National Day of Prayer is ruled 'unconstitutional'

[Jolie Rouge]

Federal judge: National Day of Prayer is unconstitutional
By Warren Richey -- Thu Apr 15, 9:05 pm ET

A federal judge in Wisconsin declared Thursday that the US law authorizing a National Day of Prayer is unconstitutional.

US District Judge Barbara Crabb said the federal statute violates the First Amendment’s prohibition on government endorsement of religion.

She issued a 66-page decision and enjoined President Obama from issuing an executive order calling for the celebration of a National Day of Prayer.

The National Day of Prayer was first authorized by Congress in 1952. Since 1988, the date has been set as the first Thursday in May.

The judge stayed her own injunction pending the resolution of any appeals. “I understand that many may disagree with [my] conclusion and some may even view it as critical of prayer or those who pray. That is unfortunate,” Judge Crabb wrote.

'The government may not endorse a religious message'“A determination that the government may not endorse a religious message is not a determination that the message itself is harmful, unimportant, or undeserving of dissemination,” she said. “Rather it is part of the effort to carry out the Founders’ plan of preserving religious liberty to the fullest extent possible in a pluralistic society.”

The action came as a result of a lawsuit filed by members of the Freedom From Religion Foundation, a Madison, Wisconsin group founded in 1976. The group is pledged to promote the concept of separation of church and state. It also seeks to educate the public on matters of “nontheism.”

The Rev. Barry Lynn, executive director of Americans United for Separation of Church and State, praised Judge Crabb’s ruling.

“This decision is a tremendous victory for religious liberty,” he said. “Congress has no business telling Americans when or how to pray.”

Lynn added: “The Constitution forbids the government to meddle in religious matters. Decisions about worship should be made by individuals without direction from elected officials. That’s what freedom is all about.”

Navigating between US Supreme Court rulingsJudge Crabb said the case challenging the prayer statute arose at the intersection of competing lines of US Supreme Court jurisprudence. On one side, the court has said that the government violates the First Amendment’s establishment clause when it endorses a particular religious belief or practice, such as prayer.

On the other side, the court has also ruled that some public displays of religion are merely “ceremonial deism,” reflecting a general religious heritage, but not crossing the line to unconstitutional endorsement.

Crabb said in her view the key test between these two conflicting lines of decision is whether the government’s conduct “serves a significant secular purpose and is not a call for religious action on the part of citizens.”

She said the law establishing a National Day of Prayer cannot meet that test. “It goes beyond mere acknowledgment of religion because its sole purpose is to encourage all citizens to engage in prayer, an inherently religious exercise that serves no secular function in this context,” the judge wrote. "In this instance, the government has taken sides on a matter that must be left to individual conscience,"

Judge Crabb said her ruling is not a "judgment on the value of prayer or the millions of Americans who believe in its power."

She added: “Recognizing the importance of prayer to many people does not mean the government may enact a statute in support of it, any more than the government may encourage citizens to fast during the month of Ramadan, attend a synagogue, purify themselves in a sweat lodge, or practice rune magic.”



http://news.yahoo.com/s/csm/20100416/ts_csm/294988;_ylt=An4EovlDbXO1_Wa8TGNQ76eMwfIE;_ylu=X3oD MTJzbGJhYWE0BGFzc2V0A2NzbS8yMDEwMDQxNi8yOTQ5ODgEY2 NvZGUDbW9zdHBvcHVsYXIEY3BvcwM1BHBvcwM1BHNlYwN5bl90 b3Bfc3RvcmllcwRzbGsDanVkZ2VuYXRpb25h


The "Day of Prayer" is not requirement .... no one is punished for not participating.... and in fact you can pray in any manner you choose : by fasing, attending synagogue, by purify themselves in a sweat lodge, or practicing rune magic.... So what is the problem ?? Does it hurt or infringe on anyone to say : "Hey, let us recognise the importance of prayer in our life and in the formation of this nation."

[freeby4me]

If you can pray any time, any where and to any God, why does the Government need to set aside a specific day to pray?


Im on either side of this one.

It wont hurt me any for people to pray, but why should a government thats supposed to be a "non-religious" identity set a day for praying?


Serious question, cant the Pope set aside a day?

[Jolie Rouge]

Serious question, cant the Pope set aside a day?

