Education

In Major Reversal, Appeals Court Allows TX Students to Pray at Graduation

In Major Reversal, Appeals Court Allows TX Students to Pray at GraduationSAN ANTONIO (AP) — Public prayer will be allowed at a Texas high school graduation after a federal appeals court on Friday reversed a ban won by an agnostic family that claimed ceremony traditions such as invocations were unconstitutional.

The 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals granted an emergency appeal filed by the Medina Valley Independent School District. Its San Antonio-area high school was ordered by a federal judge earlier this week to forbid students from asking audience members to join in prayer or bow their heads during Saturday’s graduation.

The lawsuit was filed on behalf of Christa and Danny Schultz, who said watching their son receive a diploma this weekend would amount to forced religious participation. The Castroville parents argued that traditions such as invocation and benediction excluded their beliefs.

Texas Gov. Rick Perry and various conservative groups, which had rallied to the defense of the school, hailed Friday’s ruling by the three-judge panel.

“It should not be illegal for students to say a prayer at a graduation ceremony. Now, the federal court of appeals agrees,” said Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott, who filed a brief in support of the school.

Watch video from last night’s ceremony on WOAI-TV:

The Schultzes lawsuit was backed by the Washington-based Americans United for Separation of Church and State. Ayesha Khan, an attorney for the organization, said the group was “deeply” disappointed but would continue with the lawsuit to try to rid the school of promoting religion in its ceremonies.

“Students should be able to attend their graduation ceremonies without being pressured to participate in worship,” Khan said. “All children should feel welcome at this important event in their lives regardless of their opinions about religion.”

Her organization declined to make the Schultzes available for comment. The family had said their son may not participate in the graduation ceremony if students were allowed to pray.

The school’s valedictorian, Angela Hildenbrand, had filed an intervention lawsuit that claimed she was being deprived of her right to pray for her classmates and community during her speech. Upon hearing of the court’s decision, she paused for a few seconds and then said she “took the time to thank God.”

“We’re just so, so thrilled with the court’s ruling,” said Hildenbrand, who was helped by the conservative Liberty Institute, which supported the school district’s appeal. “We could just not be more pleased with how it turned out.”

U.S. District Judge Fred Biery’s original ruling prohibited students from praying at the graduation. Biery instead suggested that students modify their remarks to be “statements of their own beliefs,” allow them to make the sign of the cross, wear a yarmulke or hijab, or kneel to face Mecca.

Biery said the family was likely to succeed on the merits of their claim that public prayer would violate the establishment clause of the First Amendment. The appeals court disagreed, and said the lawsuit may be partly rooted in circumstances that are no longer in the ceremony.

“For example, the school has apparently abandoned including the words ‘invocation’ and ‘benediction,’” the panel wrote in a brief two-page ruling.

The school district did not immediately comment on the appeal.

Comments (234)

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  • BOMUSTGO
    Posted on June 5, 2011 at 2:47pm

    CaptainKool-Aid
    Prayer is not to be kept just in the closet.The bible says pray without ceasing.In judaism, prayer was done before and after eating.Maybe they ate in a closet??? Is praise part of praying? That was done openly.

    Report Post » BOMUSTGO  
  • true2myword
    Posted on June 5, 2011 at 2:40pm

    I wish I lived in Texas. What a great victory for Americans. LACT must be crying to his mommy today…

    Report Post » true2myword  
    • Marengo Ohio Patriot
      Posted on June 5, 2011 at 5:12pm

      Yea.. I was wondering where he/she is…. I like LACT… makes me chuckle!!

      Report Post »  
    • Standing With Israel
      Posted on June 5, 2011 at 10:51pm

      Just got back from a graduation in TX. There was a disclaimer in the program saying the content of the students‘ messages were their own and not the school district’s. We were asked to stand for the “Opening Statement”. The student speaker then walked to the podium, asked us to bow our heads for prayer and proceeded to thank God for everything you could imagine – but most of all, for His Son. And everybody said… Amen.

      Report Post »  
  • Allahu Akbar
    Posted on June 5, 2011 at 2:39pm

    This is beyond offensive. I don’t want to hear any of this garbage being spewed at my graduation. Praise Allah I go to a respected Ivy League school that wouldn’t allow such nonsense. Only in Texas

    Report Post » Allahu Akbar  
    • Texas Grasshopper
      Posted on June 5, 2011 at 2:55pm

      so go to iran …i bet they would stray your aggravating *&* in a 5 minutes ..get out of my Country . I really dont give a crap about your Politcial , social , religous views ..I will fight to keep my Christain Country …well Christian ..If you dont like it leave

      Report Post »  
    • Rayblue
      Posted on June 5, 2011 at 3:10pm

      A respected Ivy League reform school ?
      Praise Aluminum Candybar….
      Affirmative Action does wonders for the poor belly crawling masses.

      Report Post » Rayblue  
    • The Third Archon
      Posted on June 5, 2011 at 3:14pm

      Which kind of Christian are you referring to? Protestant Christian America? Because then you BARELY have a majority, at 51.3%. If you’re talking about any OTHER sect (Catholics being the largest other sect here at 23.9%) then its even less (do Catholics and Protestants still consider each other heretical? They probably should, as I’m pretty sure theres a number of doctrinal conflicts between their theology). I KNOW Mormonism is theologically incompatible with other sects, having come from a half-Mormon family myself (Mormons are 1.7%). I wouldn’t be quite so morally righteous when you talk about how “Christian” America is. (http://religions.pewforum.org/reports)

      And if you are referring to how “Christian” our history supposedly is–we added “God” to the Pledge of Alleigance in February 1954 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pledge_of_Allegiance), we added “In God we Trust” to coins only AFTER the Civil War was almost over (1864), we added “In God We Trust” to paper currency and made it the official motto as recent as 1956 and 1957 respectively (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/In_God_We_Trust), the Constitution doesn’t mention the words “God” or “Creator” at all (despite common belief to the contrary), the Declaration of Independence only makes vague reference to a “Creator” once in the Preamble (purposefully vague to allow for all forms of monotheistic religion, not just Christianity).

      Report Post » The Third Archon  
    • kickagrandma
      Posted on June 5, 2011 at 3:26pm

      @you… I will not write your nasty phrase!

      You are so welcomed to leave our country…NOW!

      You are welcome to take your filthy, evil and vile godless group with you.

      By GOD’S good grace, love and mercy, this country AMERICA exists, and it exists ONLY because we ARE CHRIST-followers. We thank our loving GOD that HE loves us enough to wake us up, to give us the chance to repent of our innumerable sins so that HE can restore us.

      Our job is to love HIM and to tell HIS story of redemption.

      And yours is to kill, right?

      Report Post »  
    • The Third Archon
      Posted on June 5, 2011 at 3:39pm

      But wait–what about all the non-Christian countries…? Do they not exist because they worship the wrong God? Hold on, let me check………………………………………………………………………no wait there still here. It looks like you are full of it–either that or God overslept.

      Report Post » The Third Archon  
    • dmzuniga
      Posted on June 5, 2011 at 4:53pm

      Praise ‘allah’ all you like, but America was founded upon the Christianity of the New Testament — not on some sword-wielding pedophile’s lunatic religion. (I’m not referring to Mormonism; Joseph Smith and Brigham Young were polygamist nutcases, not pedophile, murderous nutcases.)

      I disagree with those who excoriate you for your Muslim belief, and tell you to ‘go back to your country’ (you may have been born here). In America, you have the liberty to openly praise your concept of a god, as wacky as old ‘Mohammed’ was. This is because the founders of this republic, long before it was a republic, predicated their system of norms and nobility –of law and culture — on the New Testament; the life and teachings of Jesus Christ.

      You have religious liberty here, but I don’t have the liberty in a Muslim country, to practice Christianity except in private. In many Muslim nations, if someone finds out I’m a Christian, they can do far worse to me than call me names; government will not punish them for doing so. Old-time Calvinists and Catholics were the same way.

