Debate Over Student Prayers

To the fundamentalist Christian proponents of student-led prayer at public school events (“Student Prayer Again an Issue for High Court,” March 6), a few questions: Would you also allow any Catholic, Jewish, Mormon, Muslim, Buddhist or other religious follower to lead prayers at the same events for those of their own denominations? Regardless of how large or small their congregations may be? How about atheists? Will they be given equal time to speak? No? Well, why not? If others have to sit through your prayers, shouldn’t you sit through theirs?

Maybe we’re all just wasting each other’s time. Maybe prayer shouldn’t be forced on others at public events. Maybe we should just start the football game already.

MIKE LASKAVY

North Hollywood

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Gov. George W. Bush not only favors a nationwide law letting students lead public prayers in school, he’d allow students to ask their fellow students to follow Jesus Christ. Anyone else who finds this scary, raise your hand.

Looks like we’re headed back to the good ol’ days when Jews and Native Americans were forced to hide their non-Christian beliefs. And if they protest this, conservatives label them “tribalists” who are being “divisive” and “balkanizing” America. But fundamentalist Christians aren’t being divisive, right? No, they’re obviously being inclusive, because they’re happy to include anyone who converts to their religion. Look out, America. The Bush leaguers are inching us toward a Christian theocracy. Fight back before it’s too late.

ROBERT SCHMIDT

Culver City