Pope prays everyday - I think it is part of the job description. ;) ;) ;)


Seriously - they put aside days for other stuff : Tiger Day, Saints Day, Bus Driver Day... most people are not even aware of it unless it intimately involves them in some way. So they people who like to pray have "their day" and Saints' fans have their day ... and everyone else goes on about their busniess.

Example : Today We're Celebrating: Apr 16th 2010 National Wear Your Pajamas to Work Day : De-stress after pulling an all-nighter to prepare your taxes by wearing your PJs to work. Talk about casual work attire!

This week:
Administrative Professionals Week
Cleaning For a Reason Week
National Coin Week
National Volunteer Week
Sky Awareness Week
Consumer Awareness Week
National Inspirational News Week
National Paperboard Packaging Week
National Window Safety Week
Spring Astronomy Week
Police Officers who Gave Their Lives in the Line of Duty Week
Turnoff Week ( Earth Day spin ... turn off lights, unnessesary appliances ect )

This month:
Deaf History Month (03/13-04/15)
Alcohol Awareness Month
Cancer Control Month
Car Care Month
Child Abuse Prevention Month



National Day Of Prayer 2010 Cancelled

The National Day of Prayer, first designated by President Truman and made permanent by President Reagan, was celebrated by an ecumenical service in the White House by President George W. Bush every first Thursday in May.

This will no longer be the case. President Obama, apparently listening to complaints by atheists and others who hold that holding a religious service, no matter how inclusive, constitutes an official endorsement of religion, has canceled the National Day of Prayer service. This cancellation in turn has miffed evangelical Christians who see it as a slighting of religion.

The subject of religious observances have proven vexing for President Obama before. For many years Barack Obama attended the prestigious Trinity United Church of Christ then presided over by the Reverend Jeremiah Wright. Reverend Wright's invective filled sermons were played and replayed repeatedly on television and talk radio and proved to be very embarrassing to the then Presidential candidate. Barack Obama, who was married at the Trinity United Church of Christ and considered at one time Reverend Wright as his spiritual advisor, was obliged at last to leave the church and to repudiate Reverend Wright.

Since becoming President, Barack Obama has had some indecision as to where to attend Sunday services. Any church in Washington that any President attends can become a focal point of attention.

President Reagan, a religious man, declined to attend Sunday services, pleading the problems of security. President Clinton, a man known more for his sinning than his piety, was often seen at the church door, Bible under his arm, schmoozing with the preacher.

Religion, as with everything else in American life, has become a political issue. President George W. Bush, a man of unusual piety, held the service of the annual Day of Prayer with the thought of celebrating the importance of religion in American life. President Bush underwent the same sort of criticism by the same sort of people who like to complain about—say—Christmas trees being displayed on public property.

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/1724544/obama_cancels_national_day_of_prayer.html

This morning an Internet rumor that the National Day of Prayer had been cancelled by President Obama went viral. The rumor is only partially correct, Obama has canceled the White House service recognizing the National Day of Prayer. He has not, however, cancelled the National Day of Prayer itself.

The news is actually old, since the announcement was made last year. The LA Times explained the news last May under the following headline:

Obama ends Bush-era National Prayer Day service at White House

The article explains:

On the first Thursday of May, dedicated as the National Day of Prayer, President George W. Bush hosted an ecumenical service in the East Room, a big public endorsement of evangelical Christians. (This event is different from the National Prayer Breakfast, held outside the White House gates every year on the first Thursday of February.)

President Obama opted not to have a service in the White House this year.

"Prayer is something that the president does every day," explained White House press secretary Robert Gibbs, adding that Obama will sign a proclamation to recognize the day. "I think the president understands, in his own life and in his family's life, the role that prayer plays."

Apparently the current rumor picked up steam among evangelical Christians on Facebook. The attempt was and is being made to paint President Obama as being irreligious, in order to smear and demean the President. Yet the fact remains, Obama continues to identify himself as a Christian.

Obama's choice to end the National Day of Prayer service is a welcome move. Religious services do not belong in the White House, which is, after all, the people's house. The ideal would be to cancel the National Day of Prayer all together, since our nation has no business endorsing prayer of any kind.

