I just want to know if it was school staff who did the prayer or a student. If it was a student, then unfortunately I feel there is no case because if the school tried to stop the student they would be violating her first amendment right. If it was a staff member, then fuck them and sue their asses.
@Kamikaze34 they had minister on the original program that was supposed to conduct a christian prayer...then after Damon's email.. the program was changed to reflect a moment of silence.... The students were not supposed to know about the email requesting a moment of silence instead of the school endorsing a religion. But the info was leaked by staff and students and people of the town gathered at a Baptist church to rally against Damon and it lead to this prayer in spite
Wow, what a selfish, spiteful cunt! She just DID the prayer anyway?!?! Shameful, especially from someone who just got done saying she doesn't care about others beliefs and respects their choice...**sigh** when will we progress?
This reminds me of a video years back showing a student assembly in the gym where loud Christian music was played and none of the students were allowed to leave. They had people guarding the doors and everything.
Ironic that places of learning can't follow the law.
Also, I don't mean to sound rude or conceited or whatever, but calling yourself an Agnostic is like calling yourself indifferent. Having an opinion and being an agnostic do not go hand in hand.
Funny to me that all of these people talk like they're all so ignorant. I am from the south and I don't seem to have an issue knowing what sounds letters make. Annunciation is tantamount to Godliness. HA!
Several things, those students knew it was against the law, their teachers knew, the pricipal knew and they all stood by and watched or even participated noone reported the crime which in itself is a crime, guys this school is just waiting for someone to send them all to jail and rightly so. Teachers, studied people with the sense to know better either take part or stand idly by when young people get indoctrinated, they foster a system that punishes reason and logic, send them to jail please.
All public school teachers are essentially working government jobs. That being said, I think they should have to pass a rigorous test to get their jobs, on both the state constitution and the federal constitution. If a test like that was implemented, shit like this would probably not happen. Probably...
you all are a bunch of haters. you are practicing your religion of hate. you are so blind when you say that this is a violation of first amendment rights. the first amendment states that EVERYONE has religious freedom, which is what she is practicing. i dont imagine that anyone would say anything if an atheist practiced their right not to say anything, or thank anyone but him or herself for their supposed self-actualization. so much of an ignorant double standard. nighty night haters.
so what if it was against a student's wishes. The majority of the students WANTED prayer. Anyone can clearly see that in YOUR video. lol
I bet if that was a christian student who would have passed away and wanted prayer you wouldnt be so set on having prayer would you?? Just because some student who passed agrees with you view point on God doesn't give you the right to be a jerk. Perhaps you should attend 1st grade again and learn to respect others.
This makes me sick to my stomach. I would want to demand that I get to make my own speech. Thank God for the success of the 2011 class? How about THANK THE STUDENTS, TEACHERS, and STAFF for all their hard work? Everyone could agree and be happy with that... unfortunately, faith has crept into a public school system like fungus.
Christians tend to get off on shoving their religion down peoples throats that neither asked for it nor want it. Christianity is one of the few religions out there that whether or not you want to listen or not they have a distinct inability to keep it to themselves. The Buddhists and other tolerant like minded religions do not pull this crap jesus's sheeple have an entitlement issue...what makes you so special you can violate the laws and rights of people because you feel like it?
sick religious bastards, just goes to show how ignorant and hateful religion really is, especially the christian s, whom seem to think they are above everyone else with their shitty little morality rules, and yet they are ostracizing a child for speaking his mind and invoking his constitutional rights of having church separated from politics and public education.
sick religious bastards, just goes to show how ignorant and hateful religion really is, especially the christian s, whom seem to think they are above everyone else with their shitty little morality rules, and yet they are ostracizing a child for speaking his mind and invoking his constitutional rights of having church separated from politics and public education.
There is no boogie man in the sky, no pearly gates, no 77 virgins and definitely no chosen people.Your religions are all based from mythology which can be directly linked to Astronomy, you religious fuks are such weak minded people, full of indifference and hate,Yous can take your religions , turn them sideways and shove them far up your asses, there is no god, get the fuk over it and grow up?
Your religions are all based from mythology which can be directly linked to Astronomy, you religious fuks are such weak minded people, full of indifference and hate,Yous can take your religions , turn them sideways and shove them far up your asses, there is no god, get the fuk over it and grow up?
It amazes me that not only do they seem to think Jesus would approve of spiteful, hateful behavior in his name, but that also their bibles apparently lack the entire book of Matthew. Or at least the bits that tell them not to pray in public and to shut it and go away if asked to do so. I may be one of the Heathenfolk, but at least I've also read the bible (and Tanakh and Quran). Maybe the "Christians" should try reading their own book, too.
It's funny that they claim that the bible was written by (divine inspiration of) their god and yet they don't even take the time to actually read it or act upon it..
Quite disrespectful towards their own god.
The average atheist (who is atheist by reason) knows more about the bible and it's history than the average X'tian..
I dare to say that the knowledge of the latter is pathetic actually.
That is very disrespectful. Call yourself a religion of peace, but use prayer to mock other students. May your God have mercy on you, oh wait. What God?
Bunch of hicks trying to cram their nonsense down other people's throats. Everyone who threatens him should be thrown in prison, and the school itself should lose its accreditation and public funding, and all of the teachers involved should be banned from teaching.
Gotta love a member of a religious faith that claims piety as a virtue, then feels the need to use a high school graduation as an opportunity to hold a pep rally for 'ol buddy Christ. Then again, this is Louisiana, a state that actually bought that "Intelligent Design" garbage.
I've got nothing but respect and admiration for Damon Fowler, who is apparently finding out first-hand just how loving and forgiving Christians can be.
Being an agnostic myself, I can completely understand where he was coming from, and agree that such a religious tone in a public school is inappropriate. However that being said, Damon really should have known what an uproar protesting the prayer would cause. it's pretty common sense that when you're out numbered that greatly your best idea is to keep your mouth shut and resist silently.
It's called self preservation, there is a real chance there will be a fanatic among the herd who would go and kill him, all be it not very likely. There is also the alienation factor that will impact his life there, he will probably have to move or not get anywhere decent. Taking senseless risks is stupid, he is probably stupid.
