I seem to be endlessly short on time these days, so this'll have to be quick. Monday night, Trustee Tom Fuentes responded to strong objections to his commencement invocation as might be expected from the fellow. During his trustee report, he stated that, after the event, students "thanked him" for his prayer, or it's alleged wonderfulness, or whatever. (As though it were ever in doubt that Fuentes has a constituency here in South OC!)
Further, he described a conversation with the still-recuperating former student trustee Paul Ho (who was attacked and injured earlier this month). Paul, he said, thanked everyone in particular for their "prayers." (My guess? Paul also appreciates the well-wishing of atheists and agnostics.)
A few seconds later, Trustee John Williams suggested, not for the first time, that the prayer issue should be put before the voters.
This is typical of the fellow. Such a vote would likely have a result that Williams and crew favor. But none of this touches the argument offered against these prayers. The argument concerns their offensiveness to a minority, or, rather, a collection of minorities. The answer to the challenge "This is offensive to us" isn't "yes, but we outnumber you."
Well, it is for the likes of Fuentes and Williams.
And remember: most of those who offer criticism concerning the invocations/prayers advocate a moment of silence, which, of course, can be used for prayer.
14 comments:
We'll pray for those who are offended, Chunk, so they may see the loving grace and power of Jesus Christ our Lord.
What loving grace? I read the bible and I see slavery, murder, vengance, intolerance, etc.. So stop with the BS posting where somehow your god is sweet and loving. Read the damn bible and maybe you can be the one who may see more clearly.
No one is denying the right of those who believe in "the loving grace and power of Jesus Christ our Lord" to direct their prayers to Him. That is not the point. Why does such a simple matter have to become so contentious? The fact is that there are many who have religious beliefs different from Christianity, or no religious beliefs at all. They should not have to be subjected to a prayer that invokes a deity they do not believe in a public institution funded by ALL taxpayers' money. A moment of silence is the most appropriate, respectful, and neutral stance that allows each individual to pray, or not, according to that individual's preferences.
I will pray for you, 5:11. You are very angry and misled. Perhaps you should read the Bible yourself and let Christ our Lord into your heart. Peace be with you.
3:00pm and 6:36pm A BIG AMEN
what the college needs is more prayer, not less!
Why on earth is a prayer, or a moment of silence, needed at all? Just get to the business at hand.
We must look like a nation of loonies to the rest of the civilized world.
I agree 10:31, why is it needed at all?
Yes, the prayers, moments of silence, the group recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance, (the fact that we even have such a thing as the Pledge of Allegiance is bad enough), the so-called 'singing' of the National Anthem at athletic events and so on - what a waste of time, it all has an Orwellian feel to it. Let's just get down to business.
2:51 - uh, dude, sorry you are wrong.
What the college & SOCCCD needs is new management on all levels and all three sites.
To 12:43 on 5/24
Fuck Jesus.
Fuck the Catholic church and all that Trustee Fuentes may know about the truth of that sinking pile of a place.
Fuck all you brainwashed religious morons of allreligious stripes.
You are non-thinkers.
5Behold ye among the heathen, and regard, and wonder marvelously: for I will work a work in your days which ye will not believe, though it be told you.
6For, lo, I raise up the Chaldeans, that bitter and hasty nation, which shall march through the breadth of the land, to possess the dwellingplaces that are not their's.
7They are terrible and dreadful: their judgment and their dignity shall proceed of themselves.
8Their horses also are swifter than the leopards, and are more fierce than the evening wolves: and their horsemen shall spread themselves, and their horsemen shall come from far; they shall fly as the eagle that hasteth to eat.
9They shall come all for violence: their faces shall sup up as the east wind, and they shall gather the captivity as the sand.
10And they shall scoff at the kings, and the princes shall be a scorn unto them: they shall deride every strong hold; for they shall heap dust, and take it.
11Then shall his mind change, and he shall pass over, and offend, imputing this his power unto his god.
Are the Chaldeans analogous to the neocons?
10:31:If we are a nation of loonies, why do so many want to come here?
8:13: Just because the religious people don't think like you are they are non-thinkers? Hmmm? Why are you so angry at God?
Well, 10:47, you'll notice that the "so many" you mention are primarily the working poor, looking for some sort of employment. Your cute little commnet has absolutely nothing to do with the peculiar brand of Puritanism that fuels the ire of so many of you folk, and makes us look stupid. We're appear to be a civilization in decline.
And if you're not angry at god, you're obviously not paying attention.
Post a Comment