THINK OF THE CHILDREN

Parody label on Metallica's Master of Puppets

For media art such as music albums, movies, and video games, a rating or Parental Advisory label has been assigned to the above art forms. These ratings are provided to call attention to parents and advise them on whether the piece of art would be suitable for their child. In certain cases, it has become useless or has produced the opposite effect, as in the case of the “Parental Advisory” label which may entice youth to the material there in. Saying to themselves, “Ooh, what could be so bad about this record? They say sex and a bunch of scary words? Ooh… I’m scared.” The Parental Advisory label is such a joke that it goes unnoticed and is freely sold to youth. The practices of the Recording Industry Association of America does such a lax job of rating these albums that some albums will get flagged but others which are just as profanity ridden gets a free pass. The only weight the label carries is in regards to Wal Mart, who refuses to sell albums with the Parental Advisory sticker and will sell only the edited version of the album. In the case that an edited version is not released, Wal Mart will actually request one, however, many artists have rightfully refused to censor themselves. Stealing a page from George Carlin’s famous bit on “The Seven Dirty Words You Can Never Say On Television,” they are simply words. There are literally thousands of words in the English language alone and there are more ways to describe profanities than there are actual dirty words.

This becomes more of a problem when talking about the ratings for motion pictures and video games, as they have designated a rating that should never be viewed by children: NC-17 for motion pictures and AO (Adults Only) for video games. Any movie or game designated with this rating has a stigma attached to them that is degenerate and pornographic. In these cases, movie theatres and stores will not carry such media. In this way, these advisory boards are censoring art and setting the standard for acceptable art. Censorship is the suppression of speech or other public communication which may be considered objectionable, harmful, sensitive, or inconvenient as determined by a government, media outlet, or other controlling body. This small group of people has determined what is acceptable to the general public, and will hide behind the sanity and purity of children to support their claim. Conversely, they have perpetuated the values of the country and have desensitized these children. The most prominent of which is the media’s view of violence and sex. These values differ from country to country, and in this particular case, America has an affinity towards violence and is embarrassed with sex. Notice that movies will have a more mature rating with the level of nudity and sexual content in that piece of media, and video games are graded even harder for such displays. As well, homosexual material is graded much more harshly than heterosexual material. Children become confused on what is natural and what society deems acceptable. On the other hand, violence depicted in media will be given a more mature rating the more it imitates life and depicts blood and gore. In this way, all of the consequence and makes violence more attractive as it simplifies it as good vs. evil.

What is the alternative however? These advisory boards have shared the parents’ responsibility of these parents by previewing such media and deeming it what is acceptable for certain age groups. But in so doing, it has denied certain artists from expressing themselves with very mature and real life experiences. This is not to say that everyone needs to watch all material that all artist has to say, however, do not deny them their voice; especially if it’s because children would be scarred for life should they see it. This is an idea that should be abandoned immediately, as children who are determined enough are going to get a hold of the movies, video games, music, and videos that they want to see. After all, they know how to work a computer and the precious V-chip better than most parents do. These rating boards are not going anywhere, but I strongly urge parents to review the media their children are watching and have a conversation with them, rather than allowing these rating boards and artists doing it for them.

SPICINESS GOES TO ELEVEN

As you enter into George's Thai Bistro, you're greeted with a bar stocked with sake, plum wine, and Asian drafts. Next to is is a display of various knickknacks you can purchase and are scattered around the restaurant. Along the yellow walls and in between the red trim are photographs and lithographs of Thai culture. Walking on a carpet of flowers, you'll hear the Stevie Nicks belting “Go Your Own Way”, clashing with the atmosphere already established, but if you don't mind classic rock (Really who doesn't like classic rock?) you'll hardly notice after a while. When you sit down you are greeted with a caricature of the George himself juggling serving pans with the company info and if you're lucky enough, you'll probably see George running around and if he takes your order, be sure to have him sign your menu. The Asian restaurant is complete with mistakes within the menu obvious to us but oblivious to the owner such as “Warning... If you can not spicy food please do  not try this dish.”

