Ill. House overrides veto to require moment of silence in class

[shain from kane]

http://www.bnd.com/breaking_news/story/150708.html
http://www.ilga.gov
The Associated Press


SPRINGFIELD, Ill. --Illinois students will be required to observe a moment of silence at the beginning of every school day under a new state law.

Supporters say the goal is to give students a bit of peace and quiet to reflect on the day ahead.

But critics say it's an effort to promote school prayer.

The law originally passed during the spring legislative session, but Gov. Rod Blagojevich vetoed it.

The Senate overrode that veto last week, and now the House has done the same. The vote was 74-37.

The law takes effect immediately.

[dkofos]

1. There is no god

[GeminiProgressive]

2. I do think fundies will abuse this

but a moment of silence is not such a big deal in my opinion. Most of the kids probably won't even be able to remain silent for a full minute. As long as there is no promotion of religion or anything...I really couldn't care less.

[Devlzown]

3. Now if they will just arm the teachers and the kids,

there shouldn't be a single school shooting in Illinois.:eyes:

[JackintheGreen]

4. All the way through 8th grade I had SSR in IL

Sure...it was for "reading," but my teachers always said we didn't have to read, just shut the fuck up for 15 minutes. They probably said it nicer. And as a former teacher, some enforced silence during the day is a welcome thing.

[davsand]

5. Given our financial state in Illinois I'd think they have other real issues to deal with.

Remember, folks, Dems have majority in this state in both the House and Senate. We have a Dem Governor (well, He's kind of a Dem--when he's not whoring himself or lining his own pockets) and they can't hold it together long enough to put up a budget. They CAN manage, however, to override a veto on a moment of silence in schools.

It makes me sick to think I busted my ass to elect some of these idiots. My local Dem party is seriously fucked up, the State Dems are a mess, and I wonder sometimes just why I even bother.

Gawd. You just know this one is gonna be struck down in the courts...


Laura

[immoderate]

6. It's obnoxious!

Dumb idea.

--IMM

[frazzled]

7. Oufff ...

I'm not sure how they're going to enforce silence in schools: mass expulsions for giggling, whispering, or ... worse ... talking?

It seems to me that this might be a "first amendment" issue: government restricting your right to speak ... literally!

It would be nice to get kids to shut up in school for a minute, but enforcement is not the way. And yes, this seems like a first step toward... you know what (prayer in schools).

But then, kids don't have any rights. They are mighty creative, however ... stay tuned.

[eppur_se_muova]

8. Time to start referring to it as "the iPod moment". nt