US National Prayer Day

May 3rd is the National Prayer Day in America. It's the 56th annual prayer day, and I've never heard of it. Yesterday, Bush released his proclamation for the National Prayer Day. Included in his proclamation, are the following words:

At this important time in our history, we also pray for the brave members of our Armed Forces and their families. We pray for their safety, for the recovery of the wounded, and for the peace we all seek.

"... for the peace we all seek." Peace doesn't come easy. It's hard work -- prayer however, is the most ineffective way to go about achieving peace. I'm reminded of this one simple sentence I read recently: "We are the ones we have been waiting for." We are the ones that can make a difference. Not god. Whichever god you believe in has given us the power over our own actions. Bush's actions started the war that currently feeds on American lives. He was the power to stop the war. Instead, he has continually opposed any suggestion that the war should have a timetable that sees it to a quick conclusion. His proclamation to the American people is nothing but the words of a hypocrite.

Let's turn now to the National Prayer Day itself. The organization describes its mission as:

... to communicate with every individual the need for personal repentance and prayer, mobilizing the Christian community to intercede for America and its leadership in the five centers of power: Church, Education, Family, Government and Media.

And there you have it folks, a big "fuck you" to anyone who's belief does not subscribe to the Christian doctrine. Following in Christian tradition however, right below its mission statement, the National Prayer Day organization has for sale a framed poster titled, the Prayer at Valley Forge, for $163. The poster is an image of General George Washington, kneeling in the snow, praying. $163. Prayer doesn't come cheap apparently.

The whole thing just gnaws on me. It goes against the fundamental principles of which democracies are supposed to be built on -- the clear separation of church and state. Says the website,

The National Day of Prayer Task Force exists to communicate with every individual the need for personal repentance and prayer, mobilizing the Christian community to intercede for America and its leadership.

Haven't these fundamental morons seen the clear danger of blindly following? Of leaving it all to faith? Of seeing their religion twisted and misused for political gain? Don't they see the danger of bleating passively while they allow the wolves to prowl their flock? My suggestion to Americans: wake up. You are the ones you have been waiting for. Instead of dropping to your knees -- praying to "preserve America's Christian heritage" -- get out there and do something to make a difference. I hear some atheists plan on giving a donation of blood that day. Not a bad start. Do some of that. Get involved. Make a difference.