Pantagraph.com | News | House overrides veto to require moment of silence in class

Note: All views and opinions expressed in reader comments are solely those of the individual submitting the comment, and not those of the Pantagraph or its staff.

public school student wrote on Oct 16, 2007 4:33 PM:

" Please keep in mind that is called the Silent Observation and Student Prayer Act. Those who are saying that nothing about the law promotes prayer are wrong. The word prayer is in the name of the act. "

MaskedVigilante wrote on Oct 15, 2007 9:00 AM:

" There's nothing stopping you from praying in school. As one of you nameless critics said, you did it anyway. That's fine. The First Amendment says "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof;" Again, your free exercise is not prohibited. But making a law declaring a moment that serves only a religious purpose is not supposed to happen in an institution of the state. No, I am not paranoid, I don't mind your second hand smoke, and I don't care what you do or think in your mind. I care about the eroding of the wall between church and state. I care about the Constitution. And things like this pick away at it. "

JD wrote on Oct 12, 2007 4:07 PM:

" Okay, since people want to pretend this is not about prayer, explain the logic of wasting valuable class time (valuable because the US has fallen behind globally on level of education) for something that a child can do at home on their own? I am assuming the child is smart enough to do this on their own, because if not then we really do not need to waste even more class time for the child. Explain how forcing this on kids will increase the quality or quantity of learning. There are 24 hours in a day, and a child is at school for 8 of them. Is the life of a child so busy that they can not afford a moment of reflect during the other 16? "

To MaskedVigilante 2 wrote on Oct 12, 2007 3:27 PM:

" What are you so afraid of? It is what it is, a moment of silence, nothing more, nothing less. When you go to a theater performance, do you observe silently for a time? When you go to a classical music concert do you listen silently? There is nothing religious about a moment of silence to non-religious people unless they want it to be. If the kid next to you is praying too loudly during the moment of silence, smack him upside his silly head. That will knock the religion out of the moment of silence and get him back on track. "

To; masked vigilante wrote on Oct 12, 2007 3:11 PM:

" I think you've been watching too much DaVinci code. there's no "religious code." It simply gives religious people their rights back that were stripped. you don't want to be forced to pray in school, fine I agree, no one should be forced to pray, as it's a personal matter. BUT I don't want to be forced NOT to . This gives everyone ample opportunity to practice their beliefs. The Christians can pray to God, the Muslims to Allah, the atheist's can think about how science is the center of the universe. It doesn't matter what's thought about, this is a personal choice. And by the way the laws only ban "SCHOOL led prayer." Meaning mandatory for everyone. I could still pray at lunch before I ate (and often did.) This just gives a few seconds for those that wish to SILENTLY bow their heads and for others to enjoy a refreshing minute, before being bombarded w/ info. Why are you so scared of what someone thinks in their mind? Are you one of those people who are afraid of everything from my SHS seeping into your lungs that you now fear my private thoughts "polluting" your way of thinking? "

MaskedVigilante wrote on Oct 12, 2007 2:37 PM:

" Observing a moment of silence serves no non-religious purpose. If it were truly a non-religious time dedicated to non-religious contemplation, they would call it Study Hall. "Moment of Silence" is just regious code for prayer. "

To: MaskedVigilante wrote on Oct 12, 2007 1:53 PM:

" There is nothing unconstitutional about this. This law neither establishes a religion, respects and established religion, or prevents anyone from partipating in a religious practice. This law mandates a moment of silence. Think of it as a personal meditation time. A time to reflect, gather thoughts, mentaly prepare. Clearly something that you have NOT done. "

MaskedVigilante wrote on Oct 12, 2007 1:22 PM:

" I've seen the point made several times, yet many of you are still missing it. This is unconstitutional. Keep your church out of the public school system. Please don't try to argue about the wording of the law; this is clearly another attempt at school prayer and we all know it. You may not indoctrinate the captive audience in a public school. The constitution doesn't care whether you think it would do a lot of good. "

Jon wrote on Oct 12, 2007 12:09 PM:

" I'm going to feed my kid burritos every night and tell him exactly what to do when the appropriate moment of silence draws near. Your kids won't be able to lead a prayer if they're holding their noses. "

Chicken Bone wrote on Oct 12, 2007 11:55 AM:

