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Schools, students vary on moment of silence observances
By Bob Holliday
bholliday@pantagraph.com
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NORMAL — It was just after 8:30 a.m. on a Monday and Chiddix Junior High School students were settling in for a busy school day. Associate Principal David Bollmann’s voice came over the public address system.

“Goooood morning…,” he said, leading students in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Next, came something new: A moment of silence.

“Let us now take a moment of silence to reflect on our day,” said Bollmann.

The moment of silence, now required by law in Illinois public schools, lasted about 15 seconds. Before the law took effect Oct. 11, schools had the option of having a moment of silence.

Schools throughout the area are following the law, even if some provisions, such as how long a moment has to be, are unclear.

And now a federal lawsuit, filed against Gov. Rod Blagojevich and a school district in Chicago’s northwest suburbs, asks the court to declare the law to be an unconstitutional attempt to inject religion into public schools. A hearing is expected to take place Monday.

Meanwhile, the students use the moment of silence to pray, reflect or sit and wait for classes to start.

In Jeff Porter’s seventh-grade social studies class at Chiddix, student Kaitlyn Patterson clasped her hands in prayer. “It’s a time to thank God for my day,” she explained later.

Fellow classmate Dallas Braaten used the time to think of the soldiers fighting in Iraq and those who died in the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.

“It’s their time to use as they see fit,” explained Bollmann, who added the moment of silence has not been an issue at the Unit 5 school.

“We’ve had no concerns from parents or anyone,” he said.

In other Unit 5 schools and those in Bloomington District 87, the moment of silence is being observed at the “opening of every school day” as the new law requires.

“Everybody is accepting of it,” said Unit 5 Superintendent Gary Niehaus.

Barry Reilly, assistant superintendent of human resources for District 87, said principals decide how to implement the new law that took effect earlier this month.

Students can observe the moment of silence in their own manner, said Reilly, adding, “It’s unique to the individual.”

Most area school districts surveyed last week also reported no problems with the law — and scenes like the one in Porter’s classroom are being repeated throughout Central Illinois.

However, as with many new laws, there have been some questions.

How long, for instance, is a moment of silence? The law is not specific on that point.

In the Heyworth school district, it’s just a few seconds, said Superintendent Randy Merker.

The length of time taken for the moment is up to each school district, said Matt Vanover, a spokesman for the State Board of Education.

There’s also no penalty for violating the law, he said, adding most districts have moments of silence lasting between nine and 20 seconds.

But, details such as how long to observe the moment of silence have slowed implementation in the Downs-based Tri-Valley School District.

“We haven’t decided yet how long to make it,” said Superintendent Brad Cox, who calls the new law “one more mandate.”

Cox said the district has no intercom directive for a moment of silence like there is at many schools, and he has not told his teachers to observe it.

“It would be safe to say that I can’t guarantee that there is a moment of silence in every classroom,” Cox said.

Still, school board president Larry Stark expects administrators to come up with a plan before the next school board meeting in mid-November.

Another Tri-Valley board member, Jay Chrisman, supports the law, agreeing the district simply hasn’t finalized details. “We will talk about it at the next board meeting,” Chrisman said.

The new law was not without controversy on the state level, becoming law after both the Illinois Senate and House overrode Gov. Rod Blagojevich’s veto.

Opponents had contended it was an end run around the Constitution and amounted to school prayer, while proponents said it was what it said was: A moment of silence.

That it’s not a mandatory moment for prayer was made clear in the Clinton school district, said Superintendent Jeff Holmes.

“We’re not telling anyone that they have to pray,” said Holmes, adding the moment typically lasts 10 to 15 seconds in Clinton schools.

Nobody, he said, has raised any concerns.

“The law is the law,” he said.



Moment of silence



This is the text of the section of state law requiring schools to allow a moment of silence:

In each public school classroom the teacher in charge shall observe a brief period of silence with the participation of all the pupils therein assembled at the opening of every school day. This period shall not be conducted as a religious exercise but shall be an opportunity for silent prayer or for silent reflection on the anticipated activities of the day. Source: Section 1 of the Silent Reflection and Student Prayer Act

Take a look
Students in Chiddix Junior High school teacher Jeff Porter's social studies classroom observe a moment of silence Oct. 22, 2007. (Pantagraph/STEVE SMEDLEY)
Chiddix Junior High student Kaitlyn Patterson, 12, observes the moment of silence after reciting the Pledge of Allegiance on Oct. 22, 2007. (Pantagraph/STEVE SMEDLEY)
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Reader comments on this story - 157 total

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.

I have no doubt wrote on Nov 12, 2007 12:29 PM:

" that "For JD" was written BY JD! HA! That is sad man!!! "

To: To: To JD wrote on Nov 11, 2007 11:25 AM:

" Don't you see, you can not even make a comment without attempting to throw your god into my face. That is why people are so aggressively against religious incursion of any type. If left unchecked, 'Christians' would do whatever it takes to force their religion on everyone. You make a nice rational post, but end with throwing your god into the picture. You can not just accept your 'peace of mind', you have to try and convince others they want it too. Just like this act, you are quietly plying conversion techniques while pretending you are not. It is not all your fault, you have been conditioned to do it, and are blind to the fact you are doing it. "

To: To: Get A Life JD wrote on Nov 10, 2007 10:00 PM:

" I am not trying to make you feel guilty, I was just stating my point of view of your comments. Through my life, many things have influenced the way I care about others. I learned through Jesus that everyone is important to Him, and everyone needs help, whether through Him or others. I'm sorry if it irks you that I pray for you. Even though, I will pray for you each day during this moment of silence that you so hate. May God be with you always. "

for JD wrote on Nov 10, 2007 11:32 AM:

" JD, I read your comments. I like your comments. I agree with your comments. I look forward to your comments. Thank you for saying things that need to be said. Thank you for your continued patience. Keep up the good work! "

To: Get a life JD wrote on Nov 9, 2007 11:31 PM:

" Do you realize that in your post saying that not all Christians are like I am saying, you are being like I am saying. I do not need, nor want, you to pray for me. Yet you feel the need to not only do it, but tell me you are going to do it. You attempt to apply guilt in the hopes I will see things your way. You are feel I should not think how I do, because you do not think that way. Thus, I must be wrong because obviously you are right, eh? Don't you see that you just proved my point in your attempt to disprove mine? "

Get a Life JD wrote on Nov 9, 2007 7:08 PM:

" I go to NCHS, I am a junior, and I am a Christian. I use this time for prayer, and probably am one of the few, I admit. JD, you need to get off your soap box. This law was not for as you said "taking advantage of their innocence and converting them through fear". You have a hare-brained idea of Christians being condescending jerks out to put down all that is "evil" in their sight, and to be tyrant revivalists forcing others to model behaviors like them. You have a wrong viewpoint, even if a certain sect of Christianity is like that. I can be as bad as those men of God you refer to. Nobody is perfect, luckily God saved all of us. God is pure, he is incredible, and he loves you, JD even if you don’t believe it. "

west student wrote on Nov 9, 2007 4:53 PM:

" i don't see what the big problem is the teachers at my school dont care weather you talk or not and somepeople just sit and are quiet and others talk.. no one is forceing anyone to do anything it just gives the people who would like to pray, reflect, think ect.. a moment to do it "