@SARbrianheath Ya, that's totally why Martin Luther King Jr, Rosa Parks, Ghandi, and everyone else who every stood up against some form of tyranny and unjust rule was totally wrong right?
Sarcasm aside, your wrong about the last part, when the majority is being tyrannical and unlawful (we have a First Amendment after all) the right thing is to step up and be heard, not sit back and allow mob rule and tyranny to reign.
This person who did this prayer ritual thing at a public school ceremony was just plain RUDE. Did anyone teach her any manners? Would she think me rude if I wandered into her church, and started claiming that Jesus was dead, and their god doesn't exist? Same thing. A complete lack of respect for others. How rude!
@jaxhotmom Please let Damon know that he has worldwide support! And please tell him to never doubt that did the right thing! Best of luck to you & Damon - do not let ignorance prevail as this fight is not just his, but for future generations as well!
wow, not surprising, horrible but not surprising, luckily i have family that supports me despite my views. this incident should make Christians disgusted. loving god with ignorant followers or bigoted beliefs with mindless followers, which is it?
This story is appalling; this town, it's high school community, and the boy's family should be ashamed (and, as they are, publicly shamed). Of course, no amount of legal threats or even action will keep hick towns like this from publicly denouncing the US Constitution and our basic rights as American citizens. Such a shame. This is the kind of backwater hellhole where people drive around with "Kill a queer for Christ" stickers on their trucks...
One thing that I've learned in 50 years on this planet is that "asshole" comes in every colour and speaks every language and believe s in every bit of moronic noinsense that's out there. This young man is brave beyond compare. His parents are apparently simple (read "stupid") and his classmates that feel they must bu
lly, cajole etc. are "Fly a plane in to a building " crazy. Ask yourselves what your pal JC would do in this situation. I'm no christian, but It seems that your guy would find
fucking stupids religion is not possible 93% of sientists in us are atheists or agnostics (more inteligent and logical and this pruf it ) and less despective cristians and catolics are hatefull and wrong.
there is nothing wrong with that it does not hurt anyone. if you don't believe don't listen. Christians should be able to pray if they so chose, no one is making a non believer pray.
@jaxhotmom Um, according to several sources his parents threw his belongings out on the porch shortly after this incident. Also, I resent your implication that only intelligent people live in big cities. Have you ever attempted to drive in Dallas or NYC? Further, you keep saying the same thing about him getting financial support. Hooray for him. Can I have some money since I'm not a Christian?
@TravaTalksSmack Its not about being a christian or not its about being a dumb fuck. I live in Dallas.. I have been to NYC.. there are stupid people everywhere I am aware. I think my sources are better than yours since Damon is sitting in my living room right now... and OH since I am his SISTER. GO read a book.
@jaxhotmom What does reading a book have to do with anything? Is there already a book deal in the works? I'm sorry, I'm not here to have a flame war with "jaxhotmom" about supposed "sources". I actually agree with Damon's stance, if YOU would actually READ my comment. Give Damon daps for me would ya and stop being so repetative.
i have to repond to TravaTalksSmack... thats what ur doing"talking smack" cause u don't know what ur talking about. THEY HAVEN'T CHASED HIM OUT OF TOWN!!!!!!
@MsCindybo Further, as I can testify as someone who lives nearby, he has received multiple death threats via the internet and elsewhere. It is something akin to a witchburning. I'm sorry if I misrepresented this very sensitive information :P
I live very close to this town and all I can say is it makes me scared to speak my mind... they have literally chased the boy who contacted the ACLU out of town.
All the people that are praying in this video are like retarded 13 year old children that still believe in Santa, saying something along the lines of "DURRR MUMMY, WHEN'S SANTA COMING?"
This is thankfully unimaginable in my university. I just find it so weird! How can she say she respects everyone's beliefs, then stomp all over them with hers?
A lot of Christians are kind and generous people. Aren't a lot of the things being said about Christians and religion in general here INTOLERANT, the same thing that many of you are accusing Christians of being? I agree that this school broke the law, and what happened to that kid is terrible, but there is no need to go around spreading hatred of Christianity and religion. That only makes everything worse.
So Damon has received death threats from these so-called "Christians."
I preferred the image of Christianity as one where people loved each other, not this disgusting one of hate and bigotry. It is sad to see a religion get so twisted by these nutjobs. Although I'm not a religious person, I feel for all the decent Christians out there having their religion discredited by these disgraceful human beings.
I feel bad for this school and this class. They will be remembered as the class who stomped on the Constitution. It is unfortunate that this type of thing happens.
I live in the south east, and there is no form of prayer at my high school's graduation ceremony. There is a moment of silence to recognize all the service members of this great nation, but that's it.
what's the point of separating church and state when it isn't enforced? i can't believe this kind of shit goes on. what the hell is wrong with people? it is just sad.
somone should contact the ACLU ( i think thats the proper authority) and show thekm this video, the school should be severely reprimanded. Im talking fired staff, expelled students, serious punishment is in order to discourage this discrimination.
People wonder why atheists, agnostics, or people of other religions get so upset with christians. It's the mind set displayed in this 'invocation' that 'we have the right religion, you do not, if you don't like it then tough shit because we have the majority.' Ironically these are the same people that feel they are persecuted. Persecuted majority my ass. The christians like this young woman are the persecutors.
These people are NOT true christians and if they think that they are they are sadly mistaken... Fucking hillbilly's... your going to be the end of the US
These people should be ashamed of themselves. I hope those graduates cheering don't get accepted at ANY college in the US. I hope they have to go to some backwards theocratic country to live and see what a good god run country is all about.
I'm thankful for not having attended that high school. That's one easily duped, woefully ignorant, depressingly intolerant, uninformed, bigoted graduating class. See ya in the real world kids!
that school should be burnt to the ground. I wish i was there, i can not believe how fucking stupid all those kids are. "I need religion cause im a pussy and cant think for myself!" what a fucking joke
Wow, and I bet they claimed they were doing the Christian thing when they threatened and belittled him. I hate people like this. Just because you're in a church doesn't mean you're a Christian, that is like saying standing in a garage makes you a fucking car. I'm an atheist and I would love to spit on these hypocrites.
