Fighting over silence?

That sounds odd, doesn’t it? Couldn’t we all use a little silence? Why is there a dispute over taking a ‘moment of silence’ to start the day?

A shrewd legislative maneuver to block the overturning of Illinois’ controversial mandatory “moment of silence” law may leave the ultimate decision on whether public school children should be forced to begin the day in silent reflection or prayer up to the courts.

Now look at the reporting on this. “Shrewd” is a negative. So you, the reader, are set up right from the beginning to be against this. Other terms: “maneuver to block” “overturning” a “controversial” and “mandatory”….moment of silence law. Under which, children are “forced” to begin the day in silent reflect or prayer. How about, just take a moment to still themselves and ready for their studies?!

What’s the problem here?

Making a “moment of silence” mandatory has been contentious from the start. Prior to October, the practice was optional in Illinois schools, and Gov. Rod Blagojevich vetoed Lightford’s original measure, saying it was state-sanctioned school prayer.

That’s a stretch.

The law states that students are to use the time for silent prayer or reflection on the “anticipated activities of the day.” Lightford said that the time could help teachers “gain order” in the classroom during the beginning of the school day.

“Our students, our youth, are just out of control,” she said.

The word “or” is very important to keep in context. Take your pick of how to spend the moment…..just take a pause, it says.

O’Fallon Township High School observed the moment of silence until the court suspended the law, said Principal Steven Dirnbeck. Dirnbeck added that if the law does stay intact after the court case the school will observe the moment in compliance with the law. However, he said he doubts it can survive a court challenge if a judge interprets it to legalize school prayer.

That’s ridiculous. But if it does happen, it will prove yet again how activist judges are legislating from the bench according to their own agenda.