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ABOUT US
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September 10, 2001 Office of the President It’s time for America’s school children to gather around their flag poles and pray. But some people don’t want them to. Let’s stand in the gap for our nation’s children as they seek to honor God! Dear Friend of the National Legal Foundation: You’ve probably heard of the event called "See You at the Pole." It is a national prayer event held each year, shortly after the school children go back to school. It’s a wonderful event. All across this country, teenagers gather together to publicly acknowledge God! What an exciting sight! And that, of course, is why some people want to stop it. There are those in this country who hate God and hate Christians. They are not satisfied with being atheists themselves. They want to prevent you and I—and America’s children—from exercising our religion, from declaring that we love God. In fact, in the early years of "See You at the Pole," some children were actually arrested! Yes, sad but true, children were actually arrested in America simply for praying. Fortunately, in recent years, there have been many fewer problems. But you must understand that the reason that there have been fewer problems is because of the vigilance of groups like the National Legal Foundation. That’s right, because you have supported us financially, you and I together have been able to stand up to schools across this land that did not want to let our teenagers pray in public. Some of these schools were actually hostile to religion. But many were just afraid of a lawsuit from groups like the ACLU, People for the American Way, and American United for Separation of Church and State. But thanks to your support, the National Legal Foundation and others have been able to persuade even these radical left-wing groups that "See You at the Pole" is constitutional. In fact all three of these groups—and many more—have signed a public statement saying just that. So in recent years, we have not had to file any lawsuits over "See you at the Pole." Praise the Lord for that! BUT . . . that’s not the end of the story. We still have to stand up for the rights of students—and teachers—every year. Many schools are still unaware that the ACLU won’t sue. Many principals are still hostile to religion. So every year we have to step up to the plate to defend students and teachers. Just because we don’t have to go to court doesn’t mean the battle isn’t real. It just means that we can win a little easier . . . and I’ll take that any day! Let me share just one example. Last week we received an e-mail from a thirteen-year-old named Christie. When she went to talk to her principal about "See You at the Pole," Christie was treated rudely and told she could not hand out literature about the event. We cannot and do not let situations go unchallenged! In this country it is not good enough to say we won’t arrest you any more. No, in this country, school children who want to stand up for Jesus Christ should be encouraged and treated with respect . . . and be allowed to exercise 100% of their constitutional rights. Won’t you please help us defend Christie and all the other courageous school children? As you know, we don’t charge them for our services and that’s why we count on you for support. For the children, Steven W. Fitschen P.S. Please remember that defending "See You at the Pole" is just one of many ways that you and I help protect the rights of our children. All year long we defend Bible Clubs. As Christmas approaches we defend choirs that want to sing religious songs. We are always there for children who are penalized for mentioning God or Jesus in their school assignments or for reading their Bibles during individual reading times. Thanks for your support on all these issues. P.P.S. We have just completed a new resource that explains that elementary students and teachers may also participate in "See You at the Pole." This will be a great resource for you, your church, or your school, both for this year and for years to come. I’d like to send you one free, in appreciation for any gift of $25 or more. Thanks again for all your support.. |
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Post Office Box 64427, Virginia Beach, Virginia, 23467-4427 |
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© 2006 by the National Legal Foundation & Minuteman Institute |
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