DH; TO: "To: To JD" wrote on Nov 9, 2007 8:30 AM:

" If knocking on your door is the WORST thing Christians do, I would support that indefinitely. And as I said, there are radicals out there that do, do crazy things "in the name of god"... even giving money to that organization does NOT support wrong doings... I give money and time to an organization that feeds the homeless, that clothe the poor, the provide day care for kids, and help some people find reasons to live. I am confused ont he things you think Christians do, I for one dont know personally any other Christian who does ANY of those "negative" things (that influence your life) Trying to compare Christiananity to Terrorism is pretty crazy, and people like you really need to be educated. I am sad for you, and I will pray for you. By your logic, since there have been "bad, corrupt" people in the government, we should probably just get rid of the government right? "

To: To JD wrote on Nov 8, 2007 7:21 PM:

" You support an organization that does all those things, regardless of if you do it or not. If you give money to an organization that supports terrorism, yet you do not commit terrorist acts, can you say that you are innocent? This is what I mean by Christians attempting plausible deniability. You feel that because you have not done it personally, then your organization is exempt. Can a person be innocent if their left hand commits a crime, but the right hand doesn't? "

To JD wrote on Nov 8, 2007 12:40 PM:

" I think it is unfair to say things like "men of god molesting children". Just because I sit behind the controls of a plane does NOT make me piliot!! I would suggest that most of those cases were people who had that planned the entire time. And these people hurt the religion by exploiting things people originally trusted, I highly doubt that the religion turned them into that. I will admit there are extreamist on the Christian side as well, but I think that is stereotypeing, you wouldnt do that with race, why would you do it with relgion. I have never knocked on your door, I have never doen anything with children, I have never tried to convert you... I think you should just stop attacking people... "

JD wrote on Nov 8, 2007 12:04 PM:

" I post alot on the topic because it is one that is very important to me. Ever since I was a child, I have watch Christianity try to force it's way into all aspects of life. I have had to run Christians off my doorstep, trying to peddle their religion door to door. I have had Christians talk about me behind my back, because I will not worship their god. I have watched as 'Christians' have committed heinous acts in the name of god, while other 'Christians' condemn the act, but support the result. I have seen the results of 'men of god' molesting kids. I just want the kids to be able to make an educated decision about their beliefs without Christianity taking advantage of their innocence and converting them through fear. "

Ed wrote on Nov 7, 2007 11:03 AM:

" Lets see,what do I believe in God or the big bang theory? "

To: JD wrote on Nov 7, 2007 8:18 AM:

" Damn, this JD person wont just leave people alone, he just loves upseting people, he is on EVERY post about this topic. I almost find it sad, that this is the most important thing ini his life... Just to reiterate part of the law "...This period shall not be conducted as a religious exercise but shall be an opportunity for silent prayer or for silent reflection on the anticipated activities of the day..." I will post this on the other one for ya too. have a great day! "

What? wrote on Nov 6, 2007 11:33 PM:

" Paul was not the founder of Christianity! Where do you get that? Saul (later called Paul) was an unbeliever who persecuted the Christians greatly. After meeting Jesus on the road to Damascus, he was baptized, washing away his sins. From then on, he preached the gospel (good news) of Jesus. If a man like Paul who breathed murderous threats against the Christians and made it his business to put them in jail, can change than so can all of you who hate Christians now. By the way, the reference on Paul meeting Jesus is in Acts 9 just in case a few of you care. "

BlogHog wrote on Nov 6, 2007 10:03 PM:

" It amazes me little, if any, concern is expressed regarding the teaching of spanish as primary language to non-english speaking students in our public schools, or removal of the flag from educational institutions where foreign students find such offending...but a moment of silence? This appears to be an issue of grave consequence to many. I believe our priorities are once again in serious question. "

Truth wrote on Nov 6, 2007 7:35 PM:

" While the apostles may not have realized that Jesus was the Messiah at the beginning of His ministry; they certainly did by the time that He ascended into Heaven. It must be very difficult to be a youth these days when no one tells the truth. At least during the moment of silence, they are free of being fed any lies. "

minuteman freshman wrote on Nov 6, 2007 11:49 AM:

" we need a division between church and state. every day we do the silence...I just sit there and do nothing, then the pledge of allegiance. if anything, just the pledge "

To: Happy Day wrote on Nov 6, 2007 9:50 AM:

" There is also a guy named Jesus, or rather alot of them, living in Mexico. Does that make them all 'the son of God', grant them all divine power, and make them all martyrs? Proving some guy named Jesus existed is far from proving that 1) It was the same Jesus. 2) He had divine powers. 3) He was the son of God. 4) etc. You are trying to prove something using tangent connections which may, or may not, have any correlation. There are records all over talking about a guy named Jesus. Some could quit possibly talk about a rape conviction. Are they the same Jesus as you talk about? "

To: Hum wrote on Nov 6, 2007 8:59 AM:

" You are encouraging the students to be disobedient. Disobedience deserves discipline. Perhaps these students may stay after school to allow more time for humming. Is a moment of silence really worth causing problems? I thought we were wanting to encourage our children to be more tolerant. "

To: Sad Day To: Happy Day wrote on Nov 6, 2007 7:41 AM:

" Actually there are Roman and Jewish records proving a man named Jesus did live at the time Christians claim he did. Jews will tell yuo, as will MUslims, that their followers have known about Jesus for 2000 years, but they dont think he was the Messiah. Actually, Jesus's own apostles didnt hink him a Messiah. Only Paul, who didnt even know Jesus and never met him. "

To: A Beleiver wrote on Nov 6, 2007 7:30 AM:

" I doubt you know much about Christianutty, most Christians dont. Most I have talked to dont know Jesus had a brother, or that Saul (Paul) - the very founder of Christianity, never even met Jesus. In fact, Jesus's apostles never accepted Pauls version of Christianity. But you all do. "

HUM wrote on Nov 6, 2007 7:14 AM:

" Please instruct your students that are oppossed to this to hum in unison when prayer time begins. "

JD: To a believer wrote on Nov 5, 2007 6:44 PM:

" You seem to think that what the bible says has some factor on if it should be forced on others or not. Regardless of the message, people are getting tired of Christianity's in your face approach. People are getting tired of Christianity trying to permeate every fiber of society, and force people to lead what a select group of people deem "a good life'. People are tired of Christianity continually trying to find some way to get into schools to convert the youth who can not make an uneducated decision about it. People are tired of 'Christians' disavowing 'extremist Christians' while profiting from the violence. "

A Believer wrote on Nov 5, 2007 4:03 PM:

" As one who has not always embraced the teachings of Christianity but does now, I feel very sad for those of you who are so ignorant of it..I can tell by many of the comments that most of you have never read the Bible even as a piece of literature. If you had, you would know that the premise of Christianity is that all true Christians realize they are not perfect and never will be. God accepts all those who seek him. Helping those who sin to find their way to eternal life is His goal. Many bad things have been done "in the name" of something - some in the name of religions, but many not - witness Columbine. Children who were not accepted and loved - this is the saddest part of our world. If the moment is only used for children to reflect on how to treat others, it's worth it. "

Pepsiqueen53 wrote on Nov 5, 2007 12:55 PM:

" We have churches so we can pray into, not our schools. Next the government is going to tell us where we can go to the bathroom at. Hey folks! Is that what you really want. NOT ME! "

