Not a Simple Case

The first requirement for an opinion writer is: an opinion. It also helps if said writer is able to support that opinion with facts and logic.

But both readers and writers should recognize that many issues worth writing about have multiple sides to them. And though an orderly presentation of the argument, within the given word limits, may not allow for the mention of every counter-argument, writers should do their best to think of what those arguments might be, and be prepared to address them in future columns.

With that prelude, I must confess my own ambivalence with regard to the issues raised in a case argued before the Supreme Court last week, Kennedy v. Bremerton School District. Joseph Kennedy, a football coach employed by the Bremerton school district, was fired for his post-game prayers at the 50-yard line.

The present Court has been ardent in defending the rights of religious believers to not be forced to violate their beliefs. And I watched an interview with Coach Kennedy, in which he described his prayer as giving thanks for the opportunity to work with the young men on his team, regardless of whether they win or lose. I have no doubt of his sincerity; nor do I disagree with the sentiment. (Whether his prayer contained Christological references is not clear in the record, but presumably it did.)