This is a really interesting OP, in my opinion.
Not so much as the body of the post, as to the comments it generated.
http://www.democraticunderground.com/10021625139 Wed Oct 24, 2012, 05:29 PM
Kindly Refrain (339 posts)
Students at the local high school were praying for Obama's defeat.
I couldn't believe it. They were in a circle holding hands around the flagpole, praying that Obama is defeated so "a real Christian can get into the White House". Apparently this prayer group gets together regularly for prayer in something they call, "Rally around the flag". They were being supervised by an adult. Doesn't seem legal. The person who works at the school who filled me in said they had the administration's permission. Wonder how the administration will feel if I go down there in the next couple of days, film and then upload that shit onto youtube. The principal damn sure will at least get a sternly written email, as will the school board and county officials. 2
You would think right off hand that this would have many comments screaming for the kids to be hung. Right?
Wrong. I was amazed.
It took a little time, then
this pops up.
Response to Kindly Refrain (Original post)
Wed Oct 24, 2012, 05:34 PM
JI7 (37,155 posts)
7. i think they are allowed to do it on their own time and on their own
A few negative comments, then this.
Response to Kindly Refrain (Original post)
Wed Oct 24, 2012, 05:37 PM
loyalsister (6,150 posts)
12. I don't think this is a violation
From what you say, this is a christian clique. Other students are not forced to join or even listen. Would we complain if they were rooting for Obama?
The response, and "hers".
Response to loyalsister (Reply #12)
Wed Oct 24, 2012, 05:44 PM
Kindly Refrain (339 posts)
20. But if it's an outside group influencing
the students action, I think that might be illegal.
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Response to Kindly Refrain (Reply #20)
Wed Oct 24, 2012, 05:52 PM
loyalsister (6,150 posts)
27. If the students joined voluntarily it's not
I'm an atheist and fully support separation of church and state. I think we can go overboard in our accusations. Separation of church and state is pretty specifically targeted at school sponsored religion and religious events that students are required to attend. This does not sound like something that rises to that level of an offense.
A few more negative comments, followed by...
Response to Kindly Refrain (Original post)
Wed Oct 24, 2012, 05:43 PM
Swamp Lover (234 posts)
18. Rally 'round the flag is perfectly legal and has been around for a long time.
and....
Response to Kindly Refrain (Original post)
Wed Oct 24, 2012, 05:46 PM
Throd (3,359 posts)
21. Am I supposed to be outraged?
If this is how they want to spend their free time, they should be able to do so. I'm not seeing the harm here.
The whiner chimes in, and gets another smack in the chops.
Response to Throd (Reply #21)
Wed Oct 24, 2012, 05:53 PM
Kindly Refrain (339 posts)
28. yeah, **** it.
let them teach creationism as well, what's harm?
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Response to Kindly Refrain (Reply #28)
Wed Oct 24, 2012, 05:56 PM
Throd (3,359 posts)
30. The school isn't teaching creationism.
It is allowing students to freely associate and share a common interest on their own time.
It isn't what I would do with my free time, but I support their right to do so.
Another drops bye,
Response to Kindly Refrain (Reply #31)
Wed Oct 24, 2012, 06:19 PM
Selatius (20,081 posts)
44. The school isn't in session on Sundays, so no public funds go towards that activity.
If the school itself bore the costs of holding a religious service on property, that would be a violation of the 1st Amendment; however, if all the costs are borne by the church and nobody from the school administration is directly involved with such activity in an official capacity, then I don't really see a problem.
The key is that as long is nobody is being compelled to participate and as long as public funds don't go towards these meetings and sessions, then nothing can really be done about it except be vigilant as far as the First Amendment goes.
Interesting thread to say the least.
Many more comments.