" Attention Students-Due to the rantings of the right winged nut-jobs, your liberal brainwashing and socialist indoctrination will have to wait 15 seconds so you can observe a moment of silence. During this moment of silence, try not to think on how the end of the world is at hand because you were required to shut up for a moment or two. "

To Curly wrote on Oct 12, 2007 10:41 AM:

" I take issue with you linking the name of Moe Howard with our current governor. Moe was a sharp business man who handled the finances. He was also a very devout family man. He hosted cook outs for the cast, crew, and families as well as doing what he could with the shooting schedule. Linking his name with someone who threated to lay off 90% of the state troopers because he didn't get his way is a great disservice to a fine human being and a comedy legend. "

in agreement w/ hmmm wrote on Oct 12, 2007 10:24 AM:

" If you're opposed, your heart is in a strange place. No one is telling these children what they have to do w/ the moment of silence. Maybe the opposed should take a moment of silence themselves to figure out the real reason they're opposed...? God help our country & the downward spiral it is taking. And people wonder what's gone so wrong. Think people, think! Unconstitutional?? YOU need to brush up on your history, fellow American! "

A moment of silence to reflect wrote on Oct 12, 2007 10:24 AM:

" Maybe a moment of silence to reflect why a majority of people in the world think they want to be an American. One Nation Under GOD with Liberty and Justice for ALL. I would recommend that the people who oppose the moment of silence think about what is best for the child. To take a moment and be still is something that could just help them learn more of they studies that they are sent to school for. I see it as a good start to the day no matter what your belief toward life. "

To Sad Day wrote on Oct 12, 2007 10:22 AM:

" you stated "then way are Christians trying to hard to find some way to force prayer into Church?" Who is forcing your kid to pray? this is a moment of silence, NOT a public led prayer. Are you so scared of your kids developing an idea on their own and maybe praying without your permission? GOD FORBID your kid has an idea of their own. "

OH NO!!! wrote on Oct 12, 2007 10:20 AM:

" My kid has to take a moment and think?!?!? I AM OUTRAGED! HOW DARE THE GOV'T GET MY KID TO CALM DOWN FOR A MINUTE! THE WORLD IS ENDING! My God people, are you really that petty of a law that will allow those who wish to pray a chance to do so and those that don't want to a couple of minutes of silence? Is this going to kill them? No! Is it going to harm them? No! Is it goping to inflict even the most miniscule mental scarring upon their pretty little heads? NO! So WHO CARES?!?!? Quit crying and deal with it. "

I would like to see wrote on Oct 12, 2007 10:12 AM:

" This used as an example of wasted government! One of these days, Illinois will wise up and become a REPUBLICAN state and all these nonsense laws will be thrown out the window!! As far as prayer in schools! My child should be able to pray when and where he wants to. If your child doesn't like it, he has the ability to walk away or turn his back! IN GOD WE TRUST!!! "

Illinois Traveller wrote on Oct 12, 2007 10:07 AM:

" State level imposition of "requirements" for particular moments of each school day reveals, yet again, the basic patriarchical attitude of government toward schools and teachers. Legislators on both sides of the aisle will start earning their paychecks when they require excellent professional development for teachers and excellent levels of funding for schools, as well as appropriate ways to pay for them. "

Meh wrote on Oct 12, 2007 8:49 AM:

" I have a better idea. Let's have mandatory prayers in the following denominations and faiths: Catholic, Protestant Christian, Muslim, Jewish, Hindu, Wiccan, Flying Spaghetti Monsterism, Buddism, and whatever other faiths and philosophies that are represented in our schools. Lets go all the way down that slippery slope that the fundies are pushing us over. "

hmmh wrote on Oct 12, 2007 8:32 AM:

" Why wouldn't the children recognize a moment of silence? If they don't that is an indicator that they are troublemakers plain and simple. So they deserve a detention. First of all they will. Have you ever been in a lunchroom at school? A moment of silence does not indicate what you have to have running around in your head. If someone opposes I believe they are just liberal troublemakers. Period. If someone wants to say a prayer fine. If they want to daydream about last nights movie fine. But it should give everyone a chance to calm themselves which goes a long way in starting a calm day. "

The Issue wrote on Oct 12, 2007 8:27 AM:

