Peace
They want to start this club on school property. Public school. I am so upset I can't write. I can't think. I can't see straight. My stomach is churning. I need some serious, serious calming down.
So . . . today, I simply salute this news.
And I say . . . may true love rule.
Peace,
E
P.S. Were you surprised by J.K.'s revelation?????????
10 comments:
In fact, I was surprised. And quite pleased. But I can't say that it throws everything into the light.
Hi Tempest:
I know. Nothing will fix intolerance. But still . . .
I was pleased.
E
But didn't you hear? Christianity is the only true religion ... (insert sarcasm)
In the public high school I unfortunately transferred into my freshman year, one teacher insisted every single person say the pledge, including the "under God" part. Even if you didn't believe in God, she didn't care. You'd still get detention. Because 5 detentions or so meant suspension, if you wanted to be in the school, you basically had to say "under God."
(I never considered Dumbledore's sexual preferences, LOL. He's so grandfatherly, in my mind. I'm all for tolerance, but I thought that teachers and grandparents didn't have sex. ;-)
The hardest part is allowing the people you despise the most have their say. Giving them the space to say what they believe, even if what they believe is that you shouldn't have the space to say what you want or believe is the real test of your commitment to freedom of speech and expression.
I do not think that public schools should fund, host or help any religious based activity or groups in any way, shape or form - separation of church and state and all of that. I'm even against the use of the bible for swearing in, oath of office, etc.
But I'm fairly certain that I stand with few on all of this. I strive for tolerance and equality, even if whom benefits are those who work for intolerance and inequality.
Peace, like happiness, is how you live your life rather than what you try to achieve.
But I'm fairly certain that I stand with few on all of this.
I'm with you, Brian. I agree with every word.
Bible groups meeting on school property and the Ten Commandments appearing on courthouse monuments annoy me, but as long as Jefferson's interpretation of the first amendment (what he referred to as a "wall of separation between Church and State") remains the basis for Supreme Court decisions, battles will be limited to events that are largely symbolic.
What worries me is the growth of the religious right, and the possibility the first amendment will one day be altered or reinterpreted. Our current president believes the Bible is a higher authority than the Constitution, and he is far from alone.
Hi Spy:
And people wonder why, then, kids disrespect authority or resent it. When it's authority and control for the SAKE of authroity and control.
E
P.S. I felt the same exact way about Dumbledore. :-)
Hi Eowh:
I definitely hear you. I even would have been "okay" with it had they passed out the brochure (yes, each child got a brochure) and the teachers had explained that this in NO WAY meant it was sanctioned by the school, that they were merely using afterschool classroom space. But by passing it out with no message, my nine-year-old got the "message" that this is a GOOD club. Then I had to have an entire conversation about tolerance. And also about why I cannot, as a mother, allow her to go, even if her friends are going. I am the "bad guy" because I cannot in good conscience allow her to go to this--even though I take her to a Christian church each and every Sunday. But the church we go to is quite tolerant and loving.
Anyway, I also feel the same way as you Ewoh. And I assume I am in the minority, but this just "came home" into my house. I feel invaded and violated. And I feel my parental guidance, which has always been, I hope, about love and compassion and tolerance, has been undermined. I barely slept last night.
E
stephen:
That "wall" has been ripped down in this case.
E
They gave each child a brochure? Erica, that is way worse. Ohmigosh, that is way over the line. No wonder you're upset!
spy:
I'm not "mad" uspet--trying to stay zen. But I am emotionally upset that I now have to explain things I don't want to right now, to my impressionable daughter. I have to explain that the Christians she knows at church, who are lovely and special aren't like ALL Christians. And that people toss around "Christian" yet are filled with hate and judgment toward certain groups of people. It's ugly that I this even entered my home.
E
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