      Americans worship all kinds of nut-bags; the entire state of Utah is testament to the fact that Americans are allowed to believe bizarre, demonstrably false things and others won’t harm them for it. When a lunatic cult belief calls followers to ‘marry’ 9-year-old girls, or take multiple wives, or to harm or kill people for the sake of ‘religion’…American civil law draws the line.

      Praise ‘a

      Report Post »  
    • Texas Grasshopper
      Posted on June 6, 2011 at 9:57am

      @The Third Archon
      Posted on June 5, 2011 at 3:39pm
      But wait–what about all the non-Christian countries…? Do they not exist because they worship the wrong God? Hold on, let me check………………………………………………………………………no wait there still here. It looks like you are full of it–either that or God overslept.

      Non -Christians like this :

      The Fogel family was attacked back in March. The two young Fogel boys, aged four and eleven, were stabbed, one in the heart, while the family’s 3-month-old baby had its throat slashed. During the attack, the parents were also stabbed while in bed. The father died of knife wounds while the mother was shot.
      ———————————————————————————————————————————
      I promote the Christian beliefs enshrined in this Country BY GOD and the Rule of Law and the rights given to me BY GOD . I understand and encourage tolerence in my family . I do NOT encourage or teach people around me to be victums of those who want to KILL ME and MY FAMILY for being different.

      Report Post »  
    • TexasCommonSense
      Posted on June 6, 2011 at 10:22pm

      Allahu Akbar, I‘m thrilled to hear you don’t like it. Hopefully, it’ll keep you out of Texas.

      Report Post » TexasCommonSense  
  • cloudsofwar
    Posted on June 5, 2011 at 2:35pm

    strike one up for the man upstairs. no one is forcing anyone to pray. you free will stupid.

    Report Post »  
  • timej31
    Posted on June 5, 2011 at 2:23pm

    We need a comprehensive plan to relocate these people and all others who do not obey the laws. This is one government program I would support. A one way trip to any paradise you chose. We will move you and everything you own out. Anyone see that as a better use of tax money than most other useless programs?

    Report Post » timej31  
    • Bhaub
      Posted on June 6, 2011 at 12:22pm

      Hitler had a great plan for what you’re suggesting. Good work!

      Report Post » Bhaub  
  • The Third Archon
    Posted on June 5, 2011 at 2:21pm

    It’s not over yet–let’s see if the Supreme Courts (of Texas and the United States) take up the case, I’ d be VERY interested to see how the U.S. Supreme Court rules on a case like this.

    “It should not be illegal for students to say a prayer at a graduation ceremony. Now, the federal court of appeals agrees,” said Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott, who filed a brief in support of the school.”

    It was never illegal to pray at a graduation ceremony–it was pending whether or not it should be illegal for the valedictorian (or any speaker) to do that as part of the program.

    Still, it is Texas, and of all places this is the place where the fewest religious minorities will have their rights abridged by this ruling…because why one Earth would a religious minority ever want to live in TEXAS?! (I hear Houston is nice). Besides which, I personally wouldn’t worry about such a thing, despite being a secular humanist, because I try to consider things based upon how likely to be true they are (the veracity of evidence supporting the claim). Therefore, if it’s utter baloney, which last time I checked Christianity was (but I’d be open to being surprised by the valedictorian), I‘m not afraid to be converted and if it seems likely to be true I wouldn’t mind being converted. It‘s more people who HAVE religious beliefs who I’m worried about being harmed–they may honestly think there are consequences of being participants to a “heretical” display of faith.

    Report Post » The Third Archon  
    • PaulfromTexas
      Posted on June 5, 2011 at 2:43pm

      If you think Houston is “nice‘ you’ve not been to Texas.

      Report Post »  
    • UpstateNYConservative
      Posted on June 5, 2011 at 2:49pm

      @The Third Archon
      Posted on June 5, 2011 at 2:21pm

      Actually, it is over, if I recall correctly. The commencement was supposed to be held last night.

      Report Post » UpstateNYConservative  
    • The Third Archon
      Posted on June 5, 2011 at 2:59pm

      That doesn‘t mean they can’t file a lawsuit if there was a prayer, in which case the Courts could still take up the issue and, by deciding if (probably the school) were a guilty party or not to a violation of law and fining them for damages (or not), thus establish a precedent one way or the other.

      Report Post » The Third Archon  
    • UpstateNYConservative
      Posted on June 5, 2011 at 3:22pm

      @The Third Archon
      Posted on June 5, 2011 at 2:59pm

      Fair enough. But there comes a point, I believe, to shut up about being so thin-skinned and perpetually offended that the adults, who wig out, act like children. I mean, if people can’t get through a self-made ‘crisis’ without lawyers and therapists, they shouldn’t be allowed to drive a car, either.

      Report Post » UpstateNYConservative  
    • The Third Archon
      Posted on June 5, 2011 at 3:37pm

      That’s not for you to decide. I personally don’t care–the truth isn’t dangerous, and lies reveal themselves with critical inspection. But we are talking about a PUBLIC event here–private schools would be a 100% different story; you KNOW the religious content you’re getting into there. In this specific case, I think we all need to agree to leave our religion off the podium–if you want to have a quick little get together prayer before/after the speeches go right ahead, but please everyone needs to tolerate each others’ beliefs, no matter how silly. Pluralistic society doesn’t work otherwise.

      On the side note, I probably seem like an ******* but I’m really not. I’m a Socialist and a secular humanist, yes, but I genuinely love my country (America) and I only am these things because I believe them to be true and in America’s best interest. In many ways, we want much the same thing but disagree how to get there, and we must never forget our common bond of humanity. All to often, I feel, Glenn makes his viewers forget that most socialists aren’t wicked people who want the destruction of America–they simply want, like conservatives, it to be changed for the better–it‘s our opinion OF what is the better that differs and I’m glad that we can respectably disagree about that.

      PS–New York is a lovely city, at least the parts I saw in my brief stay, and that was wholly because of the people (the city itself is pretty cool too); so very friendly despite al

      Report Post » The Third Archon  
    • UpstateNYConservative
      Posted on June 5, 2011 at 3:54pm

      @The Third Archon
      Posted on June 5, 2011 at 3:37pm

      But it’s not really public, exactly. It’s invitation-only; no one could enter without a pass–assuming it was done here as was done when I graduated high school.

      then again, if it’s public, all the more reason the Appellate decision was the correct one. The students, by popular decision, made the choice to have a 30-45 second prayerful invocation. No biggie, really, given there being only one naysayer whose parents made a stink. If it was near a 50/50 split…Well, we could go on all day.

      I have a hard time, in general, with people who are so thin-skinned they all but sit around waiting to be offended. That attitude, to me, is bullsnot babysh*t. Sometimes, ya gotta go with the flow, just to be social. In my experience, as an American and a Christian, it often costs me nothing to go with the moment without calling a shrink or a lawyer.

      As for you being a Socialist–since you brought it up–you have nothing to defend to me. I read your post about that on another thread. Do what works for your own head, as befits your life. The best professor I had in college told us the first day of class that he’s a Marxist. Fine–I learned a lot from him, and he was one of the most fair men I ever met.

      It’s all good here.

      Report Post » UpstateNYConservative  
    • dmzuniga
      Posted on June 5, 2011 at 4:35pm

      “That doesn‘t mean they can’t file a lawsuit if there was a prayer, in which case the Courts could still take up the issue and, by deciding if (probably the school) were a guilty party or not to a violation of law and fining them for damages (or not), thus establish a precedent one way or the other.”

      Filing a suit and making ‘constitutional law’ precedent are two very different birds. Guilty of a violation of law? What law? Have you actually READ the First Amendment lately, my einsteinian friend? What law did Congress make here, that abridged the free exercise of religion?