The National Day of Prayer service was started by George W. Bush. It was an openly evangelical Christian affair, and was highly inappropriate for an official White House function. It was offensive to all non Christians.

Christians must learn that not everyone subscribes to their silly superstition. Their superstition has no business being privileged or even recognized by the federal government.

While it is regrettable that an intelligent and wise man like President Obama would profess faith in such superstitious non-sense; it is nevertheless comforting to know he will not hold a National Day of Prayer service at the White House.

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/1724544/obama_cancels_national_day_of_prayer.html


Obama cancelled 2010 White House National Day of Prayer ceremony
April 15, 8:56 AM Salt Lake City

Obama cancelled 2010 White House National Day of Prayer ceremony. The National Day of Prayer has historically been the first Thursday in May, since Harry S. Truman put it into effect in 1952, but wasn’t official until the days of Ronald Reagan.

For eight years, the White House held a celebration on the National Day of Prayer, and last year Obama cancelled the celebration, and the ceremony has been cancelled for 2010. In 2009, CNN reported that Obama was toning down the National Day of Prayer by cancelling the White House ceremony, but that the official day was not cancelled.

The National Day of Prayer was created to remind people to pray for family, friends, the country, etc. It wasn’t created for a specific religion, but for anyone who wanted to participate.

In the past, many Presidents worried that making the National Day of Prayer official may cross the line at keeping church and state separate. While cancelling the National Day of Prayer ceremony has some people upset, and others have no opinion.

Kevin Coburn, from Salt Lake City said, “People shouldn’t care about the National Day of Prayer being cancelled. If people want to pray, they should, but they don’t need a special day set aside for it.”

http://www.examiner.com/x-19632-Salt-Lake-City-Headlines-Examiner~y2010m4d15-Obama-cancelled-2010-White-House-National-Day-of-Prayer-celebration

FALSE : http://www.snopes.com/politics/obama/prayerday.asp

[janelle]

It's too bad Obama can't even worship the way he wants to because he is so sensitive to criticism. That is his choice though. Politics over God can become politics is my God.

[jasmine]

http://www.gone-ta-pott.com/index.html

official, and unofficial holidays, month by month.... or click on different ones on the left

there are soooo many of them, I just clicked on the month of April and it was amazing, and stupid of what all they have.

who cares, a national day of prayer..... if you don't like it, then don't pray, simple!

[jasmine]

This is just for the month of April

- - - - - - - - - - -

National Poetry Month - April

It is celebrated every April in the United States and (since 1999) in Canada as well. Since 2000 Great Britain has celebrated a National Poetry Month each October.




National Stress Awareness Month - April

National Stress Month is observed to promote public awareness of what stress is, the causes of stress, and what can be done about it. "A monthlong focus on the dangers of stress, successful coping strategies and the myths about stress that are prevalent in our society."


National Scoop the Poop Week - Always April

We found refrence to 2 different weeks that claim the title of "scoop the poop" and here they are: It's said that April Fool’s Day kicks off National Scoop the Poop Week. This week is also called International Pooper Scooper Week, where it is also listed to be celebrated in Week 4 of April.


Wear Your Pajamas to Work Day - April 16

Now this is a holiday I think everyone would love to celebrate. In fact it's a holiday that many work places allow to take place- You see this holiday takes place the day after your taxes are due and since everyone has had a tiring week of doing last minute taxes; it's time to relax and unwind by enjoying a day of sitting around in our pj's in comfort- So let's relieve some stress today and laze around in our pajamas!


National Garden Month - April

Every April communities, organizations, and individuals nationwide celebrate gardening during National Garden Month. It doesn't matter if it's an indoor garden, an outdoor garden, a patio garden or herb garden, April is the month to celebrate it. Enjoy growing plants that God & nature has created and take pride in looking, touching and smelling the beautiful plants that you help to take care of.


National BLT Sandwich Month - April

This month we honor and enjoy BLT sandwiches! Let April be the month you remember this all time favorite sandwich made with bacon, lettuce and tomato, and serve it to your family. It's a great breakfast sandwich & lunch sandwich too. The most popular way is to have it on toasted bread or maybe you like it on soft white bread. Either way, don't let this month pass you by without enjoying the flavor of a BLT!


