What if I not only disrespected the deceased when he/she was alive, but disrespect the ones affected by the loss? What if I don't care about either? You can't ****ing legislate compassion.

That's where the second sentence comes in.

And that's why, during a moment of silence you are free to think about or not think about whatever the hell you want. Also, who said anything about any kind of legislation anyway?

I know where you're going with this and if we were discussing the details of said event I would probably agree with the way you feel about it, bu that is not the issue. The event that gets "observed" with the moment of silence is usually the one that has the greater affect on the lives of the people in the immediate group in question. My point is in a situation such as that its not about who suffered a greater loss or which loss was the most tragic or the least justified. Its about being respectful of the feelings and the losses of those who are immediately around you, because you would want them to do the same if the situation were reversed even if they haven't or wouldn't in reality, and that transcends politics, nationality, religion, or anything else.

The second sentence doesn't come in because we're talking about it being enforced.

But I can't speak? Why not? Why should I be forced into a ritual that has nothing to do with me and I want no part in?

And I thought legislation was implied with the first post in the thread. Maybe not legislation in the traditional sense, but prohibiting certain behaviour. Should've used a different word, sry.

No one is forcing you to do it, It's just incredibly disrespectful not to.

OMG, no speaking for a whole minute!

I don't agree with this, but I thought this article was fitting. FOXNews.com - Illinois Moment of Silence in Schools Ruled Unconstitutional - Local News | News Articles | National News | US News

Not true in all cases and the cases in which it is true are not the cases the original post of this thread was referring to.

Let me reiterate: no, it's not a lot to ask, but we're not talking about asking, are we? We're talking about forcing somebody into doing something they may not wish to do because it's widely seen as "respectful". It's also widely seen as respectful to stand up for the playing of the national anthem, should I have to do that too? Should that be something we not only encourage but enforce?

You are speaking as if there are laws that force people go along with a moment of silence. I'm not aware of any such laws and I don't think the OP suggested that there were any such laws either.