who's right is it?

Question

i have a question about rights. there is yet another school in the news with a problem of some students not wanting to say the pledge of alligence, so now they are going to stop doing so. well my concern is what about the rights of the students that want to say the pledge, or want to see the ten commandments hanging on the wall, or want to say prayer before a graduation service. who is protecting their rights? and why is that this is trickling down to even the smaller things such as my son's preschool class where they can still have parties for let's say halloween, however all the party snacks must be fat free, or good for you. now what about my rights as a parent to want my child to attend a public school and have a good old fashioned cup cake at a party? do certain people's beliefs count more than others? and why should other people's beliefs be forced on some? why can't we have these things but those who don't wish to participate does not have to? just wondering?

another thought is that growiing up i was exposed as were many children to the ten commandements in school and the pledge and i still had my own beliefs. isn't it more important what the child is taught at home anyway? there were less if not any schooll violence back then, and the youth didn't have half the problems they do today. all i'm saying it wasn't hurting anyone why fix it if it wasn't broken? and again this isn't about church and state this as about a handfull of parents or students complaining and it being taken down by the government. sad, sad world.

Answer 1

Lots of questions here. Thanks for posting.

First of all, it's not mandatory to say the Pledge of Allegiance. As a teacher, I do make my students stand, but they have the option of saying it if they want to. The Pledge was originally written in the 1940s or 50s as a way for immigrants to feel more American and to build patriotism. That was then; this is now. But as for rights, people can say it if they want to, or not. Standing, though, shows respect for the flag and what it stands for, whether or not you choose to repeat the words.

As for the Ten Commandments, I'm a firm believer in the separation of church and state. The Commandments are appropriate in churches and in people's homes, but have no business in public places. That's because we live in a multi-cultural society and not everyone is a Christian. It's not a good thing to impose religion on everyone.

As for prayers before a graduation service or before a football game, again this calls into question separation of church and state. Not everyone is a Christian. Having a moment of silence so that everyone can pray or give thanks or just be quiet in their own way is appropriate. That way no one has Christianity foisted or imposed on them, and all faiths or lack of religion is respected.

As for cupcakes, it is better overall to eat fat free. You're free to bring the cupcakes, and kids and others are free to eat them or not. But if you want your food to be appreciated and eaten, then you should conform to the social mores of the class, or your workplace, or wherever you're having a get-together. You wouldn't bring pork to a Jewish or Hindu dinner. You wouldn't bring moo goo gai pan to an outdoor barbecue most likely. You just have to know what's expected.

I don't think that people's beliefs count more than others. I do, though, think that your question is really about social mores. No one's beliefs should be forced on anyone. No one wants to be proselytized, preached to or harangued at and told how they are wrong and/or need to change. Ho hum, so boring.

I think you're right: people do participate as they want to, or they don't participate if they don't want to. I think a lot depends on how much a part of the group you are. If you are deeply embedded in a group, you'll observe the social mores and unspoken agreements and do what's expected. If you're on the outside edges of a group, it's harder to know what's expected. You have to listen and pay close attention. It may take a while to be accepted into certain groups, and with some, you're always going to be on the perimeters.

Thanks for your question. I hope this helps. Cheers, K

Answer 2

The answer to your question is that there is too much govt. in our lives. I agree with you. A good ole cupcake at the school class party is fine. Unfortunately we all have to be politically correct, our food, our language, our belief system, our thoughts our ideas. We have allowed ourselves to become pawns of the politically correct. Take the most recent issue, banning smoking in bars. LOL, what do people go to bars for? To have some drinks, dance, and most of them smoke. Is it unhealthy, you bet it is, is it stupid to think that a city govt. has the right to ban smoking in a bar because it's a public place, yep, it's stupid. If you don't want to be around smoke, don't go to a bar. I agree with smokeless in the restaurant's, hotel lobbies, in general public places, but, bars, that's just stupid. So yes, certain people's beliefs count more than others. We have become the "Stepford Society" it's actually laughable the extent of political intervention for the sake of political correctness we are having forced on us. Make cupcakes for the next party, the kids will thank you.

Answer 3

I agree with "Elf", on the religion thing. As for food in lunch boxes, I think it's fair to offer guidelines, but that's all! At my child's Kinder, they aren't allowed to have Peanut products, chocolate etc, because of the possibility of allergies. I think this is OK cause the kids might be too young to say "no", but at school, I think it's the parents responsibility to provide healthy food, and if they don't, well that's their business. In Australia the government's making moves towards banning everything! Canteens are changing big time. Some schools are even inspecting lunch boxes! It's gone too far. They say it's "The Obesity Epidemic". I say you can lead a horse to water, but you can't make it drink!

Answer 4

According Sagan you're made out of plenty sizzling air gasses According to God you had been made out of dust, Now which might be you - stuffed with sizzling air or only a clod? When you die and what's left over that's extra located - the fabric of stars or dust or ashes.

Answer 5

School IS for education! Good answer! You can try to lobby like-minded parents, meet with the principal to see if there is some way of forcing the school to accept a majority rule. I'm guessing the rule changes are to appease a minority.
I'm in Australia and our schools clearly state policies similar to yours. Parents then have the right to choose not to send them to a particular school, schools have the right not to accept a particular student. I know how you feel~ political correctness out of control!!

Answer 6

Personally, I believe that religion should have no part in schools. School is for an EDUCATION. If you want to study the Bible, go to church or have a Bible Club or something.

Answer 7

Darn democrats GOT IT ALL MESSED UP!