      Report Post »  
  • PaulfromTexas
    Posted on June 5, 2011 at 2:18pm

    It is a simple truth, known among lawyers and jurists, judges, and other practitioners of the legal arena that to say “GOD’ as in “ In God we trust” or “so help me God” names no deity, and thus has no partiicular religious affilation available. Put any name to the deity and , boom, it’s a religion….
    ….along the same lines, saying a prayer at a commencement is not DEMANDING that all pray…..to anything….
    Folks should have paid more attention to the “vocabulary” portions of the spelling lessons in school….
    but as they don’t do their vocabulary and lawyers make money on the punctuation, it will go on. and on……

    Report Post »  
  • MCGIRV
    Posted on June 5, 2011 at 2:10pm

    AMEN! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rn6w255CGkk

    Report Post » MCGIRV  
  • Mateytwo Barreett
    Posted on June 5, 2011 at 2:09pm

    THERE ARE SOME SERIOUS LESSONS HERE!!! I’ve read thousands of complaints about what is going on, not just in TX.
    If this country is going to survive, as we KNEW it , the games people play are going to have go far beyond attending a TEA party or two. Adapt and apply.

    Report Post » Mateytwo Barreett  
  • caprica
    Posted on June 5, 2011 at 2:00pm

    Attorney Stephen Pidgeon claims he found a record for a name change from “Barak Mounir Ubayd” to “Barack Hussein Obama” on October 14th, 1982 in Skookumchuck, British Columbia. Pidgeon also discusses his new book titled “The Obama Error” which can be purchased here. This radio interview is approximately 56 minutes in length
    http://mail.aol.com/33790-111/aol-6/en-us/Suite.aspx

    Report Post »  
  • tomf
    Posted on June 5, 2011 at 1:53pm

    In my opinion, the federal Judge should be impeached because he tried to establish and further the practice of a specific religion. Atheism, is as practiced by it adherents denies the existence of God. This is the main tenet of the religion. Just as the virgin birth is a tenet of the catholic religion. There are other judges who have done similar and need to be impeached as well.
    Congress is not doing its job, by the oath of office and if they do not start the process to remove bad judges who rule against the constitution they also need to be removed.

    Report Post »  
    • BOMUSTGO
      Posted on June 5, 2011 at 1:58pm

      Majority rules.

      Report Post » BOMUSTGO  
    • The Third Archon
      Posted on June 5, 2011 at 2:24pm

      The majority may still rule against you in an appeal–there’s still the Texas Supreme Court (which will probably affirm the appellate court, I mean come on–it‘s TEXAS we’re talking about here), and then the U.S. Supreme Court where the lines are a little more evenly drawn. Conservative appointments have a BARE majority (by one) I believe on the Supreme Court, although for a variety of reasons simple political analysis is often misleading as to how S.C. Justices will often hold on a case. Precedent tends to govern their decision much more strongly.

      Report Post » The Third Archon  
  • flsnipe
    Posted on June 5, 2011 at 1:45pm

    Thank God.

    Report Post » flsnipe  
  • JJBlazeReader
    Posted on June 5, 2011 at 1:43pm

    ..

    Fought the good fight and won.

    Don’t mess with Texas.

    Report Post » JJBlazeReader  
  • Parenthetical Comments
    Posted on June 5, 2011 at 1:40pm

    As rare as it is for a court to make a sane decision in our nation this constitutes a miracle!
    This poor young man still faces a life with these parents. Like many leftist these parents are in love their liberal ideology more than their own child. This kids was likely a pariah in his school because of his parents selfish political stand. I will pray for this young man.

    Report Post » Parenthetical Comments  
  • angelcat
    Posted on June 5, 2011 at 1:40pm

    Thank goodness it wasn’t the 9th circuit court – liberalism on display. One more reason to be happy to be a Texan by choice.

    Report Post »  
  • g0rthaur
    Posted on June 5, 2011 at 1:38pm

    As an Atheist (and a conservative), I want to apologize on the behalf of Atheists/Agnostics everywhere. Most of us have a great deal of respect for Christianity, we just happen to not hold these beliefs ourselves. Most of us are not in bothered in the slightest by public displays like this. They certainly do no harm and are important to many people. It is unfortunate that, like many groups, only the loudest and most obnoxious get attention. People like this (that use lawsuits to try to bully the majority) disgust me.

    Report Post »  
    • Marengo Ohio Patriot
      Posted on June 5, 2011 at 1:51pm

      As a fellow agnostic, and conservative, I salute you GORT.

      Report Post »  
    • UpstateNYConservative
      Posted on June 5, 2011 at 1:55pm

      You seem a rare one of the category around here. Most of the atheists here–and I mean one in particular–seem on a vendetta. They, of that type, are on a mission to destroy. To use a term they’ll hate, because it seems so accurate, they’re on a crusade.

      So, thanks. I’m a Christian, but I’m no preacher. I live my life without imposing on anyone, and I‘m tired of being called ’delusional’ and all manner by people who set themselves as arbiters of fame, glory, perfection, and self-presumed sanctimony.

      Thanks! Long as a person is Conservative, I got his/her back.

      Report Post » UpstateNYConservative  
    • Marengo Ohio Patriot
      Posted on June 5, 2011 at 2:17pm

      Hey Upstate, you wouldn’t be speaking of LACT, would you? He\She makes me chuckle! Pray away if that makes you happy. (I promise not to be offended or find a moronic judge to shut you up!) I do question your scientific reasoning, but I guess that’s a different debate all together!

      Report Post »  
    • UpstateNYConservative
      Posted on June 5, 2011 at 2:34pm

      @Marengo Ohio Patriot
      Posted on June 5, 2011 at 2:17pm

      Hey Upstate, you wouldn’t be speaking of LACT, would you? He\She makes me chuckle! Pray away if that makes you happy. (I promise not to be offended or find a moronic judge to shut you up!) I do question your scientific reasoning, but I guess that’s a different debate all together!

      ______________

      I’m not about to drop names. I simply made a general statement, as I see things, speaking only for myself and my experiences in my own sphere.

      As for scientific…I can’t scientifically prove God any more than someone can scientifically prove Abraham Lincoln. To prove Lincoln, we need history rather than science. Just the nature of things.

      I believe in ‘live and let live’. Some don’t allow that (politics and religion not withstanding).

      I’ve been a student of the Sciences all my life. My fave toy as a kid was the 300x microscope my guitar teacher gave me, with boxes of slides. He also taught me how to prepare my own temporary slides. It’s all good, and it fits into my personal life. Again, I preach to no one.

      But I do resent someone imposing him- or herself on me, trying to make me chattel when I’m adult and free.

      I’ll back any Conservative to the hilt when called. But I draw the line on anyone who invades my personal space.

      Just me, right or wrong.

      Report Post » UpstateNYConservative  
    • Marengo Ohio Patriot
      Posted on June 5, 2011 at 3:00pm

      But I do resent someone imposing him- or herself on me, trying to make me chattel when I’m adult and free.

      I’ll back any Conservative to the hilt when called. But I draw the line on anyone who invades my personal space.

      So well put, I thought it needed to be repeated!!

      Report Post »  
    • Bhaub
      Posted on June 6, 2011 at 10:39am

      “As for scientific…I can’t scientifically prove God any more than someone can scientifically prove Abraham Lincoln. To prove Lincoln, we need history rather than science. Just the nature of things.”

      Might want to look up some more science, then. You can certainly prove him with more than just a book that claims he existed. :)

      Not that ACTUAL history books are a bad source of information. Certainly better than a religious text full of errors and conflicting information, badly translated over hundreds of years. But hey, you have faith. That means it doesn‘t matter if you’re all wrong and have tons of false beliefs about the world around you. As long as you don‘t vote to ban gay marriage or abortion and don’t try to push your religion into school, business or government, it’s fine by me.

      Report Post » Bhaub  
  • Redistributor
    Posted on June 5, 2011 at 1:34pm

    Thanks be to God!

