Reply #74: It was my sense that this ....

[defendandprotect]

thread was a follow-up to the thread regarding the posting of the Atheist

sign in Washington state where the Nativity is displayed on Government property.

IMO, there is no more worthy discussion at DU than Separation of Church & State

upon which our highest privilege is based . . .

that is, the right to freedom of thought and free conscience without which there

is no democracy.

Granted, these issues do RIGHTFULLY attract a lot of interest, but I don't think

that is something to fear.

As we've seen with the most important issues facing our nation -- from racism and

sexism to homophobia -- there is often heated discussion which fortunately has

usually brought new and better understanding of civil/human rights.

I'd just question two other points which you might consider --

Had the original Separation of Church & State issue re Washington been posted

in Religion & Theology would you have seen it -- or any of the comments--??

And, if America had a growing population of Muslims and/or Scientologists --

all of whom wanted to display their religious articles in ways equal to the

Nativities, would you want this done on Government property --??


My joy in the season is based on all the wonders of Nature --

Thoughts of the Old Year and coming New Year.