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Springfield, IL Nativity Scene Chairman: Is Atheist Signage Political Dialogue or Hate Speech?
RFFM.org ^ | December 8, 2008 | Daniel Zanoza

Posted on 12/08/2008 9:59:33 AM PST by Daniel T. Zanoza

It was literally one of the most fulfilling events of my life. However, I didn't fully realize it at first. In late 2007, I thought it was time to get my life back on track after becoming totally blind two and a half years ago. Sure, there was my writing. And support of pro-family causes filled up many of my days. Yet there was something missing. However, I was soon to learn what it was.

A few years ago, it was suggested I lead a project that would eventually result in a Nativity scene standing in the state Capitol Building in Springfield, Illinois. At first, I saw this as a worthwhile project, but its true meaning escaped me. Personal tragedies in my life, including the death of my Mother, the tragic suicide of my brother-in-law and the coup de grace, my unexpected blindness after five surgeries, left me emotionally drained. It would be inaccurate to say I was unhappy because with the unwavering support of a loving wife and friends, life was certainly bearable. Indeed, I had come to terms with this simple fact...

(Excerpt) Read more at rffm.typepad.com ...


TOPICS: Government; History; Religion; Society
KEYWORDS: atheists; hatespeech; il; illinois; ilnativityscene; nativityscene; springfield; thomasmoresociety; tmlc; waronchristmas; waronchristmas2008

1 posted on 12/08/2008 9:59:33 AM PST by Daniel T. Zanoza
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To: Daniel T. Zanoza

Anything can be hate speech if you let it. Why not just ignore the atheists?


2 posted on 12/08/2008 10:04:57 AM PST by Soliton (This 2 shall pass)
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To: Daniel T. Zanoza
“Our message at this season of the winter solstice is may reason prevail. There are no gods, no devils, no angels, no heaven or hell. There is only our natural world. Religion is but myth and superstition that hardens hearts and enslaves minds.”

1. No, this is not something that should be banned as "hate speech", even though it is obviously motivated by hate and bitterness. BTW, there isn't much that should be banned as hate speech - government should not be in the business of restricting free speech.

2. No, this is not something that should be displayed as part of a Christmas display. Tell this moron to go away and come back next month - there is no more appropriate way to celebrate Obama's inaugeration than with yet another anti-Christian message. Christmas is just not the time for hate.

3 posted on 12/08/2008 10:07:42 AM PST by MathDoc (War is Peace. Freedom is Slavery. Ignorance is Strength. Obama is Good.)
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To: Daniel T. Zanoza

There is no such thing as hate speech. The concept of hate speech is propounded by liberals to shut up the people they disagree with. Atheists have the same right of free speech that I or anyone else has.


4 posted on 12/08/2008 10:25:16 AM PST by popdonnelly (Don't lose sight of your conservative principles.)
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To: MathDoc

They say it’s not anti-Christmas or Christian. So, why don’t they do this in August?


5 posted on 12/08/2008 10:32:51 AM PST by massgopguy (I owe everything to George Bailey)
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To: Soliton
"Anything can be hate speech if you let it. Why not just ignore the atheists?

(IF you are male) Think you could ignore some punk calling your wife or mother a "Ho" every day in front of company?

(If you are female) Think you could ignore the neighborhood girls calling your daughter a "Ho" every day in front of company?

6 posted on 12/08/2008 10:36:37 AM PST by F16Fighter (Kenyan-born/foreign-citizen "Presidents" are now sanctioned by nine black-robed chimpanzees?)
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To: F16Fighter
Think you could ignore some punk calling your wife or mother a "Ho" every day in front of company?

First the plack doesn't call anyone anything and certainly not "ho". It is a simple statement of atheistic beliefs. I agree that it is obviously there this time of year to get attention, so why not ignore them and deny them the attention they desire?

7 posted on 12/08/2008 10:43:20 AM PST by Soliton (This 2 shall pass)
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To: Daniel T. Zanoza
Springfield, IL Nativity Scene Chairman: Is Atheist Signage Political Dialogue or Hate Speech?

I don't subscribe to the notion of 'Hate Speech,' but the sanctioning of these atheists' circus stunt is certainly incendiary and designed to provoke and encourage civil unrest, chaos, and anarchy....which I suspect is the M.O. of the socialist-bent secular humanists of the State.

8 posted on 12/08/2008 10:44:36 AM PST by F16Fighter (Kenyan-born/foreign-citizen "Presidents" are now sanctioned by nine black-robed chimpanzees?)
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To: Daniel T. Zanoza

I just don’t understand why the churches (Catholic, protestant evanglical etc) just put up nativity scenes on their property all over town. That would be much more noticable rather than one nativity scene on the capital steps. This is such a dumb story. Where are the churches????