Many of these same folks who reacted to this young man in a negative manner are probably proud supporters of U.S. military actions overseas "to protect our freedoms at home" and yet they themselves do not want to ALLOW those freedoms if the opinions expressed happen to differ with their own. And yet, they will criticize the Taliban and other theocracies for oppressing THEIR people. Awful, and grossly unconstitutional. For shame, everyone who attacked Damon Fowler. Especially his parents!
The moment of silence is for PRAYER. If you truly respected the beliefs of others you would have respected the belief of your fellow classmates and omitted the prayer or you should have included a prayer from all religions present. You're a bunch of hypocrites and jerks for treating your fellow man in such a disgusting manner. Your actions are COMPLETELY unchristian. Lord help us that you and your fellow classmates are the future of this country.
I am a Christian but I think its important not to judge just one side over another. Just how Damon was trying to defend what he thought was important so were the Christians in that school. Both were willing to stir things up for the sake of what they thought was true.
bottom line a prayer like that in school is unconstitutional and shouldnt happen. damen isnt shoving his beliefs down everyones throats, the crazy christians are consistantly shoving there religion down everyones throats and its purely ridiculous. everyone in this country is brainwashed bottom line and needs to start thinking for themselves instead of living by a book of fiction.
First Amendment: Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech.
They're acting like a bunch of overzealous tards, but they're still within bounds of the Constitution.
Matthew 6:5. And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites [are]: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.
6 But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly. Look at that! Don't be a hypocrite, straight from the bible!
Those that claim to be followers of Christ ought to act like it. It's not right to treat people badly. No one teaches that people with different beliefs should be treated the way Damon Fowler was treated. I pray for Fowler but mostly for those that persecute him. They need to open they're hearts and minds.
If you have the right to pray in a public institution, I should have the right to ask if you are of a religious faith when you apply for a job with my company. I'll tell you now... if you say you are a Christian, I'll boot your ass out of my office.
Fucking fundamentalist Christians. They will be the death of this great nation, and the world. Who the fuck do they think they are? They shit on the chests of our founding fathers, and attempt to rip our constitution and replace it with The Ten Commandments. That is the DEFINITION of oppression. Thanks, my brother, for standing up for what is right.
This took place in Louisiana, and please believe me when I say that us in south Louisiana are very embarassed by those dumbass bigots in north Louisiana. I'm not saying nothing like this hasn't happend in the south, but we sure as hell aren't as bad as the north.
They spit in the face of the founding fathers of this amazing country. How many died to make this country free from a state sponsored religion? You also spit on their graves. Shame on you.
Religion is quite possibly the worst social ill known to humankind. These students have shown this to be true. The atheist student who chose to uphold the law of the united states by threatening to report this school to the ACLU has received many threats of violence and death by some of the Christian students you see in this video.
So being an evil little heathen and believing in Jesus will get ya to heaven. However if you are a good person and don't believe in Jesus you go to Hell.
i though christianity was supposed to be a religion of peace and forgiveness. what tosh. religion breeds nothing but hatred intolerance and ignorance. should be banned.
@jowsrik I often suggest that religion aught to be banned. I certainly hate it. Unfortunately, you cannot ban religion without oppressing people every bit as badly as religious communities do, only well beyond those specific communities. If you have a government with the authority to take away people's right to believe and practice what they wish, then you have a government that can make you worship it.
wow, they were really excited about praying in a place they shouldn't be. Did she really thank god for the success of all her classmates? It's pretty sad that some people can't even give themselves credit for their own hard work.
I'm a Christian, but don't think what these people did is a reflection of all of us. Ostracizing someone just because of their beliefs is NOT what Christianity should be about.
It's strange how religious the United States is among all the other well developed countries. Am I thinking conspiracy theory? D@mn right. Political leaders are using all the power they have to perpetuate the ignorance and religiosity of America. Divide and conquer. What other easier way is there to get more votes when you have the visage of Christianity?
“But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.” (Matthew 6:6)
It's strange how religious the United States is among all the other well developed countries. Am I thinking conspiracy theory? D@mn right. Political leaders are using all the power they have to perpetuate the ignorance and religiosity of America. Divide and conquer. What other easier way is there to get more votes when you have the visage of Christianity?
It's strange how religious the United States is among all the other well developed countries. Am I thinking conspiracy theory? D@mn right. Political leaders are using all the power they have to perpetuate the ignorance and religiosity of America. Divide and conquer. What other easier way is there to get more votes when you have the visage of Christianity?
It's strange how religious the United States is among all the otherm well developed countries. Am I thinking conspiracy theory? D@mn right. Political leaders are using all the power they have to perpetuate the ignorance and religiosity of America. Divide and conquer. What other easier way is there to get more votes when you have the visage of Christianity?
the ultimate test laboratory to see if God of the Bible is real or not is REALITY--the benefits of receiving the Holy Spirit thru Jesus for a society should be seeing, at least a percentage of citizens being honest, faithful & giving leading to a prosperous and tolerant country, but in America people here are walled in, and they have to risk their lives to escape to countries in Africa and Asia, also people of other faiths are not allowed here, if they exist, even atheist, they are killed.
"And when you pray, you shall not be as the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the open streets so that they may be seen of men. Truly I say to you, They have their reward. 6 But you, when you pray, enter into your room and shutting your door, pray to your Father in secret. And your Father seeing in secret will repay you in the open."
Ill say a prayer for all of you people in this video.. Its apparent that NONE of you who support this know what it means to be a Christian and you sure as hell dont act like one. Its because of people like this that so many people turn their backs on not only America, but religion also. THIS is why I WILL NEVER claim "Christian" as my religion. I wouldnt want to be confused for one of these types of shameful people... You disgust me and have no one to blame but yourselves for any backlash..
I just want to know if it was school staff who did the prayer or a student. If it was a student, then unfortunately I feel there is no case because if the school tried to stop the student they would be violating her first amendment right. If it was a staff member, then fuck them and sue their asses.
