Sound Off!: July 2006

Friday, July 28, 2006

Stand Up For Wicca Article

Dear Mr. Whitehead,

I just wanted to drop you a note, expressing my thanks, for being a stand-up guy. I was given a link to your article in Christianity Today, by a friend of mine who is a Christian Minister. I am Pagan Priestess, and I have been working on the Pagan headstone campaign for a few years, since my little brother joined the USMC, and i learned about a man named Abe Kooiman. Abe died years ago, from service related injuries, and his wife fought for his symbol to be placed on his marker, but sadly, she died in the last year. Now that Roberta Stewart has taken up the fight, in honor of her husband, it's finally gathering some attention. I am always happy to see people of different faiths, coming together, for the common good. We may not agree on the actual faiths, but as Americans, and human beings in general, we need to work together to accomplish great things. Again, i thank you, for the support you showed, in the article... equality is important in issues like this.

God Bless You!

Brightest Blessings,
Rev. Danielle B.

Tuesday, July 25, 2006

Brittany McComb

I think the treatment Brittany McComb received by being shut off during her valedictorian speech was a disgrace and so indicative of the moral decay of our country. Slowly but surely, religious persecution is being heaped upon the Christian faith, which eventually will lead to the downfall and punishment of what once was a great nation.

--Ella S.

What Would Jesus Bomb?

I saw the bumper sticker "Who would Jesus bomb?" & was disturbed, not only by the grammar, but also by the logic involved. Naturally it is governments who own most of the bombs. But I would address the question to those who can do something to change people and conditions, not to governments which can only bribe or destroy. Muslims are training up a generation willing to kill themselves & their enemies with bombs. Death is no inhibition to their thinking. But are not Christians who believe in personal resurrection also not inhibited by death? Do followers of Jesus believe in bombing their enemies to hell? Should not the question be, "How would Jesus treat his enemies?" Thinking only of Iraq, which epitomizes the confrontation of attitudes, I came up with an answer. Jesus would send to Iraq 100,000 lovers, serving the Iraqis & willing to die for Jesus. Christians full of love for the Lord would show His love for their "enemies." Many of these Iraqis would be found to be just people, & not avowed enemies out to kill Christians.

So the questions remains, "Where will Jesus find 100,000 witnesses ready to love their enemies?" [The greek word for witness being "martyr."] These were my meditations.

God bless you.

Martin V.

Arms Sales

Subject: What Would Jesus Bomb?

Mr. Whitehead,

On this one I have very little disagreement. The only glaring item is that the US, to my knowledge, does not produce AK's.

JS

Who, Indeed, Would Jesus Bomb?

Subject: What Woul Jesus Bomb?

Mr. Whitehead does not address how we are then to deal with injustices in the world. Are we as Christian people to ignore when a wrong is being done? Saddam Hussien butchered people - do we as Christians do nothing when we see this type of tragedy in the world? What is our obligation as a moral people when evil is infront of us. When do we let enemies of our nation destroy us without standing up for our way of life - do we let more 9/11's happen with no action? I have trouble believing we are to do nothing in these cases.

Gary H.

WWJB?

Subject: What Would Jesus Bomb?

Mr. Whitehead,

While I sympathize with your "Peace at all cost" column, concerning non combatant fatalities, while the Coalition Forces and the Israelis have subjected their warriors to house to house battle risk instead of the "Nuke 'em all, let God sort 'em out" safety. I must ask: What price shall be paid, once I have paid "all cost?"

All I hold of value will have been paid. My life, my wife's Liberty, my children's, my neighbors'. Life, Liberty, take your pick, or both. Even yours. And please remember that Israel is not being targeted because it is a Democracy. Israel is being targeted because it is The Jewish State. Will you submit to Worshiping Allah?? Should the Israelis?? The Jews?? Should I??

At what point shall I be justified, as a Christian, to rise and resist, according to your column?? I find none, Sir, and, am highly disgusted that a lawyer of your education can be so stupid. (I use this word, rather that "ignorant" because I believe I remember that you once wore the uniform.)

