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December 24, 2009
Airing a grievance
33/365: Festivus for the Rest of Us, originally uploaded by bubbly toes.
So, apparently there's a big to do down in Springfield. The Freedom from Religion Foundation, after finding out there was a Christmas tree and nativity scene in the state Capitol, got permission to erect a display of their own. It said:
"At the time of the winter solstice, let reason prevail. There are no gods, no devils, no angels, no heaven or hell. There is only our natural world. Religion is just myth and superstition that hardens hearts and enslaves minds."
Then, a conservative candidate for the State Comptroller job took offense:
William J. Kelly announced Tuesday that he planned to take down the sign put up by the Freedom from Religion Foundation, and on Wednesday, he tried to make good on his plan.
But Kelly said when he turned the sign around so it was face down, state Capitol police were quick to escort him away.
...
But Kelly called the sign "hate speech," and said he does not believe it is appropriate for a sign that "mocks" religion to be placed next to a Christmas tree and also near a nativity scene.
All I can say about this is, both sides are acting like idiots. The Freedom From Religion Foundation is delusional if it doesn't think this sign is insulting, and Mr. Kelly is grandstanding. I'm a firmly non-religious person, and it makes me uncomfortable when my fellow agnostics and atheists try to wind up religious folk. At the same time, religious people don't do themselves any favors when they view every slight as an attack on 8 pound, 6 ounce Baby Jesus.
Now here's where I think things get absurd. Check out what else is in the Capitol:
Haupt said in addition to the sign, the Nativity Scene and the Christmas tree, there is also a Soldiers' Angels wreath, and a tabletop display from the American Civil Liberties Union that says the group "defends freedom of religion." A Hanukkah menorah had also been on display until the Jewish Festival of Lights ended on Saturday.
For the second year in a row, the Capitol also has an aluminum Festivus pole commemorating the fictional holiday created in "Seinfeld."
A Festivus pole? Really? Festivus isn't even a religious holiday. It's a "holiday," but I have a hard time saying it's rooted in actual religion. I think it's fairly obvious to me the solution to this. If there's going to be a Christmas display, the Constitution requires other religious displays be allowed. Thus, don't allow any religious displays. So what if Christians are angry? This is clearly more trouble than it is worth.
entry no. 1419
Posted at December 24, 2009 08:41 PM