cynicschism

       The Bible toters may be a bit alarmed, but there hasn’t been a peep from Mary, Joseph, or Jesus when a plaque sponsored by the Freedom from Religion Foundation tooks its place next to the holy family in the marble halls of the Washington state capital of Olympia.  The plaque celebrates the Winter Solstice and the natural world without recourse to gods and devils and angels or any other manner of supernatural beings.  Such a display is simply called freedom of speech.

       How it all came about is an interesting story in itself.  A few years back, a menorah was placed in those same marble halls.  This led some Christians to ask that a nativity scene be allowed also.  Their request came too late to do anything that year, but next year the nativity scene was allowed.  This decision opened up an avenue for others to request that a display celebrating their ideas be put in the state capital building also.  Thus the atheist group was alowed to put up their display this year celebrating the godless natural world.  And the Christians indirecly aided them by their original suit.  Now the  two stand next to each other in Olympia.

       Naturally, some Christians are more than a little upset by this turn of affairs.  The leader of the original group that spearheaded the fight for the nativity scene doesn’t like the atheists’ plaque, but he admits that everybody has the right, under the First Amendment, to express their own views.  Some other religious folks have not been as tolerant.  Bill O’Reilly has urged viewers to call the governor to complain about the plaque, although the matter is more under the juridiction of the state legislature.  Maybe O’Reilly should go back and take another look at the First Amendment.

       For now, the plaque remains, as it should.  No belief should have a monopoly on free speech.  Atheists should have the same ability as others to express their beliefs in a governmental forum.  Maybe next year,  a statue of Zeus can be placed in the capitol. It is located in the city of Olympia after all.

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