Religion in Eastwick

While Eastwick is a beautiful place to live, the "culture" is a bit much to take. There is a church on every corner, and you damn well better be a member of one. Living here has made me think of religion as a character flaw. Now, before I go further, I know this isn't really true. I've met and know a lot of people who are the real deal; however, one can tend to forget this in Eastwick. We have a "community" church, which is a fancy way for baptist affiliated churches to act like they are welcoming everyone, that has to have two city police officers direct traffic after the services. I feel sure that I am paying for the two city police officers to direct the "community" traffic. This same church also spent $25,000 on new lights for the sanctuary. Yes, I said $25,000. And, just to top everything off, most of the people I work with belong to a church. I loathe most of the people I work with, so you can see where I'm going with this.
With all of this negative religion talk, let me say that I do pray. Sometimes I pray for normal things and sometimes I pray for things like Michael Vick to get cancer and die. I know that isn't really nice, but I figure that God knows where I'm going with that, and he can help me figure out my demons. Let's face it. My demons are no one's business but my own and going to a well-lit ($25,000 worth) church on Sunday mornings will not make me a better person. So, as I sit here sipping my fancy organic coffee and as Sukie sleeps soundly in her 400 thread count sheets at home, I ask that you just simply treat others the way you would like to be treated. It's a hard thing to do, and there will be times when you fail miserably. (Like wishing Michael Vick had cancer) If you need some assistance, here is a little secret of mine. On the occasions that I do pray, I've envisioned my God as below. Sweet! Why does he have to be an old, dirty hippie anyway?