Kamikaze34 9 months ago 10
@Kamikaze34 they had minister on the original program that was supposed to conduct a christian prayer...then after Damon's email.. the program was changed to reflect a moment of silence.... The students were not supposed to know about the email requesting a moment of silence instead of the school endorsing a religion. But the info was leaked by staff and students and people of the town gathered at a Baptist church to rally against Damon and it lead to this prayer in spite
jaxhotmom 9 months ago 14
THATS the way to GOOOO!
llGemini 9 months ago
Wow, what a selfish, spiteful cunt! She just DID the prayer anyway?!?! Shameful, especially from someone who just got done saying she doesn't care about others beliefs and respects their choice...**sigh** when will we progress?
vids721 9 months ago 49
I hope that girl develops cancer and dies.
KingDamian1970 9 months ago 17
I think while they were saying the lord's prayer, he should have been giving thanks to the Flying Spaghetti Monster and praising his noodly goodness.
Ramen.
SiNFury 9 months ago 34
Oh hell fucking no. Fuck this shit.
darkcomet112 9 months ago 10
Stupid inbred white trash hicks
18iskwl 9 months ago
I hope organized religion dies off when I have my children.
SaveThePerishables 9 months ago 6
They think bullying is going to convert him and "save his soul from the fire of hell." They let these kinds of dummies graduate high school.
wordnerd210 9 months ago 3
This reminds me of a video years back showing a student assembly in the gym where loud Christian music was played and none of the students were allowed to leave. They had people guarding the doors and everything.
Ironic that places of learning can't follow the law.
uxtalzon 9 months ago
"i dont believe in McDonalds"
for some reason i think they would be just as crazy about that statement too
LimberBear19 9 months ago
Also, I don't mean to sound rude or conceited or whatever, but calling yourself an Agnostic is like calling yourself indifferent. Having an opinion and being an agnostic do not go hand in hand.
GarrettMBand 9 months ago
Funny to me that all of these people talk like they're all so ignorant. I am from the south and I don't seem to have an issue knowing what sounds letters make. Annunciation is tantamount to Godliness. HA!
GarrettMBand 9 months ago
You know Mitzi Quinn probably intimidated their valedictorian into saying that prayer. Cowardly adults always use children to take the fall for them.
Water4Jeremiah 9 months ago
What a bunch of hypocritical religious zombies, mindlessly following their invisible sky daddy's every whim.
To Damon: Hang in there buddy. Be strong.
jmlew 9 months ago
respect dude! Power to your rights, not the pity minded.
heoTheo 9 months ago
Several things, those students knew it was against the law, their teachers knew, the pricipal knew and they all stood by and watched or even participated noone reported the crime which in itself is a crime, guys this school is just waiting for someone to send them all to jail and rightly so. Teachers, studied people with the sense to know better either take part or stand idly by when young people get indoctrinated, they foster a system that punishes reason and logic, send them to jail please.
scharrer1 9 months ago
All public school teachers are essentially working government jobs. That being said, I think they should have to pass a rigorous test to get their jobs, on both the state constitution and the federal constitution. If a test like that was implemented, shit like this would probably not happen. Probably...
myteethareshiny 9 months ago
AMEN!
jay18792 9 months ago
There are four things that ruin the world: Religion, Ignorance (closely tied with religion), hatred, and greed.
GuitarFisherman2112 9 months ago
This is atrocious behavior. These people should be ashamed of themselves.
MorganMcJiggleson 9 months ago
fucking backward hicks
spreadtherandomvibe 9 months ago
fuck this I'm moving to canada
emochimpzrule 9 months ago
you all are a bunch of haters. you are practicing your religion of hate. you are so blind when you say that this is a violation of first amendment rights. the first amendment states that EVERYONE has religious freedom, which is what she is practicing. i dont imagine that anyone would say anything if an atheist practiced their right not to say anything, or thank anyone but him or herself for their supposed self-actualization. so much of an ignorant double standard. nighty night haters.
immaculatefidelity 9 months ago
fuck that hick school. i applaud this kid
hortisimo 9 months ago
so what if it was against a student's wishes. The majority of the students WANTED prayer. Anyone can clearly see that in YOUR video. lol
I bet if that was a christian student who would have passed away and wanted prayer you wouldnt be so set on having prayer would you?? Just because some student who passed agrees with you view point on God doesn't give you the right to be a jerk. Perhaps you should attend 1st grade again and learn to respect others.
ayu67 9 months ago
@ayu67 Your stupid get off my page. STUPID
jaxhotmom 9 months ago 91
This makes me sick to my stomach. I would want to demand that I get to make my own speech. Thank God for the success of the 2011 class? How about THANK THE STUDENTS, TEACHERS, and STAFF for all their hard work? Everyone could agree and be happy with that... unfortunately, faith has crept into a public school system like fungus.
oxonameless 9 months ago
Christians tend to get off on shoving their religion down peoples throats that neither asked for it nor want it. Christianity is one of the few religions out there that whether or not you want to listen or not they have a distinct inability to keep it to themselves. The Buddhists and other tolerant like minded religions do not pull this crap jesus's sheeple have an entitlement issue...what makes you so special you can violate the laws and rights of people because you feel like it?
JessiSteere 9 months ago
sick religious bastards, just goes to show how ignorant and hateful religion really is, especially the christian s, whom seem to think they are above everyone else with their shitty little morality rules, and yet they are ostracizing a child for speaking his mind and invoking his constitutional rights of having church separated from politics and public education.
69oneear 9 months ago
sick religious bastards, just goes to show how ignorant and hateful religion really is, especially the christian s, whom seem to think they are above everyone else with their shitty little morality rules, and yet they are ostracizing a child for speaking his mind and invoking his constitutional rights of having church separated from politics and public education.
69oneear 9 months ago
There is no boogie man in the sky, no pearly gates, no 77 virgins and definitely no chosen people.Your religions are all based from mythology which can be directly linked to Astronomy, you religious fuks are such weak minded people, full of indifference and hate,Yous can take your religions , turn them sideways and shove them far up your asses, there is no god, get the fuk over it and grow up?