    Report Post »  
  • Bhaub
    Posted on June 5, 2011 at 1:34pm

    Whew, good. We can all pray to Allah in schools and build mosques wherever we please, because faith is all that matters, correct? :)

    Report Post » Bhaub  
    • Marengo Ohio Patriot
      Posted on June 5, 2011 at 1:43pm

      Nothing stops your kid from praying to Allah. Mosques are all over the USA, BUT YOU WILL NOT PUT ONE UP AT OR NEAR GROUND ZERO you freakn idiot!

      Report Post »  
    • Bhaub
      Posted on June 5, 2011 at 1:52pm

      That’s odd. It‘s almost like you don’t want people to freely express their religions wherever they please. Is it offensive to you? Because if so, then certainly you understand that prayer at graduation can be offensive to others. I‘m sure you don’t want to be a hypocrite about it- either ALL religious events and expressions are allowed, or they aren’t. So which is it? :)

      Report Post » Bhaub  
    • The Gooch
      Posted on June 5, 2011 at 1:58pm

      Prayer is first and foremost a matter of faith, not an endorsement of any particuluar religion. This is like assuming the act of voting automatically makes one a partisan. You GOTTA by tagged with an R or D, ’cause you’re voting! Maybe I don’t subscribe to any particular brand of politics and vote to express my peronal views on issues. Maybe I’ll join you in prayer because I have faith in a higher power… or ignore you and continue beaming with pride because the one child I raised who is not an academic is graduated.
      What religion is championed or hurt by this decision? I’m real tired of the “I don’t wanna be made to feel uncomfortable” claim. Really? You might wanna avoid humanity altogether if you never wanna be made to feel uncomfortable.
      I get your beef: You want religion kept as a private matter. I would agree it’s one of those issues best kept off the table both at work and at family get togethers. Some folks on either side of the matter can neither control their emotions or mouths. However, there is no “right” to never be made uncomfortable by your fellow citizen. That‘s new age leftist garbage that attempts to impose mandates that allow folks who can’t sell their brand of crazy to the collective to simply impose their will by the manipulation of the legal system.
      Prayer is free speech. You don’t like it, ignore it. I’ll join you when heads start rolling, folks are stoned or set afire for choosing to abstain.

      Report Post »  
    • Marengo Ohio Patriot
      Posted on June 5, 2011 at 2:09pm

      Read up on the history of the name for that mosque and get back with me. Pray to whoever and whenever you want. Perhaps you think Japan should put a Shinto Shrine at Pearl Harbor…. You are a silly person….. I am done with you

      Report Post »  
    • Bhaub
      Posted on June 5, 2011 at 2:39pm

      Apparently “being offended” isn’t something only the Left wants to avoid. It‘s cute how you can’t even decide on that as a group!

      Atheism, meanwhile, doesn’t favor any “brand of crazy,” so that does seem to be the best way to go about it. <3

      Report Post » Bhaub  
    • Texas Grasshopper
      Posted on June 5, 2011 at 2:45pm

      NO Christian Faith is all that matters ( to me ) My Country was built on Christian beliefs and I will fight to keep it as such .

      post script

      I really could care less about an ( your ) opposing viewpoint

      Report Post »  
    • Bhaub
      Posted on June 5, 2011 at 3:03pm

      Cool, cool. And here I thought Jesus taught love and tolerance for all people. Guess he just promoted being a douche and hating other points of view. No wonder religion is falling by the wayside. Ah well. At least atheists can still be moral, ethical and intelligent. You guys were getting outdated anyway. :)

      Report Post » Bhaub  
    • The Gooch
      Posted on June 5, 2011 at 3:09pm

      Some atheists aren’t the enlightened, tolerant sophisticates their ilk generally claims to be. Many have a cause (dare I say “pseudoreligion”?) that is nothing more than a push for a state-mandated nihilism. How’s that for an oxymoron? Two not-so-great tastes that taste even less great together. Like many a totalitarian zealot, militant, busy body atheists know what’s best for you, whether you agree or not. In a free society, such people should be tolerated, but they certainly will not define a culture and can only influence thru the force of govt. Like any good leftist, the goal is to shut people down and shut people up… tolerance is never an option because your ideals simply prove you are both smarter and better than the rest of the unwashed masses. Knowing how great you are goes a long way towards justifying the elimination of free speech and constructs counter to your brand of greatness.
      I believe Locke said it best: “All mankind… being all equal and independent, no one ought to harm another in his life, health, liberty or possessions.” I agree that a lot of what passes for religion could go a long way to considering Locke’s words. But this is a two way street. I have not the power to sway you. From other posts I’ve read, you CLEARLY loathe religion. Fine. Been there, done that. But does that mean we must all adhere to your version of what is and is not palatable? Seems intolerant to the point of tunnel vision.

      Report Post »  
    • dmzuniga
      Posted on June 5, 2011 at 3:35pm

      One does not argue with ‘atheists’. One allows the decomposition in their casket to eventually prove the irony of the nihilist’s point, as Jesus Christ makes the eternal judgment, not argument.

      Christians, rather than be sucked into insipid attempts to make themselves look angry and silly, need to believe what Christ taught about Who and What He actually is.

      History is clear: every culture where a religion is practiced…especially where a religion is enforced by government (civil or religious)…is a testament to the truth of Christianity and the falsity of all other belief systems and religions.

      History is clear; there’s no argument. Just as there is no such thing as a true ‘atheist’ (they have their deity(ies), even if fashioned from human ideas), there is no such thing as ‘good religion’ if it stands in opposition to the teachings of Jesus Christ.

      In fairness to ‘Bhaub’, I also believe that the teachings of Joseph Smith and Brigham Young (Mormonism) are demonstrable hogswallop, from nose to tail. Why Glenn believes this stuff is beyond me; normally he performs due diligence but I suppose religion just grabs people.

      Report Post »  
    • Bhaub
      Posted on June 5, 2011 at 3:45pm

      Locke also spoke about Tabula Rasa- blank slate. People aren’t preprogrammed. Not by nature, not by Gods. People are people. We work off of experience and sense.

      For me, and for atheists (NOT Nihilists, since that’s another subject), our society shouldn‘t bend and bow to someone’s made up invisible superhero in the sky who, trust me, will totally make you burn for all eternity unless you do what we say he wants you to do. And apparently God wants you to vote against gay marriages, because he explicitly forbid it in the book that he wrote. Nevermind how he also gave equal condemnation to eating shellfish and wearing cotton/poly blends, because we don’t do that anymore.

      You want freedom from being told what to do while telling everyone what to do? We have to have religions and prayers because you like them? We need to be told we’re burning in hell in YOUR religion as well as all the other ones? Nah. I don’t like it. I don’t like how people are propped up and admired for saying, “There’s no evidence, and I believe it!” That, to me, is ridiculous and irresponsible. I don’t want a leader who believes that purple is the color which makes your brain taste like cherries if you stand on one leg while humming. It’s absurd. I want a leader, a president, a friend who says, “I’m skeptical to wild claims without solid proof. I do not want to make a decision which could effect so many peoples’ lives, safety and happiness unless I have certainty.”

      Report Post » Bhaub  
    • Marengo Ohio Patriot
      Posted on June 5, 2011 at 3:47pm

      Well put GOOCH!! To bad BHAUB will never be able to comprehend it!

      Report Post »  
    • Bhaub
      Posted on June 5, 2011 at 3:48pm

      History is clear: every culture where a religion is practiced…especially where a religion is enforced by government (civil or religious)…is a testament to the truth of Christianity and the falsity of all other belief systems and religions.
      =====================

      That makes no sense… How does it prove Christianity to have other religions being forced to be regarded as true? NO state should rule with religion, since it instantly demands that you believe total lies. If Mormonism was our countries FORCED religion, you’d be joining the atheists in disbelieving it. I believe in one less god than you do. That’s all. You’re the one convinced of madness, acting like you’ve got the answers. I’m sorry, you don’t. You’ve got ancient, mistranslated, rewritten tales from old tribes who feared the world around them.