National Smile Month - April

Among humans, a smile is customarily an expression of pleasure, happiness, or amusement, but can also be an involuntary expression of anxiety, in which case it can be known as a grimace. Happiness is most often the cause of a smile. Note: The first Friday in October each year is World Smile Day.



National Fresh Florida Tomato Month

As its fruit was originally believed to be poisonous when introduced into Europe, the tomato was used solely as an ornamental plant during the 16th and 17th centuries. The first traces of its use as a food there date back to the first half of the 18th century. Only in the second half of the 19th century did widespread cultivation of the tomato as food begin (mainly in southern Italy and in France).


National Cheese Ball Day - April 17

Well this has got to be one of the most popular party foods that you find and on just about every Holiday table. I think everyone loves cheese and I don't think I've met anyone who could pass a cheese ball without sticking a cracker in it.



National Garlic Day - April 19

Garlic has been used throughout history for both culinary and medicinal purposes. The garlic plant's bulb is the most commonly used part of the plant. With the exception of the single clove types, the bulb is divided into numerous fleshy sections called cloves. The cloves are used for cloning, consumption (raw or cooked), or for medicinal purposes, and have a characteristic pungent, spicy flavor that mellows and sweetens considerably with cooking.



International Medical Marijuana Day / 420 - April 20

"April 20 ("4/20" in U.S. date notation) has evolved into a counterculture holiday, where people gather to celebrate and consume cannabis.: This observance is set to honor "medical marijuana" - "Medical cannabis (commonly referred to as "medical marijuana") refers to the use of the Cannabis plant as a physician-recommended drug or herbal therapy, as well as synthetic tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and other cannabinoids.



In some locations this celebration coincides with Earth Week. At events in the United States, it is common to hear about Abraham Lincoln, one of many American politicians known for past use of cannabis, who wrote that one of his "favorite things" was "smoking a pipe of sweet hemp".

April Showers Day - April 22

April showers is a term that denotes spring rains: "in some parts of the northern hemisphere, in particular the UK, during the Gregorian or Julian month of April. One of the major reasons for the, often, very heavy showers and downpours that characterise April is the position of the jet stream.....


International Nose Picking Day - April 23

This holiday is an International Observance celebrated each and every year on April 23; which means that people all over the world can and will be celebrate this unusual holiday! Is this a joke? Nope, it's another one of those Weird, wild & Wacky Holidays that people just love to roll over laughing about-



Gnocchi Day (29) Argentina / Food Holiday

"The Europeans brought many of their influences to Argentina and one of their great contributions was the gnocchi. Apparently Argentineans were pretty impressed with this food because it not only received its own day of the year, it received its own 12 days of the year. The 29th of every month is Gnocchi Day, (or as the Argentineans call it “ñoquis del 29″)" • How to celebrate Gnocchi Day • Gnocchi Recipe


Administrative Professionals Day (formerly known as Secretary's Day)

It's Always the Wednesday of the last full week of April.

An unofficial secular holiday observed to recognize the work of secretaries, administrative assistants, executive assistants, office managers, receptionists, and other administrative support professionals. It is celebrated as part of Administrative Professionals Week, which is observed annually during the last full calendar week of April.

[jasmine]

and more

Upcoming Food Holidays for April:



National BLT Sandwich Month

National Food Month

National Pecan Month

National Soyfoods Month

National Soft Pretzel Month

National Garden Month (gardening)

Daisy Flower Month ( see edible flowers)

Fresh Florida Tomato Month (tomatoes)

_____



1st week in April

National Public Health Week

National Bake Week (begins 1st Monday)



2nd week in April

National Garden Week - that includes herbs and veggies too!



3rd week in April

National Bubblegum Week

National Week of the Ocean - (we eat lots of seafood!)



Last week in April

Egg Salad Week ( movable holiday)

- some years this holiday is in the month of March.

__________________________________________________ __



Movable Food Holidays

Sweet Potato Day is the First Monday in April.

National Hot Cross Bun day begins on Good Friday (March or April)

National Baked Ham with Pineapple Day: Easter (March or April)

__________________________________________________ __



Day-Long Observances



April 1

Sliced Bread's Birthday (1954)

National Sourdough Bread Day

Dishwasher Released in 1889.



