Howard, I'd disagree with this statement of yours: The difference between religious and non-religious views is that the latter may be changed by discussion or education, whereas the former are matters of faith and not open to argument.

It's simply not true for most religious denominations. If you look at almost any religious denomination, you will see a long history of debate and a wide spectrum of perspectives. The authoritarian model of religious belief imposed by a higher authority, applies only to a segment of religious people. For most, belief is something that is commonly held, not imposed.

Interestingly, many public school districts in the United States deny music to children for budgetary reasons. They wouldn't dare cut back on athletics, but music isn't a priority for much of the United States. For many Americans, if you want music, you buy it.

I had 16 years of Catholic education, which means I had 16 years of music education. That's not what you'd get in many public schools in the United States.

-Joe-