Sonoma County orders religious symbols removed

San Francisco Chronicle ^ | December 22, 2009

[artichokegrower]

Sonoma County has ordered officials to remove angels, stars and other religious symbols from Christmas trees in county buildings over concerns they violate the Constitution.

Acting County Administrator Chris Thomas, who issued the order Monday to managers of all 26 county departments, said it's not the government's role to endorse religion.

"A star on top of a tree is a religious symbol for some people," he said.

[artichokegrower]

"Irv Sutley, an atheist who heads the county's socialist Peace and Freedom Party."

Isn't that a redundant statement?

[Greysard]

"A star on top of a tree is a religious symbol for some people," he said.

A tree itself is a religious symbol for Pagans.

Maybe I should make a new religion that defines any government object (incl. the government itself) as a religious symbol? That would take care of the government in no time :-)

[outofstyle]

they violate the Constitution

Give me an effin break!

[artichokegrower]

I wish someone would whack ol’ Irv on the side of the head hard enough so he would see a few stars.

[jonrick46]

If someone is outraged over seeing a star, they should sit down and get over it. Spend that litigation money on a new hat or a take a vacation where it is warm.

[alloysteel]

These symbols violate the US Constitution - how?

Nowhere in the Constitution is the display of symbols that may have a religious significance prohibited. And if it is not explicitly prohibited, the presumption is, that it is not tacitly prohibited.

Which means that such a display is therefore permitted. At the option of the person who desires to put up the symbols.

[NormsRevenge]

Irv is a disabled veteran and atheist. (not sure if he has issues with God or suffered injuries of the head and mind and has no faith in anything)

Not sure why folks feel it necessary to stick it to others by crying foul over symbols on public display.. would he be as offended by a crescent?

[ExTexasRedhead]

Speakers up and grab a Kleenex:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5_P6yU_ymFM

[sand lake bar]

Just say no.

[muawiyah]

A place on the floor occupied by the tree is a religious symbol to some people. The elimination of a place on the floor to be occupied by a tree is also a religious symbol to many people.

Green is a religious symbol to Moslems.

Besides, it's not the place of government to decide what is or is not a legitimate religious symbol and then order that it be pulled off a tree or otherwise hidden from public view.

I think it's time to flense some fatheads in Sonoma County.

[outofstyle]

Yes! As if these jello spines with XXY chromosomal anomalies give a crap about the constitution.

[outofstyle]

Yes this is moving. But these brave ones now have a commander in chief who is a traitor. We are all on the front lines now.

[Gator113]

I’ve read that poem before, but never seen it in that format. You were right about the Kleenex.

[ConorMacNessa]

Outstanding, ETR - I posted it to my Facebook page. Thanks very much and Merry Christmas to you and yours!

Lamh Foistenach Abu!

[pnh102]

It should be legal to shoot these jerks.

[ConorMacNessa]

The so-called separation of church and state is not in the Constitution but freedom of religion and speech is. These people have it totally backwards. The First Amendment requires that we be able to display religious symbols, IMHO.

Lamh Foistenach Abu!

[aeonspromise]

Does that mean we can remove Obamma from the white house, he and some think he’s god..

[Gene Eric]

>> Give me an effin break!

It’s “over concerns”, not fact.

[B.O. Plenty]

....over concerns they violate the Constitution.

.....lying sacks of shit..

...these people are just Christian hating bigots...pure and simple.

....if they find a way to get rid of Christianity once and for all...they will not like the results one bit....all boundaries will then be gone...and it will truly be dog eat dog...

...the meanest among us will take over....any hope of peace gone.

[jcon40]

Doesn’t their money have stars, other symbols and in God we Trust etc printed on it?

Maybe these idiots should have the money from their wallets removed too

[Falconspeed]

The “angels, stars and other religious symbols” will be back for public view soon, because the US laws support the display of the symbols.

[no-s]

Maybe I should make a new religion that defines any government object (incl. the government itself) as a religious symbol? That would take care of the government in no time :-)

Hmm. you may be on to something there. Only cast government is the Great Satan...Shades of L. Ron Hubbard...

[no-s]

Maybe I should make a new religion that defines any government object (incl. the government itself) as a religious symbol? That would take care of the government in no time :-)

Hmm. you may be on to something there. Only cast government is the Great Satan...Shades of L. Ron Hubbard...

[I_Love_My_Husband]

I live in Sonoma County. The Right RULES the forum. If you’re around come join us at the Press Demo forum. We do not rule the county unfortunately.

http://forums.pressdemocrat.com/eve

That’s the link to the forum

[ZULU]

“Acting County Administrator Chris Thomas, who issued the order Monday to managers of all 26 county departments, said it's not the government's role to endorse religion.

“A star on top of a tree is a religious symbol for some people,” he said.”

The “rights” of the minority should never abridge the rights of the majority and Christmas decorations, prayers, and the Ten Commandments on a public building do NOT constitute an “establishment of religion” as construed by the Founding Fathers.

Its past time the majority of Americans said ENOUGH to this garbage and just ignored these edicts. Its time for CIVIL DISOBEDIENCE against unjust bureaucratic mandates.