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2_________ WedNEsdAy, OcTobeR 24, 2001 Letters Opinion Bless the schools I SALENAX)E LA CRUZ Opinion Editor “Gai Bless America” is a phrase that has become synonymous with pa triotism and Americans since our nation’s biggest tragedy. However, in a time when we should be standing together, the American Ci vil Liberties Union (ACLU) has demanded our show of pride to be removed from an elementary school in Rocklin, Califor nia. We as a nation and as families teach our children the morals and values they should have. By deeming God inappropriate for school, what are we telling them? We are telling them the very beliefs we prided ourselves on sharing with them are no longer con- ventional. Why? Haven’t we taught our children enough values that it should be their decision as to whether or not they want these values a part of their lives? Personally, I would much rather have prayer heard in the rafters than hate and violence. I commend the superintendent of BreenElementary, Kevin Brown, for considered for publication if submitted by 1 p.m. the Friday prior to publication. Letters to the Editor are subject to editing. We reserve the right to not publish any letter. ACLU has valid concerns DANMERYS the idea that saying, “God Bless America” may be patriotic, but you are not allowed to voice it What amazes me is that one woman -wanted a sign that said, ‘God Bless America” to be taken down. The sign did not say, “kill all who don’t follow me.” One single solitary person be lieved it wrong and contacted the ACLU, and they in turn demanded the sign betaken down. Shame on you. There was an article in the Wash ington Post by Charles Lane on Oct 12,2001 stating the ACLU was con- sidejing legal actions. As of now they are too little, too late. I am nappy to report that on Oct 16, 2001, the |07’h Congress, in its first ses currency ancUall' over-fedenil building^ StaffWriter The American Civil Liber- Saying “God Bless America^ ties Union’s decision to may give you a warm fuzzyfeel contest the placement of banners« ing, but when it alienates those containing the phrase “God BlessL who don’t believe, in God and America” in schools suchf as those who believe in a different Breen Elementary School in f'god, it’s got to go.'Some think Rocklin, CA is entirely justified that this is an extreme point O.f in my view. I view, but take it to the other’ex- While it’s a nice sentiment that treme. Place banners with shows support for the people of New York and acts as a rallying cry that says to the terrorists phrases like “Vishnu(a Hindu God) Bless America” or/‘Satgn Loves America.” No school iffs “We will not be beaten,” it is an enough room to place“*banriers endorsement of religion by a pub- . touting every religious position lie school. Over the past 76 years in America. So the only r.easgn- the ACLU has been involved in a ‘ able solution is to remove the sion, unanimously passed HCON 248 EH, which states, “Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Sen ate concurring), that it is the sense of Congress that public schools may dis play the words 'God Bless America' as an expression of support for the na tion.” I believe wholeheartedly in my rights and those of everyone around me, even children, and if that means allow- ing themselves to decide what’s right bitter battle to hava religious overtones removed from public banners altogether. ' - Ig w These signs also make' some schools. Leaving this banner up is an attack on 7o years of Pr°gress- people uncomfortable. If every time you turned a corner you saw S....... a six by eight-foot banner tell ing you how different you were, would really feel like sticking around? No. I,didn’t think so. That’s not the kind of environ^ colors, and singing my praise to God and the nation. “God Bless America.” Amen. The U.S. Supreme Court has held that prayer and The Ten Commandments have no place in schools. “Courts have generally said that, up to a certain vaguely defined point, what they call ‘cer emonial deism’ is okay,” said Eu--> gene Volokh, a UCLA law profes sor. However, I believe this is completely unacceptable, not to mention that the phrase “In God We Trust” appears on U.S. J.R. Richardson Johi^Meyer^^^^^^ ’’Sure, why not? I don't see anything wrong with it” "Sure, because right now everybody should be united. It's the thing for everyone to feel safe under." standing his ground on this issue. He ■ and wrong for them, so be it let the ACLU know, ^That’s non-ne- I’ll be waving my flag, showing my gotiable.” Because he saw that we may not have a future to look forward to if wecontinue passing onto our children All signed letters to the editor should be 300 words or less and will be ment that’s conducive to mental and emotional growth, 8 So the debate is one of practi cality and tacsSi^^Igjgj^gg ing to suffer because ofthegood intentions of another, the sim plest solution is to remove 1^? problem paraphernalia?^^” .. ■> Photos and quotes compiled by Mike Pollock and Maggie Jirasek BriannaCariiey^^^^^ David Gibler- "Yeah, originally we are a nation under God. Comforting thing to have at school." "Sure. That's a tough question. The majority of people believe in God. His blessing would help." ◄ Editor-in-Chief: Business Manager: Maggie Jirasek (x2447) Nick Barron (x2578) Opinion Edi tor/Production Coordinator Salena De La Cruz Webmaster: Copy Editor: Staff: K Luke Mahan Allison Gerfin Isaiah Creel Jesse Gurzynski Erinn Lerten Christina McFarland Daniel Mery s Elisabeth Meyer Ben Walker Leah Boeringa Sports Editor: Elena Bory ska Managing Editor: Liesl Muggli News Editor: Frank Jordan Photo Editor: Mike Pollock Secretary: JoAnne Gale A & E Editor: 19600 S. Mol»ll* Ave. Ottqox City. O.tqox »7045 (50,5) 657-6958 ex. 250» CCC p RI NI@CI*C5*M*S.CC.O R.US Advisor: Patty Mamula (x2310) Daisy Bain The Clackamas Print aims to report the news in an honest, unbiased, professional manner. The opinions expressed in The Clackamas Print do not necessarily reflect those of the student body, college administration, its fac ulty, or The Clackamas Print advertisers. Products and services advertised in The Clackamas Print are not neccesarily endorsed by anyone associated with The Clackamas Print. The advertising rate is $4.75 per col umn inch. The Clackamas Print is a weekly publication and is distributed every Wednes day except during Finals week. The Clackamas Print Copyright 2001.
