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Some atheists are not content to believe what they choose.
They're not satisfied with exercising their freedom not to worship God.
They demand that others be prohibited from exercising their right to worship. They want references to God be completely stripped from the public square.
They refuse to tolerate others' free exercise of religion.
Atheist groups are so intolerant that they are making an issue out of a Brooklyn street named in honor of seven firefighter heroes who died on 9/11, "Seven in Heaven Way."To honor seven dead 9-11 firefighters, a portion of Richards Street has been ceremonially renamed “Seven in Heaven Way” — prompting tributes to the heroes and complaints from critics who say that the government should not be in the business of advancing one religion’s notion of the afterlife.
“It’s improper for the city to endorse the view that heaven exists,” said David Silverman of American Atheists. “It links Christianity and heroism.”
Local atheists also insisted that public signs should be non-sectarian. “It falls under the umbrella of Church and state,” added Ken Bronstein of NYC Atheists.
The new street sign — which city officials hung last Saturday at Seabring Street — honors seven firemen assigned to Engine 202 and Ladder 101, who were killed after at the Twin Towers.
Teary-eyed widows, dozens of uniform-clad firemen and civic leaders paid respects outside the firehouse at the intersection, explaining the men were killed while pulling victims from burning rubble.
“They are heroes and should be rewarded in a place like heaven,” said Tom Miskel of Community Board 6, which unanimously supported the name change in December 2009.
“Almost every religion has some form of heaven,” he added. “It’s not just specific to Christianity.”
The “Seven in Heaven” firemen — Joseph Gullickson, Brian Cannizzaro, Salvatore Calabro, Thomas Kennedy, Patrick Byrne, Joseph Maffeo, and Terence McShane — were among the first firefighters called to the towers, making it there before the second airplane hit.
“They gave up everything to help — and that’s what sets them apart,” said Ralph Gullickson, Joseph’s brother.
...First Amendment caselaw suggests that government must allow both religious and non-religious speech when it opens a forum for expression — provided it’s clear that religious references are attributed to the individuals making the expression, not the government.
That's not the way atheists see it. From the Heritage Foundation: New York City Atheists’ president Kenneth Bronstein told reporters, “There should be no signage or displays of religious nature in the public domain,” adding that it was “insulting” to use the word heaven in the street sign. “We’ve concluded as atheists there is no heaven and there’s no hell,” Bronstein explained.
As common sense and U.S courts have pointed out, however, merely feeling insulted does not a constitutional argument make.
...As for the sign constituting a government endorsement of religion, applying the same scrutiny to other publicly named places would necessitate renaming streets, towns, and cities across the country, a multitude of which have religious connotations.
Secularists’ insistence on eradicating any allusion to religion or religious beliefs from the public sphere distorts the foundational American idea of freedom of—not from—religion. Atheists’ argument in the Brooklyn sign situation, like the National Day of Prayer case and Pledge of Allegiance case, misunderstands the First Amendment’s intent to allow robust religious freedom in the public sphere, not hermetically seal it within the walls of churches, mosques and synagogues.
These people are so intolerant.
They've concluded that there is no heaven or hell.
Good for them.
Others have reached a different conclusion. Why don't atheists respect that?
They are attempting to infringe on the right of individuals to exercise their religious beliefs, as well as the right to freely express their beliefs.
Is that simple street sign really so offensive to the atheists that they can't bear to live with it in place?
I find the atheists' dismissal of the First Amendment to be extremely offensive.
The atheists are offended.
So what?
It's not insulting to use the word "heaven" in a street sign. But if they are insulted, too bad.
They have to learn to embrace diversity and show religious tolerance instead of forcing their will on others.
I don't think they understand what it means to be an American.
UPDATE, June 21, 2011: NBC's Pledge Controversy Intensifies____________________
Way to go, NBC!
Way to screw up your coverage of the U.S. Open!
Why remove the words "under God" from the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance?
Did NBC really think no one would notice the omission?From NewsBusters:NBC on Sunday decided to cut the words "under God" from the reading of the Pledge of Allegiance that accompanied the beginning of its coverage of the U.S. Open Golf Championship.
