IL State Comptroller Candidate William Kelly Uses Springfield Nativity Scene For Publicity Stunt

RFFM.org ^ | December 23, 2009 | Daniel T. Zanoza

[Daniel T. Zanoza]

by Daniel T. Zanoza, Chairman, Springfield Nativity Scene Committee & Executive Director, RFFM.org

... On December 1st 2008, the Springfield Nativity Scene Committee (SNSC), received permission from the Secretary of State's office to display a Nativity scene, for the first time in state history, in the state Capitol Rotunda Building. The opening day ceremony attracted a great deal of media and the religious display attracted those with dissenting opinions regarding the expression of religious liberty in the public square as well.

This year, a standing room only crowd attended the 2nd annual opening day ceremony for the Springfield Nativity Scene. It was a wonderful event. The Joyful Senior Singers + Ringers from the Tabernacle Baptist Church in Decatur performed Christmas carols. State employees, who were on their lunch breaks, watched the event, some singing along with the choir, others were just enjoying the spirit of the Christmas season.

Again, this year, there was a Hanukah Menorah and a sign from the Illinois ACLU supporting the First Amendment right of the SNSC to display the manger scene depicting Joseph, Mary and the baby Jesus. And, once again, the Freedom From Religion Foundation, put up a placard disparaging people of faith.

But, unfortunately, William J. Kelly, who is seeking the Republican nomination for state comptroller, decided--on his own--to use the Nativity Scene as a publicity stunt to advance his political campaign. I spoke with Kelly after learning of his prank and I questioned his motives ...

[stylin19a]

It's not quite what it seems from the headlines:

Freedom From Religion Foundation, put up a placard disparaging people of faith.

Kelly was against this sign...and RFFM was questioning Kelly's motives.

[muawiyah]

Under Obamacare members of RFFM will be put under the needle and injected with sufficient quantities of thorazine to no longer care.

(Uh, that's if I can get an appointed "citizen" position on one of the "death panels" ~ just all sorts of stuff will happen then).