As one gets older, religion vanishes

Good morning, everybody, and welcome back to another episode of Cecil’s World in Print. Have you noticed the older we get, the more things change?
When I was a child, it was OK to pray before a school function and say the Pledge of Allegiance. That has changed, and that really bothers me. Now, there is no group praying in schools. There is a moment of silence, and thank goodness our school children still say the Pledge of Allegiance.
I received an a e-mail that made me think many people in the world are turning away from religion. To some people, when you mention religion, they get uptight. I have friends who have a funny look on their faces when they see someone blessing their food in a restaurant. I think it is great. I do it sometimes, but not enough. My son does it all the time, and that makes me a proud father.
A few years ago, there were attempts to stop the use of the Ten Commandments in and on government buildings in the country. There also were attempts to remove “In God We Trust” from our money. That has not happened. The First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution says “Congress shall make no laws respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof, or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.” We still live in a free society, but there are attempts to make changes to things that have kept our country morally strong.
In my opinion, if the laws are changed and “In God We Trust” is removed from our money, and the Ten Commandments are not allowed on or in government buildings, there also should be some changes for government employees.
I know government employees have very little to do with the changing of laws, but they could voice their opinion. Remember, we still have freedom of speech and, so far, the government has not tried to change that. If we the people ever allow this to happen, I feel that government and its employees should not be allowed to participate in the Easter and Christmas celebrations, since these are religious holidays. I also would like to have my mail delivered on Christmas, Good Friday and Easter, since that will be just another day. Now, some of you might feel that is taking it a little too far. I don’t, and if this ever happens, there are a few more changes we need to make involving our government. The U.S. Supreme Court should be in session on these religious holidays, and don’t forget the Senate and House do not have to worry about adjourning for Christmas — they can work.
That’s it for another Cecil’s World in Print. I’ll see you next week, right here in the Morning News and on the tube.

— Cecil Chandler is a veteran reporter at WBTW News13. His column appears Mondays in the Morning News.