" that I see on here is one of lack of respect. A moment of silence in respect for "xyz" is such a bad thing? Why? What is wrong with a deep breath, clearing of thoughts, and focus on the upcoming tasks at hand? Perhaps this will give teachers an opportunity to gain control of the classroom as the day begins. You anti-everything except self people need to get a grip. A moment of silence is uncomfortable to you because you are uncomfortable with being alone with self without distractions. "

To Sad Day: wrote on Oct 12, 2007 8:10 AM:

" You need Jesus! "

stupid wrote on Oct 12, 2007 6:22 AM:

" This is unconstitutional, period. I wish like heck I did not have to fund this with my tax dollars. In typical Brady fashion, religion is being forced down our throats. "

Reader wrote on Oct 12, 2007 6:17 AM:

" I find it interesting that this didn't make it into the paper until the vote was finished. It wasn't newsworthy when they were debating it. I wonder why. "

Tom Terrific wrote on Oct 12, 2007 5:50 AM:

" Use the moment of silence to come up with something better than "the dog ate my homework". "

to: "sad day" wrote on Oct 12, 2007 5:18 AM:

" And what do you say about Islam? Do you think that could find it's way into the schools? I do. How about a heathen ideology such as the one you suggest? ummm, it's already there. "people are scared of Christians"? Wasn't it 19 radical followers of Islam that attacked our country on 9/11? Why yes, I believe it was. Isn't it the radical Muslims who continue to make threats against the United States, and Israel? Why yes, I believe it is. Isn't it radical Muslims like Osama Bin Laden who want to force the Sharia (Koranic law) on everyone in the world, including heathen atheists such as yourself? Why yes, I believe it is. To all of you Republican haters out there remember this, our state in plagued with Democrats in Springfield. "

Sad Day wrote on Oct 12, 2007 1:31 AM:

" Why is it that Christians think non-Christians 'fear' the moment of silence? I believe that is feared is that Christianity will slowly creep it's way into our schools, and turn them into Christian madrases. Is Christianity such a weak belief that it needs to be able to sway young minds so that it is accepted? If not, then way are Christians trying to hard to find some way to force prayer into Church? No, people are not scared of moments of silence. People are scared of Christians, and anything that could even be derived as opening the door to them to brainwash children into their little cult. "

teacher wrote on Oct 12, 2007 1:25 AM:

" A moment of silence? Yeah, right. We put 30 kids in a room, give them unstructured time and expect a moment of silence? Good luck with that. "

Here's an idea! wrote on Oct 12, 2007 12:04 AM:

" I have an idea! Instead of making kids stand around and pray or reflect or do whatever it is they're supposed to do, why don't we let the schools focus on education. I'm not afraid of prayer, I'm afraid we're gonna have stupid kids because the schools are required to do this crap instead. "

WHAT?!? wrote on Oct 11, 2007 11:53 PM:

" How is this even an issue?? I don't know what's worse, the fact that somebody is trying to make this a law, or the fact that people out there think this is about school prayer. When did people get so nuts??? "

this is stupid wrote on Oct 11, 2007 10:24 PM:

" One more thing the poor teachers are going to have to worry about. There isn't enough time during the school day now, lets just take more away. What a waste of time. And what does this have to do with non-believers. Kids already have time during the day to contemplate thoughts. Walking down the hall, lunch, study hall. I can paddle a boat just fine by myself. "

to MRS. wrote on Oct 11, 2007 10:07 PM:

" I seem to be getting on just fine without your sky spirit. "

Meh wrote on Oct 11, 2007 10:06 PM:

" This will be found unconstitutional. Pray to the Easter Bunny on your own time. "

In Japan wrote on Oct 11, 2007 9:47 PM:

" What does this law accomplish by requiring silence? Students can pray just about anywhere and anytime they want at school (Except during class. Well, I guess you could even then as long as you did it in your head!), and students can easily find time to take a quiet moment before school starts or during school if they so wish. How long is a "moment?" Is it a minute, five minutes, ten seconds? Can students do anything they want, like read or draw as long as it silent, or do they have to sit there? What happens to teachers, students, or schools that do no follow this rule? I guess the vagueness is good in a way because it gives schools leeway with how to execute the law. But really, it's pointless. It's the same law, only they changed "may observe a brief period of silence" to "shall." I think the old law was fine enough. If the school, parents, students, teachers agree that it would be beneficial, I say do it, but it isn't something that needed to be forced by law. "