In fact, this happened twice during the show's introduction (video follows courtesy Mark Finkelstein with partial transcript):
I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands, one nation, with liberty and justice for all.
Seconds later, the Pledge was repeated with even more words omitted:
I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands, with liberty and justice for all.
According to the Washington Post, NBC responded to criticism for its shameful choice.NBC apologized for cutting the words “under God” from the Pledge of Allegiance in its leadup to coverage to the U.S. Open at Congressional Country Club.
The move quickly drew criticism Dan Hicks said, during the broadcast of Open action:
“We began our coverage of this final round just about three hours ago and when we did it was our intent to begin the coverage of this U.S. Open Championship with a feature that captured the patriotism of our national championship being held in our nation’s capital for the third time. Regrettably, a portion of the Pledge of Allegiance that was in that feature was edited out. It was not done to upset anyone and we’d like to apologize to those of you who were offended by it.”
What horrible judgment!
That taped segment was meant to be a dramatic, patriotic tribute to our nation's values.
"They are the virtues that have been passed down through generations, that live on in the great halls of this country."
Apparently, NBC decided it would be appropriate to edit "under God" out of those virtues passed down through generations.
TWICE, the Pledge of Allegiance was butchered.
"Regrettably, a portion of the Pledge of Allegiance that was in that feature was edited out."
Yeah. Regrettably. It was only regrettable because NBC had to deal with a lot of pissed off people.
"It was not done to upset anyone...."
I think it was done to make the "no God" Leftists at NBC happy.
It wasn't an accident. It was a choice made TWICE.
The liberal network is painfully out of touch with the country and its values.
NBC is certainly clueless when it comes to understanding the demographics of the U.S. Open audience.
Editing the Pledge of Allegiance to omit "under God" TWICE was an incredibly idiotic move!
Stunningly stupid!
In short, very NBC.
Sheila Jackson Lee is concerned about Christian militants.
She thinks they pose as great a threat to the security of America as Muslim radicals.
She believes that Christian militants "might bring down this country."
From CNSNews:At a congressional hearing on Muslim radicalization in U.S. prisons, Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee (D-Texas) said that investigators needed to analyze Christian militants in America because they too might try to “bring down the country.”
In an exchange with witness Patrick Dunleavy, the former deputy inspector of the criminal intelligence unit, New York Department of Correctional Services, Rep. Jackson Lee mentioned the case of a man who blew up an abortion clinic and proposed that this perhaps was an attempt to undermine U.S. law that allows a woman to procure an abortion.
Rep. Lee then said, “As we look to be informational, we should include an analysis of how Christian militants or others might bring down the country. We have to look broadly, do we not?”
Dunleavy answered: “I don’t know that Christian militants have foreign country backing or foreign country financing.”
Lee then said, “I don’t think that’s the issue. The issue is whether or not their intent is to undermine the laws of this nation. And I think it is clear that that is the case. So it’s not -- your distinction is not answering the question.”
Good grief.
Democrat Lee reveals herself to be clueless regarding radical Islam and the threat of terrorism. Video.
Will Milwaukee's gun-toting murderers, thugs, and assorted criminals be in church this Sunday?
It's the 7th annual Ceasefire Sabbath.
From the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel:Scores of area congregations are expected to join with Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett and city and county law enforcement officials to promote nonviolence as part of the 7th annual Cease Fire Sabbath this weekend.
Barrett, Milwaukee Police Chief Edward Flynn and Milwaukee County District Attorney John Chisholm will kick off the initiative at breakfast with faith leaders Thursday at St. Martin de Porres Catholic Church, 128 W. Burleigh. And Barrett and Chisholm will speak at six area churches on Sunday.
"The police department and district attorney have done a magnificent job in reducing violent crime in Milwaukee and Milwaukee County. But in all honesty, we can't do this alone," Barrett said at a Wednesday news conference at City Hall.
"We need the cooperation of faith leaders and the community."
Chisholm said strong families and faith communities play an important role in keeping young people from becoming involved in crime. "The more mentors and faith-based relationships we have, the better we'll succeed as a community," he said.