Stinko wrote on Nov 5, 2007 6:43 AM:

" 15 seconds? Get over it. "

Sad Day wrote on Nov 4, 2007 8:12 PM:

" There is an old saying, to believe half of what you see, and nothing of what you hear. History is nothing but hearing about events. History has the flaw of being recorded by human beings. As such, it will always contain inaccuracies, omissions, and bias. The bible is even more unreliable, as it was translated from a dead language. In translation, the words and phrases often have no direct translation, and what is translated a rough description. Also, some words have multiple meaning, so the translators the meaning the think it should have. The dead sea scroll translation contained many occurrences of each. "

To: Sad Day wrote on Nov 4, 2007 5:32 PM:

" So, the knowledge we have about Napolean should I assume that is fact or opinion, since that's only recorded. This could be very confusing. History is really a waste of time, because that information is only recorded. "

student wrote on Nov 3, 2007 10:32 AM:

" I'm a chiddix junior high student and a budhist. I do a budhist prayer before the school day not a christian prayer. We don't even have to pray if we don't want to mr.bollman said when he first told us about the moment of silence he told the whole entire school on the intercom that it is a time for a silent reflection on the anticipated activities of the day he didn't say anything about prayer. Mr.Porter(the teacher) probably told his class that you can pray because his dad was a priest so he probably is a strong christian. Most kids think its a stupid law and don't think about anything during the time of silence. "

TO CONSTITUTION wrote on Nov 3, 2007 3:26 AM:

" YOu don't know English very well. The word "or" would give choice, as in either or. The word "and" means mandated - linked this and that, not providing choice. If you are ggoing to be a proponent for a point of view, at least have some clue about what you mean and not try to sound as though you have a clue DUH "

Sad Day To: Happy Day wrote on Nov 2, 2007 11:51 PM:

" It is most definitely NOT a fact Jesus lived. The only 'proof' is what is written in the Bible referencing Jesus, and that makes it no more factual than to say that Herakles existed. This is the problem with religion. Once people get involved in it, they can no longer separate fact from fantasy. Fact means it can be proven. This means some sort of concrete evidence must exist for validate the claim. A fact can not be disputed or disproved. Until then, it is just conjecture. Just because you believe it, it does not make it fact, it makes it opinion. "

nchsjunior wrote on Nov 2, 2007 8:12 PM:

" i am not really against htis new law, partially because even though i am not relgious at all its not like they are forcing u to pray or conduct religous activies durin the few seconds of silence. I mean most of the time so far, my first hour teacher would just make fun of the school announcements because the already last like 10 minutes. whats another minute gonna do to us? it allows those who have relgions to pray or whatever and it allows us to catch up on homeork that we spaced on lol. i mean its not wrong and its not good either. and even though its basic theory of this law is for relgoius reasons, most of us dont use it for those reasons. "

to Don't need just faith for evidence wrote on Nov 2, 2007 9:22 AM:

" So what if Jesus existed? Does that mean he's a god? "

Happy Day wrote on Nov 1, 2007 9:33 PM:

" I am a Christian. I do not view myself better than other people because I know I'm not. I don't think non-Christians are bad people. All I know is that is that Christ came into my life and he changed me. I'm sorry that you have had conflicts with the church and people within the church, but let me tell you that Christ loves you and that he wants to know who you are. p.s. it's a fact that Jesus lived, it's not whether he lived or not, it's whether he was the Messiah "

Sad Day: To Sad Day wrote on Nov 1, 2007 7:51 PM:

" You know, you did not answer any single one of the questions I raised. Are you saying that if someone is not religious, then they are just inherently a bad person, breaking the rules and disrespecting ones parents? That is just preposterous, and given the history of Christianity could be said to be very incorrect. You attempt to create the illusion that just because you are religious, you are somehow better then everyone else. The reason why you do that, I am not going to venture a guess. I will say that IF there was a Jesus, he is not the only person to ever have died 'for others'. "

Don't need just faith for evidence wrote on Nov 1, 2007 4:14 PM:

" It sounds like you need to see to believe. Why should I believe what was written in history books then? How do we know that Napoleon's conquests are true. I mean they were written about by several sources, but I never saw it with my own eyes. Jesus' life was documented in many different time periods by many different individuals. Read "The Case for Christ" if you need more tangible evidence. Just read it. "

to To: Sad Day wrote on Nov 1, 2007 3:07 PM:

" Please provide evidence that a man named Jesus died for my sins. Faith isn't evidence. Thanks. "

To: Sad Day wrote on Nov 1, 2007 9:30 AM:

" You have a good reason to be sad, because you seem not to have experienced much love. With love, there is no rules because desire keeps me from breaking any rule that might have existed. Love is what keeps us from hitting our parents when they make rules that we dislike. Love is the reason we follow God's rules. Jesus loved us enough that we wouldn't have to be tortured for all eternity, that's worth some love in return. How much more could He give? That's the reason that He's worthy of my prayers of thankfulness. "

Sad Day wrote on Oct 31, 2007 6:25 PM:

" Religion has always confused me. Why would an omnipotent god created such an inferior being as man, give man free will, and then tell man to do as he is told or he will be tortured for eternity? Especially when this god would know the result of everything prior to it happening anyway? Why would a god be mad that his creations are using what he gave them, knowing what they would do with it beforehand? Also, how can it really be freewill when an omnipotent god would know the choices his creations would make before hand. That is predestined, not free will. Religion is full on contradiction unless one chooses to be blind to them. "

Manny wrote on Oct 31, 2007 4:49 PM:

" It's great! Those that want to pray to the spaghetti monster may, and those that want to pray to Jesus Christ, the Son of God, may. It's a win, win situation. And, all others can make sure their shoes match. There are no losers! "

to get real wrote on Oct 31, 2007 1:54 PM:

" No less plausable than your mystical man in the sky and us Pastafarians demand equal time! "

get real wrote on Oct 31, 2007 1:10 PM:

" spaggetti god? You should be a comedian. "

Ah..the human ego wrote on Oct 31, 2007 12:54 PM:

" Isnt it funny? According to most major religions, God created the entire universe for the sole purpose of creating manking and then listening to out prayers all day everyday. Please let The Cubs win the World Series, please let me have the raise I want, please get my daughter into Harvard, please let my dog be ok after his operation, etc, etc, etc. Think about how fantastically ridiculous it. The notion that God - the creator of the universe - exists to serve us!!!! If there is a god, are you really arrogant enough to think he really just sits around, hovering over earth in our tiny corber f the galaxy, waiting to hear our prayers every day? He couldnt even find adam in the Garden of Eden after Adam realized he was naked!!! But somehow thing he can hear all of our prayers simultaneously and know everything we do??? Our boundless human ego creates this expectation. Face it ppl - in the face of how powerless we really are, mankind created God, then created the prayer as a means of influencing God to do what we want. "

Section 1 of the Silent Reflection and Student Prayer Act wrote on Oct 31, 2007 10:28 AM:

" If you want me to buy that we are keeping seperation of church and state, perhaps a better name should have been chosen. IT is labeled the student prayer act. Bottom line, this is against the constitution. I knwo I will probably get blasted by the jesus freaks but how can you argue that this isn't a "religuous law", once we start passing these laws we are on a slippery slope "

