Should NYC Mayor Reconsider His 911 Prayer Ban?

Posted on Friday, August 26, 2011 at 09:55 AM

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Mayor Bloomberg's proclamation that prayer services not be allowed at the Ground Zero 911 ceremonies........seems to be in the process of being answered.

Almost simultaneously at the time of his announcement that offended all people of faith, the east coast was hit by an unusual 5.8 earthquake. Although the quake didn't cause major damage, it shook the nerves of many, whose first thoughts were of another terrorist attack. Many were brought back to those terrifying moments of horror almost ten years ago. New Yorks Twin Towers were engulfed in flame and bodies of victims rained down from the sky.

Now a hurricane of biblical proportions is aimed at the east coast and it seems New York City will bear a huge brunt of the massive storm. Meteorologists have said winds of over 100MPH may hit the city and strong high storm surges are expected, which could cause huge damage to coastal areas.

As New Yorkers know, when there is a strong wind, it is super magnified when it gets in between the sky scrapers causing wind vortices and other anomalies. What happens to windows of skyscrapers when winds exceed 100 MPH? I hope we don't have to find out.

Of course many are now calling for good thoughts and prayers as the hurricane approaches the mainland. Some would call this a sort of foxhole religious reaction, but no matter what, people seem to reach deep in times of stress and find new religion.....Will the Mayor ask for prayer and good thoughts of Americans to protect his city?

Ironically ten years ago right after the 911 attack, President Bush arrived in the City and lead a prayer for our nation in a packed Yankee stadium. Millions of Americans stood with their fellow New Yorkers in that prayer, we were all New Yorkers then, united in prayer. Truly an E. Pluribus Unum moment.

Ten years later, the 911 ceremonies commemorating the attack will be a secular progressive dream and prayer services will be banned.

Mr. Mayor, how about hedging your bets and reconsidering your prayer ban? Wouldn't hurt anything or offend anyone except for a loud, easily offended vocal minority who want to bend the majority to their will.

Editors Note: Another quake, Richter scale 2.9, struck New York today, August 27, 2011 at 10:38 AM.

For other points of view visit Carroll Standard: www.carrollstandard.com

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bunkerisland | Sep 06, 2011, 05:37 PM EDT

"Hurricane of biblical proportions", spare us a bible reference please. Perhaps a reasonable alternative to prayer is planned and organized singing somewhat like Estonia does in recognition of having obtained its independence, that is freeing itself. Ought we not free ourselves of fear? Our gods are nothing more than the most charitable aspects of our own mind, not other beings. Moments of silence allow each to meditate as she wishes while singing can bring us together.

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maloney | Aug 30, 2011, 07:28 PM EDT

The mayor can go feck himself.

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Monsoonman | Aug 29, 2011, 07:57 PM EDT

It looks like all of the prayers of those of faith averted a sure disaster headed to New York City. But you will probably not get any credit from your secular progressive politicians who rule you.

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ceceann | Aug 28, 2011, 01:15 PM EDT

While I normally agree with you and disagree with Bloomberg, this issue might best be served by a ban. WTC is the scene of a crime committed in the name of a religion. To have that religion represented on this day would be proclaiming a victory for these zealots and there is no way Bloomberg could exclude just that religion. Unfortunately, sometimes the innocent must suffer with the guilty.

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Monsoonman | Aug 28, 2011, 02:16 AM EDT

I notice NY had another earthquake today. With floods,hurricane and tornadoes next up What's it going to take Mr. Mayor, locusts, plauges?

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kaydog1 | Aug 26, 2011, 08:38 PM EDT

Why does the MAYOR of New York get to make this decision regarding a Memorial to an attack on our entire Nation? Who gave HIM this power? And isn't this the SAME guy who said building a MOSQUE in a building ACTUALLY STRUCK (that makes it Ground Zero, folks) by the landing gear of one of the 911 murder planes was the perfect religious right of the Muslims - yet no one ELSE should presume to offer prayers? To Hell with Bloomberg.

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noele.noele | Aug 26, 2011, 03:06 PM EDT

Absolutely. For those who lost family members (husbands, wives, fathers, mothers, etc.), it is horrendous to disallow religious leaders (Catholic, Protestant, Jewish, Islam, etc.) to offer their prayers. What the hell is wrong with Bloomberg? Pretty insensitive!

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tomdoh345 | Aug 26, 2011, 02:39 PM EDT

Your columns are a riot. You are the best thing going for the US socialists. All Tea Party Members seem to have vivid imaginations.

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TiocfaidhArmani | Aug 26, 2011, 02:26 PM EDT

No, screw religion.

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