CHURCH & STATE

While I inhale the moist, crisp air of a drippy morning, I consciously will every fresh oxygen molecule to nurture my aging cells, destroy bacteria and revitalize my brain. I long to be wandering beside the river, knowing her changes every day reflect my own. I'm sure my lab would like a walk as well!
Glancing down at my desk I see the salmon-colored program from the Hamilton High School Choir Concert I attended last night. I enjoyed it immensely. The voices are high for the most part, basso profundos being a tiny minority in this age group. The students' enthusiasm was remarkable, as was their ability to sing without music. The drawback to the evening was the heavy emphasis on Christian music, thirty per cent of the selections.
My daughter scolds me about this. She has for years. Although not a practicing Christian she isn't at all offended by the emphasis. We bantered about it this morning over coffee, and I notice two distinct states in my mind. First, I am offended by the religious minority taking liberties with the clause in the Constitution about "separation of church and state." Second, I am intimidated to even write a letter to Mrs. Leonardi (cc to the superintendent), because this valley doesn't honor religious minorities, or Pagans, or Natives, et al, and backlash is a phenomenon I fear, both for my family and for my business.
I've had either my kids or their kids in the valley's school districts for many years. Nearly every "Winter Music" program I've attended has emphasized Jesus, and I've frequently come away in the same quandary. A few were refreshingly free of religious overtones, and I've always dropped the music instructor a little note of appreciation.
Without a vocal minority to support my point of view, I quake. Without the willingness to ask for change, indeed probably fight for it, I eventually throw the programs away, sighing and regretful that I must pick and chose my battles. Perhaps not a letter. Perhaps a conversation...
In the meantime, a stroll along the Bitterroot is in order.