69oneear 9 months ago
Your religions are all based from mythology which can be directly linked to Astronomy, you religious fuks are such weak minded people, full of indifference and hate,Yous can take your religions , turn them sideways and shove them far up your asses, there is no god, get the fuk over it and grow up?
69oneear 9 months ago
It amazes me that not only do they seem to think Jesus would approve of spiteful, hateful behavior in his name, but that also their bibles apparently lack the entire book of Matthew. Or at least the bits that tell them not to pray in public and to shut it and go away if asked to do so. I may be one of the Heathenfolk, but at least I've also read the bible (and Tanakh and Quran). Maybe the "Christians" should try reading their own book, too.
Mordgorond 9 months ago 14
@Mordgorond
It's funny that they claim that the bible was written by (divine inspiration of) their god and yet they don't even take the time to actually read it or act upon it..
Quite disrespectful towards their own god.
The average atheist (who is atheist by reason) knows more about the bible and it's history than the average X'tian..
I dare to say that the knowledge of the latter is pathetic actually.
gilgameshismist 9 months ago
that's a hell of a lot of cheeks that were not turned
taternuts1992 9 months ago 5
That is very disrespectful. Call yourself a religion of peace, but use prayer to mock other students. May your God have mercy on you, oh wait. What God?
Hypocrites
motanium 9 months ago 18
prayer in spite is not prayer
justwatchthedamvideo 9 months ago 5
Bunch of hicks trying to cram their nonsense down other people's throats. Everyone who threatens him should be thrown in prison, and the school itself should lose its accreditation and public funding, and all of the teachers involved should be banned from teaching.
RMRKatie 9 months ago 7
So much for "no distractions."
Gotta love a member of a religious faith that claims piety as a virtue, then feels the need to use a high school graduation as an opportunity to hold a pep rally for 'ol buddy Christ. Then again, this is Louisiana, a state that actually bought that "Intelligent Design" garbage.
I've got nothing but respect and admiration for Damon Fowler, who is apparently finding out first-hand just how loving and forgiving Christians can be.
volumecorps 9 months ago 7
LoL, don't they know gods aren't real? Ha! Oh wait... this is in my country... (facepalm)
ProfPyncheon 9 months ago 7
Blatant violation of the USA Constitution. These people do not deserve a high school diploma. The school should be closed, the teachers all fired.
farvision 9 months ago 7
@farvision I don't know about closing the school, but the teachers, especially Miss Quinn and Principal Pullen need to be canned.
Pbirv 9 months ago 17
Being an agnostic myself, I can completely understand where he was coming from, and agree that such a religious tone in a public school is inappropriate. However that being said, Damon really should have known what an uproar protesting the prayer would cause. it's pretty common sense that when you're out numbered that greatly your best idea is to keep your mouth shut and resist silently.
SARbrianheath 9 months ago
@SARbrianheath yeah thats called being a pussy and not making an example out of the wrong that has been done.
jaxhotmom 9 months ago 107
@jaxhotmom
It's called self preservation, there is a real chance there will be a fanatic among the herd who would go and kill him, all be it not very likely. There is also the alienation factor that will impact his life there, he will probably have to move or not get anywhere decent. Taking senseless risks is stupid, he is probably stupid.
neurel111 9 months ago
@SARbrianheath he was told it would be confidential.
TheP8ntballer 9 months ago
@SARbrianheath He protested the prayer to the school superintendent in secret but this was later leaked.
Chronobeanz 9 months ago
@SARbrianheath Ya, that's totally why Martin Luther King Jr, Rosa Parks, Ghandi, and everyone else who every stood up against some form of tyranny and unjust rule was totally wrong right?
Sarcasm aside, your wrong about the last part, when the majority is being tyrannical and unlawful (we have a First Amendment after all) the right thing is to step up and be heard, not sit back and allow mob rule and tyranny to reign.
bahamut2000x 9 months ago
@SARbrianheath Ever heard of "Stand up for what you believe in, even if you're standing alone"?
puppysmilez12 9 months ago
@SARbrianheath that is what many blacks did too before the civil rights movement, didnt work out too well huh?
1FreeThinker1 9 months ago
@SARbrianheath Ya, why stand up for your constitutional rights when you could sit down and allow something illegal and wrong to continue?
KOICrowz 9 months ago
@SARbrianheath yeah that is called repression, that is not ok
brick123wall456 9 months ago
@SARbrianheath Going by that logic, maybe Rosa Parks should've given her seat to a White and kept her mouth shut?
Pbirv 9 months ago 30
This person who did this prayer ritual thing at a public school ceremony was just plain RUDE. Did anyone teach her any manners? Would she think me rude if I wandered into her church, and started claiming that Jesus was dead, and their god doesn't exist? Same thing. A complete lack of respect for others. How rude!
CCnTaylor 9 months ago 5
fuck that man!
XCLSUIVEPAIN 9 months ago
"I would like to give thanks to the God that has made the class of 2011 a great success."
What?! So i guess all the students working their asses off had nothing to do with their success?
TheBryan434 9 months ago
"I would like to give thanks to the God that has made the class of 2011 a great success."
What? So i guess all the students working their asses off had nothing to do with their success?
TheBryan434 9 months ago
Fucking Cancer.
EightBitAcid 9 months ago
@jaxhotmom Please let Damon know that he has worldwide support! And please tell him to never doubt that did the right thing! Best of luck to you & Damon - do not let ignorance prevail as this fight is not just his, but for future generations as well!
hollyspry 9 months ago 2
wow, not surprising, horrible but not surprising, luckily i have family that supports me despite my views. this incident should make Christians disgusted. loving god with ignorant followers or bigoted beliefs with mindless followers, which is it?
musicalposter 9 months ago
This is a typical responce when you live in a highly religious area and you are athiest
maybe Fowler went about it the wrong way then again his points were valid
then again when we had school prayer etc I would just sit there ignore it
I dont think Fowler was in the wrong to ask for his own belifs to be respected
but what happend to him after that was completely insane
to me it looks like some chrisitans is just as vile and ignorant as they were hundreds of years ago
TeratusVantian 9 months ago
This story is appalling; this town, it's high school community, and the boy's family should be ashamed (and, as they are, publicly shamed). Of course, no amount of legal threats or even action will keep hick towns like this from publicly denouncing the US Constitution and our basic rights as American citizens. Such a shame. This is the kind of backwater hellhole where people drive around with "Kill a queer for Christ" stickers on their trucks...
mollyjeorgensen 9 months ago
This literally made me vomit.
