Principal Sorry for 'School Prayer' Poem

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Ya think a principal would know better than this in these times......

http://news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/ap/20041130/ap_on_re_us/school_prayer_poem

ATHENS, Ga. - A high school principal apologized Monday for reading a poem called "The New School Prayer" over the school's intercom, which brought complaints from some parents who said it violated the principle of separation of church and state.

Tommy Craft said he wanted not to promote religion but to provoke thought and discussion among students about the changing political climate in school when he read the poem the Tuesday before the Thanksgiving break.

"I apologized to them today in another statement," Craft said. "I said that there was no attempt to individualize or to bring ridicule on any particular person with the poem."

The poem, which has circulated on the Internet since at least 1992, is written in the rhyming style of the children's prayer that begins "Now I lay me down to sleep." It refers to prayer not being allowed in school, although students can "dress like freaks, and pierce our noses, tongues and cheeks" or "elect a pregnant Senior Queen."

The poem mentions the ability to get condoms and birth control, as well as study "witchcraft, vampires and totem poles."

"But the Ten Commandments are not allowed, no word of God must reach this crowd," the poem says.

Some parents have complained to both Craft and the Clarke County School Superintendent Lewis Holloway.

"Basically, I found the poem offensive, but even if I didn't, I still would believe it crossed the line between church and state," said Ginger Smith, whose daughter is a junior at Cedar Shoals High School.

Holloway said the district had received "several calls" from people who were upset about the poem. He would not discuss any action taken against Craft.

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Georgia, huh?

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Here is the poem. I think he should be sanctioned for making the kids listen to such a poorly written piece of “poetry. If you’re going to make them listen to something controversial, at least make sure it’s well written.

Now I sit me down in school
where praying is against the rule.

For this great nation under God
finds mention of him very odd.

If scripture now the class recites,
it violates the Bill of Rights.

And anytime my head I bow,
becomes a federal matter now.

Our hair can be purple or orange or green,
that's no offense, it's the freedom scene.

The law is specific, the law is precise,
prayers spoken aloud are a serious vice.

For praying in a public hall,
might offend someone with no faith at all.

In silence alone we must meditate,
God's name is prohibited by the state.
(It's JEHOVAH...by the way.)

We're allowed to cuss & dress like freaks,
and pierce our noses, tongues and cheeks.

They've outlawed guns; FIRST though the bible,
to quote the Good Book makes me liable.

We can elect a pregnant Senior Queen,
and the unwed daddy, our Senior King.

It's "inappropriate" to teach right from wrong,
we're taught that such "judgments" do not belong.

We can get out condoms, & birth controls,
study witchcraft, vampires & totem poles.

But the Ten Commandments are not allowed,
no Word of God must reach this crowd.

It's scary here I must confess,
when chaos reigns the school's a mess.

So, Lord, this silent plea I make:

Should I be shot,
My soul please take.

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Yep, that's pretty inappropriate.

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Sarcasam isn't allowed here. A gentle reminder.

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I kid. I kid b/c I love.

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AZhat

Totally inappropriate. Confused

Fresh, Hot & Wild

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Bad verse and bad judgment, all in one!

Principal Sorry for 'School Prayer' Poem

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