As far as drink selection, you have a choice between standard soft drinks, house wines, and various bottles of Asian beers and foreign lagers. The selection is separated according to category such as soups, salads, dishes, and George's favorites. Naturally I order from George's favorites, Thai Jambalya which fits the description perfectly given in the menu. When ordering your meal, you are asked on a scale from one to ten how spicy you'd like your food prepared. It's uncertain whether they ad more peppers or different kinds of peppers based on the number given, but when I ordered seven, I could feel my taste buds come alive and slight tears perfusing from my eyes. Needless to say, the endless refills of raspberry tea was a blessing. The Thai Jambalya is bathed in a bath of spicy aromas and swimming in it is shrimp, salmon, crab, scallops, and chicken. Topped on the island of rice are flushed tomatoes, mushrooms, lemongrass, and cilantro. The crab and salmon is buttery and melts in the mouth, however, the chicken is has a rough texture and dryness. As well, the shrimp still has it's frills attached, which maybe part of the dish or negligence on the cooks' part. Finally, as a minor complaint, you have a choice between jasmine rice or brown rice which my waiter forgot to ask which I preferred. Minor as I neglected to even notice it until well after I ordered. All in all the Jambalya is delicious and is easy to overlook the dry chicken and shrimp frills.

Now it was time for dessert and one particular dish caught my eye before I even ordered the Thai Jamblya: Fried Banana with Coconut Ice Cream. It seemed like a unique choice and indeed the taste did not disappoint. Inside the fried crust dissolving in the mouth is a hot mash of banana and shreds of coconut that entice the spices of the previous meal. What would have complemented the banana and healed the sour wounds of the spices is the coconut which is curiously missing from the dessert. With the ice cream, this dessert would have been a must try but as is, it is an unique dish that is worth the try.

George's Thai Bistro is located at 3732 S Bristol St, Santa Ana, CA 92704 and is open from 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM, Sundays from 12:00 PM to 9:00 PM. It's easy to find, if you know Asian restaurants are tucked away in shopping centers but if you get lost you can call them at (714) 979-8366. It is a decent restaurant with a medium-range price for the food. The George and his waitresses were kind and accommodating, however, given the unexpectedly large party, their services were lacking. At one moment they'd be there with a refill, then others it took them a while for them to comeback around. As well, they only took orders one at a time, run off, and come back, rinse and repeat. Overall the experience was fun and I'm sure to come back with a smaller group, tolerance of spices, and demand ice cream with the delicious fried banana.

ENSIGNIA ENTERTAINMENT

In February 2013, three friends started their first business “Ensignia Entertainment, LLC” based in Huntington Beach, California. Their mission statement states that they are “focused on providing peerless traditional games that blend simple concepts and limitless strategic potential.” I had a chance to speak to two members of the company. Rick Barnes, at age 25 years old attended Trabuco high school and dropped out of Saddleback College, citing that he didn’t need a degree to do what he wants to do with his life. He is sole owner of the company. The other is Zack Schuster, age 23 years, is the Art Director. He has attended Tesoro High School and will be graduating from the Art Institute of Orange County with Media Arts and Animation at the end of the second quarter of this year.

What does the name mean? How did you arrive at this name?

Zack: “Ensignia Entertainment” came from our flagship game, “Privateer.” It’s a callback to the flag signs that pirates would use and the company is based on the definition of the word “Insignia.”

Rick: We had a number of trademarks we wanted to use before we arrived at “Ensignia Entertainment,” In fact there was about thirty different names we wanted to use. But “Ensignia Entertainment” is a good name because it promotes the game and is an alliterative name with the initials “EE.”

What came first: the game or company?

Zack: Rick had created the board game in his spare time and it inspired the company. It was originally just made for fun and our friends were having a great time playing the game that eventually came up with the idea that we could sell it through our own company so that we keep all the residuals.

Rick: We created the game just to have fun with our friends until Zack’s mother suggested that it’d be stupid if we didn’t monetize off the game. So Braven’s father had a friend who helps company get started and helps them along, and he owed his father a favor so he helped us with the inception and choosing a name and founding the company.

What is “Privateer?”

Rick: At its essence, it is a game on the high seas dealing with commodities and merchants, and emphasizes simplicity with the potential for complex strategy. I’ve been working on it in my free time for two years before I solidified the game and rules, and started testing it out.

What does the release schedule look like for “Privateer?”

Zack: We’ll finish the final layout and rules of “Privateer” by June 16th, and will start a Kickstarter by the end of the month. By the end of summer, “Privateer” will be launched.

Why did you want to do a board game?

Honestly, they are easy to make and not as technically advanced to create, such as video games which may be in our near future depending upon how well the company grows.

Will you continue to produce board games?

Zack: The plan is to move into video games after we make enough board games to support the company.

Any plans for future games?

Zack: Right now we are focused on “Privateer.” There are ideas for other games; however, they are tentative and unofficial at this moment.