One of my dogs cornered a snake last month. She was bitten on the nose. I'm no herptologist. I didn't believe the snake was poisonous, because of its physical attributes. But, my dog had been bitten. Yes, it was the dog's fault. But that snake's head was coming off, just in case it was poisonous. I almost puked when I killed it. But kill it I did. The dog didn't get sick. But, I took the path required to protect that which is in my charge.

I can take both sides of the debate over the actions taken to minimize civilian deaths in Afghanistan, Iraq, or, Lebanon. This issue will only be rectified in hindsight, not in real time. Where is your outrage over the rocket's red glare in Haifa?? Or, over the Gaza tunnel? Or, the beheading and mutilation /torture of civilians and soldiers at the hands of the Fascists? It seems you have exposed yourself.

I truly wish that I could end with the salutation: "Respectfully". I find I
cannot.

JS, DAV, US Infantry.

Suggestion on Being More Effective

During my 29 year career as a federal prison officer in three federal prisons, including the U. S. Penitentiary at Leavenworth, Kansas --, and a lot of observation of our political and legal system I think I understand why Christian "family value Americans" are in fact losing the war in the courts, the halls of Congress and in the educational system.

First you have to accept the truth that in spite of all the noble sounding judicial and polticial rhetoric spewing from mouths of "special interest politicians, the swarm of ACLU attorneys and the black robed activist bureaucrats on the bench --, there are only three "incentives" that motivate them and guide their actions.

Those three "incentives" are ALL directly related to the SELF interests of the politicians,. the activist judges and the attorneys and have nothing to do with "truth and justice", ethics, our heritage, our morals, our values OR the moral health, future and survival of our society as we have known it and as our forefathers intended.

Those 3 "incentives" which are driving the activist courts and too many politicians are NOT the welfare of our youth or future of our country but:

1. money,
2. agenda driven money powered politics.
3. plain old fashioned FEAR of mass revolt in the streets across the land by those who will raise Cain or "burn and loot" to get their way.

Dr. Martin Luther King and the victims of bigotry and tyranny did NOT have a lot of financial resources with which to "induce the institutions of justice" to RENDER them justice via "conventional means". They were FORCED by an unaffordable, "special interest owned, controlled and operated court system and special interest compromised politicans" to use some means to TERRIFY the courts --, and the politicians into "doing the right thing" because there was NO "justice" to be found by simply "appealing to the "sense of justice in the UNAFFORDABLE courts and the UNAFFORDABLE Congress" --, because there WAS NONE!

Both had been corrupted and compromised by money and agenda driven politics. So Dr. King and his people had to find a way to "FRIGHTEN SOME ETHICS INTO THE SYSTEM" in order to wrench the tentacles of GREED, tyranny and bigotry from their throats.

The centuries long initial failures of black Americans to get justice via conventional means vs. the tremendous success of millions of fed up and angry "feet in the street" in a relatively very short time is pretty strong and convincing evidence that Dr. King and his people understood the system a LOT better than those of us who are fighting for justice for Christians today.

The "value system" of the legal system and most politicians have NOT changed over the years. The sooner we accept that fact the sooner we can go on to tactics that Dr. King and his people PROVED TO BE EFFECTIVE and FORCE some respect for our faith and our Creator back into the legal, political and educational system.

When the judges and polticians hear the thunder of millions of marching feet in the street they WILL "hearken to our pleas for justice and respect for our Creator" and those of us who follow him and NOT until!

Trying to organize one mass march in Washington for example doesn't have much effect because it's too hard to organize and the distance and expense is too great for most people. But many Americans WOULD participate in such demonstrations in their home states --, in the "bailiwick of their elected representatives" which would be a much more effective "expression or our determination" to get justice one way or another.

This is tactic --, or the implied or PERCEIVED THREAT of it is being used by our adversaries to get the courts to listen --, and rule in THEIR favor. Unless we "adopt and employ" the weapons that THEY are using so succesfully we are going to continue to lose the war.

