On religion The separation of church and state, it was for a reason. The second amendment gives us the right to freedom of religion, without persecution. Despite laws, beliefs, and outright flagrant lies, the persecution of alternative religion exists to this day. From ancient witch hunts and burnings, it has progressed and changed throughout times, to the extent of which it is today. Yes, witch hunts are still around, still persecuted. Although not burned at the stake, todays methods are just as effective. Ridicule from peers, ostracized, even razed. People fear that which they do not understand. Case in point, my own daughter. She is in the 7th grade now, and has decided, after trying many other religions, to try her hand at being a Wiccan. Being the Father that I am, I naturally back up whatever decision she makes. I go out, and buy her a pentacle necklace. Now the pentacle represents protection from evil influences, and brings good luck to those who believe, and those who wear it. As it happens, I also told her that other people will not understand, and they will naturally associate anything not of the “Norm” religions to be evil and satanic. I told her that it's fine to wear it, but to try and keep it under her shirt, otherwise she will be harassed about it. Naturally, being the teen that she
is, she decides NOT to keep it under her shirt, but to wear it out, showing it off. The reaction of which, is that now most of the children in her school fear her, thinking she is a Satanist. Asking her questions, teasing her, etc. better yet, the TEACHERS are now singling her out. One in particular. One day last week, my daughter comes home to tell me this story. Sitting in her class, the teacher told everyone to stand up, and clap their hands if they believe in God. Naturally, my daughter does NOT stand up and do this, because she doesn't believe in their God. The teacher promptly issues her a detention for not following the teachers request. Being told this, I made tracks to that school, to have a nice little chat with the principle. Now, I have nothing against other religions, every has their own beliefs, which is fine and dandy. But to try and impose your belief upon others in a public school, thats another matter all together. Surely they have to realize that if they choose to do this, there is simply no way to keep everyone happy. To bring ANY religion into school is simply asking for a lawsuit. Theres more religions out there than a chicken has feathers. To satisfy everyones beliefs would take an entire day of a slew of prayers, from each religion. To neglect one religion simply because it doesn't fall into the “Norm” is not only foolhardy, but narrow minded as well.
After talking with the principle, the teacher was called for. Now if it was a science teacher, I could kind of understand why it happened. Theories of evolution, creation, etc. But this teacher happened to be a MATH teacher. Now you tell me, where does this teachers God fall into place during math class in a public school? This teacher came into the office with a wild look about his eye. He was asked what transpired, and promptly labeled my daughter and I as the Antichrist. Said that he had “Visions” about the Antichrist appearing in the school, wearing the necklace and appearing as I did. Now, I'm not exactly the angry sort, but I AM a big man. My size and appearance put most people away from me. I can control my temper pretty good. But when this teacher started calling my daughter that, let alone myself, I felt my anger starting to rise. The principle must have seen this, because he dismissed the teacher, stating that he will take care of this problem, and it will never happen in his school again. He asked me why I went directly to him, and not through the proper channels such as counselor, etc. I simply told him that I knew if I went through the proper channels, he would never be aware of the problem. Indeed, most principles aren't aware of whats going on in their own schools. Not by choice, rather that the other faculty doesn't which him to know that there are things wrong in the schools. This is the problem our school systems face, lack of organization, communication, and trust.