Rick: I have two ideas but once again we’re focused on “Privateer.” The first one deals with spies, espionage, and the mafia. Another one would be a mining game.

Describe how these games are being produced?

Zack: We’ll be financed through Kickstarter and will be producing all the pieces through local distributors.

Rick: We are dealing with local printers and local producers. The main thing is that we are trying to avoid warehouses as much as possible and are sticking to assembling the pieces from local businesses.

Eventually, you’d like to move into video games. What about video games interest you?

Rick: Unfortunately video games require a lot of capital. When we do move into video games, it’ll primarily be applications for mobile devices as it would be straight forward to implement our existing games into these app games. We would like to move into more complex video games for home computer and consoles but ultimately our capital will dictate the projects we do. We do have the trademark for our company to start making games so when the time comes, we will.

How many people is a part of the company at this moment?

Rick: There are currently four members at the moment. The company consists of Zack, Braven Carver, who deals with social media, marketing, and business development, Lonnie, who is outsourced concept artists, and I. Three of us (Barnes, Schuster, and Carver) have invested about 1500 to 2000 dollars in starting the company.

As far as growing the company, what kind of employees are looking to hire?

Rick: At the moment we are going to keep the company as small as possible and grow it as needs be. We’ll hire people out of necessity so that there isn’t any overlap in skill and ability.

Zack: This is all dependent on how the company grows.

Rick: Right now we’re just going to ride it out with three people.

(To Zack) How has your experiences at Art Institute helped you with this company?

Zack: I’m the art director and I create the concepts and guide Lonnie, an outsourced artist, through the designs of the pirates. All designs are approved by Rick. Rick is not an artist so he needed help with the concepts. The success of this company will dictate my future employment at other animation studios.

SELLING OUT

http://four-pins.com/life/selling-out/

To compromise one's integrity, morality, or principles in exchange for personal gain is the basis of selling out. In terms of music, it could be changing one's own image or sound to tailor to the commercial audience or to sign on to a major record deal. It's easy for hipsters to damn artists feel their ego become inflated when they say “I was a fan of them before they became mainstream”; however, the other side is that these artists need to eat. No doubt there are countless garage bands who have had to disband because life got in the way. These bands loved what they did, however, the money they received was insufficient and had to seek or focus on support themselves and family. From the outset, it would be an extreme understatement to say that it is very difficult for an artist, not just a musician, to get noticed and to build an audience to continue to support what you are doing. Ultimately publishers and distribution companies are there to carry the yolk of burden to free these artists so that they may focus on their art and craft.

Art is a subjective word, as the definition states it is the expression or application of human creative skill and imagination. As well, it is work that is produced with such skill and imagination. A more fitting definition comes from “The Devil's Dictionary” by Ambrose Bierce which states that this word has not definition. The point being is that literally everything could be considered art, further the credibility and merit of such art completely up to the beholder. In relation to the supposed sell out of an artist, it is again up to the consumer to determine if the artist has compromised all meaning to their art. Critically acclaimed art may not hold the same resonance to everyone and other art that are overlooked or despised may do more for such people. Ultimately, everyone enjoys art in one form or another, however, not everyone enjoys it the same or even can widely accept an art piece. When people become angry at a band who has changed their sound, they immediately cry sell out in certain cases, however, the inverse is beating the same four chords to the ground and hindering the artist's or band's growth and discovery. This is not to say that these groups do not feel the pressure of the major labels to change their sound into something the mainstream would appreciate, but sometimes that proves to be the better. Look no further than Nirvana's debut album “Bleach”, which is distilled grunge rock and listenable and compare that to the next album and most acclaimed album of the 1990s “Nevermind.” As well, signing on to a major label doesn't immediately suggest sell out, as the very truth is that major labels help artists spread their music out to the mainstream and spreads their message to people who may not be like minded.

The very clear and present selling out is when it involves advertisement, which by its very nature contributes to commercialism and devalues the integrity and meaning behind the song used in the advertising. The argument could be made that supporting an advertiser would only further their music to audiences who would not have caught wind of it otherwise. It's unfortunate that it has become so widely accepted that consumers barely notice it any longer. Even self proclaimed opponents of selling out are ironically found in the same damning position. This is the subject of John Densmore's The Doors Unhinged: Jim Morrison's Legacy Goes On Trail in which he fights his other musical partners to retain a sense of decency and integrity for their music and their fallen band member.

