Atheists Post Hateful Christmas Sign

Dan Barker, co-president of FFRF says it is only fair for them "to also have a place at the table." More likely, the sign is a great publicity stunt for the group, for why else would they have chosen the month of December to display it? One atheist said in a popular blog they found "the idea of celebrating the Winter Solstice almost as absurd as celebrating Christian holidays". For Mr. Barker's information, winter solstice celebrations are an ancient pagan festival, from a polytheist religion. (Oops! We thought they said they are against all religion. It looks like ones worshipping many gods is OK with them although they say differently in their sign.) Another atheist online took exception with the sign saying that the attack on religion is making a bad name for atheism. Barker and the FFRF are obviously using the winter solstice in December as a poor excuse to express their hatred towards Christians who celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ at Christmas and Jewish observers of Hanukkah. A "Holiday tree," aka Christmas tree, has been displayed for the last nineteen years and in the past, a Jewish menorah has also displayed by a private group.

Gov. Gregoire is weakly bowing under pressure by this fringe group by passing the buck to state Attorney General Rob McKenna. She said Republican McKenna advised her that the Constitution's First Amendment free speech rights keep her from interfering with the atheist's message.

"The bottom line is this," concludes Stickney. "The atheist's display is in bad taste and it was a bad call to give them a permit this time of year.Allowing groups like these to thumb their nose at those who believe in God during the sacred Christmas holiday runs counter to sensible decorum and keeping the peace. There are many appropriate forums, both public and private for these folks to promote atheism, this isn't one of them."