Sioux City Journal

Founders didn't intend to take away public prayer

Posted: Monday, May 26, 2008

SERGEANT BLUFF -- And what did the U.S. Senate do when they learned Sen. Ted Kennedy was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor? They stopped what they were doing, bowed their heads and prayed. President Bush said a prayer for Sen. Kennedy, as well. Will our graduating seniors be allowed to bow their heads in prayer during commencement? Absolutely not.

When our Founding Fathers wrote the Bill of Rights, they had no intention of taking away the right to pray in public. There is no mention of a separation of church and state anywhere in the Bill of Rights or the U.S. Constitution. The First Ammendment reads, "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances."

The First Ammendment gives us freedom of religion, as well as freedom of speech. The ACLU has drilled it into our heads that people of religion have no right to pray in public places. Our forefathers were people of religion and deep conviction, just as 85 percent of the people in this country today are. If our forefathers saw the direction this country has taken, they would revolt against us. -- Kevin J. Wiederin

Story Comments

Lynn B wrote on May 30, 2008 3:54 PM:

" I pray that all the Christians will continue to pray and do it more often. Me included. "

Lynn B wrote on May 30, 2008 3:53 PM:

" How about ACLU "American communists Lawyers Union?" Good one they are for lowering the legal age of consent and for lots of other things we would not approve of yet. Abortion at 5 months there you go "not the right time grandparents" Wait a little while till the boomers pass away. Then you will see fuel to the fire. "

loopy wrote on May 29, 2008 11:12 AM:

" ummmmm...just thought I'd mention that no government law has taken anyone's right to pray in public away. "

Douglas wrote on May 28, 2008 7:18 PM:

" Keep voting for liberals and one day soon you'll all be third world residents. The day we took the flag and prayer out of the classroom is the day our great nation started it's slide into the abyss. WE WANT OUR COUNTRY BACK ! GOD BLESS AMERICA ! "

Joe wrote on May 28, 2008 7:08 PM:

" I pray that all of you Christians will stop praying. "