Three years ago the Smalkowski family moved to an 80-acre ranch in Oklahoma, and Nicole Smalkowski, who was 13 years old at the time, was excited about it.

"We have a whole bunch of land that's ours, you can walk on it, you can camp on your own land." Nicole said. She looked forward to playing sports at her new high school.

Nicole is a remarkable athlete, and when school started she became the only girl to play on the boys' football team. The boys accepted her, she said, because she kept up with them.

Then came basketball season, and at the first game, everything changed -- because after the game the girls gathered to recite the Lord's Prayer.

More of the article here...

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Truely awful for the family. Anti-american christians and then the hatred to single out atheists. I guess that's what you get when your ancient scribblings tells you others are going to be punished for their wicked ways.

The news program 20/20 included this story in one of their broadcasts just a few weeks ago. Tragic! I hope the family finds justice in sending the message that hypochristianity comes at a price.

That post makes a lot of the USA seem a lot like the M.E (in hardcore religious thinking). Except instead of fearing for your life, it's more annoying and pathetic.
America may have seperation of church and state, but it's less than other countries in the west. Britain doesn't have god in parliament, King Henry VIII made sure of that... though... only so he could get divorced, but still... However America has god on the dollar, in courts, their national anthem and in the army. Not so much seperation, more like ignoring the obvious.

And no... I ain't bashing America before ya'll start getting ichy fingers.

Edit

Added the brackets.

I'm American, living in America and I'll add one to your list. Mosaic laws on government land.

There's a separation of church and State, however it's believed by many that all the god references in such ways as you list, reflects that god, not religion, is central to American national values. So without articulating a specific sectarian bias, the god quotient is implied in all articles of power and trade, which is the godhead, as it were of a capitalist society.

And it's largely benign in the minds of most that pay little attention to who runs their life anyway, because it imparts that higher authoritarian figure, watching over them, through the agents of government and law enforcement, so that as the religions promote faith in a heavenly parent, governments that cleave to such notions, by implication, are so to entrusted on the material level, to care for those (citizens) in their keeping. For instance in our history all 43 American presidents , even those who doubted religion, associated themselves with the Christian faith.

That is absolutely horrible. How can good Christians treat another human being this way, even if she has different beliefs? They should be ashamed of themselves. they are not sticking to God's words. "Love thy neighbour" is in the Bible, isn't it?

Well, the name "god" implies religion. Without religion there is no god, to put it another way. Also of course the presidents never denied christianity or mentioned it, if they had denied christianity - them not following that religion - then they'd have either been burnt at the stake for heresy or not get voted into power.
The USA is a very god orientated country, again much like the M.E, however the early christians got around the seperation of church and state and still got to keep their god the number one priority, by putting god almost everywhere but not mentioning a specific religion. Though, it's pretty obvious who's god it is.



So long as your neighbor shares the same belief as you

It would seem so. Very sad.

Our Godless Constitution A very long read. However I think you might find it interesting, none the less.

Ah, I should have emphasied more. I didn't mean to imply it's in your government - even though god is mentioned by religious presidents - what I meant was god is a primery figure in the USA's society. More so than in other western countries. I understand religion is not within the government it's self, but it is everywhere else in American society, as well as America's national anthem.

The link was an interesting read.

No actually it would be correct to say god is implied in our government. As you said, it's a reference made on our currency, it's a phrase that is displayed in the chamber of our Legislative and Judicial branch. "So help me god" is the final affirmation in the oath of office for many of our elected officials. Our national anthem includes a reference to god, the Mosaic law is being removed, through laborious activist measures, from government properties. God is a huge part of American culture and politics.

And I'm glad you found the link of interest. As I said, it is a very long read, but I think it's worth the time to gain more insight into this issue that effects every American, whether they are religious or not.

How the family was treated is horrible. Hopefully they are successful in their lawsuit.

Oh boy is it, the "god thing' Now in california depending on where you are you will feel the religon shunning and bigotry..In the beach where i am its very diverse, even the religious are diverse...We tend to speak up alot more here and insist on relgious tolerance for all. we house alot of folks and we are advocating for tolerance for all regardless....I hope they win the case its over due ....Sort of a civil rights movement for religion if you will ..this is not the case in the bible belt......

