[mnehring]

Promotion would be if they put it up themselves, in this case, it seems they simply offered the space for all to put up displays, thus the variety described.

Atheists have used the argument often that Christmas displays are ‘bashing’ them or are hate in some sort. We should rise above that.

Their display does their side far more harm than good. We should rise above their antics and let the people see them and decide which represents the spirit they would rather be in, a spirit of love or a spirit of hate.

[Billthedrill]

Well, if I can reluctantly agree that the Nazis have a right to mock Jews in Skokie I suppose I can reluctantly agree that the atheists have a right to mock Christianity in Springfield. The act remains rude, insulting, and typical of those whose chosen mode of self-expression is to offend. It obviously isn't above either group, however. Pity that.

And a Merry Christmas to all. You don't have to believe in anything to wish happiness on others. You do have to be a bitter, arrogant, and ultimately futile human being to insist on denying it, even if it appears to you an illusion.

[Mr. Silverback]

Atheists have used the argument often that Christmas displays are ‘bashing’ them or are hate in some sort. We should rise above that.

That's bilgewater. What you're calling "rising above" is just accepting a vicious slur as if it were fact. It's like letting Al Sharpton get away with saying the neighborhood department store is allied with the Klan because they sell white sheets.

Their display does their side far more harm than good. We should rise above their antics and let the people see them and decide which represents the spirit they would rather be in, a spirit of love or a spirit of hate.

Nice as a general principle, but the problem is that setting a precedent where the government tolerates diplays bashing other faiths on its property is far more damaging to our civic life than any benefit we could hope to realize by just accepting the lies.