Letters to the Editor
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non-sectarianism and free speech
Nice article. It--especially the Air Force Academy anecdote-- makes me think about one Jewish leader (I forgot the name, back in 1996) saying that we're living in a predominanty Christian nation, so what if public prayers are Christian and December is filled with Christmas trees and creches? I agree. If I were living in Israel in the Christian minority, I wouldn't expect a non-Jewish prayer at a public event.
But proselytizing on either side is another matter. I think there should be regulations against proselytizing in any public venue except the church; it has no place at the Air Force Academy, whose business is to train fighters and fighter suppor. If those fighters/supporters want to proselytize, let them go to seminary.
Street-corner proselytizing is fine as long as it is not of a harassing nature (yelling, disturbing the peace, etc.). Handing out leaflets or setting up an information booth is fine. You only see right-wing Evangelists proselytizing so loudly; you never see this from Buddhists, Hindus, Muslims, or Jews (or Catholics!)
I think trying to de-Christianise public prayer is too draconian. If there is to be any public prayer, then it should reflect the faith of the speaker, or what the speaker wants to say, unless it is of a harassing nature (e.g. "And Jesus, please save the Jews, who will burn in the eternal flames of Hell if they do not take up the cross and follow you"). If a Rabbi is called to give the only prayer at some event, that is fine. I fully expect to hear a Jewish prayer. But I can do without reference to the State of Israel, which is a political issue.
Bottom line: Keep it civil. Tolerate but don't legislate. And if any group can't play fair, you're gonna get some guidelines.
But we don't have to go all the way to prohibiting free speech in the name of POLITICAL correctness-- which is exactly what it is, on both sides.
Y'all play nice, now.