No White House ceremony to be held on Nat'l Day of Prayer - The Firearms Forum

flannelman · 05-06-2009, 01:12 PM

http://onenewsnow.com/Culture/Default.aspx?id=518466

No White House ceremony to be held on Nat'l Day of Prayer
Associated Press - 5/6/2009 6:55:00 AM

WHITE HOUSE - This Thursday, for the first time in nine years, there won't be a White House ceremony in observance of the National Day of Prayer.

White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs says President Barack Obama will pray privately as he does every day, but his only public acknowledgement will be to issue a White House proclamation.

Republican Congressman Randy Forbes, co-chairman of the Congressional Prayer Caucus, says a proclamation urging Americans to pray would be more meaningful if the president set a public example. Forbes calls it a missed opportunity, but says, "Hopefully we'll have millions of people around the country that will make up for the void we see at the White House on the National Day of Prayer." (See Editor's Note below)

Story concludes below ...

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

What could be Barack Obama's reason for not having

a National Day of Prayer ceremony at the White House?

Vote in our poll

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

On the same day as Gibbs' remarks, the District of Columbia Council gave final approval to legislation that recognizes same-sex "marriages" performed in states where they are legal. Congress has final say over the city's laws and will get 30 days to review the bill. If Congress takes no action, the bill would become law automatically.

Editor's Note: President George W. Bush had held a formal White House event for the past eight years marking the National Day of Prayer. There were no official observances during the Bill Clinton administration. The Bush White House also, for the past several years, recognized the Islam observance of Ramadan with a White House dinner. It remains to be seen if the Obama White House will continue that tradition.

islenos · 05-06-2009, 01:13 PM

well, obama did say we were a secular nation

flannelman · 05-06-2009, 01:18 PM

Here is another story on this....

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/c...,7980566.story

Obama defends, curtails National Day of Prayer
By RYAN J. FOLEY | Associated Press Writer
12:11 PM CDT, May 6, 2009
MADISON, Wis. - President Barack Obama is scaling back White House plans for Thursday's National Day of Prayer even as his administration defends the tradition in federal court in Wisconsin.

Obama's position has disappointed Christian conservatives, who want the president to do more to mark the day, and an atheist group that wants him to end the tradition.

The Obama administration has asked a judge to dismiss a lawsuit filed by the Freedom From Religion Foundation, which claims the day violates the separation of church and state. In a rare alliance, 31 mostly Republican members of Congress and a prominent Christian legal group are joining the administration to fight the lawsuit.

Congress established the day in 1952 and in 1988 set the first Thursday in May as the day for presidents to issue proclamations asking Americans to pray.

White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs said Tuesday that Obama would issue such a proclamation Thursday but not hold any public events with religious leaders as President George W. Bush did.

Gibbs said Obama prays privately and his plan for the day was in line with those of past presidents. Still, Obama drew a rebuke from the National Day of Prayer Task Force, a private group that promotes prayer events around the country.

"We are disappointed in the lack of participation by the Obama Administration," said task force chairwoman Shirley Dobson, wife of Focus on the Family founder James Dobson. "At this time in our country's history, we would hope our President would recognize more fully the importance of prayer."

The task force estimates 2 million Americans attended more than 40,000 events marking the day last year.

Meanwhile, Freedom From Religion Foundation Co-Director Annie Laurie Gaylor welcomed Obama's more subdued observance but said she has been shocked by his administration's strong defense of the day in court.

The Madison-based group of 12,000 atheists and agnostics filed the lawsuit near the end of Bush's second term in U.S. District Court in Madison. The suit asks a judge to declare the law unconstitutional and to order presidents and governors to stop issuing prayer proclamations.

The lawsuit also claimed federal and state governments work too closely with Dobson's task force to promote the day and give it a Christian bent. Among other things, the task force asks governors and mayors to issue prayer proclamations and suggests specific Bible verses and themes to quote in them.

The Obama administration asked U.S. District Judge Barbara Crabb to dismiss the case in March. The administration argued the group has no legal standing to sue, said the tradition's roots date to 1775 and that most presidents have invoked faith in a higher power.

It also said the day does not promote religion and argued that preventing presidents from issuing a proclamation would unfairly restrict how they communicate with Americans.

"It was very right-wing," Gaylor said of the administration's arguments. "One would expect that under a Reagan or a Bush, but I did not expect that under an Obama."

She said the day disenfranchises the millions of Americans who do not believe in God or pray and suggested Obama implement a "national day of service" instead.

