The American Spectator

Special Report

(Page 2 of 2)

Well, duh. The invocation is a religious form. It's a recognition of God and a request for God's presence, blessing, leadership, and wisdom on whatever endeavor is taking place. Folks who don't want God mixed in with their government can (and have) argued that prayer should be banished from government meetings. A least this is a more coherent point of view than having atheists, and God knows what other secular groups ("Tonight's invocation is from a spokesman for 'Florida Eats More Oysters'"), moving in on religious forms that make no sense when God is not included.

By the by, no one is trying to stop the Florida Atheists - or anyone else -- from making their points. There's a public comment section in every Tampa City Council meeting, and groups far flakier than the Florida Atheists regularly take full advantage of it..

Dingfelder told me his political adviser said this would not be a good idea. I guess I misspoke earlier on. At least one person does look good in all of this. Maybe Dingfelder should listen to good advice when he gets it.

p> Larry Thornberry is a writer living in Tampa. br> /p>

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