True Freedom of Religion and Speech at Waikoloa Elementary
39 Comments
J
Johanna Park
9 years ago
I think it is very important to teach the children about upholding the Constitution. The Establishment Clause of the First Amendment to the United States Constitution prohibits the government from not only favoring one religion over another, but also from promoting religion over non-religion. Twenty-five percent of Americans are non-religious. Teaching Christian beliefs in a public school teaches all children to disregard the constitution and worse it forces religious beliefs onto other people's children. If the school would like to celebrate a diverse assortment of religious songs and teachings that would show they are following the law and respecting all of their students rather than favoring the Christian students. Teaching and modeling patriotism is easy to do without conflating it with Christianity. People will claim that a song that says "God bless America" is not a Christian song therefore it should be permitted. . That argument is unpersuasive because #1. "God" is a religious belief which is not permitted to be taught in public school and #2. The many comments and responses to this petition clearly demonstrate that it is Christians who support exposing children in a public school to one religion. Separation of State and Church was actually championed by the Baptists in Virginia when the State religion was then Episcopalian. The Baptists were fighting for true Freedom of Religion and expected the government not to favor one religion over another. This includes non-religion as well.
C
Chris
9 years ago
This makes me sad and angry. Where's our freedom of speech.
L
Leilani Obenchain
9 years ago
It amazes me that someone thinks that this is ok. Changing something that has been in place for many years just because it "hurts their feelings" if you don't like it don't participate! But do not make the rest of the people around you conform to your ways! That is wrong!
N
Noelani Mackowiak
9 years ago
Tell that person go back where they came from obviously they wasn't there before if waikaloa school has been doing that all this time until now people need to wake up America needs God that why America is so messed up because they want to leave God out oneday people will find out when Jesus returns for his children hopefully they get saved before then
T
Trista Walker
9 years ago
I think that these should be taught in school!
M
Melissa Samura
9 years ago
Sing um!!
B
Bernadette Akau
9 years ago
They need to move to another country or planet
L
Lisa Olivarez
9 years ago
"I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all."
N
Not Yourbusiness
9 years ago
Waikoloa Uber Alles
N
Not Yourbusiness
9 years ago
You have a fundamental misunderstanding of what America is.
N
Not Yourbusiness
9 years ago
If you want your Judeo-Christian anthem sung, you better give the same respect to Athiests and Satanists.
L
Lorna Saito
9 years ago
I think that person is not giving us our freedom!
S
Sandra Mariano
9 years ago
This is America let there be GOD in it.
T
Terri Pedro
9 years ago
Supporting 100%
C
Cindy Reece
9 years ago
Featured
I am a local taxpayer. My AMERICAN earned dollars support this school that sits on AMERICAN soil. As such, expressions of AMERICAN patriotism should not only be allowed, but encouraged!
R
Roger Butler
9 years ago
I don't know if these people take the name of God in vain or the name of Jesus in vain, but should be sued for that and they should sue everyone who curse on public property.
G
Greer Mckeen
9 years ago
Featured
These old practices does not hurt anyone and teaches children to respect the flag and what the flag stands for.
D
Dale J Hahlbeck
9 years ago
Featured
I live right behind the school in Panilolo Estates subdivision and look forward to hearing God Bless America, The Star Spangled Banner, Hawai'i Pono'i and the Pledge of Allegiance every morning. We the people demand the right to celebrate our God and Our Country in OUR schools and if an idiot doesn't like it then move. You saw the school before you moved in an YOU are the MINORITY. Leave us, THE MAJORITY alone. We have the RIGHT to be Patriotic and God loving more than you. Remember we elect our officials to represent the MAJORITY not an ignorant few.
R
Robin Eising
9 years ago
Please don't take the fact that the whole entire Human Student Body learn these important songs while they are young , as a way of loving and respecting their nation , but continue to acknowledge daily as they grow the importance to show pride and respect for their Country and others .
I think it is very important to teach the children about upholding the Constitution. The Establishment Clause of the First Amendment to the United States Constitution prohibits the government from not only favoring one religion over another, but also from promoting religion over non-religion. Twenty-five percent of Americans are non-religious. Teaching Christian beliefs in a public school teaches all children to disregard the constitution and worse it forces religious beliefs onto other people's children. If the school would like to celebrate a diverse assortment of religious songs and teachings that would show they are following the law and respecting all of their students rather than favoring the Christian students. Teaching and modeling patriotism is easy to do without conflating it with Christianity. People will claim that a song that says "God bless America" is not a Christian song therefore it should be permitted. . That argument is unpersuasive because #1. "God" is a religious belief which is not permitted to be taught in public school and #2. The many comments and responses to this petition clearly demonstrate that it is Christians who support exposing children in a public school to one religion. Separation of State and Church was actually championed by the Baptists in Virginia when the State religion was then Episcopalian. The Baptists were fighting for true Freedom of Religion and expected the government not to favor one religion over another. This includes non-religion as well.
This makes me sad and angry. Where's our freedom of speech.
It amazes me that someone thinks that this is ok. Changing something that has been in place for many years just because it "hurts their feelings" if you don't like it don't participate! But do not make the rest of the people around you conform to your ways! That is wrong!
Tell that person go back where they came from obviously they wasn't there before if waikaloa school has been doing that all this time until now people need to wake up America needs God that why America is so messed up because they want to leave God out oneday people will find out when Jesus returns for his children hopefully they get saved before then
I think that these should be taught in school!
Sing um!!
They need to move to another country or planet
"I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all."
Waikoloa Uber Alles
You have a fundamental misunderstanding of what America is.
If you want your Judeo-Christian anthem sung, you better give the same respect to Athiests and Satanists.
I think that person is not giving us our freedom!
This is America let there be GOD in it.
Supporting 100%
I am a local taxpayer. My AMERICAN earned dollars support this school that sits on AMERICAN soil. As such, expressions of AMERICAN patriotism should not only be allowed, but encouraged!
I don't know if these people take the name of God in vain or the name of Jesus in vain, but should be sued for that and they should sue everyone who curse on public property.
These old practices does not hurt anyone and teaches children to respect the flag and what the flag stands for.
I live right behind the school in Panilolo Estates subdivision and look forward to hearing God Bless America, The Star Spangled Banner, Hawai'i Pono'i and the Pledge of Allegiance every morning. We the people demand the right to celebrate our God and Our Country in OUR schools and if an idiot doesn't like it then move. You saw the school before you moved in an YOU are the MINORITY. Leave us, THE MAJORITY alone. We have the RIGHT to be Patriotic and God loving more than you. Remember we elect our officials to represent the MAJORITY not an ignorant few.
Please don't take the fact that the whole entire Human Student Body learn these important songs while they are young , as a way of loving and respecting their nation , but continue to acknowledge daily as they grow the importance to show pride and respect for their Country and others .
Shame on the district superintendent.