Thirty-one members of Congress, including House Minority Leader John Boehner, R-Ohio and Rep. Eric Cantor, R-Virginia, have filed a friend-of-the-court brief opposing the lawsuit. They call the prayer day "deeply embedded in the tradition and history of this country."

The Alliance Defense Fund, an Arizona-based group of Christian lawyers that is representing Shirley Dobson and the task force, has made similar arguments in asking for the case to be dismissed. Crabb is expected to rule on the motions in coming weeks.

mrkirker · 05-06-2009, 01:21 PM

What could be Barack Obama's reason for not having

a National Day of Prayer ceremony at the White House?

His 'modesty' prohibits such a public display of affection?

ampaterry · 05-06-2009, 01:22 PM

And this surprises who, considering his background concerning Islam, Christianity and Church?

Trouble 45-70 · 05-06-2009, 01:25 PM

Makes sence to me, Obama said this is not a Christian Nation, today is not a Muslim holiday. It seems strang to me, every where I go I run into Christians and hear God Bless you. Only among the political class dowe hear that this is not a Christian Nation. These are people who criminalize praying in Jesus Name. I t won't be long before I'll be unable to pray in the name Of the Father, Son and Holly Ghost. For all I know the "Hate Crime Bill will soon make me a criminal for expressing my Christian views.

Teejay9 · 05-06-2009, 01:29 PM

I'm sure he prays 5 times a day in the direction of Mecca, hence the deep bow to Saudi's king. It's alright to be a Muslim, just don't deny it Barry Husein. TJ

bcj1755 · 05-06-2009, 01:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Teejay9

I'm sure he prays 5 times a day in the direction of Mecca, hence the deep bow to Saudi's king. It's alright to be a Muslim, just don't deny it Barry Husein. TJ

You said it before I got a chance to

Trouble 45-70 · 05-06-2009, 01:42 PM

The Freedom from Religion Foundation wan'ts instead of a National day of Prayer to have a National Day of Service. May I sugest Emancipation Day celebrating the end of slavery.

mrkirker · 05-06-2009, 01:46 PM

May I sugest Emancipation Day celebrating the end of slavery.

It's been done: "June-teenth!"

4EvrLearning · 05-06-2009, 01:51 PM

Little does he know that he has caused a LOT more fervent prayers just by being in office, than any observance of a special day of prayer may ever cause! Every day is now a "day of prayer"! *hair flip*

As for Bush observing Ramadan..................

TheGunClinger · 05-06-2009, 02:15 PM

The White house is probably a little low on rugs.

artabr · 05-06-2009, 02:24 PM

I guess he was telling the truth when he said he didn't hear anything in Rev. Wrights church during the 20 years that he spent sitting in those services.

Art

Pistolenschutze · 05-06-2009, 02:38 PM

Perhaps his Imam wasn't able to attend.

Just One Shot · 05-06-2009, 02:54 PM

Why would he pray to himself?

http://www.worldnetdaily.com/index.p...w&pageId=96138

These people have gone TOO FAR!

FJF0311 · 05-06-2009, 04:01 PM

I've got nothing to add...

All of you have done a wonderful job. Quite eloquently.
I don't know which was my favorite !

Well said !

4EvrLearning · 05-06-2009, 04:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Just One Shot

Why would he pray to himself?

http://www.worldnetdaily.com/index.p...w&pageId=96138

These people have gone TOO FAR!

http://www.thefirearmsforum.com/show...ssiah+painting

Here's the latest on that, Just One.

Marlin T · 05-06-2009, 04:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Teejay9

I'm sure he prays 5 times a day in the direction of Mecca, hence the deep bow to Saudi's king. It's alright to be a Muslim, just don't deny it Barry Husein. TJ

Quote:

Originally Posted by bcj1755

You said it before I got a chance to

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pistolenschutze

Perhaps his Imam wasn't able to attend.

Ahhh ha ha ha, you guys beat me to it.

ponycar17 · 05-06-2009, 08:38 PM

I said a silent prayer today... That God's will be done... I pray for truthfulness but silently wish for a proclamation of inadequate credentials by Obama to hold the office of President. Only time will tell if that is true...

Marlin · 05-06-2009, 08:49 PM

No comment. You have all commented well.

Can't allow my BP to get out of hand. Don't want to precipitate an MI.....

SaddleSarge · 05-06-2009, 11:12 PM

I agree Marlin, but with this caveat.... Why would a God need to pray to himself? Therefore, this justifies his need to be in front of the camera, showing us that he is no different than the mortals that he rules over.

