I was thinking, and I will repeat this when they come up for oral argument, the PPACA lawsuits are on some basic level ridiculous. The constitutional arguments are not only bad, but they are almost insulting. But, being right isn't enough sometimes. Sometimes, a lot more still is required. Just ask Jessica Ahlquist, a public high school student opposed to a banner up at her school:
Opposing a specific banner that appeals to "our heavenly father" ... not even the right of a teacher to hang it in a class or having it as a collection of banners ... seems like an easy case. The most interesting part of the account provided is that we get to listen to that actual student. It's not always endearing, but sometimes in cases like this, it does make us feel like the future has a shot. It is also striking to listen to how much "hate" she is getting. This type of thing is a more striking matter of religious freedom than the recent Supreme Court case giving churches the right to deny their teachers rights other employees receive.
Good job, Jessica!
Our Heavenly Father.The court (it is perhaps required to note per a Reagan appointee) took forty pages, though around fifteen pages dealt with facts (an interesting matter, since these cases are ultimately about real people), to explain why the school was wrong to oppose her request. A citation of a thirty year old case involving the posting of a Ten Commandments at a school (not overturned in either recent public Ten Commandments display case) should have done the trick. I know they have law clerks and all, but really, it took over five pages to explain how she had standing, partially because at one point she noted she wasn't "offended" by the banner.
Grant us each day the desire to do our best.
To grow mentally and morally as well as physically.
To be kind and helpful to our classmates and teachers.
To be honest with ourselves as well as with others.
Help us to be good sports and smile when we lose as well as when we win.
Teach us the value of true friendship.
Help us always to conduct ourselves so as to bring credit to Cranston High School West.
Amen.
Opposing a specific banner that appeals to "our heavenly father" ... not even the right of a teacher to hang it in a class or having it as a collection of banners ... seems like an easy case. The most interesting part of the account provided is that we get to listen to that actual student. It's not always endearing, but sometimes in cases like this, it does make us feel like the future has a shot. It is also striking to listen to how much "hate" she is getting. This type of thing is a more striking matter of religious freedom than the recent Supreme Court case giving churches the right to deny their teachers rights other employees receive.
Good job, Jessica!