I learned a long time ago that "one can't hope to win the game --, or even tie the score --, if we allow our opponents to write the rules, force us to play the game on their court --, where they own both the scorekeeper and the referee".

Ivan F.

Monday, July 24, 2006

Who, Indeed, Would Jesus Bomb?

I am a subscriber to your site and support your defense of the Constitution. But I think you draw the wrong lines in your commentary. The loss of innocent life is always a tragedy, and I agree with you about the deafening silence. However, I would also ask, where have the mainline denominations been with protest over innocent Israeli and Palestinian lives lost before this?

Where has George Bush the consummate public Christian been with his outspoken criticism of favored trading partner China? The Chinese have a long history indeed, and they have persecuted Christians through every regime change since Christians first set foot in China. Yes, I know, egregious deeds were committed in China by European missionaries too.

Where was the outcry from Christians of all denominations over the beheadings in Iraq? Where was the outcry when the Kurds were gassed under Saddam Hussein? Where, oh where is the outcry over the total shutdown of Christianity in Saudi Arabia. Oh, wait---let's not OFFEND the Saudis. Jesus taught most simply that right is right and wrong is wrong. The Lebanese-Israeli War has been brewing for years, with intellectual morons, to use the title of a recent book, on both sides fanning the flames.

Let's go beyond facile slogans. The 10 Commandments were already given, so Jesus did not belabor them all. But He taught them all, if one actually takes time from "speaking truth to power" to read the Bible. I find it hard to believe you were actually the one who revived that old chestnut. But so it goes.

Keep up the good work, and feel free to continue to aggravate me once in a while. Anyone that makes me think and refine my thinking by defending it is doing me a favor!

Karen S

Always Thoughtful

Subject: What Would Jesus Bomb?

Mr. Whitehead,

Thank you for your always thoughtful commentaries. Today's on "What Would Jesus Bomb?" is excellent. As a lifelong United Methodist I found it particularly insightful.

Tim A.

Excellent Article

I won't take up a lot of your time, other than to say thank you for the excellent piece on Christianity Today that reminds people everywhere that we stand together or fall apart. To me, that's part of what "we the people" was meant to mean -- not just on paper but in our daily actions.

I am Wiccan, but have many Christian friends and family members. We recognize that we worship differently, and have a slightly different Vision of the divine, but we all are spiritual people working to make our world a better place for future generations. You have done a great service in this article by helping people see how we're ALIKE instead of focusing on separatism.

Thank you again.

Patricia T.

Friday, July 21, 2006

Forgotten

Mr. Whitehead,

Thank you for your commentary in Christianity Today (online) regarding the issue of a plaque for Wiccan soldier Sgt. Patrick Stewart in the Northern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery.

These days so many Americans seem to have forgotten what it means to hold onto a principle. Whatever the reasons, it seems that many have decided that "principles" are quaint and impractical in a post 9-11 world (though I suspect post 9-11 jitters are only part of the matter). To witness this trend among Christians is even more frustrating.

I thank you for standing up for civil liberties for all Americans.

Sincerely,

Mark B. Pennell
Springfield, VT

Thursday, July 20, 2006

Police State

I read your Police State essay on-line. You are absolutely right. I can't understand the lack of common sense and compassion in the incidents you cite, and in many other cases in the media. I think we're living in a state of fear, at least in part promoted by our country's leaders for political purposes. Tonight on the local news (Lexington, KY) it was a half hour of sensationalism -- car wrecks, robbery, rape, and murder. The national news was more of the same, though on an international level. After a while this sort of media bombardment perverts the psyche of the country.

Thanks.

Charlie H.