April 2

National Peanut Butter & Jelly Day



April 3

National Chocolate Moose Day



April 4

Chocolate Milk Powder Day (Debut 1828)

National Cordon Bleu Day



April 5

Dandelion day - Dandelions are edible

National Caramel Day, National Raisin and Spice Bar Day



April 6

Fresh Tomato Day

Teflon Birthday (Patented 1938)

TV Dinner Birthday (Released 1954)

National Caramel Popcorn Day



April 7

National Coffee Cake Day (coffee cake recipes)



April 8

Milk in Glass Bottles Day 1879

National Empanada Day - April 8 (Empanada Recipe)



April 9

Dry or Powdered Milk Birthday (1872)

National Chinese Almond Cookie Day - April 9



April 10

Cinnamon Crescent Day



April 11

National Cheese Fondue Day (Fondue Recipes)



April 12

National Licorice Day

Grilled Cheese Sandwich Day



April 13

National Peach Cobbler Day (Gullah Gourmet Geechie Peachie Cobbla



April 14

National Pecan Day



April 15

First Mc Donald's Opened

Glazed Spiral Ham Day



April 16

National Eggs Benedict Day

Day of the Mushroom



April 17

National Cheese Ball Day



April 18

National Animal Cracker Day



April 19

Garlic Day

Amaretto Day



April 20

Food Day

Pineapples Upside Down Cake Day

Lima Bean Respect Day



April 21

Chocolate-Covered Cashew Truffle Day



April 22

Jelly Bean Day



April 23

Picnic Day



April 24

Pigs-in-a-Blanket Day



April 25

National Zucchini Bread Day



April 26

National Pretzel day (how to make soft pretzels)



April 27

Prime Rib Day



April 28

National Blueberry Pie Day (Misc. Pie Recipes) Pie Baking Store



April 29

National Shrimp Scampi Day



April 30

National Oatmeal cookie day

Mr. Potato Head Day

Raisin Day

[jasmine]

and more...... this is all just for the month of April, and yet theres more, but I'll stop here!!

If we have ALL OF THESE crazy days, then I really don't don't see a problem with a day of prayer~~~ geesh!

Day Observances

• Be Kind to Spiders Week - April

• Publicity Stunt Week--April 1-7

• National Read a Road Map Week - April 4-10

• April Fool's Day - (April 1) -

• National Fun Day - April 1

• Sorry Charlie Day - April 1

• Scoop the poop week - April

• Don't Go to Work Unless it's Fun Day - April 3

• Tweed Day - April 3

• World Rat Day - April 4

• Rubber Eraser Day - April 5

• No Housework Day - April 7

• Draw a picture of a bird day - April 8

• All is Ours Day-April 8

• Name Yourself Day - April 9

• National Cherish An Antique Day - April 9

• International Louie Louie Day - April 11

• Eight-track Tape Day - April 11

• Walk on your wild side Day - April 12

• Look Up at the Sky Day - April 12

• Big Wind Day - April 12

• Ex Spouse Day - April 14

• National Be Kind to Layers Day - April 14

• That Sucks Day - April 15

• High Five Day - April 16

• Wear your pajamas to work day - April 16

• Blah Blah Blah Day - April 17

• Hanging Out Day - April 19

• National Pot Smokers Day - April 20 - see below

• Look A Like Day - April 20

• National Jelly Bean Day - April 22

• April Showers Day - (April 22)

• International Nose Picking Day - April 23

• Talk Like Shakespeare Day - April 23

• Bulldogs Are Beautiful Day - April 24

• Sense of Smell Day - last Saturday

• National Pet Parent's Day - April 25

• Red Hat Society Day - April 25

• Hug An Australian Day - April 26

• Take our daughters & sons to work day - April 26

• Morse Code Day - April 27

• Gone-ta-pott Day - April 28

• National Hairball Awareness Day - April 30

• National Honesty Day - April 30

• Spank Out Day - April 3

• Blame Someone Else Day - the first Friday the 13th annually

[pepperpot]

Damn, I missed national peach cobbler day again.....

[freeby4me]

Damn, I missed national peach cobbler day again.....

Nuh uh. EVERYDAY should be peach cobbler day!

[Jolie Rouge]

quote]Ex Spouse Day - April 14[/quote]

How do we celebrate this one ??

