Also from Fark: Congress has proposed a national day of prayer and fasting over the Iraq war, "Recognizing the public need for fasting and prayer in order to secure the blessings and protection of Providence for the people of the United States and our Armed Forces during the conflict in Iraq and under the threat of terrorism at home." I can't really complain about this, other than to note that the very first clause in the Bill of Rights reads "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion..." I recognize that there is a long tradition of the government drawing fine-line distinctions between "respecting the establishment of religion" and "respecting an establishment of religion." I just think it's time we outgrew that sort of idiotic double think. The First Amendment says "don't do" what Congress is now doing. The historical precedent doesn't change the meaning of this simple sentence. I also like the language, "to secure the blessings of providence..." It sounds almost like a military operation or business acquisition. "US forces today secured the port of Umm Qasr, as well as an air base and the blessings of Providence. Says Providence: 'It's time to get with the winning team.'"