Maryville (Tn) removes Bible reading from tree lighting ceremony

[Ghost in the Machine]

Maryville removes Bible reading from tree lighting ceremony
Posted: Dec 07, 2009 10:55 PM EST

MARYVILLE (WATE) -- An annual holiday celebration changed last minute because of the separation between church and state.

The mayor of Maryville says they pulled the Nativity Story from Monday night's program after a concerned resident called and asked if reading from the Bible at a city sponsored event was legal.

{snip}

Maryville mayor Tom Taylor said the caller who questioned the Bible reading was not angry or mad, just inquisitive. Nonetheless, after advice from the city's attorney, the decision had to be made.

"Once we determined that was the law, the city of Maryville was not going to willingly and knowingly violate the law," said the Mayor.

http://www.wate.com/Global/story.asp?S=11638088

[Solly Mack]

1. Fear of a lawsuit can do wonders

I suppose I could believe that this year, of all the years past when the bible reading took place, was the year the city of Maryville learned of the separation between church and state - and being the law abiding citizens they are, just couldn't bring themselves to knowingly (snicker) violate the law.

[Ghost in the Machine]

6. Maybe it's the first time anyone questioned it?

:shrug:

I don't really know but, as an atheist, I really don't care one way or the other either.


Peace,

Ghost

[Solly Mack]

10. I imagine it is the first time it was questioned

but I think it a stretch to believe the city government didn't already know the law.

I also think it a stretch that following the law was the motive....since following the law never entered into the equation before.

When it was questioned and then put to the city's legal adviser, I'm betting the word (potential) lawsuit reared its head

[Vinnie From Indy]

2. Sometimes I think these incidents are merely cooked up to give a reason for outrage

Maryville, TN ?

Will anyone be surprised if some fundie right-winger doesn't take this story and make it the rallying cry for the war against Xmas this year. You can almost hear the clock ticking down to right-wing explosive outrage. I'll bet this incident was staged just for the purpose of being outraged.

[Lars39]

3. It's Lamar Alexander's hometown.

Well-to-do place. Lots of lawyers, I bet.

[Ghost in the Machine]

8. I don't think it was staged...

The fundies are losing a lot of people around here as the younger generations start moving away from religion...

Peace,

Ghost

[PVnRT]

4. Cue people complaining about atheists ruining the holidays for everyone

[Raster]

5. Actually, if they wanted to be historically accurate, they'd have a Pagan ceremony for the lighting.

And it came to pass we stole all of our good stuff from the godless heathens. Amen.

[Ghost in the Machine]

11. I say, as an atheist, let them have their holidays...

As far as I am concerned, christmas is a christian holiday, let them have it and have their "fun". I simply choose not to join them in their celebration... "live and let live" and all that stuff, ya know?


Peace,

Ghost

[The Straight Story]

14. I knew there was a reason I liked you

Could not figure out why for a long time though... :rofl:

[Ghost in the Machine]

15. Some people still can't figure it out...

:hi:

[SpiralHawk]

7. Bill O'Reilly will crap felafel in his Republicon diapers over this...

That's what Chickenhawk Republicons do when they see a golden opportunity to sow dissension...

[Ghost in the Machine]

12. LOL! Thanks for that one, Spiral Hawk

:hi:


Peace,

Ghost

[The Straight Story]

9. Good - cause people carrying on tradtions or publically showing their beliefs scare me

Makes me curl up in a ball knowing someone, or most everyone in a town somewhere, reading words from a book that means something to them hurts me in ways I cannot even begin to explain.

I just can't handle those people endorsing religion, cause it makes me feel like if I don't follow them I am a bad person - I just can't separate myself from state when it comes to religion.

The nerve of some people coming together in joy and celebrating a holiday they enjoy on a piece of land we all own??

WTF? This HURTS us all, in ways you cannot even understand....

[Ghost in the Machine]

13. See post #11

:hi:

Peace,

Ghost

[cynatnite]

16. Do you think they do this on purpose to rile their base? n/t

[Ghost in the Machine]

17. Some places, yes.. but I don't think that's the case here... n/t