[Spiff]

Bush was careful to also honor those who choose not to pray, or join any religion. "We are a people united by our love for freedom, even when we differ in our personal beliefs," the president said. "In America, we are free to profess any faith we choose, or no faith at all."

Great idea. On the "National Day of Prayer", let's pander to people who don't even pray. If Clinton had made this comment at a prayer even in the White House with religious leaders, FReepers would have gone ballistic. President Bush makes this comment and, I predict, only a few FReepers are even going to notice.

[The Ghost of FReepers Past]

It is a watering down of the event. I suppose he felt it was necessary since the non-pray-ers are so vocal in their objections to public prayer. Perhaps it is simply a sad sign of the times. God has a lot of enemies, so now Bush feels He needs a qualifying statement to keep the peace. Sad. Perhaps the pray-ers should advise God that some of us want His guidance and some of us don't. Ah, but I think He already knows.

Doesn't it take a certain belief in God to be mad when someone prays for you? I mean, if they don't believe, why do they care?

[stylin19a]

I read the article. I'd have to see more context.
I don't see where that statement is honoring non-prayors

[ClancyJ]

Think a minute - a president is president of all people - not just any segment of the population.

Now - this country is free to pray or not. All men are free to pray or not. How is this pandering?

He speaks the truth - American people are very diverse and each is under the President of the United States. How thoughtful of him to include all Americans in his speeches.

I would expect it of him.

[alnick]

So you have a problem with Americans being free to worship as they please, or not worship at all?

[ohioWfan]

You don't believe in the Constitution, Spiff?

You want to live in a theocracy, do you?

(In other words, how far beyond reason and American principles can your disdain for the President carry you??)

[MEGoody]

only a few FReepers are even going to notice.

What, notice that he made a true statement? I noticed.