Posted on 02/12/2005 2:05:44 AM PST by Kaslin
That was my thought, virtually to a word. Maybe something like this:
Arrogant transplanted NY Liberals Don't Like Flyover Country Customs Alert
And all I've got to say to these people is, I-81 runs both ways. If you don't like the way we do things, get the hell outta my Commonwealth and quit spoiling the Shenendoah Valley.
}:-)4
Bottom line: It's 'voluntary'
"U.S. Supreme Court ruled in 1952 that allowing public school pupils to be released to religious classes doesn't violate the constitutional separation of church and state.
"In fact, such programs are wholly consistent with the First Amendment and this nation's religious heritage,"
It's Freedom OF Religion NOT freedom From religion.
On the other hand, as for those parents who want their children to have a biblical education, why not hold the classes after school or teach them at home or enroll them in Sunday school and/or summer bible class. I remember growing up in rural New York and going to two hours of church school on Sunday mornings before regular services, three hours of youth fellowship on Sunday evenings, bible classes on Wednesday afternoons after school, and bible camp over the summer. IMO the public schools should be used for the three R's and not religious education when there are plenty of other oppurtunities for religious education in the community outside of the public school.
We did it in Chicago too and on Wednesdays (It must of been a Law LOL), but I don't recall it being named 'release time', it was just "okay its time too leave for catechism classes". Any way, we'd all line up double file at different exits depending on what parish you went too. But it wasn't just us Catholics who left, the few Lutheran kids (Germans) and a couple Methodists went on Wednesdays also (no Jewish kids in the school or neighborhood). We'd then march off to church 'led' by Eight Graders - and no talking or goofing off either, or we'd be "reported". And yes the kids at the Catholic schools got out early to make room for us. I'd usually see my one neighbor/playmate friend as we crossed path and we'd make faces at each other.
But it is odd, until now I never gave a second thought about any of the kids who didn't leave on Wednesdays, OR what went on in the school when we were gone?!? I guess I 'assumed' that everybody went 'somewhere'.
Well, then why don't they schedule the "character education" classes at the same time as the release time for religion, and let the parents choose? The parents who are so offended by another person's religious decision can let their children attend "character education" instead. They just need to get their heads around the idea that for some parents, character education and faith are linked. I wonder if the parents who are objecting ever considered volunteering to teach a class?
From the article:
"The Wards and other parents are asking the School Boardto eliminate or modify the program, saying that children who opt out are stigmatized and have little to do during that time because teachers aren't allowed to introduce new material while their classmates are in Bible classes."
Stigmatized? So what? If you're not a Christian, not going to Bible study isn't the only thing that's going to identify you as a non-Christian. People in small towns (like Red Springs, NC) know who goes to church on Sunday and who doesn't, and they stigmatize you anyway. Deal with it and participate in the community in other ways instead of trying to take away from the community. In Red Springs they pray before everything (games, performances, PTA meetings, you name it). It gives me a sense of community even though I'm a non-Christian. It shows me they really care. Too bad more parents don't show up though...
That's great!
You've described to a "T" the scourge of what has happened to rural towns all over the country. Happened in my own hometown in the late 70's, and it continues to fester everywhere today. It's sickening.
Good point
I only had to read the very first part to know it was a liberal bashing traditional values,because the woman's name was listed first ,then her husband's. This is the sign of a "liberated" couple. Centuries of tradition and the biblical teaching that the man is to be the head of the household are being rejected by Heather and like-minded persons. It is no suprise they are upset by Bible classes.
My hometown of Flagstaff, AZ has been a major target of white-flight immigrants from California for more than a decade. Most of them arrive with the same problems which drove them out of Kalifornia and most of them propose the same solutions which succeeded in turning the paradise which was once California into the living hell of the current People's Republic. Flagstaff, once a quiet little Western town with beautiful mountain scenery, is now going the same way. (Tourists: enjoy our bike paths and municipal art, the "bed, board, and booze" sales tax which targets you is about 15%. Also, keep plenty of change in your pockets to pay the "street tax" imposed by the panhandlers who use the town as a summer resort. Also, watch your step in the early mornings as our homeless "guests" use shop doorways as rest stops.) Nevertheless, Flag is a healthy place with very strict nonsmoking laws.
I can't help wondering if Bev will get her knickers bunched up when her kids are pullin condoms over bananas during "academic" time.
I'll betcha Mrs. Riddel would be happy to share diversity ideas with the kids left behind (no pun intended).
A nosy busybody. Why is it her business where other parents send their children?
Just like Christians, mostly good, decent folks; some are not so good and decent.
I doubt it
Can I move to your town? :-)
Having lived in northern Virginia for over 20 years, I can tell you that the mental disease that is modern Liberalism has spread, first across the Potomac river from Washington DC and Maryland, then to the outlying areas. The Virginia "Bible Belt" that is I-81 is just the latest victim of this scourge.
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