Bann Christmas at Schools in the United States? What's next?

Well..to be honest..I don't give a damn what you think anymore..because I take that as an insult.

kthxbye

This is my main beef with the religious schools. So many at the head of these organizations are making a fortune that the top heavy economy forces religious zealots to subject their offspring to the substandard and heathenistic public education system.

Instead of slaying those who are trying to educate a diverse group of children maybe you should start fighting against the tax system which forces you to pay into a school you do not believe in. Start fighting for tuition tax credits, find out why religious education costs on average around 3,000 dollars more per student per year than public education. This is despite the fact that church organizations are tax exempt, not subject to the over priced contracts for expansions, have far less overhead (bussing is usually not as big a problem for one), are not expected to offer extra-curricular activities (most rely on public facilities and community organized activities rather than building an arena, pool, football stadium for every school) and they normally pay their educators about 10 percent less than the public school system. If churches were truely worried about the education of their sheep they would make it more affordable. Like maybe not building the billion dollar churches or perhaps getting together in agreement on what christianity is and pooling the indulgences paid by the flock to educate the future tithe payers.

If you find that it is necessary for your child to practice religion rather than algebra, if you think that a christmas party is more important than reading at grade level, then maybe you should find the resources to send your children to a religious school. If public schools were based upon religion, I would certainly seek out the means to send my children to private secular schools founded on the principles of education and free thought not prayer and idol worship.

I grew up in public schools..and we swapped Gifts..I believe there was some Christmas decorations..however; I do not remember being taught the religious aspect of it..maybe it was taught in some schools I don't know, but; I didn't see it nor do I remember being taught it in school.

Those in favor of gift swapping may also want to take into consideration the children who are less financially advantaged. I don't know about you but there were always a few children in my classes who's families could barely afford christmas dinner much less buying gifts for other children. You know the kid who couldn't afford to buy valentines for everyone in class. This isn't just about religion. There is the consideration of diversity and socio-economic factors that teachers and educators are faced with everyday.

It just blows my mind that folks are more worried about whether or not a christmas tree gets decorated in assembly hall than whether or not children are given an opportunity to learn free from those who wish to point out and exhault the differences among them. Teach your children the religion of your choice at home and in church. Leave the educators to teach them the skills and knowledge they can actually use in real life.

I grew up in public schools as well. The nativity scene was pulled out of the shed every year, and religion was a key ingredient in the celebration of the season.

Not to mention, I had several teachers that would read from their bible in class... instead of teaching us. We also had to have prayer time, though this was left up to the teacher. Some did, some didn't. I hated it when I had to, because even though I don't pray, I was still forced to bow my head and be silent, instead of doing what we were there to do.

This is the single most ignorant post I've ever seen from you Cat. Ebonics? 8th grade education?

Really nice to lump all of the good public school systems into your little devil-world. Bravo!

Oh, and I won't pay for your kids religious education. Ever. You want prayer in public school, fine... you can pay for MY kids to go to a non-religious private school. How about that?

That is a minute detail..I grew up poor as well. Even though some are financially disadvantaged everything doesn't cost money. Things are given from The Salvation Army and even things from clothes you no longer wear to a piece of candy can be swapped. I think your point is..you just don't think it should be aloud. There is always a rebuttle to an issue.

Oh now that you mension it..I do remember us thanking god for our food in prayer.

Thats it I'm nailing Santa to a cross along with Frosty and Rudolph.......

Are you The Grinch Talen? LOL.

It's the third night of Hanukkah tonight wooohoooo socks again???!!!?? WTF?

Good thing most Jewish Holidays are celebrated after school lets out at sunset, or we would have even more crap to whine about! LOL Like all those kids with matches trying to light their menorahs at their desks... muahahaaaa!!!

Arti

I wonder how many of you have played the dreidel game in public school? And would it be considered gambling or practicing a religious tradition?? HMMM

Nope my point is that it is unnecessary, aids in the further alienation of students who are not allowed to participate or financially unable and serves as a distraction from the sole purpose of public schools...education. Most students are given 2 weeks off from secular education for the purpose of exploiting the holidays, eating up the few days before vacation with cupcake parties and tree lighting is silly and a misuse of my tax dollars.

^5 Isis well said!

And considering that traditional (not NEO) conservative ideals such as fiscal conservatism would not support such a frivalous use of the taxpayers' dollars, I can't see why some people would still rail against it.

I think Rudolph should have prison sex before being nailed.

At least you could see him cummin..

And it wouldn't be because of his nose.

(bunch of sick feckers aren't we)

*wonders if that would be yellow particles or red? hmmmm

oooo... can I see some asshole ??

Well, Korg just said he was going to be at the welcome area later for those who want to come neg rate him. His thread disapeared though.

hehe, you are bad Pen. Jeska moved it to Special Events LOL

HAHAHA!! Wow! That is too funny! At least she didn't close it or delete it though.

roflmao figures

THEN YOU MIGHT WANT TO EXPRESS YOUR VIEW ABOUT GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES CELEBRATING CHRISTMAS BY WRITING YOUR CONGRESSMEN ALSO, SINCE YOU PAY TAXES TO THEM AS WELL INCLUDING THE WHITE HOUSE.

I'm assuming you consider that a really, really valid point since you had to shout it? We also have 7 different sizes of text you can use to reinforce your argument, Blake.