Marlin T · 05-07-2009, 01:53 AM

Never mind

obxned · 05-07-2009, 04:13 AM

Barry can't stand the thought of anyone worshiping anyone other than him.

DEADEYE1964 · 05-07-2009, 06:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ampaterry

And this surprises who, considering his background concerning Islam, Christianity and Church?

Exactly ampaterry, he is more concerned with weakening our military so his cousins can have a field day. Why would he want to take time out to pray.He has an agenda and it is not about a prayer day.

Just One Shot · 05-07-2009, 09:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 4EvrLearning

http://www.thefirearmsforum.com/show...ssiah+painting

Here's the latest on that, Just One.

Thanks for the update! I must missed that one.

It's disturbing that they would even consider such blasphemy!

05-06-2009, 01:12 PM	#1
flannelman Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Rural Arkansas. But isn't all of Arkansas rural? Posts: 1,176	No White House ceremony to be held on Nat'l Day of Prayer http://onenewsnow.com/Culture/Default.aspx?id=518466 No White House ceremony to be held on Nat'l Day of Prayer Associated Press - 5/6/2009 6:55:00 AM WHITE HOUSE - This Thursday, for the first time in nine years, there won't be a White House ceremony in observance of the National Day of Prayer. White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs says President Barack Obama will pray privately as he does every day, but his only public acknowledgement will be to issue a White House proclamation. Republican Congressman Randy Forbes, co-chairman of the Congressional Prayer Caucus, says a proclamation urging Americans to pray would be more meaningful if the president set a public example. Forbes calls it a missed opportunity, but says, "Hopefully we'll have millions of people around the country that will make up for the void we see at the White House on the National Day of Prayer." (See Editor's Note below) Story concludes below ... -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- What could be Barack Obama's reason for not having a National Day of Prayer ceremony at the White House? Vote in our poll -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- On the same day as Gibbs' remarks, the District of Columbia Council gave final approval to legislation that recognizes same-sex "marriages" performed in states where they are legal. Congress has final say over the city's laws and will get 30 days to review the bill. If Congress takes no action, the bill would become law automatically. Editor's Note: President George W. Bush had held a formal White House event for the past eight years marking the National Day of Prayer. There were no official observances during the Bill Clinton administration. The Bush White House also, for the past several years, recognized the Islam observance of Ramadan with a White House dinner. It remains to be seen if the Obama White House will continue that tradition. __________________ What we do in life echoes in eternity! **** Liberals, they make about as much sense as a screen door on a submarine. If you want to be a looser the best way to get there is to hang around with other loosers. -->

05-06-2009, 01:13 PM	#2
islenos Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: West Texas Posts: 1,244	Re: No White House ceremony to be held on Nat'l Day of Prayer well, obama did say we were a secular nation __________________