NouaMentis 9 months ago
With the money he should get in lawsuits he doesn't need those close minded parents or that shit hole of a place.
symbolofdeth 9 months ago
Wow. This is the most un-Christian thing I've ever seen. Truly disgusting behaviour on the school's part. My thoughts are with Damon.
ashieyu66 9 months ago
Forcing Christianity down people's throats is only going to make the backlash more viscous...Doing this is religious rape.
odello3 9 months ago
One thing that I've learned in 50 years on this planet is that "asshole" comes in every colour and speaks every language and believe s in every bit of moronic noinsense that's out there. This young man is brave beyond compare. His parents are apparently simple (read "stupid") and his classmates that feel they must bu
lly, cajole etc. are "Fly a plane in to a building " crazy. Ask yourselves what your pal JC would do in this situation. I'm no christian, but It seems that your guy would find
livy1962 9 months ago
fucking stupids religion is not possible 93% of sientists in us are atheists or agnostics (more inteligent and logical and this pruf it ) and less despective cristians and catolics are hatefull and wrong.
111omnipotent 9 months ago
Is this what Jesus would do?
wickedzen1 9 months ago
Darwin's Waiting Room...
PatwMartin 9 months ago
there is nothing wrong with that it does not hurt anyone. if you don't believe don't listen. Christians should be able to pray if they so chose, no one is making a non believer pray.
twistedillisions 9 months ago
@twistedillisions SILENTLY like the bible says during the moment of SILENCE!!!!! STUPID.
jaxhotmom 9 months ago 92
@jaxhotmom Um, according to several sources his parents threw his belongings out on the porch shortly after this incident. Also, I resent your implication that only intelligent people live in big cities. Have you ever attempted to drive in Dallas or NYC? Further, you keep saying the same thing about him getting financial support. Hooray for him. Can I have some money since I'm not a Christian?
TravaTalksSmack 9 months ago
@TravaTalksSmack Its not about being a christian or not its about being a dumb fuck. I live in Dallas.. I have been to NYC.. there are stupid people everywhere I am aware. I think my sources are better than yours since Damon is sitting in my living room right now... and OH since I am his SISTER. GO read a book.
jaxhotmom 9 months ago 7
@jaxhotmom What does reading a book have to do with anything? Is there already a book deal in the works? I'm sorry, I'm not here to have a flame war with "jaxhotmom" about supposed "sources". I actually agree with Damon's stance, if YOU would actually READ my comment. Give Damon daps for me would ya and stop being so repetative.
TravaTalksSmack 9 months ago
i have to repond to TravaTalksSmack... thats what ur doing"talking smack" cause u don't know what ur talking about. THEY HAVEN'T CHASED HIM OUT OF TOWN!!!!!!
MsCindybo 9 months ago
@MsCindybo I was referring to this and other articles atheistrev . com/2011/05/damon-fowler-kicked-out-of-parents-home . html
TravaTalksSmack 9 months ago
@MsCindybo Further, as I can testify as someone who lives nearby, he has received multiple death threats via the internet and elsewhere. It is something akin to a witchburning. I'm sorry if I misrepresented this very sensitive information :P
TravaTalksSmack 9 months ago 3
Stupid, fat, brainwashed, wasteful, shit eating fucking pious morons. i loathe this kind of behavior.
CamerOneiric 9 months ago 163
@CamerOneiric Brilliantly said;)
AbsentElement236 9 months ago
Is it wrong that I just kept looking at that ass?
TravaTalksSmack 9 months ago
I live very close to this town and all I can say is it makes me scared to speak my mind... they have literally chased the boy who contacted the ACLU out of town.
TravaTalksSmack 9 months ago
holy fuck
inquiry10 9 months ago
Fricking bible thumping hicks
prplhayesvp70 9 months ago
Oh, I get it. They're graduating from retard school.
pandaya 9 months ago 2
this is disgusting
timtimmy5 9 months ago
All the people that are praying in this video are like retarded 13 year old children that still believe in Santa, saying something along the lines of "DURRR MUMMY, WHEN'S SANTA COMING?"
MyPantsAreTheBest 9 months ago
This is thankfully unimaginable in my university. I just find it so weird! How can she say she respects everyone's beliefs, then stomp all over them with hers?
highonrebellion1 9 months ago 3
A lot of Christians are kind and generous people. Aren't a lot of the things being said about Christians and religion in general here INTOLERANT, the same thing that many of you are accusing Christians of being? I agree that this school broke the law, and what happened to that kid is terrible, but there is no need to go around spreading hatred of Christianity and religion. That only makes everything worse.
amschroe 9 months ago
@amschroe
A non Christian received death threats from so called people of god.
What kind of a world would it be if good people didn't stand up to this bullying?
100cherrypie 9 months ago
So Damon has received death threats from these so-called "Christians."
I preferred the image of Christianity as one where people loved each other, not this disgusting one of hate and bigotry. It is sad to see a religion get so twisted by these nutjobs. Although I'm not a religious person, I feel for all the decent Christians out there having their religion discredited by these disgraceful human beings.
DivisionWasp 9 months ago
I would like to thank God, for allowing me to grow-up free from this ugly nonsense.
skeilak 9 months ago
these people don't represent me!!
cruciphile 9 months ago
I feel bad for this school and this class. They will be remembered as the class who stomped on the Constitution. It is unfortunate that this type of thing happens.