Wednesday, July 19, 2006

Persecution

I find the following Seattle Times quotes from John Whitehead extremely offensive. As a child, my parents chose not to brainwash me with religion, believing that I would some day be able to form my own beliefs. After being persecuted, taunted, and subjected to disagreeable proselytizing from every quarter while I was growing up, it pleased me as an adult to see our country shifting from religious persecution to one that our founding fathers intended. Freedom from religious persecution has been an ideology that we can't seem to achieve, and institutes such as yours continue to propagate that persecution. As long as religion keeps being mashed into our faces, we have a duty to push back...not encourage religious bullying. As for John Whitehead's statement that people with any kind of religious ideas are afraid to speak up anymore....I say welcome to the state of affairs the rest of us have had to endure since the Crusades.

"I've seen these cases across the country ... where people with any kind of religious ideas are afraid to speak up anymore," John Whitehead said. "I don't think we want to make our schools into little enclaves of fear and chilled speech."

--Linda B.

High School Graduation Differences

The Everett (Washington) school superintendent prevents students from playing "Ave Maria" during graduation because of "religion" concerns. This results in a lawsuit.

But in Yakima, on the other side of the same state, the teacher chosen by Eisenhower High School students to speak at graduation quotes the Bible during his talk. Yet no one makes any public comment.

Go figure!

Liggett T.

Tuesday, July 18, 2006

Brittany McComb

Praise the Lord!!!!!!!!!!!! I so proud of our young people that are not afraid to stand up for their reigious convictions!!!!!
The people that don't want to mention the Lords name are the ones that will one day stand before Him and confess Him
as Lord and Savior, no matter what their belief !!!!!!!!!!

--B.F.

Monday, July 17, 2006

Your Article

John, I came across your article as I was surfing the internet. I am so glad that there are folks like your institute who are willing to stand up and fight against those who oppose any christian principles and ethics. I have been reading about the young student, in Nevada who had the plug pulled when she was giving her graduation speech. Bless her and others who are not ashamed to give glory to the Creator.. I just wanted to let you know that me and my family and others are praying for you and others who stand up for what is morally right.

Sincerely,

Ruby C.

Foothill High School graduation speech

See Video of the Brittany McComb Speech!

Do you think a valedictorian who is NOT Christian or Jewish should have the right to be unedited or censored... for instance Muslims or Wicca? Maybe allowing religious reference in such a speech is opening a can of worms if we are not willing to listen to beliefs far different from our own.

Jan H.

Brittany McComb Case

Hello, John Whitehead

In connection with valedictorian Brittany McComb's case, just want to mention something that might have a positive bearing on the situation.

Ceremonies for the 400 graduates of Foothill High School in Las Vegas were NOT held on school grounds but in a meeting room at The Orleans, a major off-Strip hotel-casino. Since the event was not on school (taxpayer) property, this may be a factor.

I hasten to point this out because I noticed your July 3 column (Turning Our Schools into Enclaves of Totalitarianism) refers to "the valedictory speech AT Foothill High School in Nevada."

Good luck with the case.

Hal M.

Brittany McCombs Scenario

Dear Friends,

Thank you so very much for taking up this issue and not just let it ride. I wish you every success and look expectantly to the final outcome.

Kindest regards,

Charles S.

The Nevada Valediction Issue

To Whom it may concern:

I am writing this in regards to the young lady who is suing the Nevada school for pulling the plug on her speech. It isn't often that I feel moved to comment directly to someone of influence in regards to matters. However, I couldn't keep from corresponding this time.

This young lady is upset because she feels that her freedom of religion as well as her freedom of speech was trampled upon. My question is this: Does she not realize that by her continuing that speech using the parts which were supposed to have been edited could be considered as violating the freedom of religion of the other students? I am quoting a newspaper article with part of her speech as an example of how she violated the freedom of religion of others.

"God's love is so great that he gave his only son up," she said, before the microphone went dead. She continued without amplification, "...to an excruciating death on a cross so his blood would cover all our shortcomings and provide for us a way to heaven in accepting this grace."

That portion of her speech alone is in complete contradiction to the Jewish faith. While it's great that she has such devoted beliefs in her faith, that doesn't give her the right to stand up at a public assembly where people of various religious beliefs were attending & preach to others. It seems that she didn't like having the microphone cut off upon her religious beliefs yet she was zealously discounting the beliefs of her other classmates. It was not just her graduation & it was completely inappropriate as well as inconsiderate of her to dismiss the feelings, faiths & beliefs of the rest of the assembly.