Perhaps the biggest poster child when it comes to sell outs within the music industry would have to be Metallica, who are also arguably the biggest metal band today. Along with Megadeth, Slayer, and Anthrax, this band was a founding member of a new kind of metal called thrash with fast tempos and an overall aggressive sound. The subject of their lyrics continued the metal tradition of dissatisfaction and anger with the status quo and includes themes of religion, rage, military, government, insanity, monsters, and drugs. That said, they took a turn with their fifth album release with perhaps the most mainstream album, their self-titled album also known as the black album, where the sound took a notable change. Years later, it became apparent that the core values of the band had changed or that they were only in it for the money as the band attempted to sue fans downloading their music through Napster back in the early 2000s. This opens another can of worms discussing the moral implications of pirating and artists receiving their right dues from the record company, however, ultimately the concern should not be receiving every penny from people listening to their music, but drawing in more fans and listeners that might not have discovered the music through financial instability. Given that, does that not mean that their efforts of late have lost the merits of their early work, which has influenced future generations of fans and musicians and ushered in thrash metal along with the other members of the Big Four? Does that mean that the music they produced today is completely non-authentic if their objective is to raise profits?

PROTECTING THE INTEGRITY MR MOJO RISIN

John Densmore at a recent signing at Fingerprints in Long Beach, CA.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/fingerprintslbc/sets/72157633959029676/

On April 17^th of 2013, John Densmore released his second book The Doors Unhinged: Jim Morrison's Legacy Goes On Trial recounting the drummer's legal battle with the remaining members of The Doors over the use of trademark and his veto for Cadillac to buy the rights to the Doors music. Densmore is not free of such sin as the book opens to a very distraught Morrison cursing his other band members for allowing Buick the rights to “Light My Fire” back in 1968. As Densmore quickly explains, Morrison had a peculiar theory that a band should run like the Three Musketeers, “All for one, and one for all.” This meant that all members had equal share in the royalties, writing credit, and any member of the band had the power to veto a decision. Morrison had such strong feelings on this that he wanted the albums to feature all the band members and was quick to correct reporters that it was “The Doors” not “Jim Morrison and The Doors.” So to hear that the other band members had gone ahead and sold out, devastated Jim Morrison and angered him to no end. Densmore describes Morrison's fervent anger that he curses the other members of the band and demands counter suing Buick, stating that at each show he'll beat a Buick car onstage for every show until the deal was over.

This has been imprinted on Densmore's mind and has since tried to keep the integrity of the Doors intact, especially after the tragic death of Jim Morrison in 1971. That is not to say that the drummer hasn't dabbled in the dark side since the golden years as he's allowed"Riders on the Storm" to be used to sell Pirelli Tires in England. Which he has later stated that he heard Jim's voice and that he donated the royalties to charity.

In 2002, Densmore vetoed an offer by Cadillac for $15 million for "Break on Through (To the Other Side)" because of his strong views to conserve the environment. Later, Densmore would butt heads with the other members of the band who wanted to go out on tour as “The Doors of the 21^st Century.” This is the center piece of this book as it recalls the legal battle throughout intermission to golden days of the Doors with various insights and commentaries throughout. Even though Densmore won the case, he was disappointed in his fellow band members who continued on as “Manzarek-Krieger” or sometimes “Ray Manzarek and Robby Krieger of The Doors.” Since their disbandment in 1973, Densmore had thought that it would honor Jim's memory, who died two years earlier, to leave their legacy alone. There would be projects and tribute concerts here and there but it would be in bad taste for the band to do it for the money, which is what Densmore had accused of Manzarek of doing. Nevertheless, Densmore had denied each and every invitation from his band members to participate in tours.

As the end of the book nears, it appears that the relationship between each of the band members has been deterred and strained. He ends a the book in the same way he ends his autobiography Riders on the Storm, with a series of letters to his two lost brothers, explaining what they were trying to do and why who took a stand against them.

Since the book's release, one of the band members, Ray Manzarek had succumbed to his long battle with bile duct cancer and died at a hospital in Rosenheim, Germany on May 20^th, 2013 at the age of seventy-four. In response to his death, the author said "There was no keyboard player on the planet more appropriate to support Jim Morrison's words. Ray, I felt totally in sync with you musically. It was like we were of one mind, holding down the foundation for Robby and Jim to float on top of. I will miss my musical brother." At a recent signing for the book at Fingerprints in Long Beach, a fan had asked whether Densmore had reconciled with Ray Manzarek before his death, in which his response was “Yeah, I did, and I'm very grateful for that. We spent some time together. We both had closure." Only Densmore knows the truth on this matter and it is not for us to presume whether he said this to put the fans at ease after they had lost another one of their heroes or it is indeed the truth.