YadaYada wrote on Oct 31, 2007 10:22 AM:

" "Agreed", et al., prayer in school by students is a Constitutionally protected form of speech. For years, students could pray at public schools......at the flagpole, in the halls, in the classroom, anywhere they desire to pray. So, religious students didn't need this Illinois act to pray in school. This law is just the latest affirmation of the individual's previous and historical right to pray in schools. "Lizzie" as a Christian, I recognize the rights of non-Christians not to pray. Non-Christians should recognize my right to pray. I believe this Illinois law is named appropriately. The name of the act makes it clear that every person, regardless of which side of the controversy they find themselves, recognizes the rights of all other persons involved in the controversy. For the first time in my lifetime, I see religious folks and non-religious folks, standing together, in brief, quiet assent to the rights of all others. "

Wendell wrote on Oct 31, 2007 9:47 AM:

" Another example of an adult using a child to make their message. I have commented in another forum on this topic. Whether we agree or disagree with the law that was enacted, the schools do not have the right to pick and choose which laws they will adhere to. My grandfather spoke often of leading a horse to water but being unable to force him to drink. I think that applies here as the word of God is present and available to everyone. No one however can force one to take it in. Respect the decisions each of us have made and we alone will be accountable for the result. "

To subtle manipulation wrote on Oct 31, 2007 8:41 AM:

" I feel bad for you that your only experience with Christianity has been so bad. Could we not, just as easily, say that you have been brainwashed into this negative view of God and Christians? Do not judge groups of people. Judge people based on their own individual actions. This shouldn't be too much to ask. "

Funny wrote on Oct 31, 2007 8:37 AM:

" This article gets about the same number of hits as passing out oral contraceptives. Now, which would we rather have "pill time" or "moment of silence time"? "

Subtle manipulation wrote on Oct 31, 2007 7:47 AM:

" Let's be honest here, we all know the purpose of this moment of silence. It is for prayer. Lying about it's purpose only serves to show how deceitful and manipulative you bible thumping dogma peddlers really are. People that need to beleive in a God soooooo badly are weak. And they would have no interest in doing anything good for anyone if they didnt think they were buying their way into heaven somehow. All major religions boil down to greed and fear. We want everlasting life in paradise (theres the greed) and we are afraid of burning in hell (there's the fear). So, we are basically bribed and threatened to be good little Christians and Muslims, Jews, etc. If "God" did not offer eternal life in paradise NO ONE WOULD FOLLOW "HIM". That makes all of you superficial. Lets move away from this crutch we call religion and just be good people. Sadly, Christians will never leave Christianity. Why? Because they have been brainwashed to beleive that to do so would mean to burn in hell! What an effective threat by which to manipulate people! Take a lesson. "

Toadlicker wrote on Oct 31, 2007 12:54 AM:

" Nice job Illinois, looks like you have Kansas in your sights. Now just mandate a little pseudo-science and you could have the whole ignorance enchilada. "

kid wrote on Oct 30, 2007 7:49 PM:

" You have it opposite, our school is trying to cut every corner possible. It went from 15 to 12 to 10 seconds. Teachers are getting mad because it's cutting into their teaching team. "

To: kid wrote on Oct 30, 2007 6:27 PM:

" The amount of time does not matter. What starts as 8-12 seconds eventually get bumped up to 30 seconds with enough patience and payoffs. Then it is 1 minute, than 5, etc. All this because of the mentality of "it is only a moment, or two". Government and religion are not organizations to ever say 'okay, that is enough'. Once the ball is rolling for either group, they continually push it more and more. The only way to stop it is by nipping it in the bud at the start. Unfortunately, most Americans are too ignorant to see it, and more importantly, too lazy to fight it. "

kid wrote on Oct 30, 2007 5:31 PM:

" Do you people realize that the "reflection time" is only 8-12 seconds long? "

To: Agreed wrote on Oct 30, 2007 5:03 PM:

" There will never be TWO moments of silence for prayer for Muslims, as this would be counterpoint to the reason of the act. After all, if all religions could apply pressure equally to the non-religious students, the Christians would lose their monopoly on it. And you know how that works, the Christians do not like to share with anything non-Christians...that means, from their perspective, anyone but themselves. "

Agreed... wrote on Oct 30, 2007 4:49 PM:

" I agree with Lizzy. The downfall of this law is in its name. The part that reads, Student Prayer Act screams of violation of Church and State. The name implies a religious prefrence. If it didn't it would allow Muslim students ample time to pray for Salat-ul-Zuhr (at Midday) and Salat-ul-Asr (Mid-Afternoon). The current law only provides for one moment of prayer. If you are going to make a momement of silence, make it a moment of silence. If you are going to make a prayer time, make a prayer time that is fair to all religions. "

Lizzy wrote on Oct 30, 2007 3:30 PM:

" My only issue is the title of it - Silent Reflection and Student Prayer Act. Why not drop the "and Student Prayer Act" and just leave it as silent reflection?? It would be much more pc for everyone and it keeps religion and state separate. "

Respect Our Differences wrote on Oct 30, 2007 2:29 PM:

" No one complained about a national moment of silence after September 11th...no one complained about the moment of silence taken at ISU and in universities across the country to remember the tragedy after the Virginia Tech Shootings. No one complained this loud when our President expressed his hope that God watch over these victims. We adults are responsible for making these things a huge issue and it's nothing to be proud of. How about teaching children to accept differences in each other and how about schools allowing for that as part of the students day? Maybe then it wouldn't be an issue that children who do or don't pray are made fun of. You want your children to be true to themselves, but only in the privacy of their own homes. Sheep at school. That's a great lesson to teach children. You should be ashamed of how you treat each other and the values you are leaving to your children. "

Question? wrote on Oct 30, 2007 9:42 AM:

" What happens if I want to talk, sing or chant during the brief period of silence because that is the way I pray? The law text above only says that the teacher must provide the time period. What happens if a student doesn't want to be silent? Is that student in violation of the law? Does the school have recourse upon that student for not observing the moment of silence? Can legal action be taken upon that student? Wouldn't that be a violation of Freedom of Speech? This has to be one of the worst laws ever put on the books. Now I will protect a student's right to pray in school with my life, but to mandate a prayer time seems to be taking it too far. This seems like something thought up by Al Queda or the Taliban, not something from America, land of the free. Is this why we are sending our sons and daughters half-a-world a way to risk their lives? "

The Student wrote on Oct 29, 2007 7:53 PM:

" Dear everyone, hears the deal...I am a student and I do the moment of silence everyday. Whether you agree with having it or not, it is a great time for me to just take a breath of fresh air and prepare me for the day. There are other students in my grade that wouldn't agree with me, but with life being so rushed it feels good to take a couple of seconds and calm down. For me personality, the power of prayer is a must in my life. I care deeply about the students around me and whether they have a relationship with Jesus Christ or not, it is a set time to give the students the free will to reflect on their relationship. Thank you for your time. "

To Glenn Elementary wrote on Oct 29, 2007 4:05 PM:

" I highly doubt that there is no moment of silence there. Clearly, this is a topic that we all know about; notifications were sent to Unit 5's building administrators. Do you think that they would break a state law? I have more faith in my school district than that. "

Constitution wrote on Oct 29, 2007 4:04 PM:

" Doesn't our US Constitution guarentee us the Freedom of Religion. This is simply allowing a moment to exercise that right. No requirements are set. Some of the non-supporters on this need to read the whole sentence, it is truely not fair to argue with half a sentence, It says, Silent Reflection and Student Prayer Act. The word "and" means it allows for both not just one, incase that isn't clear, it means they have a choice of the two. For those of you who do not believe there is power in prayer, why do you fear it, so why do you oppose it. For those of us who believe there is power in Prayer, we are going to continue praying, personally I have been guilty of tuning out the teacher a few times, so I could have a moment of prayer any way. "

Silence wrote on Oct 29, 2007 3:45 PM:

" I never said anything about the moment of silence being used to pray. The children are to use that time to do whatever as long as they are silent. I am just simply pointing out that since we have started to remove any type of moral authority from the schools we have seen a drastic increase in violent crimes. Immigrants (as we all were), like it or not, America was founded with Jesus in mind. I do not believe that we would need 5 moments, 1 should be enough to accommodate everyone. Lack of god (pick one) = more and more violence in school. This spills over into adult life, and we see more poverty, higher and higher divorce rates, and so on. Maybe if one of the kids that shot up one of the schools (pick one) stopped for 15 seconds and knew that god loved him he... well you get the point. "

get over it wrote on Oct 29, 2007 3:40 PM:

" While at school, our students need moments to make some decisions about classes, lunch, friends and such. They are young adults, decisions get more frequent and severe. There are several good exposures at school where thay can choose to participate like music, acting and even mentoring, Now, consider the exposures at school that are not "Allowed" for but are happening anyway. Smoking, Drugs, Sex, skipping Class. Obvoiusly the new Law considers the students as being capable of making the choice of what to do with the Monment. Life is a matter of choices and the consequences for those choices, when anyone is given a moment of silence, they will most likely reflect on what is strongest on their heart, there are no requirements here. "

Mostly a waste of time wrote on Oct 29, 2007 3:22 PM:

" As someone who spends a lot of time in many different schools, I think that this is just a watse of time. Yes I know its only 20-40 seconds a day, but that adds you to over and HOUR OR MORE of instructional time that is WASTED throughout the year. We do so many other things that are wasteful that the kids soon will be going to school just to move from one room to another without learning anything. "

Im just going wrote on Oct 29, 2007 2:34 PM:

" to through this out there, no where does this act require students to prayer, it requires schools to allow the students the option to pray or stay silent....and i never heard so many personal attacks like you people have done on here, no wounder our world is full of violence because people feel the need to attack others in order to feel better about themselves... "

To Strange wrote on Oct 29, 2007 12:56 PM:

" How do you draw a corrleation between the Pledge and school violance? The reason "to God" was removed is because we are a nation of immigrants, and that no longer just includes Christians or Catholics. While it might not be implicently implied that it is a momemnt of prayer, it certainly equates to that. If it isn't why don't we have five momemnts of silence to accomidate for Muslim faith? School shooting are probably more a direct cause of longer work hours and parents spending less time with their kids. Whether part of that time is with God, Budda, of Alla is a whole other thing. "

to strange wrote on Oct 29, 2007 12:46 PM:

" I have a theory - I think the increase in violence has a lot to do with the lack of consequences. We are too soft - kids won't stop picking on kids if they don't fear the consequences and then the teased kids go nuts, what do you expect? When I was in school we feared the paddle and I don't think I knew anyone that it was used on. My kids aren't scared of going to the principal's office - I have been told "you just sit in the chair, it isn't a big deal". Maybe there needs to be a better punishment. I am not saying bring back the paddle but you have to give them consequences they fear. Instead of sitting in the chair make them clean the lunch room, bathroom or something. I remember having to stay after school to clean ONCE - it never happened again! "

gc wrote on Oct 29, 2007 12:36 PM:

" I like the idea, I do not like other's religious beliefs pushed on me or my kids but this is a moment of silence - do with it what you will. Who cares what the bill is called, this may help these kids start the day a little more refreshed, it is an opportunity to collect your thoughts before you start school. I think it is a good idea - it is hectic at my house in the morning - I think my kids need a moment! Besides, my kid learns more about religion in school talking to his friends than whatever the staff pushes on him (and I didn't mean that happens but that is what a lot of folks are suggesting). If you don't like how things are going in your school then home school your kids or, better yet, discuss your beliefs with your kids, let them experience these and other beliefs and let them choose what they want. I was allowed to experience other religions when I was younger, it was interesting to experience and educational! "

To JD wrote on Oct 29, 2007 9:25 AM:

" I understand your confusion about Christianity. You view it as a worldwide organization. Most of the world does. These people you know about aren't true Christians. There is no proper world organization of Christianity. Churches should be organized on a local level only. Christ is the head of the body of believers. If he isn't than it isn't really the church. I will say it again, you can't judge me based on what others do in the name of Christianity. "

Strange wrote on Oct 29, 2007 8:29 AM:

" Does anyone find it strange that in the past 20 years we have seen more school shootings and violent crimes in our schools? Is it a strange coincidence that in that same time the Pledge of Allegiance was take out of school because the phrase "under god" was in it? Find it a little strange that people like the "Sherman's" have made it so there can be no mention of god, and yet we read in the papers almost weekly that kids are killing other kids in school? I may be crazy, but it seems to me that absence of god in schools, any type of moral authority, has increased violent school crimes. "

It's Only a Moment of Silence wrote on Oct 29, 2007 8:08 AM:

" It is only a short time of silence for each individual to use as he/she pleases. Your child does NOT have to pray. Some of you are so eager to jump at the opportunity to bash christianity and religion. Again, your kids can this time however they want to......they can just sit and think about their day, meditate, or whatever. And waht does this time of silence have to do with being a Republican or Dem.??? In this instance, itt simply doesn't matter whether you are Muslim, Christian, black, white, gay, straight. etc. It is just a moment of silence to do with what you wish. C'mon.... some of you need to relax and try to not always make a problem out of nothing. "

To: RE:To: MRS wrote on Oct 29, 2007 4:30 AM:

" Are you still not a part of the organization that committed all those heinous acts? So you not continue to support that organization, knowing full well all the evils it has committed? To this very day, people blow up abortion clinics in the name of 'God' and Christianity, the same Christianity you support. Christians still travel to aboriginal tribes and try to destroy their culture through bribery and threat of 'damnation'. Look at Ireland, where they have been fighting over different flavors Christianity for ages. This is all the same Christianity you support with your words, your actions, and your money. How can you claim innocence? "

JD: To JD wrote on Oct 28, 2007 11:18 PM:

" I have read the Bible. It is a good piece of fiction. I would put it on par with some of Homer's work. About Christianity, todays Christian can not absolve themselves of all the blood their religion has shed in the past. Even in the Bible, the Christians were often killing non-Christians in 'the name of God'. What you are attempting is plausible denyability. You wants absolution for yourself, while continuing to support an organization which, by todays standards, would be guilty of crimes against humanity. It is like saying that if you only give money to terrorists, you are not guilty of anything since you personally are not killing anyone. "

Ah well, wrote on Oct 28, 2007 10:58 PM:

" Oh well, I am glad there are so many of you against something like this, more space and Faygo for me after I die. "

Children! wrote on Oct 28, 2007 10:56 PM:

