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.