:rofl:


Judge who struck down Day of Prayer in spotlight
By RYAN J. FOLEY, Associated Press Writer 32 mins ago

MADISON, Wis. – Since U.S. District Judge Barbara Crabb ruled the National Day of Prayer unconstitutional, critics have declared what they think of her: A Marxist. A moron. A disgrace.

One person wrote that he was praying God removes her from office. Several warned she is headed to hell. GOP Rep. Ted Poe of Texas took to the House floor to taunt: "What's next, Judge Crabb? You going to ban Thanksgiving and Christmas as national holidays?"

Crabb, a 31-year veteran of the bench in this liberal state capital, has faced harsh criticism before. Those close to her say she isn't afraid of it.

In her ruling last month, Crabb said the law creating the tradition being observed Thursday is an unconstitutional call to religious action. She quickly became a magnet in the contentious debate over the role of religion in public life — denounced by Christian activists for overstepping but hailed as courageous by atheists, agnostics and non-Christians who feel excluded from the day. "BABS, we Americans and veterans will be praying on the public square on May 6," one Vietnam veteran from Cleveland wrote, part of the one-inch thick stack of critical e-mails and letters her office has received. "Try to stop us."

President Barack Obama, whose administration is appealing the ruling, has urged citizens to "pray, or otherwise give thanks" for the nation's freedom and blessings. And Crabb put enforcement of her ruling on hold pending the appeal, meaning thousands of prayer events will go on as scheduled.

But advocates for the separation of church and state plan to gather Thursday as well, rallying in front of the state Capitol to praise Crabb's ruling and call for an end to the National Day of Prayer.

The 71-year-old judge, who declined an interview request, has never been afraid to make rulings unpopular with "Joe Blow on the street" when she believes the law calls for it, said Krista Ralston, who was Crabb's first law clerk after she was promoted to judge three decades ago.

In the late 1980s, protesters burned Crabb's likeness in effigy after she allowed Indian tribes to spearfish off their reservations — a practice some white fishermen believed ruined their sport. Demonstrators threw rocks, uttered racial slurs and accused Crabb of giving Indians special treatment. "Talk about developing thick skin — that'll do it for you," said Kendall Harrison, who worked for Crabb as a law clerk from 1995 to 1997.

Crabb, who graduated from the University of Wisconsin law school in 1962, served in the 1970s as a federal magistrate under the late U.S. District Judge James Doyle, the father of Wisconsin's Democratic governor. Appointed to the bench in 1979 as Wisconsin's first female federal judge, Crabb is called thoughtful, fair and hardworking by lawyers who appear in her courtroom.

In 1997, she upheld a Wisconsin law that requires women to wait 24 hours before having an abortion, saying U.S. Supreme Court precedent required her to rule that way. She helped fix inhumane conditions at Wisconsin's maximum security prison, ordering officials to stop housing mentally ill inmates there and to install air conditioning in hot cells.

Yet she hands criminals the stiff prison terms called for by federal guidelines even when she would like to be more lenient, said her husband of 50 years, Ted Crabb.

Defense lawyer Chris Van Wagner, who recently tried a contested arson case in her courtroom, said his client could not have asked for a fairer trial even though he was convicted and later sentenced to prison. "You can disagree with her rulings, but you have to give her praise," he said.

In the National Day of Prayer decision, Crabb found Congress violated the First Amendment by passing a law directing the president to encourage citizens to pray, and said the law amounted to a government endorsement of a religious exercise. She emphasized that her conclusion was not a judgment "on the value of prayer or the millions of Americans who believe in its power."

But she said the government can no more encourage citizens to pray than to "fast during the month of Ramadan, attend a synagogue, purify themselves in a sweat lodge or practice rune magic."

"In fact, it is because the nature of prayer is so personal and can have such a powerful effect on a community that the government may not use its authority to try to influence an individual's decision on whether and when to pray," she wrote.

Annie Laurie Gaylor, co-president of the Freedom From Religion Foundation, which brought the lawsuit against the law, said she was confident Crabb's decision would be upheld. "She's a very venerable, senior federal judge and she did a superb job anticipating the appeal," Gaylor said.

A hallmark of Crabb's tenure has been the belief that all litigants deserve an opportunity to be heard and should have a prompt resolution. Along with U.S. District Judge John Shabaz, she adopted rules that have made the Western District of Wisconsin one of the speediest federal courts in the nation.