" Class, class please settle down! Yada Yada please return to your seat. You may all discuss this after school. Let's talk about today's assignment. Can anyone tell me what the word "deciduous" means? "

To As A Child wrote on Oct 28, 2007 10:55 PM:

" I actually agree with you, its getting to be about time for a crusade. I have to say I am personally ready. So, there is my rsponse for your "lock and load comment." Bring it. "

RE: To: How about this wrote on Oct 28, 2007 10:42 PM:

" Actually, I don't feel that my kids need a moment of silence...my children haven't even brought this subject up to me, nor do I ask them how they spend their "moment of silence". I don't want them influencing anyone, for your information. I'm just tired of everyone making such a huge deal over this. Yes, the law may have "prayer" in the title...but only AFTER the "moment of silence". Everyone is so eager to draw their guns and fight and call names...it's what, 20 seconds? Let's just deal with it. All we are doing is setting an example for our kids that they can fight the laws when they don't agree with them....something that could land our kids in jail one day. "

I'll use my wrote on Oct 28, 2007 10:36 PM:

" moment of silence to pray to the almighty Spaghetti Monster, who is just as real as the "God" that Christians pray to. "

CC wrote on Oct 28, 2007 9:55 PM:

" Students have a right to pray, read their bibles or holy books in study hall before or after school. For all the individuals who think prayer is a waste of time and energy after the body of believers get taken out of the earth by the rapture, who will you complain too when the antichrist forces a one world religion and one world government? Be thankful we live in America. "

to JD wrote on Oct 28, 2007 8:59 PM:

" Not everyone that claims to be a Christian, acts like a Christian. They should, but they don't. Please judge a person based on his actions not the actions of hypocrites. There are plenty of them out there and they are actually hurting the cause of Christ. I encourage you to read the Bible for yourself instead of judging the faith on what you have heard. I believe in hearing both sides of something before you make a decision. "

Church v State wrote on Oct 28, 2007 8:48 PM:

" This is the first only reasonable thing that has come from the Blagojevich administration! As a Heyworth alumni now living in the Chicagoland area, I see this as Christrian encroachment into the schools. However, the last laugh may be on them. How do we allow one moment of prayer for Christians, but not five moments to Muslims? Would the taxpayers funds be used to buy a payer room with prayer rugs for Muslims? Should we eliminate Pork from school menus as not to offend Muslims or Jews (as they have done in Oak Lawn). Or, should we eliminate all beef from the menu as not to offend a Hindu? Under church and state if we allow privialages for one religion, we must allow them for all. Growning up in Heyworth, I didn't know anyone who was Jewish, Hindu or Muslim. Now I work with them everyday! "

As a chiild wrote on Oct 28, 2007 8:45 PM:

" I was indoctrinated. I was forced to sing "Onward Christian Soldiers." But I rejected the hateful and warlike culture of Christianity. When Christians can't force their religion on you with laws, they will kill you and brainwash your children. They have proven that over and over again around the world. They came to America. They went to Africa and Asia and Australia and everywhere they went they slaughtered in the name of God. The Christians are dangerous. Lock and load, my friends, and fight this scourge. "

this country was not founded as one nation under god wrote on Oct 28, 2007 8:31 PM:

" it was founded be cause of religous freedom and many of the first setlers were indentured servants ie slaves and guess what they were white .please before one starts spouting off about our money take into thought that not everyone voted on what is put on it .leave the silance and moment of prayer out of the schools and try and learn something new people . "

What's wrong? wrote on Oct 28, 2007 8:24 PM:

" Many ask "What's wrong with moment of silence?" We'll then, what's wrong with a moment of screaming? It bothers you? So what? Silence bothers me. You big government Republicans don't want to be told that you have to share the wealth that God gave to you, but you have no problem forcing more and more laws down the throats of the rest of us - right along with your fantasy religion. Borrow and spend Republicans have taken it even farther. Now they want our childrens minds. I hope the courts overturn this Nazi idea. "

RE:To: MRS wrote on Oct 28, 2007 8:09 PM:

" As it has been said many, many times I am responsible for telling of God's love and free gift through His Son Jesus. It is everyone's choice what to do with Jesus, accept or reject him. I am a sinner saved by grace. I don't ant the job of Judge; God will deal with those you speak of in his way. Now, I don't want to offend any minority, Please don't take offence but what you are saying To: MRS is we are all responsible for every slave that was hung or beat even though I didn't take part in those hideous acts and I don't even know anyone that "owned" slaves. So, if you are white you are responsible for what happened. Now does that sound right? No it doesn't any more than you can say I, as a child of God am responsible for what someone does that I never knew and wouldn't want to and by the way, are you 100% sure your ancestors didn't take part in any wrong doing through History? "

RE:A Teacher wrote on Oct 28, 2007 7:52 PM:

" What are you going to do if your students refuse to do anything at the beginning of the day? Since right now it is law and you punish them they will turn you in, some just because they can? Isn't part of the law a teacher can't get in trouble for not allowing it? "

To: MRS wrote on Oct 28, 2007 7:11 PM:

" How can you try and disavow yourself of Christianities bloody history by saying to live in the present, when your religion is based off living in the past? You can not conveniently accept something you feel happened in the past, while trying to tell others to get over other things that happened in the past. All the bloody things committed by Christianity in the past ARE understood. It was Christianity spreading itself through bloodshed, torture, and death. Christianity is one of the most hypocritical religions in existence, and your selective blindness shows just that. "

??? wrote on Oct 28, 2007 6:44 PM:

" re:MRS... I don't want to get to know Jesus. Why? Simply because he is a figment of your, and so many other manipulated imaginations. You need comfort in religion. I find comfort within myself. I need not rely on imaginary men who watch over me all the time to act good. I act good because I know it is in the best interest of the human race. I have an innate quality that requires me to not kill, steal or rape. I don't need a book to tell me not to, I know so instinctively. Your lack of looking beyond religion and wanting to convert everyone is tantamount to being a brainwashed zombie. You say not to live in the past. Well, you are living in the past by living through an archaic thought process called Christianity. "

A Teacher wrote on Oct 28, 2007 6:37 PM:

" Not gonna do it and don't care what the gov't says. "

Glenn School wrote on Oct 28, 2007 6:29 PM:

" Does do it. It is right when they do the school pledge and the Pledge of Allegiance. It is barely noticeable but it is done. "

MRS. wrote on Oct 28, 2007 6:17 PM:

" Christians are human; they sin just like a non-Christian. Sometimes one may THINK they are a Christian but missed it some way. I don't know one single Christian that wants to kill anyone. Just the opposite, we want all to accept Jesus so they may live forever. The body will die but the soul lives forever, either in Heaven or hell. If someone can continue to live their life as they did before they became a Christian and they aren't convicted of their sin perhaps they might do good to talk with someone. I know about holy wars and I don't understand them. I don’t understand the Salem Witch hunts. We are not supposed to understand everything. Live in the present not the past. You can't do anything about yesterday but you can have an affect on today and tomorrow. "

to YadaYada wrote on Oct 28, 2007 5:59 PM:

" Got news for you, buddy, MY people didn't kill Jesus since MY people were living in Poland and not anywhere near the Middle East. In fact, I think it was followers of another Abrahamic religion that killed Jesus, not atheists. "