KrAoRcEkNs 9 months ago
I live in the south east, and there is no form of prayer at my high school's graduation ceremony. There is a moment of silence to recognize all the service members of this great nation, but that's it.
brutimestwo 9 months ago
I am so thankful that I do not live in the USA.
manbearpig900 9 months ago
what's the point of separating church and state when it isn't enforced? i can't believe this kind of shit goes on. what the hell is wrong with people? it is just sad.
badlolaisgonnamakeit 9 months ago
somone should contact the ACLU ( i think thats the proper authority) and show thekm this video, the school should be severely reprimanded. Im talking fired staff, expelled students, serious punishment is in order to discourage this discrimination.
milkwasabadchoice131 9 months ago 65
@milkwasabadchoice131 this has already been in place... the school has received a letter from ACLU and FFRF to make amends.... but it does
nt matter if they do or not.. they are still getting a new asshole:)
jaxhotmom 9 months ago
People wonder why atheists, agnostics, or people of other religions get so upset with christians. It's the mind set displayed in this 'invocation' that 'we have the right religion, you do not, if you don't like it then tough shit because we have the majority.' Ironically these are the same people that feel they are persecuted. Persecuted majority my ass. The christians like this young woman are the persecutors.
theodorichen 9 months ago
These people are NOT true christians and if they think that they are they are sadly mistaken... Fucking hillbilly's... your going to be the end of the US
forbzy1590 9 months ago
Well this is justa bit messed up.
MEEEEpo 9 months ago
Well this is just a bit fucked up lol
MEEEEpo 9 months ago
Savages.
dadawg911 9 months ago
disgusting.
TwDougherty29 9 months ago
These people should be ashamed of themselves. I hope those graduates cheering don't get accepted at ANY college in the US. I hope they have to go to some backwards theocratic country to live and see what a good god run country is all about.
P51mustang00 9 months ago
i thought this was suppose to be a graduation? all i can see is a bunch of sheep.
noein92 9 months ago
I'm thankful for not having attended that high school. That's one easily duped, woefully ignorant, depressingly intolerant, uninformed, bigoted graduating class. See ya in the real world kids!
Dez299 9 months ago
that school should be burnt to the ground. I wish i was there, i can not believe how fucking stupid all those kids are. "I need religion cause im a pussy and cant think for myself!" what a fucking joke
xboxhaloalive 9 months ago
Disgusting.
pukeoncops123 9 months ago
I can't wait until someone decides to say a prayer to a god other than the Judeo-Christian one at such an event.
whoarentyou 9 months ago
wow, this is bullshit.
LexoJello 9 months ago
pompous, self-righteous and blatantly hypocritical so-called christians. what would jesus do? disown all your dumb asses.
jdemic 9 months ago
The Muslim call to prayer is a lot nicer to listen to than that woman's ignorant drawl.
FarewellMonuments 9 months ago 3
What a cunt.
xShawnutsx 9 months ago
While she thanked god for letting them graduate, god starved a 1000 kids to death.
Constrict0r 9 months ago
Wow, and I bet they claimed they were doing the Christian thing when they threatened and belittled him. I hate people like this. Just because you're in a church doesn't mean you're a Christian, that is like saying standing in a garage makes you a fucking car. I'm an atheist and I would love to spit on these hypocrites.
rainydaywoman1965 9 months ago
This stupid shit is still playing out in schools in 2011?
bubyhen 9 months ago
The woman who is leading that prayer should be reprimanded or fired.
tArchStantont 9 months ago
Many of these same folks who reacted to this young man in a negative manner are probably proud supporters of U.S. military actions overseas "to protect our freedoms at home" and yet they themselves do not want to ALLOW those freedoms if the opinions expressed happen to differ with their own. And yet, they will criticize the Taliban and other theocracies for oppressing THEIR people. Awful, and grossly unconstitutional. For shame, everyone who attacked Damon Fowler. Especially his parents!
trasentino 9 months ago
The moment of silence is for PRAYER. If you truly respected the beliefs of others you would have respected the belief of your fellow classmates and omitted the prayer or you should have included a prayer from all religions present. You're a bunch of hypocrites and jerks for treating your fellow man in such a disgusting manner. Your actions are COMPLETELY unchristian. Lord help us that you and your fellow classmates are the future of this country.
gomthong 9 months ago
zoombies.
Grosflam 9 months ago
Talibangelical christianists HATE America's Constitution
SoINeedAName48 9 months ago
I am a Christian but I think its important not to judge just one side over another. Just how Damon was trying to defend what he thought was important so were the Christians in that school. Both were willing to stir things up for the sake of what they thought was true.
07brilynn 9 months ago
bottom line a prayer like that in school is unconstitutional and shouldnt happen. damen isnt shoving his beliefs down everyones throats, the crazy christians are consistantly shoving there religion down everyones throats and its purely ridiculous. everyone in this country is brainwashed bottom line and needs to start thinking for themselves instead of living by a book of fiction.
drkside13 9 months ago
That was rude.. how do they call themselves these great christians that are going to heaven when they don't respect people of their own kind.
US is stupid as shit and i LIVE HERE!!
Ive gotta see it every day.
shadowdragonx2 9 months ago
The world now views Bastrop High School as a place of little tolerance.
Where mocking, belittling and persecution are high on the agenda.
Where if your face doesn't fit you will receive a hostile welcome.
Why visit America when you can go to Iran?
100cherrypie 9 months ago
First Amendment: Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech.
They're acting like a bunch of overzealous tards, but they're still within bounds of the Constitution.
FiveofHearts1 9 months ago
Matthew 6:5. And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites [are]: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.
6 But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly. Look at that! Don't be a hypocrite, straight from the bible!
callmesavannah 9 months ago
Disgusting.
DrailinNecross 9 months ago
Those that claim to be followers of Christ ought to act like it. It's not right to treat people badly. No one teaches that people with different beliefs should be treated the way Damon Fowler was treated. I pray for Fowler but mostly for those that persecute him. They need to open they're hearts and minds.
phastermonkey 9 months ago
If you have the right to pray in a public institution, I should have the right to ask if you are of a religious faith when you apply for a job with my company. I'll tell you now... if you say you are a Christian, I'll boot your ass out of my office.
rumplef 9 months ago
Nazis
rumplef 9 months ago
Ah, the bible belt.
