To Pray or Not to Pray - That is the Constitutional Quandary

(Photo by Brett R. Carlsen of USA Today)

I was just thinking about jokes. Have you heard this one? A Jew and an Atheist go into a Town Hall meeting and find everyone praying, and kick up a fuss that goes to the Supreme Court. Wait, that isn't funny. No and it is not a joke either, it actually happened in 2008. Most of us are finding out about it now because the Court is arguing it now.

How many times must we be forced to revisit this?

The "Establishment Clause", defined by Nolo's Plain English Law Dictionary is: Contained in the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, this clause prohibits the government from establishing an official religion. It also prohibits the government from preferring one religion over another, preferring religion over non-religion, or vice versa.

The Athiest, Linda Stephens, 70, and the Jewess, Sue Galloway, 51, were in a town meeting at Greece, New York when the proceedings lead off with a prayer. Obviously the two were so offended that they had to remove themselves from the meeting and go outside.

Were they really that bothered? If so, why are they smiling? This is just another shameless way for someone to obtain their 45 minutes of fame.

Whatever the reason, the two have sued the Town of Greece and it is being argued at the highest level of judicious review across the fruited plain.

"You'll see the town government officials crossing themselves, or bowing their heads, and their hands are clasped like they're praying," said Galloway. "It just feels uncomfortable."

Hmmmm. When things feel uncomfortable to most people, they avoid them. Don't you just hate it when someone tries to ask the blessing of their God over their happenings? That was Galloway, the self proclaimed Jewess, she sounds as though she may be atheistic too but not wanting to out herself of the closet.

The reason she gave for filing the suit with Stephens is that historically, "Religion and government have not been the best combination."

Where would this country be had not the founders had enough of God in them to include Him in everything American, i.e. money, deeds, dates, and what not?

From what I gleaned from this is not so much prayer, in and of itself, that bother the ladies, it is just that they pray to Christ. Galloway and Stephens say they and others who attend the meetings are a captive audience and should not be subjected to sectarian prayers.

The justices all looked at the facts and made some comments. Justice Anthony Kennedy said he did not like the thought that government officials or judges would examine the content of the prayers to make sure they are not sectarian. "That involves the state very heavily in the censorship of prayers."

Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr. seemed wary of the government distinguishing acceptable prayers from unacceptable ones. “Who was supposed to make these determinations?” he asked.

A decision from the High Court is expected in June. I have your decision right here. If you are offended by the praying of the body of people who believe, wait outside until the praying is over.

What do you think?