...Barrett and Chisholm will speak at the following churches on Sunday:
Barrett will be at New Covenant Church, 2315 N. 38th St. at 9:30 a.m.; Greater Galilee Missionary Baptist Church at 2432 N. Teutonia Ave. at 10:30 a.m.; St. Patrick Parish, 723 W. Washington St., at 11:20 a.m.; and St. Adalbert Parish, 1923 W. Becher St. at 12:45 p.m.
Chisholm will appear at Parklawn Assembly of God, 3725 N. Sherman Blvd., at 7:50 a.m.; and Jerusalem Missionary Baptist church, 2505 W. Cornell St., at 11 a.m.
Although the thugs most likely won't be in church today, people who know them may be. The good people might be able to encourage the thugs to follow a nonviolent path.
Also, children, the next generation of thugs, may be attending today's church services and be influenced by hearing the messages of Barrett and Chisholm and faith leaders in the community.
Who knows?
It's better to light one candle than to curse the darkness._________________
Here's Tom Barrett's May 20, 2011, e-mail message on the topic:Dear Friends,
This weekend marks my 7th Annual “Ceasefire Sabbath” in which I ask clergy and faith leaders to promote a common message of peace and non-violence in their weekend services. I believe faith is the cornerstone of a healthy and productive community and, as history has shown us, it is often religious leaders who lead the charge for social justice and change. I believe the same holds true today.
Just this week, District Attorney John Chisholm, Police Chief Flynn and I met with more than 100 pastors and other faith leaders who serve our city. We agreed that violence prevention and community building comes in many forms. Mentoring a young family, providing summer jobs to teens, extending a hand to a reentering ex-offender and recommitting our efforts to stem the flow of illegal guns are among just a few of the many strategies offered that will make a difference in the lives of Milwaukee residents.
Everyone who cares about keeping our neighborhoods safe in this City has a role to play. A full-on community effort in cooperation with the police department is essential to the success of our common goal to strengthen the community, reduce crime and promote peace. We need to show strength and unity in spreading the message that violence will not be tolerated in our neighborhoods.
Below is the schedule of churches that I will be visiting:
8:45 am - 9:50 am Greater New Birth Church
10:30 am - 11:50 am Greater Galilee MBC
11:20 am – 11:50 am St. Patrick Parish
12:00 pm – 1:30 pm St. Adalbert Parish
District Attorney Chisholm will be visiting the following churches:
8:00 am Parklawn Assembly of God
10:20 am Canaan Missionary Baptist Church
I’m pleased we have made great progress in making our communities safer and I’m grateful to the police department, District Attorney Chisholm and the countless community members who have helped in our efforts.
Sincerely,
Tom Barrett
Mayor, City of Milwaukee
Are you ready?
Harold Camping says today, May 21, is Judgment Day.
That's not a WWE pay-per-view event. Camping and others believe the end of the world will happen today."There’s going to be a huge earthquake that’s going to make the big earthquake in Japan seem like a Sunday School picnic," said the 89-year-old founder of Family Radio, an independent ministry that has broadcast his forecast around the world.
Camping is basing his prediction on decades of studying the Bible and his belief that the Noah’s Ark flood happened in the year 4990 BC.
He claims that since 2 Peter 3:8 says that one day is like a thousand years and a thousand years is like one day to God, there will be seven thousand years between Noah's flood and the end of the world.
The seven days come from Noah having seven days to warn people about the coming disaster, so he assumes there will be seven days, translated to 7,000 years, between the flood and the destruction of earth.
So 4990 plus 2011, minus one because there was no year '0', equals 7,000 years.
I have plans this weekend.
The end of the world would be very inconvenient for me today.
On Sunday, the White House tweeted a link to Obama's presidential proclamation for Mother's Day.BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA A PROCLAMATION
As our society has changed, so have the challenges facing women raising families. Many American women are raising children at home while caring for an elderly parent, holding down two jobs, serving as the sole parent in a family, or defending our country overseas as a service member. Our Nation's mothers not only look after our needs and teach us to be compassionate and responsible, but also manage households, build careers, and improve our neighborhoods and communities. While the roles and responsibilities of mothers have evolved, their guidance and care remains as strong and constant as ever.