The Doors Unhinged: Jim Morrison's Legacy Goes On Trial is a must for any fans of The Doors and anyone interested in the integrity of music. The book is filled with wonderful insights into the production of the Doors to the unfortunate litigation between the surviving members of the band. There enough intermissions and humor throughout to read this two-hundred-sixty-six page book one summer's weekend.

20TH BLACK SABBATH ALBUM "13" IN 2013

That's not Bill Ward!http://www.thrashhits.com/2013/01/2013-album-preview-black-sabbath-13/

Since the death of Heaven and Hell’s front-man Ronnie James Dio in May 16th, 2013, rumors had been circulating for an original Black Sabbath reunion, which had been both welcomed and denied by band members until a formal announcement in November 11th, 2011 at the Whiskey a Go Go with all four original members and Rick Rubin. However, it was later announced that original drummer Bill Ward was having contractual issues and omitted himself from the band until a signable contract could be provided. There has been a fury of rumors stating that he couldn't play anymore and a diagnosis lymphoma from Ronnie James Dio incited Tony Iommi to get one with it. So they proceeded with drummer Brad Wilk, of Rage Against the Machine and Audioslave. Jump to 2013, the release of their latest output is upon us, come June 10^th, and streaming itunes is the standard album in its entirety. This is the review of Black Sabbath’s 13.

The first song “End of the Beginning” resembles their first song “Black Sabbath” from the album “Black Sabbath” with a slow doomy melody at beginning and ominous lyrics, then kicks into high gear with a fast paced solo and then slows down again as a resolution. The song follows a three act structure, unlike “Black Sabbath” and is a solid song. Like the next song on the album, this song runs at eight-minutes and takes it time, however, the differentiation in tone and riffs will entertain nonetheless

Next, the first single from the album, “God Is Dead?” and with a title like that it seems like a bold move to alienate potential listeners. Then again with a name like Black Sabbath and years of accusations of Satanism, people who would be sensitive to such subject matter wouldn’t be listening to this band. In reference to a quote by German Philosopher, Friedrich Nietzsche, lyrics describe someone deliberating whether God is truly deceased and coming to grips with it. Like End of the Beginning, it has a slow guitar work at the beginning with intermissions of ascending guitar and bass riffs with accompanying drums until it all culminates into fast rhythm section. As stated this was the first single from the album released in back in April 2013, for many people this was the first song they heard. It takes time to grow on you but ultimately isn’t a standout song.

The third song on the album is “Loner”, which for those familiar with Black Sabbath's discography, the riff and bass-line mimics the signature riff of N.I.B. off the first album. In that sense, this song demands head-banging and is one of the more fast-paced songs of the album as it runs at five minutes. The song is not as thought provoking as the first songs as it tells the story of an outsider and could easily be the most poppy song on the album.

“Zeitgeist”, or “Return to Planet Caravan” as it should be called, opens with laughter rippling into synthetic sound effect which dissolves into acoustic guitar and bongo drums. Osborne’s distorted vocal, and it’s likely that they used the same technique they used on the “Paranoid” album of Leslie speakers. The original song was about floating through the universe with one's lover, and it seems that Sabbath has returned. It is the only song that could be described as easy listening, which this reviewer would describe it as ‘boring.’

“Age of Reason” will certainly shake you from your dormant sleep as it returns to the doomy strumming of Tony Iommi’s guitar. With the exception of “God Is Dead?” each song has a distinct linage to a song of the past; however, this one sounds like a new creation. Drums launch the rest of the band into action but ultimately this is Tony Iommi’s moment to shine with an extended solo. The input of a choir in certain moments of the song is a nice touch

“Live Forever” is the bastard child of “Children of the Grave” and “Hole in the Sky,” and like those songs, it is a good song, but unlike those songs, doesn’t amount to anything spectacular. It’s a solid song certainly, however, it trudges along undistinguished within Black Sabbath’s catalogue. “Damaged Soul” calls upon heavy metal’s predecessor of blues and Tony Iommi solo and guitar work throughout the song is the centerpiece of the song.

“Dear Father”, the last song on the album, contains a tangible ambience as if you’re transported into the recording studio and can guitar picking and ascension. It cannot be overstated that Tony Iommi is the master of riffs and handles his guitar better than most people handle their lives. The song ends with the same doomy church bell intro found at the beginning of their first album and ends “13” as if it were the bookends of Black Sabbath’s discography.