Now that I've vented that, I will also add one more thing. I applaud her for having such firm convictions in her chosen faith. I also can agree that, had she made a reference to how thankful for God's blessing her with the strength, courage & ability to succeed in her personal goals to get through school, that would have been acceptable. What I have a problem with is when she started preaching to everyone else about the crucifixion for all our sins. That is a belief not shared by every faith & shouldn't have been forced down their throats by a religious zealot.

Sincerely,

J.F.

McComb

I was encouraged when I read the article - good work!

Thanks,

Chris R.

Brittany McComb's Valedictorian Speech

Dear rutherford insitute,

I read about this case in the San fransisco Chronical news paper today. I am very pleased for the work you are doing. i must admit i have never heard of your organization before today or i didnt remember it at least. i have been a conservative for many years and sometimes it is easy to dispare considering the curent political and social and even moral state that the country has reached. i also study much law on a freelance basis. i have no degree or paper trail but have read and studied more court cases then most people anywhere. i know you can win this case all things being equal. i hope you have the resorces to put up a good fight. it will not be easy. stari-decisis is not on your side, but we all know that courts can be wrong. let me know if there is anything i can do to help, although i have no money to give at this time. i will keep this issue in my prayers.

Hope this mesage find you well,

David B.

Pulling The Plug

I'm a student in California. This being Saturday am, I checked out the sf chronicle and spotted the story about the unplugging. Reasoning for my response and reactions are as follows: I also am a Christian and am aware that Miss McComb wasn't trying to "persuade" anyone except to share why and how success was reached. I noted the statement next to her picture. There is a error of a word usage here. Some one used the term "religion themed" etc. The term "Religion" has no connection with Bibical aspects. I support your defending her being censured. The court ruling, I believe, "assumed" that Brittany was invitting her co-students to check out why she felt her success was spiritually guided, where as credit was just being given. Do you find it puzzling as to why the media has a terrible in dealing with Biblical/ Jesus related items?

--Kenneth V.

9th Circuit Court of Appeals

I was unsure as to exactly who to contact regarding my thoughts, but your email address appeared at the top of the related article. I read the article about Brittany McComb, and I started thinking. I was the valedictorian of my high school class also (Mandarin High School, Jacksonville FL, c/o 2001), and I am a religious person as well. Administrators at my school reviewed my graduation speech, and warned me that religious comments may be controversial, but they allowed me to continue with it anyway, and the ceremony went without any major problems. Now, to my understanding, the school district in Nevada has claimed that they were complying with the rulings of the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals. If this is the case, then the school itself would be probably end up in court regardless of the decision they made, either against Brittany or probably against the ACLU had they decided to allow her speech. It occurred to me that my school district didn't have this problem (at least not so prominently), and that the key difference is the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals. This would mean that the ultimate responsibility for suppressing Brittany's rights lies with the 9th Circuit Court, having obligated censorship of such speeches. This got me thinking about the first amendment a little more. Most people focus on the "freedom of speech" or "government shall make no law... prohibiting the free exercise (of religion)", but what about the final clause? If her rights have been violated and the government is responsible, then why don't they "petition the government for a redress of grievances", or file suit against the 9th Circuit Court for such blatantly unconstitutional rulings and forcing the Nevada school district to choose between violating Brittany's rights and disobeying the courts? It would seem that the 9th Circuit is trying to protect people from religion, not protect religion itself, a clear violation of the first amendment in multiple ways.

