Rival religious displays crowd Washington State capitol

[Are_grits_groceries]

More groups are jumping into the fray over religious displays at the Washington state Capitol, drawing continuing attention from around the country.

Three signs that criticize atheism went on display near a Nativity set Friday, the same day someone stole an atheists' engraving that had been placed nearby. The atheists' placard celebrates the winter solstice and criticizes religion as myth and superstition — wording that has enraged some Christians and even irritated Gov. Chris Gregoire.

After State Patrol troopers returned the sign to the Capitol, atheists affixed a biblical "Thou Shalt Not Steal" message to it.
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"This could be the last year we even have a Christmas tree up there because of all this trouble. That's what I'm thinking," said Jim Buenzli of Olympia, who works for the state and applied to put up a "Festivus" pole next in the Capitol on Wednesday.

"Festivus" is a mock holiday popularized on the TV sitcom "Seinfeld" in the 1990s. The father of a "Seinfeld" writer had started Festivus, or the "Airing of Grievances," in 1966, but the show's 1997 depiction of it gave it new life.
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http://www.mcclatchydc.com/251/story/57249.html

Will the Summums have a display?? They are going to have to have police stationed to keep the Peace.
Irony............

[Warpy]

1. I don't think the tree is a problem

I think the nativity set is.

Unless you want every other religion represented, maybe keep those things at the churches.

[jwirr]

3. I agree in a nation claiming to have freedom of religion all religious

displays should be kept out of government buildings. Their presence in such buildings implies support of whatever religion they represent. I also do not have any problem with the tree - many people have the tree up even if they do not celebrate the nativity. It is now symbolic of the holidays in general. I also love the lights etc. that you see along city streets. When I look up it while driving and it is a particularly dreary day (as it is here all too often) it gives me joy to see the lights.

[Warpy]

4. I don't mind the trees, the garlands, the red ribbons,

the light poles dressed up like candy canes, the lights, Santas ringing their bells and having kiddies sit on their laps, the wreaths.

The cross and the creche belong in church, thanks.

[valerief]

2. I've got my Festivus pole up! nt

[ZombieHorde]

5. We don't need to hear about your sex life.

I am just having a little fun with you.

[valerief]

6. Ha! I'm the wrong gender anyway! nt

[RainDog]

7. heheh

the merry pranksters of FFR have accomplished a good thing.

I predict the creche will not be on display next year... and that's a good thing. the govt can donate it to a church who can then display it on their tax-exempt property.

the twits who stole the atheists' signs are great examples of why one religion should not be favored... they start acting like they can tell everyone else what to do on taxpayer-funded property.

and now, in the spirit of the moment, I'd like to add some holiday cheer with my favorite holiday poem:

May all my enemies go to hell
Noel, noel, noel, noel.