by Professor » Mon May 05, 2014 3:55 pm
Actually, I do kind of have a problem with saying prayer in a city council meeting. These are usually pretty intimate affairs, with few people in attendance. And, if/when there is actually something to be debated, it's usually a very hot-button issue (can they build a low-rent apartment near my house, can they build a factory near my neighborhood, etc.).
So, let's say they start out with the request that everyone stand for a prayer. But, I'm not (insert religion here), so I don't stand. Of course, this is noticed by the council members. And, when I get up to speak, they subconsciously or consciously think, "Hey, it's that Godless heathen" when I start to speak. If they think that, it could easily sway the weight they assign to my opinion.
Think about it for a sec. With all the crazy right-wingers around (especially here in Louisiana), it's highly likely that this would happen.