My knowledge of the law is limited, but I do understand that judges and courts receive a lot of legal protection in order to prevent outside forces influencing and therefore potentially corrupting their decisions. With that, I don't even know if it is
possible to file suit against a court. But it would seem that if the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals is left alone in regards to this case, then they may eventually have a hand in ruling on the outcome. However, if they were to be named as a defendant, I
don't see how they could legally rule over their own case. This would appear to neutralize the power of the court that caused this dilemma in the first place, ensuring a trial that would be more fair and less biased, which in turn would likely be more favorable to Brittany's case. Again, my logic may be flawed due to a limited knowledge of the law, but it seems to me to be worth looking into. I had wanted to pass this suggestion on to the McComb family themselves, but contacting them directly may be difficult if not impossible. I figure if the Rutherford Institute is backing the lawsuit then perhaps someone with legal expertise could review my suggestion and then decide what to do from there. Such person would likely have considerably more influence and wisdom than I would. I applaud and very much respect Brittany for her bravery and her determination. I hope this case will bring to light just how much the 9th Circuit twists the words of the constitution. I've read the first amendment itself; it seems rather straightforward to me. Hopefully, logic will prevail.

-- Brent S.

P.S. Feel free to pass this message along to anyone who may enjoy it or who may be able to make use of it. Also, anyone reading this message may feel free to email me at happuf@yahoo.com. I intend to keep an eye on how this case turns out.

Thursday, July 13, 2006

Every Word That You Wrote

Subject: What Is a Patriot?

Mr. Whitehead,

My local paper recently printed your article, "What is a Patriot?". I cannot begin to tell you how much I enjoyed reading every word that you wrote. I know your words ring true and I thank you for the affirmation for what I know to be the truth, and my right and duty as an American.

Jill C.

Monday, July 10, 2006

Oppression of the Common Man

Subject: Turning Our Schools into Enclaves of Totalitarianism

Dear Mr. Whitehead,

It is quite clear that High School students, in large numbers are becoming quite disheartened with what they are taught about American history, the emphasis on the importance of our 1791ratified Constitution that permitted slavery, and the continuing injustices to this day all in the name of preserving a hypocritical paper!

Having learned French, and English history on a first-hand basis so to speak, I understood why relatively young America needed its icon in the form of Abraham Lincoln, eventhough in my opinion this unsophisticated man began the only civil war that was fought between brothers!

All Europe's civil war, or revolutions were fought because of oppression of the common man by the ruling class! In 1861 the common man was the slave that President Lincoln did not feel as being oppressed for he agreed that only slavery in the new territories was to be discouraged!

Students are also reluctantly "falling in line" with the idea that Germany alone was to blame for "ripping a hole in the fabric of the 20th. century." Harold Brecht's 1946 play: "A Flag is Born." that starred Marlo Brando in his first theatrical role should be required reading!

Regards,

F.M.

Marriage Problem - The Hook 6.22.06

Mr. Whitehead –

I caught your essay in The Hook on the issues with the Same-Sex unions. You were able to use some great statistics on divorce and the issues with children not living in a relationship with married father and mother. Can I look at my children and tell them that almost half of the kids out there that they will interact with in dating, working, and living do not understand family life and that I did nothing about it but shrug my shoulders and say oh well…..

I agree with you that these are major issues and I wanted to see if you had any key data points or articles that can pinpoint the drivers of the issue or recommend solutions. I have contemplated how to bring these issues out in the open and work to improve the current state.

I have been blessed that my wife’s parents and were married over 40 years until her father died and my parents are celebrating their 50th anniversary. I hope my children can look forward to the same.

Thanks
Bill W.

Friday, July 07, 2006

Religious Music

Subject: Turning Our Schools into Enclaves of Totalitarianism

Mr. Whitehead–

Regarding the use of religious music in the schools: “It is the position of MENC: The National Association for Music Education that the study and performance of religious music within an educational context is a vital and appropriate part of a comprehensive music education. The omission of sacred music from the school curriculum would result in an incomplete educational experience.” More information regarding the national policy can be found here.

I wholeheartedly support the separation of church and state (which must make my presence on this website seem out of place), but as a music educator I cannot condone the suppression of art and artistic expression, especially in this specific instance. This beautiful arrangement of Ave Maria is performed without any words!

Carla G.
Doctoral student, Music Education

Hook Article

Subject: Police State: Has Common Sense taken Leave?

