<p>I did not suggest that a poll should be taken. I did suggest that neither side of the argument (as has happened in several earlier posts) should claim to represent “the majority of Mids,” because quite frankly, none of us knows what the majority thinks.</p>
<p>There are, indeed, times when the minority view is for the protection of all, but is this really one of those cases? One side of the argument claims that they are being hurt by having an Established religion due to the brief prayer that is voiced daily by one of the USNA chaplains. Let’s say that, indeed, some Mids are down-rating those who don’t join in the prayer. Would eliminating the noon prayer alleviate this discrimination? I sincerely doubt it. People who would discriminate in that way can just as easily look around the religious service of their choice on their day of worship, detect which other Mids don’t profess the same beliefs, and carry out the same discrimination.</p>
<p>On the other hand, how are Mids individually helped or harmed by continuing the prayer? I would assert that those who attend USNA learn very early on in Plebe Summer to tune out distractions and focus their attention onto matters most important to them. It seems, then, an easy thing for these same people to simply “tune out” for a few minutes. What about the rights and potential harms to those Mids for whom the noon prayer is beneficial? Several former Mids (and after PPW, I can add my Mid) have described how those few minutes were often the only kind words spoken during most of the day, and were on occasion the one thing that helped them to keep going. If that is the case for even a few Mids each year, I believe there a value that outweighs the inconvenience the prayer presents to those who don’t wish to participate. </p>
<p>I fully support the need for the Establishment clause, but it must be balanced with the free exercise and freedom of speech clauses of the same amendment. If we were talking about a set of daily announcements, no one would be arguing. It is due to the free expression of a prayer or meditation that this challenge has arisen, and it is clear from earlier points that no single religion is being established or favored. I dare say that, if someone suggested including non-religious, moral readings in the rotation, that the suggestion might well be accepted, which would further demonstrate that no individual religion is being established.</p>