[mburbank]

Don't be sorry.

First, square these to statements.

Yours: So.....you don't believe in the first amendment then.

Mine: Everyone should be and IS allowed to pray. No one can stop you from praying.


at highschool football games, on subways, in congress, etc.

I offered my opinion that institutions of government ought not to endorse prayers, and I stated the reasons I thought they should not do so. I pointed out the pitfall you let yourself in for. I advocated no law, and in fact, I do not advocate any such law.

So you misunderstand me. Not a lie this time, just confusion caused by your eagerness.

Ask yourself these questions at your hypothetical football game. If prayers are to be lead, who will decide which people and which religions. Who will empower this body to make that decision? Should anyone who wishes to lead the crowd in prayer b allowed to do so bfore the game can start? Who will decide of the prayer, the religion and the leader are legitimate? Will you allow Satanist Prayer? If I present myself as a Mithrain and wish to lead my fellow Mithraains in prayer by drinking bulls blood, will this be allowed? And can the school provide cups without crossing any lines, as they have provided amplification for the assumedly christian speaker? How much time should be aloowed to each religion? How will speakers apply for the right to speak?

Since assume the crowd is there to watch football game, these question, though they surely strike you as absurd, might best be avoided by praying by yourself to yourself, which no one can ever stop you from doing.