I was very impressed and frightened, to be honest, by your article in the latest Hook. The continual erosion of your civil liberties and personal freedom is appalling.

Part of it lies at the hands of the Bush administration. But it goes deeper than that. It is not just the federal government, its state, local, an municipal agencies. Police departments. School Systems. And the private corporate sector.

In the USA Today National Sports Weekly June 28-July 5 there is a piece on National Football League drug testing. It states "Players are required to provide a driver's license to the official administering the test-even if they know each other-and stand naked from the knees up as the official watches them."

Yes, some will cite the huge salaries NFL players make as justification for this. And that is precisely the problem. People accept repressive, degrading measures in the name of security. The drug war. Fighting illegal immigration. The war on terrorism.Preventing school violence. People are willing to give up their freedom, be herded like sheep. In the case of that drug test I'd likely give the anti-Vietnam war slogan "Hell No, I won't go" a new meaning. Where are today's Thoreaus, Freedom Riders, Wobblies?

Part of the problem is that organizations concerned about freedom are at odds with each other. The American Civil Liberties Union and the National Rifle Association are both devoted to the Bill of Rights. But they perceive each other as the enemy all too often. (By the way, I support both of them.) This makes me seem very strange indeed to so many.

I do not pretend to have an answer. I do know that we seem to be drifting toward our own unique brand of fascism. I recall reading somewhere a theory that if America became a dictatorship it would not in a sudden coup but in gradual, incremental steps. Like I said, we seem to accept what seem to be small, reasonable restrictions for "security"'s sake. And then we accept more and more. And wake up one morning in a totalitarian society.

It is strange. In some ways we appear a very permissive society-e.g. the entertainment industry. On the other hand , very repressive-e.g. school zero tolerance policies, drug tests for employment, and everyone from the federal government to the boss snooping into our private lives.

Thankfully we have organizations like yours who continue to resist.

Patrick A.
Charlottesville

Thursday, July 06, 2006

Problems

Subject: Turning Our Schools into Enclaves of Totalitarianism

Hi Mr. Whitehead,

I just read your article about problems in public schools and religious speech at graduation ceremonies. I live in Cambridge Maryland and your article appeared in the "Daily Banner" here.

I'm interested in whether you would consider a graduation address that condemns Christ and advocates Satan worship to be permissible at a public school graduation ceremony or if you would limit discussion of religion to ideas that correspond with your own. I don't advocate condemning Christ or worshiping Satan of course. I'm merely bringing this up as a hypothetical here.

I don't see how unlimited freedom of speech comes into play when speaking into a school public address system at a school sponsored event. Schools have the right to ban all sorts of speech at their events. If a graduation speech involved recommending that all the female graduates become strippers and all the men sell pornography upon graduation it's doubtful that speech would be permitted.

Do you think that people have the right to say vile things as part of a public school graduation ceremony?

I'm not at all against religion in general or Christianity in particular. I'm of the opinion that religion, especially Christianity, is full of truth and beauty. Christ was one of the greatest moral forces for good in the history of the world. I'm of the opinion that one's religion is a private rather than a governmental matter and I don't think it's appropriate to turn graduation ceremonies into religious worship services.

Thanks for reading this.

Jon J.

Wednesday, July 05, 2006

Informative

Subject: The Thought Police and the American Community Survey

I wanted to let you know how informative your article was which I found on Rutherford.org. I am a local township commissioner in PA and one of my neighbors was harassed by a worker for this project recently. The worker called them on Sunday night at 10PM, visited during a family party for a graduation, once while they were trying to clean up after a tree hit their house and crushed their vehicle and threatening to fine them for not responding each time. I told them to call me when she came back. I was there and first hand witnessed this harassment. It seemed like we were living in Russia! I told the representative to leave or I would call the local police. This program has gone too far and the issue needs to be addressed. I am calling our local congresswoman and letting her know of the incident. Thanks again for addressing this little know "Census" that is being conducted.

Regards,

Jay O.