FROM CNN's Jack Cafferty:
President Obama broke with yet another Bush White House tradition today by not holding a public ceremony to recognize the National Day of Prayer. During the Bush administration, the White House hosted an interfaith service in the East Room every year - inviting Protestant, Catholic and Jewish leaders.
Bush's father, along with President Reagan, also marked the day with a White House ceremony. But this White House says: "Prayer is something that the president does everyday," adding that Mr. Obama would sign a proclamation to recognize the day.
They wouldn't comment on whether Bush's ceremonies were politicized, but said that President Obama "understands, in his own life and in his family's life, the role that prayer plays."
Meanwhile both Christian conservatives and atheists are criticizing the president's decision. The National Day of Prayer Task Force says it's disappointed in the toned-down observance: "At this time in our country's history, we would hope our President would recognize more fully the importance of prayer."
A group called American Atheists wishes the president would take it one step further and ignore the day altogether. They say it's not the president's job to tell people to pray; and the separation of church and state should mean just that.
Here’s my question to you: How much does it matter whether the president publicly observes the National Day of Prayer?
Interested to know which ones made it on air?
Jack from Boynton Beach, Florida writes:
This is more proof of President Obama's success in leading our country. The Christian conservatives and the atheists are both fringe groups that he has displeased. I hope he continues to upset people who have nothing better to do or think about other than these non-issues. When will we Americans wise up to the very real problems we face and ignore these distractions?
Layla writes:
I'm not buying his "prayer is an everyday thing" excuse. He is clearly trying to slowly take Christ out of everything. I bet he'll soon have "In God We Trust" taken off of money. Lord, help and bless our country.
Al from Lawrence, Kansas writes:
During the campaign, Obama was criticized about his pastor. At his inauguration, Obama was criticized over who gave the prayers. If he had a public ceremony, you can be sure that he would be criticized over who was invited. This is a no-win situation. It seems that, when it comes to prayer, you can't please everyone. Prayer is private and should remain so.
Kevin from Madison, Alabama writes:
Jack, I think the president is worried that he will anger his liberal buddies. This country was founded on the Judeo-Christian ethic. All great societies throughout history started down the path to ruin when they turned their back on their morality. I believe we are heading down this path. Each day we blur the lines of what is right and wrong!
Peter writes:
No, it does not matter. In fact, it is refreshing to see a president who does not parade his faith for political purposes. Keeping it low key is a good thing.
Nicole writes:
Jack, no, I don't think public displays of religion are necessary or even advised for public officials. Religion is and should be a private matter. As long as the president does what he's supposed to do, I don't care if he holds voodoo rituals in his basement.