It’s bad enough that some school and governments have moments of silence parading as prayer.
It’s even worse when someone takes a moment of silence and tries to officially make it a time for prayer.
That’s what Councilman Anton Konev is trying to do in Albany, New York:
Newly elected Councilman Anton Konev, sworn in four weeks ago, wants to amend the council’s rules to include an opening prayer at its biweekly meetings, right between the Pledge of Allegiance and the public comment period — a slot currently occupied by a moment of silence.
…
His resolution would call for council members to rotate leading the prayer themselves, as they do with the Pledge, or “invite a religious leader to lead the prayer on their behalf.”
While we’re at it, let’s have readings from the Bible, Koran, and Vedas after the prayers.
Forget legislating. That was always a waste of time, anyway…
At least there’s some resistance to this pointless idea:
“I think what I would tell them is, under the case law from the Supreme Court, you have the ability to open a legislative session with a prayer, however, you’re probably going to get sued,” [lawyer Thomas] Marcelle replied when asked what advice he would give county lawmakers.
…
Councilman John Rosenzweig called the measure inappropriate, adding, “It’s not a house of prayer, it’s a house of government.”
And one politician spoke on behalf of us:
Councilman Dominick Calsolaro, like others, questioned how the council would distinguish between what would be considered an acceptable prayer or an acceptable “religious leader” and wondered what choice the prayer would leave nonbelievers.
“By making this part of the agenda, that’s requiring me, who doesn’t believe in this, to be there during the prayer,” said Calsolaro, adding that his only alternatives would be to leave the chamber, which would be disrespectful to the person leading the prayer, or show up late.
Formal prayers in politics do nothing but pander to the religious base and waste time. They divide the legislators and accomplish nothing.
You want to pray? Do it at home. Do it in your office before coming to the meeting. Do it in your head during the moment of silence.
Don’t waste the time of the committee and the taxpayers.
(Thanks to muggle for the link)
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