After Shabaz went on medical leave in 2008 and retired last year, Crabb worked long hours as the district's only judge. Shabaz's successor was confirmed in March.

Then, once the Senate confirms another judge for the district, Crabb plans to take senior status and work part-time so she has more time for birding and other hobbies, Ted Crabb said. They have two adult children and do not belong to a church, he said. "She's a very considerate judge. She's not a flamboyant judge. She takes her work seriously," her husband said. "When Judge Shabaz had to take medical leave, she stepped up to the plate and kept the court going. She's a real servant of the court, and she loves the law."

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100505/ap_on_re_us/us_national_day_of_prayer_judge;_ylt=Asplwb0_T2KNz rtf2fPta2Gs0NUE;_ylu=X3oDMTQzMGFmOXVwBGFzc2V0A2FwL zIwMTAwNTA1L3VzX25hdGlvbmFsX2RheV9vZl9wcmF5ZXJfanV kZ2UEY2NvZGUDbW9zdHBvcHVsYXIEY3BvcwM0BHBvcwMxBHB0A 2hvbWVfY29rZQRzZWMDeW5faGVhZGxpbmVfbGlzdARzbGsDanV kZ2V3aG9zdHJ1




Comments

I'm an atheist, but this is ridiculous!

NO ONE is forced to pray or engage in any national recognized events. Why should I or any non-theist get bent out of shape because someone else wants to pray?

Unless the government is forcing it citizens to pray, this is a non-issue, and the judge should learn what is and is not relevant to constitutonal freedoms!

~~~~

like other public servants ....she isnt afraid of pissing off joe blow on the street because she knows we can do nothing about it...


http://d.yimg.com/a/p/ap/20100505/capt.db64d246f15e478eb850c456a4a9f7dc-db64d246f15e478eb850c456a4a9f7dc-0.jpg?x=400&y=300&q=85&sig=d7vaE07rfEdVuot252b9hg--

In this April 29, 2010 photo, Ted Crabb, husband of U.S. District Judge Barbara Crabb, holds a picture of her being sworn in as a magistrate outside the University of Wisconsin-Madison Memorial Union. In her ruling last month, Crabb said the law creating the tradition being observed Thursday May 6, 2010, the National Day of Prayer, is an unconstitutional call to religious action. She quickly became a magnet in the contentious debate over the role of religion in public life — denounced by Christian activists for overstepping but hailed as courageous by atheists, agnostics and non-Christians who feel excluded from the day.

This photo is posted with the article above in which Tedd Crabb is quoted as saying they "do not attend church". So why does he appear to be wearing a yarmulke' ?

[jasmine]

quote]Ex Spouse Day - April 14

How do we celebrate this one ??[/QUOTE]
some people celebrate the day there divorce was final, with alcohol, and lots of it LOL

[Jolie Rouge]

I know I celebrated when my divorce was final ... but this says April 14 Ex Spouse Day. Does Hallmark make a card that says "Drop Dead Lilly-Liver Scum Bucket Son of a B-----------" ?

[jasmine]

ha ha

:)

[Jolie Rouge]

... but I'm not bitter

[Jolie Rouge]

Disinvited evangelist prays at Pentagon anyway
By Pauline Jelinek, Associated Press Writer Thu May 6, 9:31 am ET

WASHINGTON – Evangelist Franklin Graham prayed on a sidewalk outside the Pentagon Thursday after his invitation to a prayer service inside was withdrawn because of comments that insulted people of other religions.

Graham's invitation to attend an event inside the Defense Department for national prayer day was withdrawn two weeks ago.

But he arrived in the Pentagon parking lot just before 8 a.m. EDT — his party of a half dozen people forming a circle on the sidewalk and praying with heads bowed for about five minutes.

Graham once called Islam evil. He told an impromptu press conference Thursday outside the Pentagon that he prayed for the men and women of the armed forces and that he doesn't feel his statements about other religions have been offensive.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100506/ap_on_go_ca_st_pe/us_day_of_prayer_military/print;_ylt=AirJLRbmyDELUkaZRRryI4yWwvIE;_ylu=X3oDM TBvajZzaTFyBHBvcwMxNQRzZWMDdG9wBHNsawNwcmludA--