05-06-2009, 01:18 PM	#3
flannelman Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Rural Arkansas. But isn't all of Arkansas rural? Posts: 1,176	Re: No White House ceremony to be held on Nat'l Day of Prayer Here is another story on this.... http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/c...,7980566.story Obama defends, curtails National Day of Prayer By RYAN J. FOLEY \| Associated Press Writer 12:11 PM CDT, May 6, 2009 MADISON, Wis. - President Barack Obama is scaling back White House plans for Thursday's National Day of Prayer even as his administration defends the tradition in federal court in Wisconsin. Obama's position has disappointed Christian conservatives, who want the president to do more to mark the day, and an atheist group that wants him to end the tradition. The Obama administration has asked a judge to dismiss a lawsuit filed by the Freedom From Religion Foundation, which claims the day violates the separation of church and state. In a rare alliance, 31 mostly Republican members of Congress and a prominent Christian legal group are joining the administration to fight the lawsuit. Congress established the day in 1952 and in 1988 set the first Thursday in May as the day for presidents to issue proclamations asking Americans to pray. White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs said Tuesday that Obama would issue such a proclamation Thursday but not hold any public events with religious leaders as President George W. Bush did. Gibbs said Obama prays privately and his plan for the day was in line with those of past presidents. Still, Obama drew a rebuke from the National Day of Prayer Task Force, a private group that promotes prayer events around the country. "We are disappointed in the lack of participation by the Obama Administration," said task force chairwoman Shirley Dobson, wife of Focus on the Family founder James Dobson. "At this time in our country's history, we would hope our President would recognize more fully the importance of prayer." The task force estimates 2 million Americans attended more than 40,000 events marking the day last year. Meanwhile, Freedom From Religion Foundation Co-Director Annie Laurie Gaylor welcomed Obama's more subdued observance but said she has been shocked by his administration's strong defense of the day in court. The Madison-based group of 12,000 atheists and agnostics filed the lawsuit near the end of Bush's second term in U.S. District Court in Madison. The suit asks a judge to declare the law unconstitutional and to order presidents and governors to stop issuing prayer proclamations. The lawsuit also claimed federal and state governments work too closely with Dobson's task force to promote the day and give it a Christian bent. Among other things, the task force asks governors and mayors to issue prayer proclamations and suggests specific Bible verses and themes to quote in them. The Obama administration asked U.S. District Judge Barbara Crabb to dismiss the case in March. The administration argued the group has no legal standing to sue, said the tradition's roots date to 1775 and that most presidents have invoked faith in a higher power. It also said the day does not promote religion and argued that preventing presidents from issuing a proclamation would unfairly restrict how they communicate with Americans. "It was very right-wing," Gaylor said of the administration's arguments. "One would expect that under a Reagan or a Bush, but I did not expect that under an Obama." She said the day disenfranchises the millions of Americans who do not believe in God or pray and suggested Obama implement a "national day of service" instead. Thirty-one members of Congress, including House Minority Leader John Boehner, R-Ohio and Rep. Eric Cantor, R-Virginia, have filed a friend-of-the-court brief opposing the lawsuit. They call the prayer day "deeply embedded in the tradition and history of this country." The Alliance Defense Fund, an Arizona-based group of Christian lawyers that is representing Shirley Dobson and the task force, has made similar arguments in asking for the case to be dismissed. Crabb is expected to rule on the motions in coming weeks. __________________ What we do in life echoes in eternity! **** Liberals, they make about as much sense as a screen door on a submarine. If you want to be a looser the best way to get there is to hang around with other loosers.

05-06-2009, 01:21 PM	#4
mrkirker Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 3,067	Re: No White House ceremony to be held on Nat'l Day of Prayer What could be Barack Obama's reason for not having a National Day of Prayer ceremony at the White House? His 'modesty' prohibits such a public display of affection? __________________ *I don't know if dogs have a heaven, but there will be dogs in mine.*

05-06-2009, 01:22 PM	#5
ampaterry TFF Admin Staff Chaplain Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: West Tennessee Contributor Posts: 6,282	Re: No White House ceremony to be held on Nat'l Day of Prayer And this surprises who, considering his background concerning Islam, Christianity and Church? __________________ A woman who demands further gun control legislation is like a chicken who roots for Colonel Sanders. Larry Elder

05-06-2009, 01:25 PM	#6
Trouble 45-70 Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: NE Ar. W. of Black River Contributor Posts: 2,703	Re: No White House ceremony to be held on Nat'l Day of Prayer Makes sence to me, Obama said this is not a Christian Nation, today is not a Muslim holiday. It seems strang to me, every where I go I run into Christians and hear God Bless you. Only among the political class dowe hear that this is not a Christian Nation. These are people who criminalize praying in Jesus Name. I t won't be long before I'll be unable to pray in the name Of the Father, Son and Holly Ghost. For all I know the "Hate Crime Bill will soon make me a criminal for expressing my Christian views. Last edited by Trouble 45-70; 05-07-2009 at 09:43 AM..

05-06-2009, 01:29 PM	#7
Teejay9 Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Southwest Corner of the US, "Where no stinking fence will stop us!!" Posts: 1,257	Re: No White House ceremony to be held on Nat'l Day of Prayer I'm sure he prays 5 times a day in the direction of Mecca, hence the deep bow to Saudi's king. It's alright to be a Muslim, just don't deny it Barry Husein. TJ

05-06-2009, 01:42 PM	#9
Trouble 45-70 Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: NE Ar. W. of Black River Contributor Posts: 2,703	Re: No White House ceremony to be held on Nat'l Day of Prayer The Freedom from Religion Foundation wan'ts instead of a National day of Prayer to have a National Day of Service. May I sugest Emancipation Day celebrating the end of slavery. Last edited by Trouble 45-70; 05-07-2009 at 09:44 AM..

