There has been a huge controversy with how our government has tried to approach the American people. Their intentions were to open a town meeting a a peaceful way but that has definitely not been the case for them. It has really offended people and their beliefs.
"...Justice Elena Kagan, drawing on facts in the case, immediately asked Thomas G. Hungar, the town’s attorney, whether it would have been proper for the court’s session to open a different way: with a minister asking all in attendance to stand and pray with him about 'the saving sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross.' In this scenario, Kagan continued, 'The members of the court who had stood responded ‘Amen,’ made the sign of the cross, and the chief justice then called your case.'" (2) This approach shocked many religious individuals and they also felt that it was very one sided, and also believed that it was very inappropriate to start off in this manner. Many may think that these individuals are just angry because it wasn't addressed according to their personal religions but I feel that that's not the case. I think it was due to the fact that the government is suppose to do what's right for all of its people not just a few. So if they weren't able to appeal to them all then they shouldn't have tried this approach at all. "'We are a very religiously diverse country,' said Justice Samuel Alito, who worried about the town officials articulating binding guidelines on what can be said. 'All should be treated equally. So I can't see how you can compose a prayer that is acceptable to all these' religions." (1) The government probably felt that this would be a great idea to try to bring everyone together and didn't think it would back fire on them, but it did, BIG TIME! "WASHINGTON — Supreme Court justices who started work Wednesday with a public exhortation that “God save” the court wrestled with claims that legislative prayers violate the First Amendment." (3) I think in some cases the prayers do violate the First Amendment, although it allows the freedom of speech and practice of religion, I feel that it is directed towards individual rights. The government is not an individual so they should do what's best for everyone. In my opinion it was inappropriate to recite a prayer before a meeting, it was nice that they were trying to be peaceful with its people but that's no the way to do it. I think that this situation should be treated the same way as it is treated at schools. Where teachers are not allowed to tell or influences its students based on their beliefs or even teach about religion. Even some schools have stopped having Christmas or Halloween parties due to the fact that some student's religions don't celebrate those holidays. Religion is a personal practice, with different point of views, values, and boundaries so I don't think the government should try to use this approach because although their intentions were good it will still offend others.
No comments:
Post a Comment