As a "retired" clergy person, I have to say that I really wish that those "christians" who want to have prayer at school and other public events pay attention to what Jesus had to say about the matter....

And wouldn't it be nice if more Christians invested in showing some respect for the One they claim to follow by actually doing what He said/commanded, rather than acting like Pharissees with public and all too often meaningless and empty displays of religion.

Thank you "Nonimus" - you've said it all. I would only add one thought. As a non-theist I try to live by the ethical injunction of the Golden Rule or in Confucius's version "Do nothing to others that you would not want done to you". I think all of us can agree on that thought.

Regarding God, I think the country's big enough (in mind and heart) to accommodate believers, non-believers, and everyone in between. Freedom of religion, and separation of church and state, are good principles. They exist in our system of nationhood for good reasons. It shouldn't even be a point of contention. Let's get back to the basics: a government (with checks and balances) of the people, for the people and by the people.

With regard to religion, people can pray at home, church, temple and mosque, etc. They shouldn't expect to go to school, sporting events or other publicly funded venues to commune with the Creator. If believers choose to pray in such locations, it is they who should respect the public sphere in which they do so. We live in a pluralistic democracy where people relate to the Divine Mystery through their own unique language, understanding and ritual. And, in fact, as much as the U.S.A. is a religious culture, there are those who do not share in these beliefs at all.

We do not live in a Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Hindu or Buddhist theocracy -- not even a Wiccan, Inuit or Zoroastrian theocracy. We live in a democracy. Separation of church and state. Government of, for and by the people. Everyone must enjoy the benefit of equal rights, freedom and protection under the law. Thus comprises the noble spirit of the United States of America.

Dear Rachel Lewis Murphy - Your post was interesting

" Most of all, we need God back into everything, including prayer in the schools, before meetings and games and everything else. For those who do not want it. they do not have to pray. They can just keep silent and give those who do pray respect. It is time for "Change," "Trust," "Respect" "

Rachel, Respect has to be mutual or it becomes coercion and dominant disregard for others. As a non-theist I want you to
respect my right NOT to have to stand mute while you pray to your god. I am sure you are aware that part of the problem we have with the Bush/Cheney cabal is that they lack respect for anyone who does not share their opinions/beliefs. I don't think you want to continue their "sick dirty politics"

It appears that the "old boys," "old money," "old politicial jargon," "old mud slingling," "sick, dirty politics" is out. People want the truth and sincerity. We want the "respect" that the United States of America had from other countries back. We want our "self-respect" back. We want to stop being the savior of the world and the supporter of the world. We want to help people be self-sufficient and not dependant. Self-sufficiency is less stressful and cheaper on us. No more rectoric and lies. We want our people serving in Afghanistan and Iraq home. We want better education and training, job security and benefits. We want the people, who are the back bone of this country, to receive the financial bonuses and not people who are making millions and billions of dollars a year. We want medical, psychological and pharmaceutical care for everyone. We do not want people embarassed because they cannot afford the medical care that they need. We want people living in good, structured homes and not on the streets. We want a decrease in crime and stop all of the negotiations and letting people go free. We want everyone to be able to afford the proper
food and clothing. This will not ever come from those who have never been in those positions. They have wealth and will do everything to keep it and help their wealthy friends keep theirs. Most of all, we need God back into everything, including prayer in the schools, before meetings and games and everything else. For those who do not want it. they do not have to pray. They can just keep silent and give those who do pray respect. It is time for "Change," "Trust," "Respect" and "Truth." Bush and Cheney would not know the truth if it hit them like a snowball in the face.

And they say young people don't make a difference. You're welcome Senator Obama...Former Senator Edwards.

Good job Jim - it was a huge success!