      “Men think epilepsy divine, merely because they do not understand it… We will one day understand what causes it, and then cease to call it divine. And so it is with everything in the universe.”
      — Hippocrates

      Report Post » Bhaub  
    • Marengo Ohio Patriot
      Posted on June 5, 2011 at 4:02pm

      BHAUB
      This country does not force any one religion on anyone. I (an agnostic) could not care less if my little girls elementry school wants to put up a nativity scene at Christmas time. You, on the other hand, want to run to the nearest courthouse to get an injunction against it…To you, everyone must do what you see fit… How sorry you are!

      Report Post »  
    • The Gooch
      Posted on June 5, 2011 at 4:26pm

      Thank God, thank Allah, the Great Spaghetti Monster or no one for the simple fact we can engage in such discourse. I am no fan of religion, but I do have faith.
      I don’t know if this is good or bad, but I find myself tangling buttholes with both sides of the ideological spectrum on the issue of free speech. Any story regarding religion brings out the usual suspects who clamor that ANY pronouncement of faith should not be tolerated and that govt.’s role is to protect the feelings of the doubting Thomas. No, that is broad misinterpretation of the establishment clause. It‘s akin to those who wish to neuter the Second Amendment because they can’t or won’t accept that the founding fathers and their contemporaries clearly believed the citizenry should be armed to protect itself from govt. if the need ever arose to do so. Like, say if govt. FORCED religion or silence upon you.
      On the flip side, I get tagged a progressive troll (…funny…) because I believe hippies, performers and those who don’t carry my flavor of water still ought to have the right to speak and express themselves thru other acts.
      Hell, folks, why not just give up and say that as soon as the sacred “feeling” comes into play, all rights are forfeit? Maybe that should be the 28th Amendment: Nothing stands once someone experiences the vapors thru the words or non-threatening actions of another; emotion trumps reason.
      Let’s pray… or not… that doesn’t happen.

      Report Post »  
    • Marengo Ohio Patriot
      Posted on June 5, 2011 at 4:51pm

      Second that GOOCH!! Don’t MAKE me pray, and I won’t stop you from doing so while seated next to me!

      Report Post »  
    • @ Coyote2
      Posted on June 5, 2011 at 5:17pm

      Would it alright to build a Sin-and-gouge there? It would be more fitting as their patrons are the ones that were responsible for and profited from it happening. How many billion did Silverman take home on that one again??

      Report Post »  
  • windycitywoman
    Posted on June 5, 2011 at 1:29pm

    Praise the Lord another one for the good guys!

    Report Post » windycitywoman  
  • The_Plumber_Says
    Posted on June 5, 2011 at 1:29pm

    And this Judge is still on the bench?

    Report Post » The_Plumber_Says  
  • Jimbo96
    Posted on June 5, 2011 at 1:26pm

    If I were a Congressman from the district where the federal judge made the ruling to prohibiting protected free speech I would be looking to impeach. The reason I say this is because any federal judge who ignores the Constitution should not be sitting on the bench. This should be reason enough for impeachment since there appears to be no adherence to the oath to “support and defend” the Constitution that any federal official takes. The people have a right to expect that their Constitutional rights will be protected by judges, not infringed with prior restraint on speech in violation of the Constitution.

    Report Post » Jimbo96  
    • UpstateNYConservative
      Posted on June 5, 2011 at 1:33pm

      While I agree with you emotionally, the Constitution doesn’t allow room to impeach because a judge is a buttnut. There is no high crime or misdemeanor here, so impeachment is not Constitutionally possible.

      Believe me, I’d like taking this clown to the woodshed with fifty of us other Conservatives and a thick paddle made of live oak. But, if stupidity were a real crime, everyone in government would be in prison.

      Report Post » UpstateNYConservative  
    • BOMUSTGO
      Posted on June 5, 2011 at 1:33pm

      JIMBO96..I like your Norman Rockwell painting of “Freedom of Speech.”

      Report Post » BOMUSTGO  
    • UpstateNYConservative
      Posted on June 5, 2011 at 1:39pm

      @BOMUSTGO

      An aside…

      Ever see a genuine Rockwell? I saw one once, and photos do no justice. He could paint almost in pure 3-D. Amazing…

      Report Post » UpstateNYConservative  
    • BOMUSTGO
      Posted on June 5, 2011 at 1:55pm

      UPSTATENYCONSERVATIVE
      I have a book with a lot of Rockwells paintings.I have never seen any in person.I heard that some liberals tried to ban his paintings…I paint with acrylics.Two years ago I painted a bald eagle with shackles on its feet and it is trying to fly and blood is dripping from the shackles.In bold letters it says “NO to Socialism!” It is in the back window of my car.

      Report Post » BOMUSTGO  
    • UpstateNYConservative
      Posted on June 5, 2011 at 2:05pm

      @BOMUSTGO
      Posted on June 5, 2011 at 1:55pm

      I saw a Rockwell in the art museum in Rochester, NY a few years ago. It was of a girl looking over the back of the seat on a train at a soldier. It’s the only original I ever saw.

      I tell you, Citizen, Rockwell painted like few others in history could. It was almost 3-D. Photos can’t capture the reality of what Rockwell did with paint and brush. I can’t draw or paint to save my life, but I know perfection when I see it.

      If you ever can get to an exposition, I recommend you make the effort. You, being an artist, will love it!

      Report Post » UpstateNYConservative  
    • BOMUSTGO
      Posted on June 5, 2011 at 2:16pm

      UPSTATENYCONSERVATIVE
      Thanks! If I ever get the chance to see his art I will go..I am just a starving artist. I do make a little money on the side with paintings.Last Friday, the I.T. guy where I work wants me to paint my Rock-em Sock-em robots painting on a 16“X 20” canvas. In the background watching the robots fight, are various robots from T.V. series and movies wathching the fight.

      Report Post » BOMUSTGO  
    • Captain Crunch
      Posted on June 5, 2011 at 2:43pm

      @BOMUSTGO

      I know you are not trying to advertise here. But I’d love to purchase a print of your eagle which you described if there is a websight or another means of doing so. Thanks.
      If you don’t want to do it here, you can reply at Speedball1955@Yahoo.com
      But I’m sure others would be willing to contribute to your pantry.

      Report Post »  
    • dmzuniga
      Posted on June 5, 2011 at 3:16pm

      The constitutional issue, that “Congress shall make no law” that infringes on free speech, or that establishes a state religion, wasn’t actually in play at all — and almost never is in these cases. People read into constitutional law whatever they want. It’s silly.

      Having said that, the U.S. Constitution is the Supreme Law of the Land — no higher (human) law exists in America, and “the Judges of every State shall be bound thereby”. This means the State Judge is bound to ENFORCE the U.S. Constitution as well as to obey it. This means that in any case where federal government has slipped its leash (engaging in anything not specifically enumerated in the U.S. Constitution as powers delegated by us to federal govt), a State Judge is BOUND by the terms of the Supreme Law, to enforce it.

      This is never done; most Americans (including most con law professors with a few exceptions) think that federal judges trump your State Judge — but in the case of federal malfeasance or crime, this is untrue.

      Forget graduation ceremonies for awhile; Congress made laws (Federal Reserve Act, legal tender acts) that specifically violate the Supreme Law and that grant a counterfeiting concession to a cartel of banking crime families that operate under the Orwellian, euphemistic label ‘Federal Reserve’. The world’s economies are thrown from pillar to post by the highest of high crimes. It’s time for the AmericaAgain! Indictment Engine(TM).

      http://www.TeethForTheTeaParty.com

      Report Post »  
  • UpstateNYConservative
    Posted on June 5, 2011 at 1:24pm

    First Amendment preserved. Just the way it ought to be: Original Intent of the Constitution.

    Report Post » UpstateNYConservative  
    • CaptainKook
      Posted on June 5, 2011 at 2:32pm

      I agree – let the students pray if they want to.

      Just as the ACLU has stated many times: voluntary religious activity instigated by a student cannot be banned by the State [the public school] as long as it isn‘t disruptive or in violation of other students’ rights [such as the right to refuse to take part in the prayer].
      .

