"in our prayers"

[ChairmanAgnostic]

No offense to those who believe, however, is anyone else getting tired of first the president, then, every news station cover any painful story with the same words,

"Their families and loved ones are in our prayers."

Since when did news start to pray? since when did journalists intrude into our belief systems, whatever they may be? This prostrating nod of the head to religious groups has nothing to do with news. But, come to think of it, today's news stations have little to with news, as well.

[NanceGreggs]

1. That's the faith-based presidential policy ...

... if you're a Katrina survivor, a citizen without medical insurance, a stricken miner -- no matter what, you may as well 'pray' because it's the only help you're going to get.

[ChairmanAgnostic]

2. thou spake the truth.

RAmen

[Nutmegger]

3. AMEN! n-t

[InaneAnanity]

4. Religious people in this country...

...are constantly engaged in a ridiculous battle over who is the most pious. They get points for saying things like that, and people eat it all up.

It disgusts me.

[The_Casual_Observer]

5. It's meant to soften you up, to get you to be receptive to buying

the products they are advertising during the commercials. jr says it because he knows that it goes over with the voters. Their prayers are probably the "silent" kind, where you bow your head and silently think about how much money is in your checking account or where you are going for dinner.

[Freedom_from_Chains]

6. It's part of our conversion to the Christian theocracy.

But don't worry, mandatory prayers won't be implemented until sometime in late fall.

[DanCa]

7. I am and I am believer.

I am tired of my personal beliefs being exploited for the shrubs political gain.

[Critters2]

8. If Christians aren't welcome in the Dem Party

but are simply a subject of ridicule, and I wouldn't vote Republican under any circumstances, what political party should I, and other Christians join? I need your advice, which will certainly be helpful, I'm sure, what with you being smarter than a religious simpleton like me!

[Bluebear]

9. I don't know how old you are...

but this blend of religiosity and news did not occur a few decades ago. It was "just the facts" and people of faith, or of none, were free to do what they wanted with the objective facts presented. It's not a matter of ridicule.

[ChairmanAgnostic]

10. the democrats do not discriminate, not like today's GOP

But, the news media kowtows to the religious right, as though speaking those words makes it all better news.

News is news. Facts, data, some interpretation, adding a historical perspective and using technology, experience and training to assess stories and provide them to the public - That is what news is supposed to be about.

This is no ridicule of religion, to the contrary, I think that pointing out just how hollow and lame the "in our prayers" stuff is important, because it, not this topic, is the source of the insult.

I recall when car dealers lied to buyers and said, this is the last one, they won't make them anymore, and I can give you a great deal. The Media's use of "in my prayers" is no different. A calculated, pandering, insincere statement intended, for the most part, to deceive.

[SkiGuy]

11. good question