Overall, “13” is exactly what anyone would expect from this Black Sabbath reunion. This is a review of the standard album and there another three to four songs provided on various deluxe editions and Best Buy exclusives. Half of the album has a startling resemblance to their early work, even to the point of retreading ground. Ozzy Osbourne returns to the Black Sabbath as if thirty years hadn't pass and distinguishes himself from his solo career. The standout performer, as always, is Tony Iommi who brings back the master riffs and brooding guitar, and Geezer Butler complements these riffs with his bass. Brad Wilk does a fine job, however, it is inescapable to hide from the angered metal maniacs wanting a true reunion with Bill Ward. Bill Ward would certainly bring in improvisation and the album would be all the better with his involvement. Ultimately this Black Sabbath album doesn't step out of their comfort zone to present something of note; it is in the end a very solid album. It would be very controversial to step outside the Black Sabbath formula, so metal fans will rejoice for Sabbath’s return.

SEPARATION OF CHURCH AND STATE: WHY ARE WE STILL DISCUSSING THIS?

Growing up in a Christian family, I was introduced to the idea that this is a Christian nation, based on the fact that was the original intention of our forefathers, and that any deviation from their plan would be sacrilege to our creator and to our forefathers. Americans who identify themselves as Christians have very strong feelings on this issue as well as other controversies such as separation of Church and State, prayer in schools, posting the Ten Commandments at court houses, and other such debates. However, why is this a debate when clearly this is the wrong mentality.

Firstly on the first claim that this is a Christian nation, which would suggest that Americans uphold the virtues of the Holy Bible and the teachings of Jesus Christ. Contradictory to this assessment, this nation also claims that there is freedom of religion. Are we only free to worship Jehovah within the different sects of Christianity?

Whenever the debate the Separation of Church and State surfaces, those against are quick to say that there is no mention of this phrase within the Constitution or any other living document of the United States. True that the constitution does not use this phrase but anyone who is even reading the document poorly will come across the First Amendment, yes the very first amendment, which states: “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.” Not only is it the First Amendment but it's the first mention within the Amendment. It clearly states that congress, our government, shall not establish a religion nor inhibit the practice thereof. If only there were simpler language to describe this, perhaps “Separation of Church and State.”

Previously, it mentioned that “no religious test shall ever be required as a qualification to any office or public trust under the United States,” which I've went out of my way to find for those who have difficulty reading long documents without coloring pages in between. There are as well several documents from Thomas Jefferson, one of our precious forefather, from United States Supreme Court cases which he implores that such a device should be put in place to be sustain a free country.

Concerning the forefathers, critics of separation of Church and State will quickly point to the forefathers being Christians setting up a Christian nation for future generations to enjoy. Once again, they fail to put any research into this as the majority of the our forefathers are actually proclaimed deists, which is a fancy word for the belief that a creator formed the heavens and earth, then went off to catch Saturday morning cartoons and could care less about us insignificant humans. It's a metaphysical belief that atheists and agnostics alike would be all right with, not wild about it but they wouldn't be angry either. This is not to say that there were not any Christian forefathers but to say that the vast majority of the forefathers would surprise Christians.

Proposing that the Christianity right wing still have a leg to stand on, they'll continue to state that their children aren't allowed to pray or read the Bible in schools. Firstly, if they were concerned about this, send your children to the schools where they teach children the earth is only four-thousand years old and that Moses led the Jewish people to the promise land on the back of a  triceratops. Secondly, these are not prohibited as your child  is still able to read his or her Bible during recess and can talk to God when no one else wants to play with them. True that the school will not designate time for prayer and Bible reading during their regiment, after all nap time is much more important. This is to uphold Separation of Church and State as to not offend the other children who may hold other values different from your family.

This is no way in shape or form to offend the Christian religion, even though its a guarantee that they'll be offended anyways and reject any of the information provided, but to show that there is no established religion in the United States and it certainly is not Christianity, nor should there ever be. There even more evidence that I could include in here to support separation of Church and State. But why does this even matter? Isn't Christianity and any other religions uphold morals that we can all agree upon? Yes, however, there are others that are restricting us such as prohibiting homosexuals getting married and stem cell research. It's frustrating that when presented truth and factual evidence, religious supporters will call with their Bibles, which they have not read thoroughly, and misconceptions, such as the ones discussed, and hold this nation back.