      Report Post »  
    • UpstateNYConservative
      Posted on June 5, 2011 at 2:42pm

      @CaptainKook

      All is fair there, to be sure. I don’t want government imposing, and I’m fine with people opting out of something with which they do not agree.

      I’m the rebellious type; I’m into personal liberty without imposing on my neighbor.

      Report Post » UpstateNYConservative  
    • The Third Archon
      Posted on June 5, 2011 at 2:55pm

      Funny how this case could be seen as violating the last provision of what you‘ve quoted from the ACLU’s opinion if anyone BUT a student did the exact same thing. Which begs the question, what empowers STUDENTS to violate others rights when the Courts have ruled others cannot do it on their behalf? Do the students all speak with one voice now? I was unaware that just because the Valedictorian (and perhaps even the majority of the student body) was of a faith they get to subject every other faith (the real people hurt here–atheists and agnostics, as many of you have correctly identified, ought view this with bemusement) to their display. Besides which, even if there aren’t ANY other faiths present, it goes against the principles of non-Establishment which is supposed to ensure that NO people have to have their religious beliefs publicly discriminated against (i.e. by being party to a display one might very well consider “heretical”) and establish mutual respect amongst citizens of varying faiths, to allow something like this to happen. To just assume you speak for everyone in giving a prayer, even if you are a student, is rude and disrespectful, most especially to those who hold OTHER ridiculous religious beliefs.

      Report Post » The Third Archon  
    • UpstateNYConservative
      Posted on June 5, 2011 at 3:09pm

      @The Third Archon

      Your argument is narrow. To follow it through to the final conclusion, we might all just have our vocal chords cut out at birth and be done.

      In a case as this event, the students chose, by what seems a majority, to have a prayer. The school did not impose it, just as it has (by Appellate affirmation) no authority under the First Amendment to prevent it. If we follow your fallacy about possible ‘offense’, the Left couldn’t protest anything else, either.

      And we know liberals will never countenance that idea.

      The First Amendment allows free speech, but it doesn’t require anyone has to listen. If someone doesn’t want to hear a prayer that the majority, in a given situation, wishes to speak, then that person can opt out however works best, then return.

      I see rights, and their inherent responsibilities, as a matter of balance instead of (as liberals see things) as absolutes.

      Report Post » UpstateNYConservative  
    • CaptainKook
      Posted on June 5, 2011 at 3:14pm

      @The Third Archon

      If prayer was mandatory at public schools there’d be no question that it would be un-Constitutional.

      My “rights” to not have to hear a prayer read by someone of a different religion are very limited – I can walk out of the event or cover my ears if I want to, but I can’t, under law, prevent them from saying the prayer any more than that person can make me pray with them.

      This lawsuit was based on the idea that allowing prayer at this event was somehow forcing the plaintiffs to participate in a religious activity – but merely hearing and observing others engaged in a prayer isn’t forced participation in prayer IF you can choose to leave or not attend or not participate in the prayer without penalty being imposed in response.

      That’s the key point: as long as there are no consequences attached to non-participation, I don’t see any harm suffered by the plaintiffs by merely being present when a prayer is read.

      Report Post »  
    • CaptainKook
      Posted on June 5, 2011 at 3:19pm

      RE:”I see rights, and their inherent responsibilities, as a matter of balance instead of (as liberals see things) as absolutes.”

      I can see you’re actuallly more of a “liberal” by my definition than you might want to admit on this board, but I’ll keep it a secret if you like. :-)

      Report Post »  
    • The Third Archon
      Posted on June 5, 2011 at 3:22pm

      @UPSTATENYCONSERVATIVE
      In Santa Fe v. Doe, the school didn’t CHOOSE to have the students give prayers of the football game PA system–it was student initiated and, I believe student led (although they may or may not have substituted an agent giving the prayer on their behalf). This was found to be unconstitutional–what is the difference?

      There is a BIG difference between your right to be PRIVATELY entitled to your religion, and even to make religious displays in public in a non-COMPULSORY setting, but at the point where ANYONE goes up to a podium at a PUBLIC event that everyone will want to attend (like graduation) and should be able to attend regardless of religious affiliation, and often, in many cases, is REQUIRED to attend (to receive a diploma), and starts praying (something only SOME religions do, and certainly no one who is a-religious) your rights have ended and you’ve moved into the territory of making inroads on the rights of others. The school is tacitly consenting, just as it was found to be in Santa Fe, if it allows this to happen at its event. It is PERFECTLY FINE, if you gather with like-minded believers for a prayer at the graduation ceremony if it really is so world-shatteringly important, but you have NO right to subject every other religion and non-religious minority (and someday perhaps a majority) present to your prayer, broadcast over a PA system (as speakers at these things usually have microphones).

      Liberals are absolutist? AHA HA HA HA

      Report Post » The Third Archon  
    • The Third Archon
      Posted on June 5, 2011 at 3:30pm

      @CAPTAINKOOK
      It doesn’t matter what you think–it matters what the Supreme Court of the United States of America has ruled on the subject. In Santa Fe, and a number of other cases regarding prayer, they found (for obvious reasons) that if you pray as part of the program at an event that is ostensibly public, and ESPECIALLY an event sponsored by a public body, ESPECIALLY when that event is compulsory, or nearly compulsory (i.e. everyone associated with the event sponsor, in this case the school, will be highly likely to want to participate in the event)–you don’t have the right to insert religious practices into the agenda. There’s nothing preventing you from praying at, near, or around the place with other willing participants–I don’t see why you feel the need to get up and broadcast your prayer over a PA though. Even if there isn’t a tangible or physical harm, that doesn‘t mean you aren’t necessarily violating someone else’s rights (namely to have their beliefs unmolested at a public event). You are so high and mighty just because you have a “majority” but what if the positions were reversed? Do you want to see valedictorians getting up and thanking the Hindu gods, or leading everyone in a seance, or giving a 7 minute speech about how God’s existence is ridiculous and no one ought believe in him? No you probably wouldn’t like those things, yet if we accept YOUR interpretation of law, we MUST allow all those things, and more, at graduations.

      Report Post » The Third Archon  
    • CaptainKook
      Posted on June 5, 2011 at 3:43pm

      @The Third Archon
      You points are mostly reasonable and no, I wouldn’t like a lot of time spent at things like public school graduations on various prayers – that’s why I would hope that people who call themselves “Christians” would follow his actual teachings on this matter by keeping prayer a private matter.

      Report Post »  
    • UpstateNYConservative
      Posted on June 5, 2011 at 3:58pm

      @CaptainKook
      Posted on June 5, 2011 at 3:19pm

      RE:”I see rights, and their inherent responsibilities, as a matter of balance instead of (as liberals see things) as absolutes.”

      I can see you’re actuallly more of a “liberal” by my definition than you might want to admit on this board, but I’ll keep it a secret if you like. :-)

      _________________

      I’m a Constructionist. The way I see liberals is that they demand their rights but want no responsibilities for exercising them.

      Wiseazz… :)

      Report Post » UpstateNYConservative  
  • Jacque
    Posted on June 5, 2011 at 1:23pm

    Thank God we still have a few Judges’ that follow the Constitution!

    Report Post »  
    • Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
      Posted on June 5, 2011 at 1:32pm

      Indeed it is very nice; now if we can just get the others to remember their duty and oath to the nation and the law…I know, yet miracles can and do still happen.

      Report Post » Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}  
  • Trance
    Posted on June 5, 2011 at 1:23pm

    Seemed obvious to me.

    Report Post » Trance  
    • TRUTHLADY
      Posted on June 5, 2011 at 3:28pm

      Anyone who is offended by God and prayer is evil. Hope can something good offend you unless you are evil?

      Report Post »  
    • TRUTHLADY
      Posted on June 5, 2011 at 3:34pm

      I meant to say How not hope.

