Freedom of Speech in the Washington State Capitol

The Freedom From Religion Foundation has installed a sign in the Washington State Capitol alongside a Christmas tree and nativity scene. The sign reads:

At this season of the Winter Solstice may reason prevail. There are no gods, no devils, no angels, no heaven or hell. There is only our natural world. Religion is but myth and superstition that hardens hearts and enslaves minds.

In 2006, a Jewish group sponsored a menorah in the Capitol, to accompany the long-standing tradition of the Christmas tree. This was answered the following year by a nativity scene.

Problem? Not for the people of Washington–at least not initially–and not for the sponsor of the nativity scene:

Asked whether he was bothered by the atheist display next to his Nativity scene, Wesselius said, “I think the Nativity scene will speak for itself.” But he added, “I appreciate freedom of speech and freedom of access. That’s why they’re in there, and hey – you know, that’s great.”

Well-reasoned response. So what is the problem? Well, apparently, freedom of speech is quite offensive to conservative TV personality Bill O’Reilly. Personally, I’ve always been of the opinion that Constitutionally protected rights were among the most traditional of American values. Mr. O’Reilly must be of a different opinion, for he urged his viewers to call the Governor’s office and complain (“Yeah, my name is Joe the Blowhole, and I’m calling to protest this exercise of the Freedom of Speech. I don’t like it when people who don’t believe what I believe actually exercise their rights…”). Whatever.

America truly is “advanced citizenship“. Mr. O’Reilly just doesn’t “get it”. Ironically, this Freedom of Speech that pisses off Mr. O’Reilly is the very Constitutional right that allows him to make such an ass of himself by displaying his remarkable ignorance of basic Constitutional law.

[via EvolutionBlog]

Pledge Project

’Under God’ in the Pledge of Allegiance has never been about allowing God in the public square. It has always been about excluding non-religious people from public office and all aspects of civic life. Learn more

And don't forget that "In God We Trust" Must Go as well...

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