The Annointed Fig

I am an agnostic and…well, not proud of it.  I just am.  I think that’s the whole point of being an agnostic.

I don’t know for certain if there is something indescribable out there, but an idea of there existing a being greater than myself, whom I can thank / blame for the glories — and horrors of Creation appeals.  At the same time, I cannot dispute the findings of archaeologists, paleontologists, physicists.  And that’s OK, I don’t think faith necessarily excludes the accepted scientific model.

Sometimes separation is a GOOD thing!

But what doesn’t in any way dovetails with my belief system is forcing one or the other down my throat.  I want to hear from both sides of the divide, and I once I know enough, I want to enjoy the freedom to make my own decision.

And that is exactly what the graduating students at Elmbrook, Wisconsin schools were being subjected to for the past 9 years.  Certainly, it might not have been skin off most backs, but the basic premise of it makes my fur bristle.

Kids shouldn’t have been forced to graduate at a local megachurch.  Not that I have anything against Christianity.  I would have said the same of any venue whose primary function is a religious gathering site of any organized religion.  Because our country has been built on the principle of the Separation of the Church and State, in fact, it could be argued that it came to be because in the olden days, Britain hadn’t quite gotten the memo on that, subjecting kids to participate in what is a purely social function at a place geared to a specific purpose by a religion they might not even subscribe to seems a surefire way to draw some much deserved backlash.

I recognize an argument by the school board may be made that this venue is probably the best equipped to take in the number of folks sure to attend the events, but there are stadiums, and failing that, there are always public parks and football fields.  Graduation here in US is by and large a summertime activity.  If there was no comparable indoor location to be had, outdoor ones could have easily served as well.

As for a lawsuit.  Yes, it is frivolous, and economic conditions for the municipalities being such as it is, it can only place an unneccesary burder on the system.  At the same time, there is an abiding need for checks and balances even outside the hallowed halls of Capitol Hill and the White House.  And so far for an average Joe, court action seems an only feasible recourse.

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