Do you understand how stupid we would look to past generations, when we write stuff like what you've written here, when we act like the idea that atheist Christophobes insulting people isn't admirable is the same as putting government in charge of free speech? Good grief. Moreover, I will repeat that there is a clear difference between the government opening the floor to any religion to promote their message and opening the floor to a message that is specifically designed to denigrate the others. One is pluralistic and neutral, the other is de facto hostility.
And if it is incendiary, you handle it through the process, not by having a legislator sneak in and tear it down.
I never endorsed it, I said it's silly to talk about respect when you have the state welcoming a sign that responds to symbols of peace and humor with unfounded attacks.
In modern jurispudence, that is unacceptable. Sure, it's nice to think back to the olden days where schools actually taught bible lessons, where Christianity was part of most governments, and where there was no question about putting a nativity, or the 10 commandments, or allowing prayer in, public places.
But you deal with the world we live in, not the one we wish we still had. A legislator tearing down a sign he doesn't like is a fast pass to banning all displays next year.
I will repeat that there is a clear difference between the government opening the floor to any religion to promote their message and opening the floor to a message that is specifically designed to denigrate the others. One is pluralistic and neutral
I think you underestimate the message of the Nativity for those who refuse to believe God has control over their lives. People were stoned for expressing their own belief in Jesus's birth and saving death. It may make no sense that people who don't believe in God would be upset about the "foolishness" of others who do, but in reality all men are created in the image of God, and at some level I believe they understand where they fit into the natural order.
So the Nativity, far from being a pluralistic, neutral message of love for all, is to the atheist a reminder that his belief in the supremacy of man is faulty, that his denouncement of God is his death sentence, and that his rejection of this Baby lying in a manger is his ticket to eternal torment.
We read the history of Jesus sending his disciples out into the world to preach what to us is a loving, inclusive message -- God loved the world so much that he sent his ownly Begotten Son. But Jesus noted that his disciples would be rejected by many, and that they should shake the dust off their feet and move on.
On the other hand, Jesus said "Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake".
The hateful message of the Atheist, next to what we see as the inviting message of the nativity, could well be the thing that brings some to Christ, and away from their ignorant disregard for the truth of the existance of God.