Then, according to Nicole, the teachers also began harassing her, one going as far as to say, "This is a Christian country, and if you don't like it, get out."

Hate attacks to that girl and her family by those christians at that school, the teacher should have led a better example


I SO HOPE they win their case..and the hateful christians, have to pay!!


I onced believed that athiests were devil worshipers, as a child I was led to believe it......................then I grew up and got more sense!!!

I think the deplorable example of what that "christian country" means, is in those that verbally assault a little girl in a public school. And that phrase has as good as been said in these forums, by those that claim to be the followers of that christ that admonished to love everyone as one's self. So perhaps the hate expressed by the bigots in this piece is an example of their own character, as they think to live up to their own interpretation of what christ meant as they seek to create a country after their example.

That is a scary thought, but I can so see it. It is in small towns who have their ideologies and if you are going to move there, then you conform. I've seen it to a lesser degree up here, too. I was called down because I didn't go to church. I don't believe in churches, if you want to worship, God can hear you anywhere, and that's what I teach my daughter.

And for that your daughter will perhaps then see all the world as her church and every person in it as a member of the congregation that are worthy of the respect she feels for herself, thanks to your nurturing the spirit inside her to find it's own path, rather than follow the lead of someone else. Thank you for loving your daughter so much, that you'd teach her to love herself first and from that gift, to love us too.

AWWW, thanks Goddess. I am trying very hard to not raise my daughter in the oppressive atmosphere I have witnessed. If we could all teach our children tolerance of others, whether it is religious beliefs, race I tell her we are ONE race-the Human Race) or just personalities, then we would have a much happier world out there.

It is quite the enticing fable, is it not!? World peace.

When I began to become involved in the process of actively changing little parts and corners of my local community, I saw the whole world as that larger project, to make it to happen everywhere. That change I was working for in the legislative process, in the community activist network exchange. Even little things, like a Teeshirt that affirms a positive, even a smiley face, makes a difference. It sends a message there's another way to think. And it was very easy to become overwhelmed, as I felt the passion for my work, thinking this is such a good idea, why as soon as everyone has a chance to know about it, it'll be a better world. I changed my diet, became a vegan, pursued protests and marches including the first animal rights march on DC. We circled the white house then. Signs held high, feeling that heart swell believing if we just say it, people will hear and understand. So we did that. Loudly and with conviction, and it felt good to think this was that next vibration in the harmonics of cause and effect.

I know we made a difference somehow, even for ourselves and I think that's all one can trust themselves to do, in the end. Because it's not really my responsibility to make someone think about seeing the world they live in, any differently than they can afford to let themselves trust themselves to let go, and take a look, at something else besides that what makes them feel fine and right at home.

I know a woman that is living misery as a wife. She's called me and cried and I've felt for her pain. So last call, she's speaking to the same old news, yet again, and I remember this woman I know that shared with me what she felt, when a client did the same thing repeatedly, to her. I offered this woman ideas that would effectively invest her crying time, at her choice, to taking the steps to heal the pain and free herself from what ails her time and time again. And as I'm doing this, I'm hearing that other friend of mine relate her doing the same thing, step by step. And what her client did, in response, was now happening to me, on the phone. For every out I offered her, that would require she change just one little thing in what she's doing now, she gave a reason why it wasn't able to be done at this time. Just a moment, less than the time it takes her to call me and cry again. Like, on the same road she takes to work, make an appointment at a family counseling service that's on the way. Save an extra two hours, to go in, sit down and discuss options with someone far more versed than this set of shoulders she's taking that time with now.

No. Not possible. I can't. There's no time.

