05 August 2012 Freedom to prey

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/08/04/missouri-prayer-amendment-vote_n_1739968.html?ncid=edlinkusaolp00000009#slide=1022627

“Supporters say the so-called "right to pray" ballot measure -- known as Amendment 2 -- better defines Missourians' First Amendment rights and will help to protect the state's Christians, about 80 percent of the population, who they say are under siege in the public square...”

“Last May, he   (McGhee) told the Post-Dispatch that if the measure passes it would "send a message" that "it's OK to read a Bible in study hall" or "to pray briefly before a City Council meeting."

McGhee's pastor, the Rev. Terry Hodges of First Baptist Church in Odessa, said he had spoken with McGhee through the years about the legislation. He said that if Amendment 2 passes, it will "level the playing field."

Hodges said Christians "enjoyed home-field advantage" for the country's first 150 years. "That's changed, and now there's a hostility toward Christians," he said...”

Cassi Creek: Cassi Creek:     This is exactly the reason that the 1st Amendment to the U.S. Constitution was written and included.  The history of religion tells us that they are power hungry structures that eagerly entwine with weak governments in order to grab and maintain aspects of civil power that belong to national governments.  
            There is no justification for any religious presence in publicly funded schools, in public meetings, or in any aspect of civil life.  Those who wish to pray privately are already so enabled by the 1st Amendment.  
            This proposed Missouri amendment is a calculated attempt to allow Christian churches to create a theocratic state government and to suppress the rights of non-Christians in the state.   If Missouri residents who happen to be Muslims or Jewish attempt to introduce their particular faith’s  prayers  they will most likely  be made aware that they are less than welcome.   
            Notice the intent to create a captive population of residents in a theocracy that is acknowledged to be losing popularity.  A change in demographics does not grant the Christian demagogues any right to demand the state preserve their falling numbers or fortunes.  
            The perceived “hostility toward Christians” is more of an observed disinterest in allowing centuries-old mythology to rule society.  If this type of power grab and demand for theocracy does continue, there will likely be a very justifiable hostility.  
            Consequences of this becoming law have a very dangerous impact upon the teaching of science, mathmatics, and history.  We’ve already fallen behind Europe and Asia in the number and caliber of students we teach the STEM disciplines.  With the increased intrusion of teavangelism into public and private life, the U.S. is poised to become less and less prominent in space exploration, medical research, geological and other physical science.  We do not need classrooms ruled by belief in religious mythology and intoleranc.  We are heading in that direction rapidly.