Sometimes I really wish it wasn't part of this country.
chronoflect 9 months ago
Fucking fundamentalist Christians. They will be the death of this great nation, and the world. Who the fuck do they think they are? They shit on the chests of our founding fathers, and attempt to rip our constitution and replace it with The Ten Commandments. That is the DEFINITION of oppression. Thanks, my brother, for standing up for what is right.
gunfan50bmg 9 months ago
Christianity, religion of peace right?
Biorebel 9 months ago
This took place in Louisiana, and please believe me when I say that us in south Louisiana are very embarassed by those dumbass bigots in north Louisiana. I'm not saying nothing like this hasn't happend in the south, but we sure as hell aren't as bad as the north.
ohmygodd4 9 months ago
This is why the world laughs at America. I feel so sorry for you, I really do.
Nickmanq 9 months ago
Despicable.
algiasphere 9 months ago
Heh, these poor people are too stupid and ignorant to be free.
gibax 9 months ago
They spit in the face of the founding fathers of this amazing country. How many died to make this country free from a state sponsored religion? You also spit on their graves. Shame on you.
Emortis9 9 months ago 71
Why is it so difficult to accept that your successes in life are because of your own hard work and not some magic man in the sky making it happen?
ToastyStarfish 9 months ago 44
Religion is quite possibly the worst social ill known to humankind. These students have shown this to be true. The atheist student who chose to uphold the law of the united states by threatening to report this school to the ACLU has received many threats of violence and death by some of the Christian students you see in this video.
blobvision 9 months ago 20
@blobvision At least they're good Christians. LOL
DarthVil 9 months ago
John 3:16 says,
Cause Jesus forgives.
There's no reason to practice Morality.
So being an evil little heathen and believing in Jesus will get ya to heaven. However if you are a good person and don't believe in Jesus you go to Hell.
Only a demon would suggest that,
only an ignorant would believe it.
Vajrasiddha 9 months ago 16
i though christianity was supposed to be a religion of peace and forgiveness. what tosh. religion breeds nothing but hatred intolerance and ignorance. should be banned.
jowsrik 9 months ago 12
@jowsrik Problem is not the religion... it's the fact that it's "adapted" by idiots...
startide 9 months ago
@jowsrik I often suggest that religion aught to be banned. I certainly hate it. Unfortunately, you cannot ban religion without oppressing people every bit as badly as religious communities do, only well beyond those specific communities. If you have a government with the authority to take away people's right to believe and practice what they wish, then you have a government that can make you worship it.
DarthVil 9 months ago
wow, they were really excited about praying in a place they shouldn't be. Did she really thank god for the success of all her classmates? It's pretty sad that some people can't even give themselves credit for their own hard work.
zingersuberalles 9 months ago
What a surprise, hateful fundie bigots in the South. Honestly, is there a giant gas leak down there or something?
Bouldepression 9 months ago
I'm a Christian, but don't think what these people did is a reflection of all of us. Ostracizing someone just because of their beliefs is NOT what Christianity should be about.
This angers me just as much as the rest of you!
OmegaXP 9 months ago 5
It's strange how religious the United States is among all the other well developed countries. Am I thinking conspiracy theory? D@mn right. Political leaders are using all the power they have to perpetuate the ignorance and religiosity of America. Divide and conquer. What other easier way is there to get more votes when you have the visage of Christianity?
MrBored999 9 months ago
God help America.
123barriejohn 9 months ago
“But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.” (Matthew 6:6)
zecaptaintunaart 9 months ago
@tabmcook redneck
RJCunningham 9 months ago
@SomeAustralian @SomeAustralian He means that zero respect was given to Damon @ the graduation.
un3pical 9 months ago
@SomeAustralian He means, that zero respect was given to Damon @ the graduation
un3pical 9 months ago
I just threw up in my mouth.
lissyruth13 9 months ago
fucking red necks. how about us real people up north come down there and fuck all you brainwashed sheep up.
RJCunningham 9 months ago
It's strange how religious the United States is among all the other well developed countries. Am I thinking conspiracy theory? D@mn right. Political leaders are using all the power they have to perpetuate the ignorance and religiosity of America. Divide and conquer. What other easier way is there to get more votes when you have the visage of Christianity?
MrBored999 9 months ago
It's strange how religious the United States is among all the other well developed countries. Am I thinking conspiracy theory? D@mn right. Political leaders are using all the power they have to perpetuate the ignorance and religiosity of America. Divide and conquer. What other easier way is there to get more votes when you have the visage of Christianity?
MrBored999 9 months ago
It's strange how religious the United States is among all the otherm well developed countries. Am I thinking conspiracy theory? D@mn right. Political leaders are using all the power they have to perpetuate the ignorance and religiosity of America. Divide and conquer. What other easier way is there to get more votes when you have the visage of Christianity?
MrBored999 9 months ago
the ultimate test laboratory to see if God of the Bible is real or not is REALITY--the benefits of receiving the Holy Spirit thru Jesus for a society should be seeing, at least a percentage of citizens being honest, faithful & giving leading to a prosperous and tolerant country, but in America people here are walled in, and they have to risk their lives to escape to countries in Africa and Asia, also people of other faiths are not allowed here, if they exist, even atheist, they are killed.
turquoise770 9 months ago
What?! A spiteful Christian going against the very lessons they were taught in the bible they love so very much?! Color me unsurprised.
TotezRandomShizz 9 months ago
From Matthew 6:
"And when you pray, you shall not be as the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the open streets so that they may be seen of men. Truly I say to you, They have their reward. 6 But you, when you pray, enter into your room and shutting your door, pray to your Father in secret. And your Father seeing in secret will repay you in the open."
frostiblack 9 months ago
Ill say a prayer for all of you people in this video.. Its apparent that NONE of you who support this know what it means to be a Christian and you sure as hell dont act like one. Its because of people like this that so many people turn their backs on not only America, but religion also. THIS is why I WILL NEVER claim "Christian" as my religion. I wouldnt want to be confused for one of these types of shameful people... You disgust me and have no one to blame but yourselves for any backlash..
nmorgan715 9 months ago