      Report Post »  
    • Bluebonnet
      Posted on June 5, 2011 at 7:50pm

      In Texas of all places they dare try to stop a prayer? Thank the Lord it was repealed. This person should have stayed home if it offended him so much. We keep giving in to others and lose our God given rights to our prayer to the one and only God, and Jesus, the Son of God whom we pray in His Name. Muslims are given rights here in our own country to pray 5x a day regardless, and we give them that right. What’s wrong with this picture? They will whittle away and the weak will fall.

      Report Post »  
  • Robert-CA
    Posted on June 5, 2011 at 1:20pm

    AMEN to that .
    Thank You .

    Report Post » Robert-CA  
    • Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
      Posted on June 5, 2011 at 1:29pm

      Thank God for some justices willing to make a stand for what the law says and what is right at the same time…judges doing their duty. Now if the administration and congress will just do the same and let the people of America get on with recovery of the country, then it would be better.

      Report Post » Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}  
    • Marengo Ohio Patriot
      Posted on June 5, 2011 at 1:31pm

      screw the courts…. say amen if you want…. say what you want during your speech. If you want to thank Jesus, go right ahead!!!!! To the family who will be so mentally damaged > GET OVER IT. you already are beyond repair anyway!

      Report Post »  
    • Rational Man
      Posted on June 5, 2011 at 1:44pm

      This is great to see,……for a change!
      For the court to rule for genuine freedom instead of catering to the minority is getting more rare these days. Very bad!

      Some judge must have woken up and realized that taking away everyones freedom for the one who ‘CLAIMS’ they are being violated, is just ridiculous. Christians have to tollerate, in your face, secularism every day.

      Report Post » Rational Man  
    • momprayn
      Posted on June 5, 2011 at 1:46pm

      YES !!! This is where I am – San Antonio area. We’re (TX) also working on getting rid of that horrible pat-down/naked x-rays at airports. No, it doesn’t help re keeping us safe…..the answer is to do what Israel does — but no, that wouldn’t be “pc”. Hope it’s successful also….at least you can‘t say we didn’t try!!! I encourage others to keep fighting that nonsense or they will spread to everywhere we go – malls, etc. – all in the name of “security”…that’s their sinister plan.

      Report Post »  
    • unsalvageable.org
      Posted on June 5, 2011 at 1:46pm

      Thank you Lord! http://www.unsalvageable.org

      Report Post »  
    • vennoye
      Posted on June 5, 2011 at 1:59pm

      Way to Go!!
      Ayesha Khan, an attorney for the organization, said the group was “deeply” disappointed but would continue with the lawsuit to try to rid the school of promoting religion in its ceremonies.
      SAVE YOUR MONEY………..get out of Texas and go to say Illinois or Mass……….Texas doesn’t do things exactly like other states…….when Westboro Baptist came to Andrews, Tx for a funeral there was very little media coverage…..not too much to report….Texans put a human hedge between them and the family.

      Report Post » vennoye  
    • bbquizzle
      Posted on June 5, 2011 at 2:02pm

      Anybody find it ironic that the malcontents reside in Castroville?

      Report Post » bbquizzle  
    • KickinBack
      Posted on June 5, 2011 at 2:04pm

      I had the chance to move down to Texas once and I didn’t :(
      I might still go one day, MI is horrendous.

      Report Post » KickinBack  
    • Showtime
      Posted on June 5, 2011 at 2:05pm

      “Amen” from here, too.

      The courts make decisions only. They do not enforce the law. Regardless of what the court had handed down, I would have prayed anyway. And my dead mother would have been startled by the racket I would have raised — and proud of me — for standing up for my Constitutional, God-given right to pray!

      If the courts are going to tell me “FU,” I can tell them the same thing! Freedom of speech, remember? That’s not contempt of court; that’s resistance to my freedom being infringed upon.

      Report Post » Showtime  
    • grandma7
      Posted on June 5, 2011 at 2:13pm

      Praise the Lord!

      Report Post »  
    • biohazard23
      Posted on June 5, 2011 at 2:15pm

      Amen and hallelujah!!

      Report Post » biohazard23  
    • CaptainKook
      Posted on June 5, 2011 at 2:17pm

      Jesus’ instruction on prayer is in the broad context of a sermon about the heart as the real source of good and evil in us. It also has a more immediate context expressed in the opening lines of Matthew 6:

      Be careful about not living righteously merely to be seen by people. Otherwise you have no reward with your Father in heaven (Matthew 6:1).

      With these words, Jesus speaks of outward versus inward religious practices. Giving, prayer, and fasting are most often associated with religion and, in the following section of the sermon, Jesus speaks again of the inner heart versus outward forms. In Matthew 6:2-4, He speaks of giving. In Matthew 6:5-15, He speaks of prayer, and in 6:16-18, He speaks of fasting. His treatment of all three topics is the same:

      if you have the outward form only or if the outward form focuses attention on you, the public acclaim that you receive—real or imagined—is all the benefit you will derive.

      but if you think Jesus was merely making SUGGESTIONS when he told his followers to PRAY IN PRIVATE I guess the rest of his teachiungs are optional for you too.

      Report Post »  
    • Marengo Ohio Patriot
      Posted on June 5, 2011 at 2:36pm

      SHOWTIME is on board and ABSOLUTELY correct!!!! FU, you bunch of non-constitutional following court judges!!!

      Report Post »  
    • oriondma05
      Posted on June 5, 2011 at 2:42pm

      I’m not active in religion, but this is an amazing step in the right direction. God bless those people that fought for their right of free expression and God bless Texas. DON’T MESS WITH TEXAS!

      Report Post » oriondma05  
    • richard the lion-hearted
      Posted on June 5, 2011 at 2:42pm

      Such a cowardly move by the courts, like so many liberals who vehemently push their beliefs as being so iron-clad and universal to all until enough people take a stand against them, then they cower, appease, and backtrack. We will die for our beliefs in the face of certain danger we will not deny our God, His beloved Son Jesus Christ, and the precious teachings that truly liberate mankind. Freedom without responsibility is chaos.

      Report Post » richard the lion-hearted  
    • D0ntTread0nMe
      Posted on June 5, 2011 at 2:45pm

      And yet again normal people win the day, but only because we refused to shut up and sit down… this is the formula to win the day… be a squeakier wheel than the atheist morons.
      http://www.mythoughtsfromthemiddle.blogspot.com

      Report Post » D0ntTread0nMe  
    • banjarmon
      Posted on June 5, 2011 at 2:57pm

      WE the People can pray in TEXAS…Now pray in the rest of the country!!

      Report Post » banjarmon  
    • Support Israel
      Posted on June 5, 2011 at 3:04pm

      Thank you God, I’m still in the good old USA

      Report Post » Want our country back  
    • LOOKING_BOTH_WAYS
      Posted on June 5, 2011 at 3:57pm

      Thank God….after leaving Church today and spending time with my family, all that I have been reading here at the Blaze has been a lot of hate
      The President ate this,,, Palin said that,,,, Israel killed 20 people
      I mean really …Church is more then spending 1 hour in solace and peace, then the rest of the day bashing people with hatered ….awwww to each his own i guess -

      Report Post »  
    • rangerp
      Posted on June 5, 2011 at 3:58pm

      Good God fearing people need just pray. Stop worrying about the courts and the athiests, it only gives them more fuel.

      Report Post » rangerp  
    • Bluebonnet
      Posted on June 5, 2011 at 4:23pm

      THE 10 COMMANDMENTS

      The real reason we can’t have the 10 commandments
      posted in the Court House or Congress is because:

      You can’t post, “Thou Shalt Not Steal”
      “Thou Shalt Not Commit Adultery”
      ” Thou Salt not lie in a building full of lawyers, judges and politicians”
      As this creates a hostile work environment.

      Report Post »  
    • RepubliCorp
      Posted on June 5, 2011 at 4:26pm

      MARENGO OHIO PATRIOT I am with you.Screw them, who are these POS that think they can control what we say…….Never! and god save the person that tries to stop me.