JD to: Wonder wrote on Oct 28, 2007 5:51 PM:

" People are frightened of religion, Christianity in particular, because of its history. Christianity has been responsible for the destruction of millions of people, the obliteration of many cultures and beliefs, a plethora of wars, and a record of torturing to death people who the religion felt did not believe in Christianity enough, in the right way, or at all. Christianity, on the whole, is rife with corruption, misconduct and sexual deviation. Christianity was, up to a few hundred years ago, doing the same things the Muslim extremists are doing today. The question should be, why isn't everyone afraid of religions. "

Unit 5 teacher too... wrote on Oct 28, 2007 4:32 PM:

" and I see no problem with it, nor have I heard or witnessed any problems with 30 seconds of silence. Stop making a mountain out of a mole hill. "

Not a Big Deal wrote on Oct 28, 2007 4:12 PM:

" Giving the students a time to to refect, pray, breathe, meditate, etc. is a good idea. No one is saying your child has to pray.....it is their choice. This is simply a few minutes (or seconds of silence). I'm a little concerned and baffled why some of you bloggers are making such a big deal out of this and are so paranoid about religion being taught. The Illinois law doesn't even mention God or religion. Why are you making such a big issue out of it. There is nothing wrong with students having a small (very small) amount of time to chill out and relax during a busy and sometimes stressful day. It's time to quit playing the victim and always assuming someone is out to get you or "shove religion down your throat", as one of you stated. Your kids can use the time however they want to, so please stop making more of it than you need to. "

Wonder wrote on Oct 28, 2007 4:09 PM:

" Why does religion frighten some so much? "

YadaYada wrote on Oct 28, 2007 3:57 PM:

" Dear "What are you afraid of?", if THEY killed the Lord Jesus Christ himself, THEY will kill all the followers of Jesus Christ just as quickly and surely..............consider the fate of the 12 Disciples (save one) and the tens of thousands of Christians who have subsequently been mistreated, tortured and murdered. And, THEY are writing in this blog, spewing THEIR hatred for prayer in school because THEY believed they were winning the battle for the minds and souls of our children; THEY hoped to indoctrinate our children with their godless, hate filled agenda through the state. Now, the people of God are fighting back and winning; we are slowly but surely taking back our country. THEY are the ones on the ropes, now, and THEY are gnawing on their tongues. "

Go Kaitlyn wrote on Oct 28, 2007 3:35 PM:

" Great pic girl. Way to set the standard and use your time wisely. Love, an Eastview mom "

It's all good wrote on Oct 28, 2007 3:33 PM:

" HANDS DOWN. What a great way for everyone to start their day. Maybe State Farm, Country, ISU... will start their days with a moment of silence. It is the purest form of freedom of speech. "One nation under God" "

in response to "To ???" wrote on Oct 28, 2007 2:53 PM:

" Based on your comment of "“one nation under god” and “in god we trust” by the God fearing geniuses who wrote our constitution", your lack of education is showing. The founding fathers were around in the 1780's, “In God We Trust” was added to our coinage in the 1860's during the religious fervor created by the civil war, and "under God" was added to the Pledge of Allegiance during the 1950's during religious fervor created by the Cold War and the Red Scare. Learn before you type. "

Gee, when does teaching take place? wrote on Oct 28, 2007 2:42 PM:

" Between "Silence", PE, "Diversity indoctrination", class room changes, study hall, home room, lunch, and other administrative crap, our kids get maybe 2 hours of teaching a day. "

I pray wrote on Oct 28, 2007 2:36 PM:

" I pray every day, for parents to be more involved with their child's education. That the children take responsibilty for their actions, academics, self-respect etc. This is even before the school day begins. "

YadaYada wrote on Oct 28, 2007 2:00 PM:

" "ES", prayer in school is legal........only it (prayer) may not be initiated by the state. If students, who are not the state, initiate the prayer, it is perfectly legal. They didn't need this Illinois law....they can pray out loud, they don't need silence! If you are really a teacher, I hope you attempt to prevent your students from participating in the moment of silence. It'd be great to read about you in the middle of a lawsuit where you lose every asset you have and spend the rest of your life as a "fired teacher." "to BN Liberal", are you really trying to tell me that the Nazis (Socialists) and Communists were/are not authoritarian? Get Real! That may be the most ignorant statement you have ever made, but I doubt it. And, "clintonite", the words "under God" are still in the Pledge of Allegiance recited by the school children these days, and "In God We Trust" is still on our currency. "

to A Message to All Atheists wrote on Oct 28, 2007 1:41 PM:

" I don't care where you pray. Just don't try to pressure my kids into doing it. "

why not wrote on Oct 28, 2007 1:27 PM:

" Strangely individual can find wrong in reflecting in a moment of silence, for the day is full of rush ,rush to starbucks and hurry ,hurry to the fast food joint to eat . Now having our children training their minds to reflect on something postive whatever they use that moment for it is far better than taking a moment to find fault in another gathering their thought than aimlessly going with the flow.And as for people not believing in a God of the universe it always amaze me when fear comes or laying on death beds that moment of silence is most time reaching for God ,and many say this when danger is at their door( Oh my God) see you don't realize but you soul knows where it came from ,it is a reflect beyond yourself in moment of fear. "

To: reader wrote on Oct 28, 2007 12:57 PM:

" So explain to me how a moment of silence increases the quality or quantity of education. Explain to me why mandating it in schools is needed, or even wanted. Prior to the mandate, schools had the option of having a moment of silence. So explain to me why it is of so much importance that it needed to be mandated. The only obvious reason for mandating it is the Student Prayer part of the act. Mandating schools set aside time for prayer is unconstitutional unless you want to live in the Middle East. So explain to me why the need to mandate it exists, and what proven gain is had by having it. "

reader wrote on Oct 28, 2007 11:00 AM:

" A moment of silence is just that .Do with it what you want people .If you believe in God or something then so be it.If you don't well then have a moment of silence for that .And if you don't care then you have a moment to reflect on that .Look at it this way the moment you are having is a moment you aren't studying learning about doing something you won't ever use again.And in the that moment of silence you might decide what you really want to do.Live in that moment. "

Silence of the Lambs wrote on Oct 28, 2007 10:02 AM:

" We should pass a law allowing 20 seconds of thought and prayer that the voters of the state of Illinois can get rid of Blago and Jones and whatever whacko legislators thought that this bill was important enough to pass. Idiotic!!!! "

To ??? wrote on Oct 28, 2007 9:38 AM:

" ??? - I hope you realize the fallacy in your own argument. The “silent reflection and student prayer act” is a two sided coin. If your student wants to sit quietly and not pray while another wants to sit and pray, the law allows for the rights of both students to be exercised. How much more fair and democratic can you get. Perhaps if you do not want to live in a country that was founded on the ideas of “one nation under god” and “in god we trust” by the God fearing geniuses who wrote our constitution, yet saw fit to provide protection for the rights of people who do not share their ideas, you should consider moving. There are places in the world that do not allow the rights of the masses to be trampled by the rights of the few. "

Baloney wrote on Oct 28, 2007 9:24 AM:

" This law is garbage. Anyone know where I can send money to help support the federal lawsuit filed against it? What a load of crap. Pray to your invisible man in the sky at home, not on my tax dime. "

Get a life wrote on Oct 28, 2007 9:07 AM:

