[An.American.Expatriate]

re-read the article. Attendance is "hit and miss". Walking out is probably also common. There is nothing in the consititution which would force me to listen to the religious views of someelse, regardless of my office. That is the "tolerance" the constitution provides for.

IMHO, you are being intolerant of someone who believes it is improper to listen to a prayer offered to (in thier opinion) a false god.

[Illbay]

...you are being intolerant of someone who believes it is improper to listen to a prayer offered to (in thier opinion) a false god.

Not at all. In fact, I would make sure that I, as a PRIVATE CITIZEN, would not be present to hear such a prayer.

But we're not talking about "private citizens," we're talking about elected officials. They have no right to such personal expressions when they stand in that office.