05-06-2009, 01:46 PM	#10
mrkirker Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 3,067	Re: No White House ceremony to be held on Nat'l Day of Prayer May I sugest Emancipation Day celebrating the end of slavery. It's been done: "June-teenth!" __________________ *I don't know if dogs have a heaven, but there will be dogs in mine.*

05-06-2009, 01:51 PM	#11
4EvrLearning Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Left Coast Posts: 1,449	Re: No White House ceremony to be held on Nat'l Day of Prayer Little does he know that he has caused a LOT more fervent prayers just by being in office, than any observance of a special day of prayer may ever cause! Every day is now a "day of prayer"! hair flip As for Bush observing Ramadan.................. __________________ *"Until God is finished with me, I am immortal." Jonathan Edwards, American Theologian (1703-1758)*

05-06-2009, 02:15 PM	#12
TheGunClinger Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: SW Florida Contributor Posts: 2,382	Re: No White House ceremony to be held on Nat'l Day of Prayer The White house is probably a little low on rugs. __________________ New England Patriots Rule Next year.

05-06-2009, 02:24 PM	#13
artabr Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: New Iberia, Louisiana Contributor Posts: 7,859	Re: No White House ceremony to be held on Nat'l Day of Prayer I guess he was telling the truth when he said he didn't hear anything in Rev. Wrights church during the 20 years that he spent sitting in those services. Art __________________ God and the soldier we like adore, In times of trouble, not before. When troubles ended and all things righted, God is forgotten and the soldier is slighted. Francis Quarles 1592 - 1644 __________________ When asked for my race, I answer CauCajun. Hope is not a plan, and not all change is good. The resistance is here; the resistance is now. RESIST! These hands are neither cold nor are they dead!!

05-06-2009, 02:38 PM	#14
Pistolenschutze Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Colorado Posts: 13,094	Re: No White House ceremony to be held on Nat'l Day of Prayer Perhaps his Imam wasn't able to attend. __________________ --Pistolenschutze (Pistol Shooter)

05-06-2009, 02:54 PM	#15
Just One Shot V.I.P. Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Ohio Posts: 432	Re: No White House ceremony to be held on Nat'l Day of Prayer Why would he pray to himself? http://www.worldnetdaily.com/index.p...w&pageId=96138 These people have gone TOO FAR!

05-06-2009, 04:01 PM	#16
FJF0311 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Mt. Airy, MD Posts: 269	Re: No White House ceremony to be held on Nat'l Day of Prayer I've got nothing to add... All of you have done a wonderful job. Quite eloquently. I don't know which was my favorite ! Well said !

05-06-2009, 08:38 PM	#19
ponycar17 Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: South Carolina Contributor Posts: 4,884	Re: No White House ceremony to be held on Nat'l Day of Prayer I said a silent prayer today... That God's will be done... I pray for truthfulness but silently wish for a proclamation of inadequate credentials by Obama to hold the office of President. Only time will tell if that is true... __________________ Arm yourself with intellectual Ammunition! Gunfacts 5.1 Myth-Busting Facts JustFacts.com on Gun Control Stopping Power, the Downloadable Book

05-06-2009, 08:49 PM	#20
Marlin TFF Admin Staff Chief Counselor Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: At SouthernMoss' side forever! Contributor Posts: 13,853	Re: No White House ceremony to be held on Nat'l Day of Prayer No comment. You have all commented well. Can't allow my BP to get out of hand. Don't want to precipitate an MI..... __________________ *The flag represents a living country and is itself considered a living thing.* *The only criminal class native to the United States is Congress.*

05-06-2009, 11:12 PM	#21
SaddleSarge Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Posts: 1,025	Re: No White House ceremony to be held on Nat'l Day of Prayer I agree Marlin, but with this caveat.... Why would a God need to pray to himself? Therefore, this justifies his need to be in front of the camera, showing us that he is no different than the mortals that he rules over.

05-07-2009, 01:53 AM	#22
Marlin T Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: New Mexico Posts: 7,857	Re: No White House ceremony to be held on Nat'l Day of Prayer Never mind __________________ "But the simple truth--born of experience--is that tyranny thrives best where government need not fear the wrath of an armed people." Judge Alex Kozinski - United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit It is the duty of the patriot to protect his country from its government. - Thomas Paine Did you read todays GOOD shooting? >>>KEEPANDBEARARMS.COM <<< Last edited by Marlin T; 05-07-2009 at 04:49 AM..

05-07-2009, 04:13 AM	#23
obxned Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Posts: 1,342	Re: No White House ceremony to be held on Nat'l Day of Prayer Barry can't stand the thought of anyone worshiping anyone other than him. __________________ Proud member of a North Carolina Committee of Safety "If we loose Freedom here, there's no place to escape to. This is the Last Stand on Earth!" Ronald Reagan