Free speech and its consequences

The latest Gene Policinski column as republished in the Spokesman-Review of Spokane, Washington (print) edition. I had read this through and found some of his most earnest comments to be sometimes frustrating and other times laughable. The question should be clear cut: Is a public school a surrogate church? Anyone who writes on the behalf of the First Amendment Center based in Washington, D.C. ought to have the smarts to ask just such a question. And be able to answer, no. Should politicians seeking to be elected insist that anyone who votes for them is voting for a "Christian" first? Refer to article 6 in the main body of the U.S. Constitution. Actually, such arguments don't have constitutional merits. Should any person have the right to praise teenage killers at Columbine high school? Uh, I wouldn't praise cold blooded killers even though I can understand why a couple of outcasts would go on a shooting rampage. Yes, because they were tormented by their fellow students. I still wouldn't praise such an act because killing someone is still an awful choice to make. And could it have been prevented? Probably. So, why wasn't it? Should intelligent design and creation science be regarded as "science" in Florida schools or in opposition to science? Anyone who promotes religion in this manner is generally in opposition to what makes this modern era possible even as that sort of extremist utilizes all facets of this modern era. Why should government fund prison ministries? Isn't that a private and volunteer effort? ... I'd certainly ask the questions and not just write about it.