Toto

The MOS is sometimes described as an opportunity for meditation or reflection. But anyone who has studied meditation knows that one minute is not enough time to get into a meditative state and get out of it. It is barely enough time to just center yourself. And I think that the motives of the people pushing the MOS are clearly to get as close to prayer as they can get (at least until they take over the Supreme Court and establish a theocracy. . .)

But all things considered, it is a very, very minor annoyance. It is only worth keeping track of because it looks like an opening wedge for more serious violations.

beekay

That is exactly my problem with the MOS too. It is an opening. I don't care about the MOS itself, but I am concerned that it is the foot in the door.

I can imagine someone in the not-too-distant future saying, "Well we've been doing the MOS for years now, so what is the harm in doing such n such ..."

The Other Michael

Hi Seebs,

In re the first paragraph, why does someone need to be given an official MOS at school to do that? In school you've got the time between the classes, quiet time during school activities etc that you can take a moment to think quietly, pray or whatever (who can tell what you are doing if you are being quiet?). You can also take a moment before school, after school, in the middle of the night when you wake up, etc.

In re the second paragraph, "gesture of respect" to what? If you are referring to "X died and let's all take a moment to think about our friend X" I can see it, but if you are referring to the institutionalized MOS it seems that defining it as a "gesture of respect" implies that you are respecting something or someone in the moment, not just taking a moment to try and remember if you packed a lunch today.

cheers,
Michael

beekay

I was thinking about this MOS issue and its purpose. It seems to me that the best way to find out the MOS's purpose is to take a look at who exactly proposed the idea to the lawmakers, or which lawmaker came up with it on his/her own. What were the motivations/justifications in the first place? I've tried researching this a little on the internet, but can't find anything that sheds any light on my questions. Gary P, do you know any of the history behind Ohio's MOS?

But during my search I came across this article: <a href="http://enquirer.com/editions/2002/04/25/loc_moment_of_silence.html" target="_blank">http://enquirer.com/editions/2002/04/25/loc_moment_of_silence.html</a> . The local ACLU is giving the issue some thought:
My first reaction to that is negative. The ACLU looks like a pack of hungry wolves here ...

Toto

Why negative? The ACLU takes the First Amendment to the US Constitution very seriously, and is ever vigilant as it looks for violations. It's not like they're making money from it.

beekay

I'm not saying their actions are negative, it's just that the article makes them look like the bad guys eager to sue at the drop of a dime. That was just my impression as I read through the story and I am sure many other folks not so familiar with separation of church and state will view it in the same way.

Toto

Nothing wrong with aggressively enforcing the law, IMHO.

[ May 28, 2002: Message edited by: Toto ]</p>

GaryP

beekay--
I think you have a good point about knowing who came up with this idea. I really can't help with that.

The Ohio legislature, especially the House, is pretty well dominated by conservatives. And the few who may disagree with something such as this bill, would not be willing to say so as in most of the country.

Sorry for the delay, but my internet connection was down for a few days.

GaryP

I just received a form letter reply from Gov. Bob Taft's (R-OH)office. Enclosed was the governor's press release;

COLUMBUS(May 2, 2002-- Governor Bob Taft today joined Secretary of State Kenneth Blackwell and former OSU football player Chris Spielman at the Ohio Prayer Breakfast in honor of the National Day of Prayer.

"Since the events of Sept. 11, we have as a country grown in our appreciation for what it means to be 'One Nation under God'" Taft said. "Let's remember to pray for one another not only on this National Day of Prayer, but each and every day of our lives."

The Governor also signed Amended Substitute Bill 394, the "Moment of Silence" bill this morning.

The new law will;

Permit the board of education of a school district to provide for a moment of silence each school day for prayer, reflection, or meditation upon a moral, philosophical, or patriotic theme;


Prohibit boards of education, schools, or employees of the school district from requiring a pupil to participate in such a moment of silence;

Prohibit the board of education of a school district from adopting certain policies pertaining to religion or religious expression; and

Forbid boards of education from requiring any student to participate in the oral recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.

The bill will take effect 90 days upon the Governor's signature and filing with the Secretary of State's office.

Contact; Joe Andrews, Governor's Office, 614-644-0957.

This from a state whose motto, "With God, All things are Possible", is predominantly displayed at the State Capitol and who is in forefront of vouchers for parochial schools.

katlynnhow

[QUOTE]Originally posted by GaryP:
<strong>Prohibit boards of education, schools, or employees of the school district from requiring a pupil to participate in such a moment of silence;</strong>

Right... I wonder what they would do with the student who refuses to remain silent during the moment of silence?

Also, I'm thinking that if my children's school district decides to implement this nonsense, I will go to the principal and request that my children be permitted to arrive in class afterward.