As many atheists do, I need to be clear in saying that religion is fine when confined to individuals. And whatever people want to do in the privacy of their own home, as long as no one is hurt, is, frankly, none of my business (although I would debate the meaning of "hurt" considering the potential emotional abuse religion can inflict, especially on children).
But as soon as people begin to enforce their religious beliefs on others and especially if it is done through public institutions, like schools, then we have a obligation, as freethinking individuals of secular (mostly) countries, to stand up and fight. Some may wonder whether getting bent out of shape over every little instance of religious intrusion is just a overreaction, but if we give the ignorant an inch, they'll take a kilometre. And more will always follow.
From what I can see, there is no greater fighter for reason than Jessica Ahlquist in the American state of Rhode Island. It is here that a humble high school student has taken it upon herself to defend not only reason, but the United States Constitution against the forces of stupidity and ignorance. She is rallying for the removal of prayer at Cranston High School West and has been forced to undergo the emotional and mental abuse of her peers, her teachers and the community as she seeks to uphold her most integral rights. To be able to stand up for what's right when faced with such overwhelming hatred is a quality that gives me hope for the future of tour species.
But what I don't get is the blatant ignorance of people when we consider their knowledge of their own Country's constitution. And there is no excuse when the issue in question is dealt with in THE VERY FIRST AMENDMENT!
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.
What I like about the United States is that their Constitution clearly calls for the separation of Church and State. So any attempt to extend religion into public intuitions can simply be greeted with a firm but polite rendition of "BACK THE FUCK OFF!" But ironically, here in Canada where the line between church and state is not so clear, we seem to keep religion, for the most part, private. It might have something to do with the US's vastly larger population but shit I don't know.
Where was I? Oh yeah.
It is very important for Jessica to gain as much support as possible and for her to know that she will never be alone in this fight (even if the most some of us can do is offer online cheerleading services).
She will win, for she has the law on her side.
Special thanks to "The Non-Prophets" for spreading the word and being generally awesome/sexy.
Go to Jessica's facebook page and offer support!
http://www.facebook.com/home.php?sk=group_179298715436387¬if_t=like
People like this almost makes me wish I lived in the United States...well, not quite.
Does that seem right to you?
From what I can see, there is no greater fighter for reason than Jessica Ahlquist in the American state of Rhode Island. It is here that a humble high school student has taken it upon herself to defend not only reason, but the United States Constitution against the forces of stupidity and ignorance. She is rallying for the removal of prayer at Cranston High School West and has been forced to undergo the emotional and mental abuse of her peers, her teachers and the community as she seeks to uphold her most integral rights. To be able to stand up for what's right when faced with such overwhelming hatred is a quality that gives me hope for the future of tour species.
But what I don't get is the blatant ignorance of people when we consider their knowledge of their own Country's constitution. And there is no excuse when the issue in question is dealt with in THE VERY FIRST AMENDMENT!
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.
What I like about the United States is that their Constitution clearly calls for the separation of Church and State. So any attempt to extend religion into public intuitions can simply be greeted with a firm but polite rendition of "BACK THE FUCK OFF!" But ironically, here in Canada where the line between church and state is not so clear, we seem to keep religion, for the most part, private. It might have something to do with the US's vastly larger population but shit I don't know.
Where was I? Oh yeah.
It is very important for Jessica to gain as much support as possible and for her to know that she will never be alone in this fight (even if the most some of us can do is offer online cheerleading services).
She will win, for she has the law on her side.
Special thanks to "The Non-Prophets" for spreading the word and being generally awesome/sexy.
Go to Jessica's facebook page and offer support!
http://www.facebook.com/home.php?sk=group_179298715436387¬if_t=like
People like this almost makes me wish I lived in the United States...well, not quite.
Does that seem right to you?
