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I see a problem with it if it is on public land. If they would not allow a religious item there, they should not allow an item mocking religion. Allowing one but not the other IS NOT free speech. I do think they have the right to believe as they wish.
The problem is, the rules really ARE different for religion. Expressly different, right in the language of the Constitution.
It's an interesting problem because it's not too hard to see how it could work to be unfair.
That's where it gets complicated, especially when you start trying to resolve the equal protection problem.
- the Establishment clause prevents, in a nutshell, religious expression where there is a governmental nexus to the substance of the expression
- BUT: what about anti-religious expression? At what point does this kind of expression cross the line into being religious expression (not pro-religious, but anti-religious religous expression, if you get my meaning). Does it matter how specific they get? Is using pictures of Jesus enough to cross the line into an Establishment clause violation?
It's tricky.
Now to make things even more interesting, let's consider that the Equal Protection clause mandates that people have to be treated equally under the law regardless of their religion. So per the 14th amendment, shouldn't we give equal access to the religious? But wait, doesn't that violate Establishment?
Pay close attention, so-called Constitutionalists, Strict Constructionists and other assorted legally ignorant right wing loonies. This illustrates what you chronically fail to understand. You cannot write any black-letter law, let alone a governing document like the Constitution, and account for every situation.
This is why we have independent courts empowered to interpret the law in light of every cases' specific facts.
So the next time you don't like a court ruling and find yourself saying things like "that word is not in the Constitution" or " the courts can't do that", consider this.
It's ok. They're just mad that we have a cool popular holiday to celebrate while they sit home bitter and unloved year after year. They need something to do while they wait to die alone.
You funny.
Got some fear and hatred of people not bound by belief in fairy tales?
You do know that the popular holiday has its foundation in PAGAN rites...
The 1st is more than just free speech. Look it up, it says something about religion as well.
I'm sure you think you know the first amendment, but your missing its point. First, I am not congress. Second, The city is not congress. Free speech can (and often does) include those things you or I might not agree with. The first amendment does not exclude religion from public displays.
Quote:
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.
The problem is, the rules really ARE different for religion. Expressly different, right in the language of the Constitution.
Except, to an extent, Atheism or lack or religion could be considered the same as religion itself for these purposes. The government shouldn't be favoring no religion over religion.
It's ok. They're just mad that we have a cool popular holiday to celebrate while they sit home bitter and unloved year after year. They need something to do while they wait to die alone.
True. You have cooler holidays, billion of bibles published every year, 100s of churches built every year, millions of $s spent preaching, etc etc and yet you are scared of a display or a bus sign an atheist puts up? Your beliefs may not be that strong. Also, when someone comes to my door uninvited to tell me I will go to hell (and be perpetually burnt!! - lol) unless I accept his version of truth, that is soooo respectful.
Of course you have a right to put up billboards, as do atheists. I respect that right. However, neither of us have a right to expect respect. Tomorrow, if I believe in an almighty donkey, I should not expect you not to mock it - at the same time it would be illegal for you to tell me not to believe in the donkey.
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