[artdutra04]

I've always lived by the mantra that if you want to make (and keep) friends in life, don't bring up religion or politics. I really don't care what religion or political affiliation you are, and nor do I want to.

There is one reason and one reason alone why I would stand in direct opposition to this; and that the fact that generic rules can and will slowly mutate over time. It may not happen instantly, but if you allow religious groups to practice their beliefs inside the competition venue, you may see someone who says "If Christians/Jews/Muslims can express their religious beliefs, then how come I can't start a Democrat or Republican FIRST Group, and have all the Democrats/Republicans have a big meeting at a regional? After all, we're only looking to make friends with each other and not impose our beliefs..."

Once you bring religion and politics into things, it only goes downhill. Just look into the history books to see how many wars were started over differences in religion. Before you know it, you may have all different kinds of groups in FIRST Regionals for all their constituents, and after time they may slowly begin to degenerate the FIRST experience.

It's the same thing with noisemakers and saved seating. Sure there were people whose noisemakers were not that loud, and there were people who saved some seats for genuine purposes. And sure there are a large majority of people who think these are stupid rules. But FIRST had to enact these rules to prevent everything from getting out of control.

Even though I'm also Christian, I would stand completely against the idea of having this group meet inside the arena, but would give 100% support for the idea of meeting outside the arena (or in the lobby, as long as it's not blocking the entrance). I don't want to see religious or political groups get out of control in FIRST, and nor do I want to see people's religious beliefs quelled.