On Tue, 11 Jan 2011 13:08:44 -0500, Warp wrote:

> Jim Henderson <nos### [at] nospamcom> wrote:
>> What's more, I would disagree with the court that this is an
>> unconstitutional practice.  The first amendment protects against the
>> government establishment of a state-sponsored religion.  Setting aside
>> a "national prayer day" doesn't violate that unless it also mandates
>> that everyone, for example, recite the Lord's Prayer, and establishes
>> penalties for those who do not.
> 
>   So as long as no specific religion is explicitly mentioned, any kind
>   of
> religious decree is ok?
> 
>   I don't think your first amendment says nor means that.

Have you read the first amendment to the US Constitution?

"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or 
prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of 
speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to 
assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances."

Now tell me how a declaration of a National Day of Prayer by the 
executive branch is (a) Congress establishing a law respecting the 
establishment of religion, or (b) prohibits the free exercise thereof.

The way I read it, it actually encourages and promotes the free exercise 
of religion, including the right of one *not* to participate.

Jim

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