Christian Car Tag Controversy Heats Up

[Are_grits_groceries]

At a church meeting that included South Carolina's lieutenant governor and attorney general, Rev. Arnold Hiette had stern words of warning for those involved in a lawsuit seeking to stop production of a state license plate with a Christian message.

"Red-faced and angry, shaking his fist alongside his Bible," reported the Spartanburg Herald-Journal, "Hiette told the congregation that the four complainants -- especially the Unitarian -- and one judge who took away the people's right to witness via their vehicle tags 'along with the ACLU, they're going to burn in hell.'"
<snip>
"I don't understand why witnessing in public is considered unconstitutional. You don't even have to be a Christian to believe everyone deserves the freedom of speech," he said.

Obviously he's right. He doesn't understand. Perhaps one of the hell-bound plaintiffs can explain: "If people want to proclaim their faith on their cars, there are a number of bumper stickers and emblems that can do the job," Rev. Thomas A. Summers, a retired United Methodist minister, wrote this week in a commentary for Religion News Service.

"Just don't expect the government of South Carolina -- or any government, for that matter -- to help you spread the message. It's not the government's job, and none of us should want it to be."
<snip>

http://newsweek.washingtonpost.com/onfaith/undergod/2009/01/christian_car_tag_controversy.html

I'm going to request a Wiccan plate.I want to see what response I get.

[varkam]

1. "I don't understand why witnessing in public is considered unconstitutional"

Seems like playing the persecution / play dumb (though they probably don't have to try too hard at that one) card. Witnessing in public is not the issue. What is at issue is an apparent state-sponsored endorsement of religion, which is a no-no under the USC.

[baldguy]

3. Matthew 6:5-6

And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father in secret shall reward thee openly.

[JerseygirlCT]

11. That's the funny part, too

Does anyone sincerely believe that a "Christian" license plate equate to witnessing? Really? Someone driving by is going to see your plate and "ding!" the lightbulb goes on, and they're persuaded to see things your way suddenly?

Weird.

[Aristus]

14. There you go: it's not only un-Constitutional, it's un-Biblical!

Suck it, Reverend Asshole!

[anonymous171]

2. Good.

I encourage all non-christian religious people to demand their beliefs be supported by the state as well. Give the theofascists a taste of their own medicine.

[Leftest]

4. Does this mean I can have a 666 license plate?

:evilgrin:

[Warpy]

5. Why can't that purple faced screamer

just pay a couple of bucks for a tag frame?

Oh, right, he's a purple faced screamer who thinks his religion should be established as the official government religion.

[JerseygirlCT]

13. The whole purple-faced, hatefilled message, screamer thing...

that's some great witnessing right there, isn't it? I mean, that just totally speaks to me of God's love.

[liberalmuse]

6. Aw, let 'em have it.

It actually helps the rest of us. Whenever I see that fish symbol (I'm not talking about the parodies), I know to be wary of the driver in that car. Those with 'W' stickers and that silly fish plaque slapped on the bumper warn the rest of us that the driver has their head clean up their ass and is liable to do something really stupid at any time. I try to stay clear of these cars, and it has probably saved my life on a few occasions. The license plates will do more of the same. It's a win-win for the rest of us.

[marshall]

7. How 'bout that "Secular Humanists" license plate?

http://www.scdmvonline.com/DMVNew/plategallery.aspx?q=All

You gotta love those South Carolinians.

[booley]

8. You do have a right o witness in Public

They are called Bumper stickers.

License plates are put out by the state. So any message has their implication that it is supported by the state (with opposing beliefs not supported by the state)

Why is this so hard for some people to figure out?

[JerseygirlCT]

12. Cause it doesn't work for them unless they

get the gov't to put its stamp on it, I guess. They're not satisfied unless they've forced someone else to be involved. Or many someone else's in this case.

I don't get it, personally. And I'm a Christian.

[JerseygirlCT]

9. He needs a great deal of understanding... civic and theological, too

I'd say.

[Warren DeMontague]

10. It's well known that in the Bible Jesus TOLD his disciples to spread the word via vehicle tags.

Or maybe dinosaur plates?

[surrealAmerican]

15. "The people's right to witness via their vehicle tags"?

I don't remember reading that in the constitution. This person has no understanding of the country he lives in.

[rug]

16. The should alow them if this comes with it.

[norepubsin08]

17. What a fucking ignorant piece of shit!!!