Tell me what you really think.
I'm buying. I agree with you 100%. Isn't it funny how separation of church and state has gotten all twisted around?
I tried leaving this comment last night but I guess the Internet ate it so if it's multiple I apologize.
It's all about self esteem isn't it? Can you imagine what it does to a parent to have their child ask questions they can't answer? A child for crying out loud. It's far better to protect that parent by making sure the child doesn't have access to information leading to those questions.
And my mother tells a story about a child new to the school district that still hadn't been potty trained. In the 6th grade.
Good for Subway! I wonder if there would be this much fuss if a tablet with the Buddhist Eightfold Path were placed on the Courthouse Lawn? Or the Boy Scout Code? Or maybe just "BE GOOD!" Carved in granite. Not that our Judeo-Christian legal system has anything to do with those systems.
Alright. I grew up in the same town as Mamacita, but I just don't think this slab has a place on the courthouse lawn, UNLESS other religions have a crack at it too.
Mamacita, you know Our Hometown. Do you honestly believe the slack-jawed fundies would allow a Muslim tablet next to our "Precious" Ten Commandments?
There were signs up in businesses around Our Hometown that read "Leave Our Stone Alone - Who Are You Protecting?" If'n you ask me, that whole campaign was designed to marginalize people who may not believe that these monuments, clearly designed to promote a religion, have a place BY THEMSELVES in a public square.
And on top of it, the grammar was bad. It's "Whom are you protecting?" not "Who."
It's things like the Big Slab o' Moses on Honey Wheat that reinforce my decision to never ever ever live on Our Hometown again.
If the Subway wants to have it, fine. I don't eat at that particular Subway. But if this goes back on the Courthouse Square by itself, I will let my brother (a county commissioner who no doubt disagrees with me - I know I'm in the minority here) know of my displeasure in words of one syllable.
WF
Before you know it, the courthouse lawn wlil look like one of those places in Southern Indiana that sell all the little concrete statues.
Wes: in a perfect world, it would work. Too bad OurTown isn't anywhere near perfect.
Bluegrass Mama: That's an image that will stay with me for a long time. . . .
I have to admit, this whole Ten Commandments thing in the US has gotten a little out of control.
I believe in separation from church and state, but I also believe in history, etc. and tolerance.
Amen, sistah! And I'd like a 6" turkey on wheat, no mayo. Thanks.
Mamacita:
You don't have to remind me. Believe me, I know nowhere is perfect. It's just that Our Hometown does better at "as far from perfect as possible" as I've seen in my travels around this ball o' mud.
WF
I'd visit that Subway...but *only* if they had Jared Fogle dressed as Jesus and handing out two for one coupons.
BTW, in my town, the same granite tablets are on the lawn of the Main Branch Public Library. It's been over a year, and I haven't heard a word of protest, or even mention. Sadly, this may be due to the literacy rate, rather than tolerance.
Leave the lettuce and 'maters off mine, but load it up with the meat and cheese and dressings. Thou shalt not pass up a chance to eat. #13
As a newspaperman, I was asked to address the journalism class at a Middle School. I suggested they should always ask "Why?" when the administration posts a rule. Later, one of the kids wrote to my paper to criticize me for suggesting that the kids should question "authority." I guess I didn't make myself clear.
Mama,
I missed you. I missed your insights and funny anecdotes.
Cheers.
You mean Moses didn't bring the tablet to Subway?
Boy have I been confused...
I agree also ..Why not just let everyone represent if they want to ...if not they need to just hush about it .I don't get all the fuss about someones belief when everyone has to same right to believe what they want you know .If you do not believe in the ten commandments then walk on by ..sheeesh ..I get so frustrated by some of these people .
Knowledge is indeed power - and there is power in questions. In fact I am quite fond of questions.
Want proof:
How did you become so wonderfully wise?
I will ask the same question as Michele. You really get to the heart of the matter, Mamacita, even if you go all around the Subway to get there!
Yes, they are the "Ten Commandments" and are from the Bible, but they are also the basis almost all law throughout the world. When you boil it all down, those are the rules, right? Yes, fine, if you want other religious symbols out there with them, fine. Our constitution guarantees freedom OF religion, not FROM religion. And yes, knowledge is power & I would be curious enough to investigate other religious symbols if they were out there. Sadly, the rednecks I grew up with are more likely to deface them than research them. I have a sinking feeling that the rest of the country has that problem as well.
This post was very thought provoking, thank you!
Oh and
“I was mooned by Muzikdude"
As someone who vacillates between agnosticism and atheism with pendullum-like consistency, I'm nonetheless tired of people harping on ANY display of religiosity.
Europe doesn't seem to be this uptight about religion.
Still, the framers of the Constitution were explicit in their demand that our government would not sanction any religion (they were, after all, trying to avoid the imbroglio that sent the first English settlers to our shores). The religious right needs to accept that and move on - and quit trying to shove their ideology down our throats.
Everyone, on both sides, needs to chill and knock off the antagonsim.
Actually, this isn't a Judeo-Christian nation - while the Declaration of Independence mentions a (Deist) "Creator," there is absolutely no mention of any deity in the Constitution, which, like it or not, is the central governing document of the United States. If they really wanted this to be a "Judeo-Christian" nation (and don't kid yourself - if the Religious Right solidified their power further, they'd drop the "Judeo" like the collective IQ whenever George W. Bush walks into the room), they could have easily said so right there in the Big Piece O' Paper itself.
Yes, we can "walk on by." But I know some of the people behind the Big Slab O' Moses On Honey Wheat. They want to see exactly who "walks on by" so they can make their lives miserable until they either acquiesce to a very narrow interpretation of Christianity or are run out of town for not conforming.
And for the record, "freedom OF religion" means "freedom FROM religion" too, if you want freedom from it.
I'm sorry. I had a really funny post about "Jared Fogle Died For Your Sins," but I have to address these misconceptions.
WF
Understand, folks, I'm not trying to be deliberately pissing on Cheerios here. This is just a major sore point with me. Ask Mamacita about my family sometime.
And in the meantime, if any band cuts an album called "Jared Fogle Died For Your Sins," I'll buy it. Regardless of genre.
WF
Amen, Shalom, Blessed Be, etc!! I couldn't agree more. Live and let live is a dying fashion, and that's a shame.
I'll pass--their stale hoagie buns remind me of concrete slabs.
What a thrill it should be for parents to realize that we don't need to have all the answers. Of course, that would mean staying open-hearted and open-minded. Hard work!!
hello! Michele sent me. your blog is very interesting I will have to continue reading it! Happy Firday!
HI coming to you via michele! I think that if it is your private property you should be aloud to have whatever you want on it! I mean come on people...we dont want the government to take our rights away well that is his right to have that on his private property...geesh! nice post! TTYL
Ok that was weird. I think I commented but didn't get to finish. My computer went WACKY.
Ok here's my 6" on wheat...
I really don't care if the rules and moral code are posted. If my children ask about religions outside of our faith due to seeing a display outdoors well then I get the chance to be challenged to find the answers.
I've had it happen with the posters for Anti Abortion group with graphic pictures displayed. Not exactly what I wanted HG to see but none the less it challenged me to tell her my thoughts and have her tell me hers. Honestly, it opened up a unique road for communication between us which is exactly what I hope to keep up with her.
Just my opinion.
Hey mamacita...I've been gone a few weeks but am back. Funny thing about this post...my daughter works for Subway in our hometown...not that one though...the other one down by the Wal-Mart. I am still trying to figure out who Wes is. But I wanted to weigh in. I seriously don't ahve an issue with the 10 commandments being on the lawn...I do have issue with the biggoted attitude of this town that I deal with from time to time. Sigh...but it is a good place to raise my kiddos so I stay here! Can't hardly wait till Sunday!
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