We now come upon that time of year when graduation ceremonies are aplenty and tributes to God are common during these events. However the assault against America's Christian traditions continue. The organization leading the charge?? The ACLU. The ACLU has been responsible for going against cherished organizations in America such as the Boy Scouts, for their beliefs of honoring God, and for their stand against homosexuals taking leadership positions in the organization. The Boy Scouts are an organization which prides itself on values and faith, pride in one's country, and the mentoring and preparation of ushering young boys into manhood. It's their right to exclude those who see the sexually deviant homosexual lifestyle as normal.
We hear about incidents where the ACLU has tried to stifle the freedom of expression to honor God across this country, but rarely do we think that the ACLU's oppressive thumb would come to our hometowns. Such is the case in my area where people in the small town of Munford, TN were shocked and upset to hear that graduation prayers were to be scrapped from an upcoming graduation ceremony. Munford High school received a letter from the ACLU of Tennessee requesting that all prayers be canceled from the graduation program. Some dozen students from the school's recent established ACLU group were the culprits who expressed concern about prayer being added to graduation ceremony. There was no stopping the graduating seniors though, most of whom, during a moment of silence, stood and said The Lord's Prayer amidst clapping from other attendees.
Senior valedictorian Scott Balentine was notified well in advance of the ceremony by school officials not to mention any references to Jesus, but he pressed on anyway. During the ceremony, Scott boldly declared, "I would like to thank my lord and savior Jesus Christ."
Local churches got involved and bookmarks bearing The Lord's Prayer were passed out to those who wanted them.
I am very proud of the people of Munford, TN who would not back down when the ACLU tried to keep them from expressing their faith publicly. It's been the norm in Munford and towns across America for many years to give honor to God, and they are, in no violation of any laws.
In another almost identical story which the ACLU was involved...a Kentucky High school principal was petitioned by a student with the ACLU's backing to drop prayers from graduation ceremonies, but the principal refused.
In other random fits of political correctness, an issue over "In God We Trust" on a coin arose and a Navy chaplain is to be disciplined for praying in Jesus' name!
It seems incidents like these are happening more and more. We have freedom of speech and freedom of religion here in America, you may not have the same beliefs as me, but don't suppress my right to express myself about my God, especially since it's been a part of the traditions here in America and it's part of who we are, and why this country is so great, caring, and thoughtful of others. It all comes from our core values and beliefs.
What I found rather striking is that the ACLU wants to shut up its Board Members with dissent or complain against their tactics. To conclude, the ACLU exists only to stifle freedom of speech, not to work in anyone's favor.
What has happened to us in the U.S. (most of us who are Christians or conservatives) that some of us are allowing people to push us around and tell us what we can or can't do with regards to religious freedom? The traditions which we've grown up with, haven't bothered anyone until recently, because some feel they can complain and get their way. Our traditions tie us to who we are, and if that unravels, then what do we have left? Are we going to allow radical organizations like the ACLU to dictate to us how we should live our lives?
People who complain about traditions which Americans have long cherished are not "offended." They are looking to change the climate in America to that of a secular nature. An America that is not anchored by a love for God, family, tradition, and honor.
Let's be like the Scott Balentines, those who will stand their ground no matter who or what comes against us to change our society. When this fight comes to your door, will you fight back, or will you give in?
Related Reading:
Graduation speech causes controversy in Munford:
http://wmctv.com/Global/story.asp?s=4923732
Students keep prayer in Munford Graduation Ceremony:
http://www.wreg.com/Global/story.asp?S=4936404
Judge blocks school graduation prayers in Kentucky:
http://newsmax.com/scripts/printer_friendly.pl?s=pf&page=http://newsmax.com/archives/ic/2006/5/19/113346.shtml?s=ic
Coin image omits "In God We Trust":
http://www.dfw.com/mld/dfw/14628069.htm
Navy chaplain to be disciplined for praying in Jesus' name:
http://www.navytimes.com/story.php?f=1-292925-1814225.php
ACLU wants Gag Rule for Board Members:
http://www.newsmax.com/scripts/printer_friendly.pl?s=pf&page=http://www.newsmax.com/archives/ic/2006/5/24/160224.shtml
*Felicia (Fee) Benamon is a political columnist who writes for various conservative sites including RenewAmerica.us, Daley-Times Post, TheRealityCheck.org, Capitolhillcoffeehouse.com, TheConservativeVoice.com, Mensnewsdaily.com, and many more. Felicia is currently branching out, and hopes to do more freelance writing, and eventually carry a column in her local newspaper. She hails from a military background, and has been politically active since the 2000 elections. Felicia is also an occasional guest speaker on KYAL2K, conservative talk radio (www.k-talk.com), Salt Lake City, UT.
You may email Felicia: Feereports@aol.com .
