[ValerieUSA]

Believe me, as a widow, I know that prayers strengthen my family and are helpful, whether I hear the prayers or not, for God does, and He is the source. A moment of silence is not a comfort or a help, it is nothing. There is enough emptiness.

[BritBulldog]

I couldn't argue with you any more. I think your right. They say you learn something new every day and I've just learned something. Thanks.

[eastsider]

A moment of silence is not a comfort or a help, it is nothing.

I agree that a moment of silence is no substitute for personal comfort or help, or for prayer, whether in private or in fellowship with others of one's faith. Then again, I don't understand the moment of silence to even try to substitute for these things. Rather, I understand the silence to be a public acknowledgment of a public loss. In that sense, I find it apt.

[wonders]

Believe me, as a widow, I know that prayers strengthen my family and are helpful, whether I hear the prayers or not, for God does, and He is the source. A moment of silence is not a comfort or a help, it is nothing. There is enough emptiness.

The problem with empty gestures like a public moment of silence is the open void... and voids will be filled. The Greek flag-burners took advantage of the void. Creating a void is not productive, it is destruction. It would be better to just begin the games without the gesture.

Wow. Such wise words, Valerie. Thank you.