Curly wrote on Oct 11, 2007 9:21 PM:

" To "Mrs.": You're right, it could be a prayer, or a chance to say the pledge of allegiance (as long as they don't include "God" in it". Or, to thank the Lord for providing us with a reincarnated "Mo" from the Three Stooges to lead our great state. To "Yup": Come on... do you really think Rod vetoed this bill because he thinks it's stupid? Rod is a huge fan of stupid. "

DH wrote on Oct 11, 2007 9:18 PM:

" Why is silence so disturbing to some people. Are you afraid a student may actually take it upon him/herself to think without adult direction. Is this not what educatioin is all about. To prepare students to enter the adult world able to think on their own two feet. "

Robert wrote on Oct 11, 2007 9:03 PM:

" I'm not a religious zealot nor am I an atheist, but I think that this really isn't something that belongs in the public school system. I think that belief in God or some other higher power should be taught at home UNLESS one chooses to send their children to a parochial school as I do. I'm not going to go run off all half-cocked and scream violation of my personal beliefs or mis-management of my taxes like many will do on here, but the fact is that this law will lead many people to believe that a moment of silence equates to prayer. After all, what is a moment of silence usually used for?? I do not lean to the left for the Dems, but I also do not lean to the right for the Repubs. Like most normal people, there are things that I am Liberal about, and there are things that I am Conservative about. But I think the Governor was right on this one. "

Whats the problem wrote on Oct 11, 2007 8:42 PM:

" As long as no one has to say anything or listen to anything I don't see what the problem is. The pledge to Allegiance has been taken away because it offended some. No they do not even want a moment of silence. This is crazy, gee if nothing else think about what your going to do after school. Give the rest of us a break and quit complaining. Next thing you know the National Anthem will be forbidden. Sad very very sad......what our nation is coming too. "

George wrote on Oct 11, 2007 8:26 PM:

" This is what happens when you get all those right wing democrats running things!! "

MRS. wrote on Oct 11, 2007 7:48 PM:

" What are you afraid of non-believers? You are really petrified at the thought of prayer aren't you? A moment of silence could be a prayer or it could be a chance to run through a verse of row row your boat. Speaking of, that is where you will be without a paddle without God. "

Repubs wrote on Oct 11, 2007 7:44 PM:

" If I'm not mistaken, Madigan and Jones control the legislature...put this one on the Dems. "

Wow, wrote on Oct 11, 2007 7:41 PM:

" are they going to have to face in the general direction of Mecca, too? Springfield, maybe? "

dumb wrote on Oct 11, 2007 6:53 PM:

" Wow Republicans, talk about big government! You MUST have a moment of silence, or else!!!! "

JD wrote on Oct 11, 2007 6:41 PM:

" Regardless of the agenda behind the moment of silence, does it really have any place in the schools? If a child feels they need a moment to silently reflect on things, should it not be done at home, where the child is most comfortable, and can reflect more easily. And if it is for prayer, should this not also be done at home? It does not matter which side of the debate one sits, neither intended purpose has anything to do with the education of all the children, and as such should not be forced upon kids. "

yup wrote on Oct 11, 2007 6:35 PM:

" Whats going to happen when the kids refuse to recognize the "moment of silence"? Are they going to receive a detention, suspension, expulsion, etc....? What will happen the first time some gang banger, who happens to be black, is disciplined for refusing to comply with rules? Enter Al Sharpton, Jesse Jackson, the NAACP, and ACLU. Furthermore, I would like to know how this is an attempt to promote school prayer. As liberal as Illinois is, I seriously doubt our "leaders" in Springfield/Chicago are attempting to promote school prayer. I would also like to know if this is really what we voted for? Come on, we just paid these politicians thousands of dollars to tell our kids they need to be quiet for a moment in school. I can't stand Rod Chicagovich but, I will give credit when it's due. He was right to veto this bill. Not because it's an attempt to "promote school prayer" because, it's a stupid law. "

Can you say wrote on Oct 11, 2007 6:20 PM:

" this one will be in the courts soon. "

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