On Mother's Day, we celebrate the extraordinary importance of mothers in our lives. The bond of love and dedication a mother shares with her children and family is without bounds or conditions. Whether an adoptive mom or grandmother, mother or partner, the women who raise us show us that no hurdle is too high, and no dream is beyond our reach. As sons and daughters, we show our gratitude for the women in our lives who care for us, shape our values, and set us on the path to a limitless future.
Throughout our history, mothers have made remarkable sacrifices for the well-being of their loved ones. Nearly a century ago, Anna Jarvis, who had suffered the loss of her beloved mother, campaigned with many other Americans to make Mother's Day a recognized holiday and pay respect to all women raising children. Today, we continue to celebrate the influence, love, and nurturing our mothers provide in our lives and in our national life.
To support the parents who are raising tomorrow's leaders, my Administration is committed to doing all we can to create jobs and economic opportunities for families across America. We are striving to help mothers in the workplace by enforcing equal pay laws and addressing workplace flexibility as families balance the demands of work, child and elder care, and education. My budget strengthens the Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit to help families afford the cost of quality childcare. The tax-cut package we passed last December extended expansions of the Child Tax Credit and Earned Income Tax Credit, providing a tax cut for 15.7 million families with about 29.1 million children. The Affordable Care Act gives women more access to health care and better resources to protect the health of their families by requiring new insurance plans to cover wellness benefits for children, ending the exclusion of pre-existing conditions by insurance companies, and extending parents' health coverage for young adults up to age 26. First Lady Michelle Obama's "Let's Move!" initiative is also providing mothers with helpful tools to support their children's healthy growth.
Mothers are the rocks of our families and a foundation in our communities. In gratitude for their generous love, patient counsel, and lifelong support, let us pay respect to the women who carry out the hard work of motherhood with skill and grace, and let us remember those mothers who, though no longer with us, inspire us still.
The Congress, by a joint resolution approved May 8, 1914, (38 Stat. 770), has designated the second Sunday in May each year as "Mother's Day" and requested the President to call for its appropriate observance.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim May 8, 2011, as Mother's Day. I urge all Americans to express their love, respect, and gratitude to mothers everywhere, and I call upon all citizens to observe this day with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this sixth day of May, in the year of our Lord two thousand eleven, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-fifth.
BARACK OBAMA
That's nice - a Mother's Day proclamation.
Too bad Obama didn't see fit to make a presidential proclamation for Easter.
Why Mother's Day but not Easter?
I hope someone asks Jay Carney to explain.
May 1, 2011: Watch Live Stream._______________
The beatification ceremonies of Pope John Paul II will be available with streaming video.The Vatican is offering broadcast coverage of the beatification of Pope John Paul II on May 1, and the prayer vigil at the Circus Maximus on Saturday evening.
Both events will be available on radio to listeners in Rome and the surrounding Lazio region, on 105 FM. For those further away, the broadcasts--in English, with streaming video and commentary--will be made available at this internet address:
http://player.rv.va/vaticanplayer01.asp?language=en&visual=Tv.
Vatican Radio CTV, bringing Rome to your home for JPII beatificationWhat has been described in Catholic circles as the ‘Big Weekend’ is now upon us. This Sunday the Venerable John Paul II will be proclaimed Blessed by his friend and successor to the Chair of St Peter, Benedict XVI. Rome’s army of council workers are labouring around the clock to ensure that everything will be all right on the night and the day after, with giant screens and loud speakers being hauled into place ahead of Saturday’s “White night of prayer” and Sunday’s Beatification Mass.
The Eternal City has been draped with banners depicting the ‘Pope from a far off country” who became more Roman than the Romans themselves and its streets and public buses carry posters with quotes from Poland’s favourite son. Rome is ready, so the question remains, where will you be for the Beatification? Wherever you maybe, you can experience it all first hand here, with Vatican Radio.
...The Vigil from Circus Maximus (20.00 hrs CET) with commentary in English will be carried live for radio listeners in the Rome and Lazio area on 105 FM. It will be streamed with full video and optional commentary on http://player.rv.va/vaticanplayer01.asp?language=en&visual=Tv.
