I need to ask one thing about the ACLU

[Catholic Sensation]

Why do they seem to fight fights that mean absolutely nothing? Though I'm no fan of Bill O'Reilly's, he brought up an interesting point recently about the ACLU's attack on Christmas, why is it "alright" to display the symbols of Judaism and Islam during their respective holidays, but not the nativity scene during Christmas? I believe the ACLU is a necessary force in this country, but let's be real here, this stupidity about Christmas doesn't help anything. They should be out fighting harder for equal pay for women, making sure school vouchers never make it as far as getting a vote, trying to educate the masses about the realities of affirmative action, getting it so gays can marry, and other IMPORTANT CAUSES. Plus if they put their energy into SOMETHING WORTHWHILE, I wouldn't have to hear people like O'Reilly and Hannity spend 20 minutes of their show each day to make the ACLU look like a bunch of crazy Marxists.

[arcane1]

1. I thought they were fighting for all those things...

:shrug:

I think the repube talking heads will single out the most 'outrageous' and talk about it as if it's all the ACLU does

[Catholic Sensation]

3. I'm sure they do

but they seem to be fighting for things that are entirely useless. How exactly is anyone's civil liberties being attacked by a public display of the nativity scene?

[Dookus]

9. Well....

it's one symbol of a pervasive problem in our society, which is government sanctioning of religious symbols in violation of the first amendment.

I understand that it seems innocuous for a town to put a creche up on a public park, but the underlying principle is that it's wrong for the government to endorse ANY religion.

If you could provide links to the specific issues you're objecting to, we could have a better discussion. If you look past the right-wing spin on these things, you'll often find a real, important issue underneath.

[Terwilliger]

2. what difference would it make?

Limbo and his neo-nut cronies would find something else to harp on.

Your sig pic is a little too wide, by the way.

[Catholic Sensation]

4. Well if they didn't go after stupid shit like this

maybe the people who aren't entirely sure about the ACLU won't see them as some kind of whiney child organization if all they were doing is serious civil liberties cases. I would love for anyone who agrees with this stuff they've started about Christmas to explain the necessity of this, and why they should be focusing their energy on this instead of adding the energy to getting equal pay for equal work?

[Terwilliger]

7. So, you see hem as a whiney child organization?

is that the NEO in your progressive?

The ACLU brings lawsuits at the request of plaintiffs (usually) And why do you classify these cases as unnecessary or frivolous? Maybe you could call Nadine Strossen and tell her what for!

[Eric J in MN]

5. the ACLU is involved in

The ACLU is involved at least most of the other issues you mentioned.

Bill O'Reilly has a big thing against "secularism" (government neutrality regarding religon) and uses the ACLU in that rhetoric.

Do a seach at
aclu.org

and you can read about all the work they do on other issues.

[Mass_Liberal]

6. I Take offense

theres nothing crazy about marxism.

[lfairban]

8. Several points come to mind.

First, do you trust Bill O'Reilly to accurately present anything, much less a controversy involving the ACLU. In answer to your question, I don't think it would be right, and I doubt the ACLU would either. You might check their web site, either Google or visit my ACLU links:

http://home.columbus.rr.com/lfairban/Pages/ACLU.htm

I assume you are talking about display on government property, because I am sure the nativity has not been banned nation wide. There are rules about use of a "public forum" that should apply equally to all religions. Just because on act by Christians is deemed inappropriate and another by Jews or Islamics is permitted, it does not mean the rules are biased, they could have been two entirely different circumstances.

The ACLU focuses on constitutional cases, and does not have enough money to act on the behalf of everyone. You can legitimately criticize their choices, everybody does, including the members.

No matter what, O'Reilly and Hannity will still be vehement opponents.

[dpibel]

10. Yeah! For Sure

NeoProg perspicaciously asks:

"why is it "alright" to display the symbols of Judaism and Islam during their respective holidays, but not the nativity scene during Christmas?"

I mean, I rilly get sick of seeing those big-ass Menorahs on the courthouse lawn all the time.

And don't even get me started on those, ummm, ummm...jeez. What is a muslim symbol, anyway?

For the irony impaired:

If you can show me rampant instances of government buildings adorned with "the symbols of Judaism and Islam," please do so. In fact, please give me one instance.

If you're talking about schools, you might find some that have Menorahs during Hanukah, because they have to in order to put up their creches.

As for those symbols of Islam, here's a little credibility test for you, Neo:

Name two symbols of Islam. Hell name two. (Hint: Islam proscribes graven images.)

Name two big ol' Islamic holidays during which you see those symbols displayed. (Hint: The one you might possibly know starts with an R.)

Other'n that, though, you and Mr. O'Reilly really got the ACLU nailed on this one.