I believe everything in my life, all that I experience, are like little pieces of mosaic tile, crafting moment to moment the tapestry of my life. It's a puzzle, within a symphony, within a gallery of the arts. And it's all tied with a thread that weaves it in and out so that it does make sense in time, even if not in the moment, to me. But I find that later, I see it. Something now will happen and I'm becoming so sensitive to my own sense of self, that it's like an index that will pop up something in my past, with traces of what's happening this time around it. And suddenly I get the picture. So that yesterday is better understood, as it made me who I am right now, looking back. So I take the next step, with that information, and I consider myself fortunate to have learned a lesson, for my own sake. That's how regret is assuaged, I think. I use to well with tears for it all. Childhood was excellent and yet there are things one can never take back, no matter what, because at the time it was easy to take for granted there would always be a next time. Not true. So now, when I feel myself become selfish, I stop and think how much time does it take for that what needs me to pause and spend time. I do it, and I know I learned my lesson well, by taking a moment to save myself from more tears later, for want of a second chance.

You can never change the world my friend. All you can do is take care of that inch at a time you're living now. And as a mother, that goddess that imparts the next spark to the new future, you communicate your wisdom of where you've been, to that gentle one that trusts you to it. That then becomes what you are responsible for, solely. Live the example and the sacred scripture of the ancients, will one day be said to have been your own life, well lived, in the memory of those that love you and thank you for taking the time, to be you.



Now if only I could learn that lesson about not running my mouth. Ahhhhhh no worries, if there is an after life I'll probably be a Mime. (And allergic to grease paint! )

Thank you for sharing. I understand the wanting to change the world, I really do. But, in small ways we can make a difference. I tell my daughter to smile at people, even if she doesn't know them, hold the door for others, even if they don't say thank you (which really bugs me, but oh well) and to always be polite (p's & q's). If we can brighten one person's day, they will, hopefully, pass it on to another.

I also have a bad habit of mouthing off, it's horrible, and I am really trying to work on it. If I would only say something derogatory to mean, then it is best not to say something at all-I try. I do have relapses, though.

As to the thread we are on. I live in a mostly Russian immigrant community. When I first moved here, I was asked if I was Russian, I said "No". The sweet old lady turned nasty and asked me what I was doing here then. Is this not the 21 century? Am I not in Canada, not Russia? I was flabbergasted. Once I told her I was part Ukrainian, then I was OK, and she was a nice old lady again. Everyone has to realize that we are not living in the dark ages anymore. The world has changed, and it will continue to change.

Fascinating experience isn't it!? Neighborhoods in big cities. Little Italy, China Town, Little Haiti, etc.... I've visited many different immigrant communities in the States, and it's quite a day when one first realizes their welcome to shop, but moving in is a whole other matter. It's humbling, in a sense. To feel what it must feel like for immigrants to move into a majority white population country. It reminds me of the lunchrooms in school. A diverse giant community of kids , with huge appetites taking their trays off the serving line and walking to sections of the hall, to sit in little communities in their own way. It was like an unconscious segregation taking place. I remember when I was in junior high, walking in late because a classroom project took a little longer than the bell letting out class, and coming through those double doors, now that most everyone was seated, I saw it all right there. Tables and tables and groups of people that all looked somewhat alike. Whites, Hispanic, black, Asian, little countries in a united nations at lunch. And while everyone may have been friends before and after lunch, if someone not of that group walked up to talk to one of their friends sitting there, they were looked at rather strangely by everyone watching, in that particular section. One of those, what are you doing here, type things. Like you encountered with that little Russian lady with the on/off switch for her cordial personality.

That's why I think it's wise, taking care of yourself and watching everyone else do the same, when it's not up to us to change one another, it's just up to us each to find a way to find peace inside ourselves, so we can get along together. As we move along in this world we at least all hold in common.

And we certainly did do our united best to to be caretakers of that, now didn't we!?

It is pathetic and embarrassing. I think most of us just regard "In God we trust" as just some more metal on the coin and about the same with the national anthem; although, I wish we'd choose "America the Beautiful" instead. I wouldn't touch the army if I had any choice. I don't see the morality in an organization whose Job 1 is killing people; that's just plain obscene. And I don't like paying my property taxes so the Christians, Muslims, Catholics, etc. can have free fire and police protection - that should be flat out illegal.

We are NOT a Christian country. Read what the Founding Fathers wrote about it. We are a SECULAR country. Public officials can be religious, but religion doesn't belong in public office (The Bush White House owes us a lot of back pay from time taken for prayer meetings when they should have been working.).

Just checked out where Hardesty is - out in the panhandle. I've been through it and never knew it! It really is small.
--DJS

I totally agree. It will take time, but if more and more people start to believe as you and I do, then the world will slowly become more enlightened. It takes time, and unfortunately it may take an even more drastic event for others to come to this conclusion. But I have faith in the human race.

Well then you sir, are a great teacher / guide

I was really lucky. I went to a school where religion was banned from everywhere except the actual religious education classes. Everyone was treated equally, regardless of religion/race/sex. My headmaster made enemies when he removed the morning prayer from assembly... he made them when he replaced the nativity play with a Christmas Carol too. Parents complained, but got nowhere. There was a bit of a protest at the main gate - four mums and a banner.

Although I will probably be verbally assaulted for this by certain members of this board, I must say that I can identify and sympathize with this family. This is what I have maintained (through personal experience) all along; if you are not a Christian in the Bible Belt, you are persecuted and stimatized by the "good" Chrisitians of the community! I have lived with this most of my life (even in the military most of my "State-side" duty was in the Bible Belt) and can see the pattern repeating itself with this poor family! My question is - Why is the persecution of non-Christians a case of the Satan worshippers getting their just dues and just looking wrong at a Christian is persecution? We are lucky in that the large majority of the Christians on this website are more accepting of other believes than are the average Bible Belt Christians.

I have family that lives in the bible belt and they say they think it's because playing the victim card, if one looks at a christian wrong, is the way for them to get away with the intolerant behaviors they exhibit in return. The persecution complex, if you will. And friends I have that live in Kentucky are worried as they live just outside the closet, in a community where it seems there are churches on every block. I think even a former beauty queen said something to the effect, as she was from Louisiana, if not mistaken. She said, in this very sweet southern accent, looking every bit the girl next door southern belle, that gay people still have to hide who they are in her town.

Why is it the christian thing to do, for so many calling themselves that, to ostracize, condemn and treat poorly, their neighbors if they aren't christian!? And sometimes, even if they are, but are not the "right" kind!?
If the bible is that inerrant word, that many fundamentalists, like in this article, invoke so as to believe themselves the one righteous path back to god, would someone please point out to me the contradictory passage to love thy neighbor?!

And isn't it a dire consequence, for the behaviors allegedly perpetrated in this article, in a learning environment, per biblical tenets when it is clear, if this report is accurate, the perpetrators should pray to their god to forgive them the lie they example, in calling this behavior christian!?

I John 4:20 If a man says, "I love God," and hates his brother, he is a liar;
for he who doesn't love his brother whom he has seen,
how can he love God whom he has not seen?



It's interesting as an Atheist , on the outside looking in, not ever having been persuaded by that philosophy in my personal life, because I think it allows an insight one doesn't get, living it. However, I find it so contradictory when some people claim christianity is an inclusive faith. When even among it's own, the sectarian ideologies that abound, would say that is not true. So if one can not agree on what the word means to them, how are we surprised when the word says it means they must separate themselves from others not like them , so as to live up to it!? I think that's why christianity proselytizes. It seeks to convert the whole world to it's path, because it admits, in that effort that it is not tolerant enough to live in a world of diversity.
And the admonishment to spread the good news, that some say compells the behavior, would then seem to say if people don't convert, they're to be held in disdain. Because as we can see in this article, holding no faith in any god, is subject to vicious attack in the name of jesus. So which part of the bible's new testament is suppose to affirm christianity is tolerant!? If there is a passage, I'd hope someone would mail it to the defendants in this forthcoming suit. Maybe then they might realize the good word doesn't say it's fundamentally righteous to hate thy neighbor, in the name of god. Or does it!? Context! Is clearly, everything in holding faith one is entitled to live and do as they will, in the name of being a right and proper example of christ like.

Jesus. Did he die so his faithful could treat people like this?

20/20 feature on this case (Video)