The Beatification Mass (10.00hrs CET) with commentary in English will be carried live for radio listeners in the Rome and Lazio area on 105 FM. It will be streamed with full video and optional commentary on http://player.rv.va/vaticanplayer01.asp?language=en&visual=Tv.
Another screw-up by the Obama administration:President Obama failed to release a statement or a proclamation recognizing the national observance of Easter Sunday, Christianity's most sacred holiday.
By comparison, the White House has released statements recognizing the observance of major Muslim holidays and released statements in 2010 on Ramadan, Eid-ul-Fitr, Hajj, and Eid-ul-Adha.
The White House also failed to release a statement marking Good Friday. However, they did release an eight-paragraph statement heralding Earth Day. Likewise, the president's weekend address mentioned neither Good Friday or Easter.
...In 2010, Obama was criticized for releasing an all-inclusive Easter greeting. He reached out to Jews, Muslims, Hindus, and people of no faith at all in a statement about a holiday that is uniquely Christian.
"All of us are striving to make a way in this world; to build a purposeful and fulfilling life in the fleeting time we have here," Obama said in his 2010 "Easter" message. "A dignified life. A healthy life. A life, true to its potential. And a life that serves other." "These are aspirations that stretch back through the ages – aspirations at the heart of Judaism, at the heart of Christianity, at the heart of all the world’s great religions," the president added.
When the White House released statements about Muslim holidays, no attempts were made to include Christianity or to mention a spirit of inclusivity. For example, in his 2010 statement on Hajj and Eid-ul-Adha, Obama made no references to Christianity or any other religion.
By contrast, former President Bush traditionally included Scripture passages in his Easter messages and made a point to explain what Easter is about. Like Obama, though, he did not release statements marking Good Friday.
In 2007, he said, “The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the most important event of the Christian faith.” “On this powerful day, let us join together and give thanks to the Almighty for the glory of His grace,” he added.
In his 2008 Easter message, President Bush said: “The Resurrection of Jesus Christ reminds people around the world of the presence of a faithful God who offers a love more powerful than death. Easter commemorates our Savior's triumph over sin, and we take joy in spending this special time with family and friends and reflecting on the many blessings that fill our lives. During this season of renewal, let us come together and give thanks to the Almighty who made us in His image and redeemed us in His love.”
Why didn't Obama notice the failure to issue an Easter statement or proclamation?
Wouldn't you think Team Obama would be falling all over themselves to assert his Christianity?
On a related note:
Statement by the President on the Occasion of Ramadan
Statement by the President on Hajj and Eid-ul-Adha
Statement by the President on the Occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr
Here's video, from Weasel Zippers, of White House press secretary Jay Carney addressing the issue:Transcript, White House:Q: Thanks, Jay. Just a quick question. You guys traditionally put out statements or proclamations on various religious holidays and I don’t think I saw one from the President on Easter yesterday and was just wondering if there’s any reason one didn’t go out.
MR. CARNEY: You know, the President went to the church yesterday; it was well covered. I’m not sure if we put out a statement or not, but he obviously personally celebrated Easter with his family and went to church to celebrate that. And -- *
Q: Wait a minute. The highest Christian holiday and you don’t know if he put out a statement?
Q: Jay, come on. (Laughter.)
MR. CARNEY: I’m glad you’re asking these key important questions, guys. The fact is, the President took his family to church in a very high-profile way to celebrate Easter. I think it was highly visible to most Americans. And he -- as a devoted Christian, he believes it’s a very important holiday for him personally, for his family and for Christians around the country.
Carney's answer was such a disaster that the White House amended the transcript. It needed an asterisk.
This is at the top of the transcript:See below for an answer to a question (marked with an asterisk) posed in the briefing that required follow up.
*Last Tuesday, the President delivered remarks about Easter at an Easter breakfast he hosted in the East Room. The transcript of the President’s remarks can be found HERE.
What's funny about this is there's no link to "HERE," nothing to click as of 7:45 PM CDT.
Come on, White House. Get your act together. _________________
UPDATE, April 26, 2011: Transcript asterisk link now works. "HERE."
Good job, White House crack staff. Terrific work.
Mt 28:1-10
After the sabbath, as the first day of the week was dawning,
Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to see the tomb.
