradition and the will of the majority should often be utterly ignored.

      Report Post »  
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