      Report Post » RepubliCorp  
    • Lt_Taz
      Posted on June 5, 2011 at 4:52pm

      Laus Deo

      Report Post »  
    • GONESURFING
      Posted on June 5, 2011 at 5:20pm

      Yes, if we stand for God, God will stand with us, but if we deny God, he will turn against us.

      Report Post » GONESURFING  
    • Okie from Muskogee
      Posted on June 5, 2011 at 5:38pm

      Bless your little hearts. Forgive them father for they know what they do. 

      The first time a Muslim gets up and asks everyone to pray to Allah I hope not one of you come here posting fear and anger. The first time an atheist asks you to worship the Sun with them openly do not come here complaining.

      It is one thing for an individual to praise God and thank him as they go by. It’s another thing for a public school led prayer. that’s giving power to the beast and it will be used on you. Also, Christians, remember you need not to pray out in front of everyone as the hypocrites do for men to see. God already knows what you need before you ask and those desiring to pray in front of everyone aren’t doing it for God, but for themselves….Read Luke….

      Just remember you asked for it. 

      Report Post » Okie from Muskogee  
    • faithwalker
      Posted on June 5, 2011 at 6:23pm

      Thank you Lord Jesus for answered prayers…

      Report Post » faithwalker  
    • avenger
      Posted on June 5, 2011 at 6:42pm

      wtf….why do we have to battle the courts to pray ?

      Report Post »  
    • Therightsofbilly
      Posted on June 5, 2011 at 8:03pm

      Might just have to move to Texas some day

      Report Post » Therightsofbilly  
    • Thatsitivehadenough
      Posted on June 5, 2011 at 8:24pm

      Communism requires the end of religion and any belief in God. Be suspicious of anyone pushing the anti-religion line. Atheists need to go with the majority of Americans who believe in God.

      Report Post » Thatsitivehadenough  
    • On The Bayou
      Posted on June 5, 2011 at 8:44pm

      Amen!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

      Report Post » On The Bayou  
    • decendentof56
      Posted on June 5, 2011 at 9:49pm

      Okie…Remember that this country was founded on Christian principles, not Islamic. The fact that we have went down the path of one-world‘ism doesn’t change that. The reason we became the greatest country on Earth was because of those Christian principles, and I will not listen to people like you who obviously believe we should bend to every belief of all the immigrants that have migrated here.
      Look at some of the countries ideologies where those immigrants came from. They never could have attained what this country did because of their beliefs. Arab countries are the best example of this. They have never had peace. They live in the 6th century, my friend. Largely, I believe that, while there are exceptions, most Muslims cannot assimilate to our 10 Commandments beliefs. If they can, they are doing a poor job of showing it.
      The forces working to destroy the US are many, and they have more than a foothold towards that end. It’s time to stop apologizing for what this country stands for, and our founders beliefs.

      Report Post »  
    • @ Coyote2
      Posted on June 5, 2011 at 11:02pm

      It appears the ACLU is the biggest advocate of stopping prayer in schools and many other places. Look up who controls ACLU and you will find no surprises.

      Report Post »  
    • restorehope
      Posted on June 5, 2011 at 11:13pm

      The libs want to continue to rewrite history, just as Michelle Obama predicted. To ignore Christian influence in the founding of our nation is their goal. Unfortunately for them (and fortunately for the rest of us), God will block their attempts to make us forget just why we became a great nation…..it is because we have been god-filled, not Godless.

      Report Post »  
    • Rice Water
      Posted on June 6, 2011 at 1:17am

      God hates graduates!

      Report Post » Rice Water  
    • Okie from Muskogee
      Posted on June 6, 2011 at 1:57am

      @Descendents056

      Wow. People like me. People like me, who believe in Jesus Christ to be the Savior of all sin, should see giving power of religion to Government of any faith in any manner to be a bad thing. Allowing individual worship and expression to be a perfect thing. 

      Yes our country used the ten commandments to establish law, also using faith in JESUS CHRIST to allow freedom of that expression.

      Your absolutely ignorant if you think the Constitution wasn’t created to “bend to every belief of all the immigrants that have migrated here.” that was the whole point! The Constitution isn’t a theocracy, it is the complete opposite. A person, immigrants at the time and from that point forward, could believe however they chose and Government couldn’t establish a law on it or preventing free free exercise of it. It is the Christians job individually to spread the light of Christ, not Government. 

      The reason we became and still are the greatest nation is due to the immigration of peoples from all over the world over time. You must be completely blind and ignorant not to see that. 

      If the Valedictorian were Muslim that is who he’d pray to, Allah, and you’d still be ok with it? Or are you just saying ok because it’s Christian? Realize what your saying and don’t be a hypocrite! I’ll pray for you..

      Report Post » Okie from Muskogee  
    • Charlesjr
      Posted on June 6, 2011 at 6:06am

      Texas Gov. Rick Perry and Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott should get letters from all over the country thanking them for standing and defending the constitution.
      http://hughcpeconjrs.blogspot.com/2011/06/district-judge-fred-biery-needs-to.html

      Report Post » Charlesjr  
    • smithclar3nc3
      Posted on June 6, 2011 at 7:25am

      Well they aren‘t force into participation they don’t have to pray when other graduates are praying. Finally the courts got it right by denying prayer they were forcing everyone to conform to one uptight families religious beliefs or disbeliefs instead of allowing free people to act freely.

      Report Post »  
    • snoopy160
      Posted on June 6, 2011 at 8:25am

      AMEN I’m still looking for an establishment clause. all I see in the Constitution is that CONGRESS WILL make no law RESPECTING THE ESTABLISHMENT etc etc. I didn’t think a student or a school could make laws. lol

      Report Post »  
    • GODSAMERICA
      Posted on June 6, 2011 at 8:35am

      The attorneys did a great job on getting this back on track in time for graduation! (I’m bragging a little bit because my son-in-law was one of the primary attorneys on this situation. I didn’t know that until we just received an email from him letting us know what was going on. Our son-in-law had also been working non-stop with the Texas Solicitor General’s office to file an emergency motion to Justice Scalia in case the 5th Circuit had not dissolved the original order.

      Report Post » GODSAMERICA  
    • BJColter Country Music Iconoclast
      Posted on June 6, 2011 at 8:44am

      This story causes me to pray LOUDER in public places. Inspiring. Here’s a great JESUS song I wrote for all you leftie trollers, check it out.

      http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7j_t8dHdJ-w

      Report Post » BJColter Country Music Iconoclast  
    • jackrorabbit
      Posted on June 6, 2011 at 9:12am

      It is about time that the Christian faith started to take back the rights afforded them by the FIRST AMENDMENT, which says freedom OF religion, not FROM religion.

      Report Post »  
    • PATTY HENRY
      Posted on June 6, 2011 at 11:38am

      IF these misguided people only knew how much JESUS loves us and how much better life is with the help and knowledge of JESUS and how REAL HE IS…they would never think to try to stop grateful people from thanking Him. There are gonna be some big “Ooooops” when these poor, misguided atheists come face to face with the CREATOR OF THE UNIVERSE.

      For the life of me, I can’t imagine a PARENT thinking their one kid should rule over hundreds…poor kid…boy does he/she have a lot to learn. They should have instead bought the kid earphones and let him/her play their fav. songs to themselves if they were so hell-bent (yes) on not being respectful to the GOD of so many. DUH.

      Report Post » PATTY HENRY  
    • pmacres
      Posted on June 6, 2011 at 12:25pm

      Thank God

      Report Post »  
    • Secret Squirrel
      Posted on June 6, 2011 at 4:21pm

      .
      So the valedictorian is a Christian, huh?
      And the atheists have their panties in a wad.
      I got an idea.
      Have your atheist kid be the valedictorian, and he can skip the prayer.

      Report Post » Secret Squirrel  
    • TexasCommonSense
      Posted on June 6, 2011 at 10:27pm

      Therightsofbilly, conservatives are welcome.

      Report Post » TexasCommonSense  
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