" It is a few seconds. No one is going to be indoctrinated in a few seconds of silence every morning. If you are so afraid of a few seconds of silence, then maybe the problem isn't the silence. If you think religion is silly, then your child can reflect on how silly the moment of silence is. If the name of the act was the silent moment act, would everyone feel better? "

clintonite wrote on Oct 28, 2007 8:48 AM:

" what is wrong with having a moment of silence? when i was in school, we said the "pledge of allegiance" every morning and we had GOD left in. it taught me about partriotism for our country. if we don't stick by our country and GOD, what does that say about our citizens? this world has become so switched around in the way of thinking, that it's changed the way WE MUST live because of the majority or what some OTHER group will say. i believe that GOD should have been left in the school pledge AND that GOD should be left in "IN GOD WE TRUST", because without HIM, we would NOT be here!! "

Unit 5 Teacher wrote on Oct 28, 2007 8:16 AM:

" I agree with all the others who say find something more important to get behind. A lot of these students use this time to think about the good choices they are going to make to have a positive and good day. Maybe some of the parents should take the time to do that. If you have a positive mindset it is proven that you are make your day better. Why wouldn't we want our kids making that part of their routine...it makes them mentally healthier and maybe even mentally healthier adults. If prayer is their choice then who is to say they aren't praying throughout the day. As a teacher of young kids during discussions religion comes up and that is okay. It is good for them to start understanding everyone believes differently. "

MRS. wrote on Oct 28, 2007 7:44 AM:

" I wonder why the Pantagraph refuses to print the fact that schools all across this country are setting aside prayer time for Muslims and it is more than once a day and more than 15-30 seconds. They tell you straight up it is for prayer. Teachers, why is that being done? It may not have hit your school yet but it is coming. A moment of silence is just that. It includes everyone. It isn't a conspiency to get kids to pray to someone their parents don't believe in but are scared to death of. So much for letting your child choose.Tell your kids to use those few seconds to figure out why you are afraid of a "non existing" God. Talk about confusing. Mom and dad are scared of things that "aren't real" I bet that reasures them. "

Silent Reflection and Illinois Congress Prayer Act wrote on Oct 28, 2007 7:34 AM:

" If this is helpful enough to spend time on for "saving our children," maybe the Illinois Congress should spend a few moments each morning pondering the metaphysics of actually getting some things done. A budget would be nice. "

A Message to All Atheists wrote on Oct 28, 2007 4:22 AM:

" I am going to pray regardless the time of day or if it offends all of you. Live with with it or find a place that does not offer this freedom to me. "

To: How about this wrote on Oct 28, 2007 1:28 AM:

" The moment is implied to be used for prayer, even in the very name of the act. Instead of reflecting on current events, maybe the kids should be taught about the events first. The name of the very act implies it is for prayer. I do not expect religious zealots to understand. Those are the same people who attempted to dress up creationism as science in order to sneak it into schools. If you feel your child needs a moment of silence, then why not have it at home, before you send them to school? Oh, that is right, then they would not be able to influence others. "

ES wrote on Oct 28, 2007 12:08 AM:

" Honestly, as a teacher, I will allow them to pray when the state allows the districts to be paid. Do you know why your local tax dollars are on the rise? The state refuses to compensate the majority, 51%, of a district's budget. You know who the shortfall is handed to, I assume. Correct, the local property taxes. So the state comes up with some ridiculous over-reaction to a "Holy War" and still refuses to pay the legal requirement to nearly every district in the state. Folks, do not be fooled. What is wrong with the moment of silence is that it is a step closer to organized prayer. And if you do not think some teachers are telling your kids to pray, you would be very very wrong. This is a perfect example of the removal of civil liberties. "

al wrote on Oct 27, 2007 11:38 PM:

" well it seems that kids are easily influenced when it comes to 20 seconds of silence, but beat them over the head all day long with a liberal agendas like global warming, homosexuality and we say they are old enough to decide for themselves. so which one is it liberals? "

HOW ABOUT THIS... wrote on Oct 27, 2007 11:25 PM:

" they can use the moment of silence to think about all of the SCHOOL SHOOTINGS that have occurred, or about all of our military men and women DYING FOR US, or about all of the recent attempted kidnappings. It does NOT MEAN THEY HAVE TO PRAY. They can think about all of the things they have to look out for or be thankful for. Everyone who is upset over this needs to MOVE ON. No one is forcing anyone's kid to pray or anything like that. You just need to stop with all the "they can't make my kid pray" and realize that NO ONE is making your kid pray. Just DEAL WITH IT already. "

w/e wrote on Oct 27, 2007 10:51 PM:

" the whole thing is just basically pointless. because the entire time through out the "moment of silence" my class mates just giggle, whisper or do something on the computers. we dont' even give a crap about it, we just want to move on with the day. "

To: Whacky Christian wrote on Oct 27, 2007 10:30 PM:

" Well there are 2 scenarios presented. 1. Kids are smart enough to make their own decisions, thus they would be smart enough to decide for a moment of peace at a place of their choosing, and not need it to waste time at school. 2. Kids are not that smart, thus susceptible to the suggestion of religion during a mandated moment of silence. Both are valid reasons NOT to have a moment of silence. What is going on is not fooling anyone but those wanting to be fooled by it. Just as I.D. was nothing short of creationism, this is nothing short of religion in schools. Regardless how vague it is worded, there is no justification for it. "

Cavewoman wrote on Oct 27, 2007 10:00 PM:

" Why are people so outraged by this moment of silence, when they can show that stupid inconvenient truth Gore movie to my kid to try to indoctrinate him in that global warming "religion"? Global warming is a religion for people who don't believe in a higher power (like people REALLY control nature, hah!) "

Teacher 2 wrote on Oct 27, 2007 9:55 PM:

" I also am a teacher like many others that have left comments. In my first hour class I allow the students to do what they feel comfortable doing. This may be to pray or just "focus" on the daily tasks of high school. I do agree this is a sneaky way to get "religion" into school. I feel very sorry for the student and the family that have had to deal with the rude children in first hour. Why is she getting made fun of for not praying. The question I would ask is where is this teacher? Are the kids making fun of her when she is in the classroom? If I were her I would talk to someone at the school about this. The next thing we are going to be dealing with is a case of bullying! Maybe there should be a law for that! "

let teachers teach wrote on Oct 27, 2007 9:54 PM:

" teachers have had to become so much more than just teaching - taking on parental responsibilities that are sorely lacking for some. If you need to pray, reflect, whatever, and it just a few seconds, just do it - don't require the creation of yet another distracting organized activity to do so. I pray all day long in quite moments. Parents - teach that. "

I wish wrote on Oct 27, 2007 9:43 PM:

" that our government cared less about about a moment of prayer (aka a moment of silence) and more about education. Ask anyone who works in public education . . . let's pass a law that requires kids to be in school a certain number of days per year rather than this stupid crap! "

What? wrote on Oct 27, 2007 9:31 PM:

" Most of our state congressmen have been observing a moment of silence for years, the only problem is that it lasts until lunch time. That is why they did not inform the schools how long a moment should be. They mandated it, so they would not be alone. Maybe we should get our governor to observe a moment of silence and give us all a little peace. "

Soooo, what's wrong.. wrote on Oct 27, 2007 9:30 PM: