Organization: Virginia Department of Health
Newsgroups: bit.listserv.christia
Date:         Tue, 10 Nov 1992 06:09:11 EST
From:         "Michael A. Kline" <MKLINE@VDH.BITNET>
Subject:      Re: Freedon of speech.
              9 Nov 1992 11:52:00 EST from <GRAHAM%DRCV06.decnet@DRCVAX.AF.MIL>

On Mon, 9 Nov 1992 11:52:00 EST DRCV06::GRAHAM said:
>The short post about the Albany, N.Y. teenager who was not permitted to end
>an article in a school newsletter with the words "God bless" triggered some
>thoughts.
>
>I admit that their reaction is an overreaction.  It is definitely a shame
>when a teen cannot say "God bless" in a school newsletter.  We ought to take
>a lesson from this.  Christians have no business trying to impose their
>morals on anyone else.  Let the schools do as they please.  If your child
>isn't being taught correctly, remove them and seek alternatives.  Stop
>trying, though, to force the public schools to be Christian schools.

Whoa there. You mean Christians have NOTHING to offer and should keep all
things to themself? Perhaps you are right. Kids that wear the sign of the
fish, and when asked say "I can't tell you." with a grin. Having them
come up to other children wearing the fish, shake hands, or what ever,
point to each other's shirt and smile. Gather in circles out in the play
ground and when anyone comes by, hide the Bible and say "Nothing, we're
doing nothing."

This started with the point that Congress and the President can end their
talks with "God bless" and they represent the government, in fact WORK and
receive salary from the government, but a student cannot.

Also, if we don't say we don't like things like "One flew over the
Cuckoo's nest." because it shows gang rape, then by our silence, we
condone it. What ever happened to Romeo and Juliet or A Tale of Two
Cities? I know, no sex, no gang rapes. Why should the book be required?
That's what the question was. Maybe it was somewhat related, and if a
student found it objectionable, then an alternate should be allowed.

Schools were started in churches so that the people could read the
Bible, but in years the people got lazy. Now the wants of 1 or two
people out weigh the rights of the mass.

Of course you know, I DID take the situation into my hands and my
children are home schooled. I think Christians should take the "bull
by the horns" and put their children into Christian Schools, but it's
hard finding dedicated teachers. Almost gone are the days when parents
sacrificed everything for their children. These "parents" are the
ones put through schooling of "no god" and "you happened by accident"
and "you're mother should not have been force to raise you." (IE:
abortion) Now as parents, they want to do what's "right", but they
have a life and the kids should feel "wanted" just because we let them
live, but I'm not about to give up my life for them. (No, my family, I'm
not beating up on you, I'm taking mostly about the secular world out
there. Those that want to be "Christian" because they think it's nice
but wouldn't know Jesus Christ if He came up and shook their hand.
"Messiah? Sorry, I didn't see that one when it hit town. I don't care
that much for opera." The "Give me my Volvo, let the kids fend for
themselves.")

The Light, the Hope, the Savior of the world is Jesus. We can't help but
speak His praise. In some cases, we have done it badly and now find ourself
having to found organizations like the American Center for Law and Justice,
but that doesn't mean we shouldn't keep trying. The story of the student,
by the way was one where the ACLJ was called and as far as I know were
going to investigate, and take suit if needed.

My reaction? If I saw an article end with "Allah be praised" and saw a
name like "Atul Jain" at the end I would probably not think anything of
it. If I saw an article end with an "American" name and saw that I may
ask my child, who would probably reply "He's Islam, dad" and I'd think
"Oh..." If I saw "Kill them all, and let God sort them out" and it was
signed "Hell Bender" I might get upset, and hopefully say something.
>
>
>Dan Graham

Maks