Can Georgians take a crap without being led in prayer?

[bunkerbuster1]

Just wondering.

I've been living here for more than three years, and the one thing that never fails to amaze is how many public events have some damn preacher dude (it's ALWAYS a guy) leading those in attendence in prayer before things get under way. Before board of ed meetings, town council meetings, tree lighting ceremonies, you name it.

When I lived in NJ, I used to read about some of the lawsuits people would bring against various public displays of religion and think to myself, "oh, please, just get over yourself, it's not that big a deal." But y'know, it's starting to piss me off.

I'm religious in my own way; I attend church regularly (where my wife and family are members) and I look for help wherever I can get it. But what the hell does that have to do with city or county business? Can't these sheep go an entire day without having some holy dude tell them what to think?

ok, done ranting, flame away if you must.

[Nicholas D Wolfwood]

1. No, they can't.

Because they think god has to tell them every little thing that they have to do each day.

[hiley]

2. It is the

same here in Arkansas...That is why when my kids were in school I would not participate in PTA for example. Supported Teachers and kids seperately from the wing nuts. Could not take the brain washing rhetoric.:dem:

[zbdent]

3. Hmm, interesting idea for a bumper sticker

especially if you live in an infrared state.

"Can you take a crap without breaking out in prayer?"

[anotherginger]

4. I grew up here....

and didn't think anything about it untill I went to college... then was exposed to other religions and races.... now I am like you and have a *hard* time tolerating it.... breaking out in prayer is like some kind of spontaneous combustion, especially at sports events.

Since I was opposed to our H.S. principal saying that prayer/poem in the school, people are ignoring me! Last night at a school function some people walked away from me as soon as I walked up!! I am being rejected by such hypocrits, too!

Thank the universe that I am in a blue county or I'd go nuts.

[bunkerbuster1]

5. You should be proud

that these creeps know who you are and are making a point of avoiding you.

Bravo. Use this power wisely, won't you?

[recovering democrat]

6. No, and Gospel singing too!

I used to work at a local government where every function included not only a long-winded, serious preacher-dude type prayer, but also a gospel song by an individual singer or a choir. The responsiveness of the people present was a combination of excited support, joining in the singing and "amens" for the prayers - The other side - obvious discomfort for those who did not share the joy of these experiences. Particularly uncomfortable for 7th Day Adventists, Muslims, Jewish employees who were not so uncommon. Many of the Christians were bothered by the discomfort of their co-workers and were also not supportive of this.

Rant on - but expect that in many places and not just Georgia, any question about this kind of behavior is met with a loud, nasty and insulting tirade about your pagan, atheist, ungodly and particularly, unpatriotic (?) self. After they are through, just smile and say "Jesus loves you", and walk away. Gives them a headache every time.