Replies to '11/24 Great School Debate'

all subjects do not have a religious background or origin.  History must include the role of religion, because it has been powerful.  For example, war usually contains threads of religious motivation.  The role of women in society cannot be understood without looking at how major world religions have viewed women.  However, science & math have no religious background, unless you mean how scientists have had to fight religious authority throughout world history.  Remember Galileo, who was to be excommunicated until he confessed he was wrong to say the earth rotated around the sun?  How about the preachers who accused Queen Victoria of mortal sin for using anesthetics during childbirth?  After all, they argued, woman was supposed to bring forth children in pain & suffering, according to the bible.  Foreign language may use words from religion, but it is not about religion.   English grammar?  

You are entitled to your beliefs, but not to insert your beliefs into public education.  Besides, who's to define religious background?  The imams in the fanatical islamic schools where jihad is taught?  Amish beliefs about not using modern conveniences such as electricity?  Evangelicals who believe that everyone who isn't "saved" is going to burn in hell no matter if they lived good lives or bad? Orthodox Jews who do not allow a man to touch a grown woman, even to shake hands?  Roman Catholics who think it's better to give birth to children doomed to sickness & starvation rather than use birth control?  Hindus who place people in castes based upon birth & oppress the lower castes?

Did you ever wonder why this country is named the UNITED States?