Comments on: Illinois Politician Claims Atheist Sign Is ‘Hate Speech’

By: 0nlyThis

0nlyThis — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 02:59:52 +0000

He’s a politician, this is free publicity.
He doesn’t care about free speech, he wants to get re-elected.
It doesn’t matter if he loses the case, he’s won votes.

By: Rich

Rich — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 13:38:13 +0000

Kosmic — US constitutional law doesn’t appear to be on your side: http://bit.ly/d2HuR6.

I accept that US politics has a stronger Christian influence than UK politics does, and that might need to be resisted in some cases. But if cribs in foyers are starting to look like a major problem then people need to get out more, and if someone engages in schoolyard name-calling and spoiling tactics they should expect civil society to restrain them.

By: Kosmic

Kosmic — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 14:59:30 +0000

Rich has the right idea; just applied the logic the wrong way. They nativity scene is completely idiotic and offensive to many. If you want to put such a ridiculous display in your front yard, you have very right. However, the constitution specifically prevents government from recognizing one religious faith over another. So if the state capitol is dumb enough to allow one (Christianity) it must allow any faith (or non-faith) equal time. The secular sign states what the 30 million non-theists in this country know to be as fact. More importantly it stands as a clear message to the over 50 million non-Christian Americans (Jews, Hindu, Muslim, Shinto, etc. – and non-theists) that the Christians have no right claim privilege over anyone else. Time to turn down the Christian megaphone.

By: Rich

Rich — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 16:33:15 +0000

Can’t remember who said this, but freedom of speech doesn’t imply the right to a megaphone. As Jo Jo says, it matters that this sign was placed next to a nativity scene, just as it would matter if a “Jesus Saves” sticker were plastered on the door of a synagogue. It also matters that this happened, and was sanctioned, in the building of the state government. It also matters (though slightly less) that the sign was idiotic.

By: ScreamingGreenConure

ScreamingGreenConure — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 13:46:13 +0000

an A just isn’t as good as a cross. With crosses, you can get all cutesy or as goth as fuck if you want. You can be a metalhead and have spiky bits all over it or you can be new-agey or anthropology-y and have Celtic cross or something. You can even have it really small and sleek and classy and make it look executive and tasteful if you’re boring like that. What can you do with an A? Everyone will just think it’s your initial unless you explain it and then they’ll be bored.

By: spiderabc1

spiderabc1 — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 22:09:13 +0000

I’ve been thinking of getting an ‘A’ necklace because these crosses are quite annoying. As for doing an ‘A’ hand gesture that’s quite difficult. I do reckon the sign should have been used as a large back drop for this play but I suppose I am lacking respect and tolerance. Best not turn into a fundementalist.

By: StarliteShadow

StarliteShadow — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 21:17:57 +0000

Would it be equally okay to provide another placard this year that states:

At the time of the winter solstice, let faith prevail. There is a god, devils, angels, heaven and hell. More than only our natural world. Atheism is just dangerous, hardens hearts and enslaves minds.

If so, then I see no issue. If not, then surely, that is not fair?

By: JoJo

JoJo — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 17:58:26 +0000

I know I am probably going to get a lot of stick for this but i don’t really think that atheist sign should have been placed NEXT to a nativity scene. I am an atheist and I like the fact that such signs exist, if I saw it on a billboard I will generally be pleased and likewise if I saw a nativity scene on a billboard it wouldnt really have any direct impact upon me. I think the sign makes a very valid point but of course its going to get a reaction. Religious freedom is part of democracy but don’t create some sort of religious signage death match in order to get your point across.

By: magician glasgow

magician glasgow — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 16:50:28 +0000

It’s a sad day when people stoop to using the law to force people to respect their beliefs. People should have the right to respect anything that they deem to be worthy of respect.

By: Jess xxx

Jess xxx — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 15:19:27 +0000

Why are Christians so scared of atheist propaganda? It’s about as effective in influencing people as all the signs outside churches telling us that ‘Jesus is the way’.