Unvocation.

we always have to have religious bits of government functions

Heck, yeah. That's the one thing I objected to about every major function I went to in the military (changes of command, graduation ceremonies), there always had to be an invocation. By a presumably non-denominational chaplain, but it wasn't like they ever invoked Allah, Buddha, Jehovah or any god other than "God". The only thing they do right is the oath of enlistment that gives the enlistee the option to swear or affirm his oath, for those who object to the swearing.

Well wasn't Warren's church the venue for the first Obama/McCain debate? I suspect that Obama is trying to make good on his acceptance speech promise to those who voted against him that "I'll be your president too."

Which doesn't give me comfort that Mr. Inclusivity will take my side on issues of great importance to people like me and families like mine.

I think that's a valid concern. I also think that the press has played a part in downplaying Obama's pretty hard ass rejection of Prop 8. Yes he said he thinks marriage should be between a man and a woman but he also said that using the state constitution to deny someone rights was fucked up (okay maybe his wording was a little different).

Mind you, Allah does literally mean "God". That's the Arabic word for it. (I know that's not your point. I'm just irrepressible with my neat facts. Or nitpicky. Take your pick.)

Cash, it's called The Mole Who Knew It Was None of His Business

[link]

Fun!

I know that's not your point. I'm just irrepressible with my neat facts. Or nitpicky. Take your pick.)

Nah, I get what you mean. I'm not sure if English speaking Muslims use Allah or God in their prayers, but if they do use Allah (despite it's meaning) then that should be acknowledged. I feel it validates their beliefs in a way that makes them feel included, yeah?

There is a different pastor delivering the benediction: [link]

I'm pissed off about the Warren thing. But this:

I suspect that Obama is trying to make good on his acceptance speech promise to those who voted against him that "I'll be your president too."

is what I suspect as well. Maybe it's a genuine reaching out to ultra conservatives and making a concession. But I don't think you can make concessions for such hatred and ignorance. Doing so reinforces it and gives it power.

I certainly don't think McCain would have put an ultra liberal pastor up front to play nice after having won. I think it's going too far and insulting to the people that put Obama into office, symbolic gesture or not.

Thanks for the link, Kristen's Roommate. I'm making a last minute order so I should be able to get it for the kids for Christmas.

We've moved on to cutting out snowflakes to put on the windows. I'm going to run out of inside activities at this rate. We're out of flour and nearly butter so we can't bake anymore cookies today. I think the Moonsand is going to have to come out, no matter how much mess the kids cause with it.

Cash, how much snow have you had so far with this storm? We're up to 10.5". We've already beat last year's record for annual snowfall, 29" vs. 25.5".

Cash, do you have tissue paper? you can make tissue paper wreaths on paper plates or even construction paper.

If you have pipe cleaners they can make different shape ornaments.

Also, Strips of paper can be decorated for bookmarks as gifts for teachers, neighbors, and such.