9 posted on 12/08/2008 10:47:55 AM PST by napscoordinator
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To: Soliton
"First the plack doesn't call anyone anything and certainly not "ho".

For Christians, the plack is just as offensive, but I see you'd rather cherry pick what p*sses you off.

" It is a simple statement of atheistic beliefs."

Really? And what if my fist is merely a "simple statement of MY beliefs"?

" I agree that it is obviously there this time of year to get attention, so why not ignore them and deny them the attention they desire?"

Again I will ask you - would/could YOU ignore the scenario I'd suggested for YOU??

10 posted on 12/08/2008 10:49:05 AM PST by F16Fighter (Kenyan-born/foreign-citizen "Presidents" are now sanctioned by nine black-robed chimpanzees?)
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To: massgopguy
"Why don’t they do this in August?"

Because poking Christians in the eye during their holiest of days is more "fun" - especially when it's sanctioned by the State.

I'm waiting for these same feckless smart-@ss atheists to pull this same stunt during Ramadan affairs or by its respective displays commemorating Islam.

11 posted on 12/08/2008 10:53:23 AM PST by F16Fighter (Kenyan-born/foreign-citizen "Presidents" are now sanctioned by nine black-robed chimpanzees?)
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To: F16Fighter
Really? And what if my fist is merely a "simple statement of MY beliefs"?

Then you would be behaving like the Taliban punishing infidels. I'm pretty sure Jesus said to love your enemies and to turn the other cheek.

12 posted on 12/08/2008 10:55:49 AM PST by Soliton (This 2 shall pass)
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To: F16Fighter

Atheist’s ignorant babble is much easier to ignore than a punch to the face. If I had to bust an atheist grill for everytime they annoyed me, my hands would be crushed by now.


13 posted on 12/08/2008 11:03:24 AM PST by Chubby
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To: Soliton
"Then you would be behaving like the Taliban punishing infidels. I'm pretty sure Jesus said to love your enemies and to turn the other cheek."

So...A Fist = Murder??

And btw - Jesus didn't command his flock NOT to defend themselves or else you'd be a slave or worse right now. I take it you wouldn't defend your child from harm then either?

14 posted on 12/08/2008 11:04:17 AM PST by F16Fighter (Kenyan-born/foreign-citizen "Presidents" are now sanctioned by nine black-robed chimpanzees?)
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To: Chubby
Hear ya...

But there comes the point where mere impropriety ends and war begins.

15 posted on 12/08/2008 11:06:18 AM PST by F16Fighter (Kenyan-born/foreign-citizen "Presidents" are now sanctioned by nine black-robed chimpanzees?)
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To: F16Fighter
And btw - Jesus didn't command his flock NOT to defend themselves or else you'd be a slave or worse right now. I take it you wouldn't defend your child from harm then either?

No one is being harmed. Do you realize that nativity scenes are blasphemous to observent Jews? What would you think of a Rabbi who said he wanted to punch somebody for putting up a creche?

16 posted on 12/08/2008 11:06:33 AM PST by Soliton (This 2 shall pass)
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To: Soliton
"No one is being harmed. Do you realize that nativity scenes are blasphemous to observent Jews? What would you think of a Rabbi who said he wanted to punch somebody for putting up a creche?"

Just as "no one is being harmed" when everyone you see refers to you as a "Ho" or worse every day, right?

If you want to insist that "nativity scenes are blasphemous to observent Jews," then apparently so too are the words, deeds, and traditions of America's Founders and ALL Christians. I find that odd and just as "blasphemous," yet I'll respect their right and space to worship as they see fit.

You are oblivious of understanding the concept of "respect," but go ahead - enter the Colosseum. I'm sure the lions won't touch you at all.

17 posted on 12/08/2008 11:14:58 AM PST by F16Fighter (Kenyan-born/foreign-citizen "Presidents" are now sanctioned by nine black-robed chimpanzees?)
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To: F16Fighter

Rabbi who said he wanted to punch somebody for putting up a creche”

Without a paddle?


18 posted on 12/08/2008 11:31:03 AM PST by clbiel (Hey Islam! Satan's on the line- says he's not giving back your religion without a fight.)
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To: Soliton
Do you realize that nativity scenes are blasphemous to observent Jews?

No they're not. Perhaps if a Jew is putting up the display, but I've never heard of that.

19 posted on 12/08/2008 11:44:30 AM PST by SJackson (The American people are wise in wanting change, 2 terms is plenty, Condi Rice)
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