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Politics : Sharks in the Septic Tank -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: jlallen who wrote (28242)	9/19/2001 9:28:31 AM
From: Neocon	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 82486

Why tolerated? No one is proselytizing, no one is enforcing attendance at church, or levying tithes. People are spontaneously expressing themselves and their most cherished beliefs. Ordinary human sympathy should suffice to look with favor upon the sentiments expressed.......

To: jlallen who wrote (28242)	9/19/2001 9:28:49 AM
From: Lane3	Respond to of 82486

I think if it makes people feel better, it can be tolerated.... I agree with that. During the last week, I have not had my usual visceral reaction to politicians and other public figures invoking deities. It seems natural to me that people think of God when there are bodies about. I would feel different if the song were Jesus Bless America. And I will likely feel different a while after the bodies have been buried. But for now, I don't find myself having to make any effort at all to tolerate it. Karen

To: jlallen who wrote (28242)	9/19/2001 9:29:05 AM
From: Poet	Read Replies (3) \| Respond to of 82486

I'd like to see the first two words changed to something like "Stand strong". It would make me feel more comfortable because it would be more inclusive and because of the discussion taking place about "my God" versus "their God".

To: jlallen who wrote (28242)	9/19/2001 9:41:32 AM
From: Rambi	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 82486

I agree, jla, we are a people in deep need of comfort and for many religion is that comfort. That song, however, is also a strong symbol of our patriotism; luckily it is inclusive enough with its rather generic God that people can define it broadly and personally, and only the most committed atheist would object and I don't know why they would find it necessary at this time. Does it really gain anything? For many who get tears in their eyes hearing that song, it has nothing to do with God and everything to do with love and pride in America. I truly don't see it as a separation of church and state issue at all. (edit- you all know I am not a very astute political animal, though) Symbols and rituals are vital to a society. We need them to unite and to express that union. I have no interest in denying anyone a source of comfort and strength or arguing the use of the word God in a traditional hymn at a time like this. And I sing along as loudly as anyone-- (actually I sing more loudly, being operatically trained. I am an embarrassment at the ballpark.) I would be surprised if any of us can hear that song while watching our flag wave overhead and stay dry-eyed.