And behold, there was a great earthquake;
for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven,
approached, rolled back the stone, and sat upon it.
His appearance was like lightning
and his clothing was white as snow.
The guards were shaken with fear of him
and became like dead men.
Then the angel said to the women in reply,
“Do not be afraid!
I know that you are seeking Jesus the crucified.
He is not here, for he has been raised just as he said.
Come and see the place where he lay.
Then go quickly and tell his disciples,
‘He has been raised from the dead,
and he is going before you to Galilee;
there you will see him.’
Behold, I have told you.”
Then they went away quickly from the tomb,
fearful yet overjoyed,
and ran to announce this to his disciples.
And behold, Jesus met them on their way and greeted them.
They approached, embraced his feet, and did him homage.
Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid.
Go tell my brothers to go to Galilee,
and there they will see me.”
Obama hosted an Easter Prayer Breakfast at the White House on Monday.
Video of his remarks:Transcript, White House:8:39 A.M. EDT
THE PRESIDENT: Thank you very much. Thank you. Please, please have a seat.
Well, it is absolutely wonderful to be here with all of you today. I see so many good friends all around the room.
Before I begin, I want to acknowledge one particular member of my administration who I’m extraordinarily proud of and does not get much credit, and that is USAID Administrator, Dr. Raj Shah, who is doing great work with faith leaders. (Applause.) Where’s Raj? Where is he? There he is right there. Raj is doing great work with faith leaders on our Feed the Future global hunger program, as well as on a host of other issues. We could not be prouder of the work that he’s doing. I also want to acknowledge Congressman Mike McIntyre and his wife, Dee. (Applause.) Mike -- as some of you know, obviously, North Carolina was ravaged by storms this past weekend, and our thoughts and prayers are with all the families who have been affected down there. I know that Mike will be helping those communities rebuild after the devastation.
To all the faith leaders and the distinguished guests that are here today, welcome to our second annual -- I’m going to make it annual, why not? (Laughter and applause.) Our second Easter Prayer Breakfast. The Easter Egg Roll, that’s well established. (Laughter.) The Prayer Breakfast we started last year, in part because it gave me a good excuse to bring together people who have been such extraordinary influences in my life and such great friends. And it gives me a chance to meet and make some new friends here in the White House.
I wanted to host this breakfast for a simple reason -– because as busy as we are, as many tasks as pile up, during this season, we are reminded that there’s something about the resurrection -- something about the resurrection of our savior, Jesus Christ, that puts everything else in perspective.
We all live in the hustle and bustle of our work. And everybody in this room has weighty responsibilities, from leading churches and denominations, to helping to administer important government programs, to shaping our culture in various ways. And I admit that my plate has been full as well. (Laughter.) The inbox keeps on accumulating. (Laughter.)
But then comes Holy Week. The triumph of Palm Sunday. The humility of Jesus washing the disciples’ feet. His slow march up that hill, and the pain and the scorn and the shame of the cross.
And we’re reminded that in that moment, he took on the sins of the world -- past, present and future -- and he extended to us that unfathomable gift of grace and salvation through his death and resurrection.
In the words of the book Isaiah: “But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.”
This magnificent grace, this expansive grace, this “Amazing Grace” calls me to reflect. And it calls me to pray. It calls me to ask God for forgiveness for the times that I’ve not shown grace to others, those times that I’ve fallen short. It calls me to praise God for the gift of our son -- his Son and our Savior.
And that’s why we have this breakfast. Because in the middle of critical national debates, in the middle of our busy lives, we must always make sure that we are keeping things in perspective. Children help do that. (Laughter.) A strong spouse helps do that. But nothing beats scripture and the reminder of the eternal.
So I’m honored that all of you have come here this Holy Week to join me in a spirit of prayer, and I pray that our time here this morning will strengthen us, both individually as believers and as Americans. And with that, let me introduce my good friend, Bishop Vashti McKenzie, for our opening prayer. (Applause.)
END
8:45 A.M. EDT
Christian pilgrims from around the world are crowding the cobblestone alleyways of old Jerusalem to mark Good Friday, commemorating the crucifixion of Jesus 2,000 years ago.
