US firm to remove Biblical references on gunsights

[Qutzupalotl]

Source: BBC

A US military contractor has said it will stop engraving Biblical references on rifles used by the US army.

The markings, in the form of coded references, have been appearing on products made by the US firm Trijicon, based in Michigan, for decades.

But on Thursday, US military chief Gen David Petraeus, said the practice of scripture references was "disturbing" and "a serious concern".

...

The company pledged to remove the inscription reference on all products destined for the US military yet to be shipped and ensure all future procurements from the department of defence are produced without scripture references.

Religious sensitivities

It also said it would provide 100 modification kits to forces in the field to remove the references.

Read more: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/8474268.stm

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I'm not sure how many soldiers are going to modify their weapons, but at least Trijicon is not still making the sights this way.

— Qutz

[DesertFlower]

1. good. nt

[Maat]

2. How's about we stop buying weapons?

How's about we start closing military bases around the world, and use the money for healthcare for all American citizens and residents?

Oh, sorry, I digress ... it's a start, I suppose.

[defendandprotect]

7. What a lovely post . . . We need elected officials who would ask that question!!

[Maat]

20. Thank you for the kind words.

:)

[NYC_SKP]

3. I hope this news hits the freepers. They'll code brown over it.

I love when they soil themselves over a move in the right direction.

[BunkerHill24]

4. It's just too late too little, imo. I think the damage is done already. nt

[fascisthunter]

5. WTF money is our government Using to Buy These Things?

IOU's?

[ManiacJoe]

11. Yes, just like it does with every other purchase.

[timeforpeace]

6. Pretty odd that this has been going on well before the "War on Terror" yet is being seen as being

insensitive to Muslims' feelings.

[BunkerHill24]

8. ...or maybe the crusade ideal was in existence before 9/11?

[timeforpeace]

14. Just in case the Muslim jihad against the civilized world occurred? They saw it coming? Wow.

[BunkerHill24]

18. No, just before we erected military bases in their holy places!

maybe you ought to educate yourself of what's happening in the middle east.

[varelse]

16. Muslims are far from being the only people disturbed by this

and it would be a violation of the principle of separation of church and state, among other things, even if they *were* the only people angered by it.

[Jumping John]

9. Here is a video of a very real Religioous sniper

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vktreo5JQmM

[ManiacJoe]

10. Why do we keep seeing this "coded reference" crap?

The Bible has been indexed by this numbering system for hundreds of years. Common knowledge....

[Robb]

12. Sells better.

And it sounds so much more sinister being called "coded" rather than "a direct reference to a chapter and verse in the bible."

I understand the relevant passages were also all about light. Quite appropriate for an optical device fitted onto something that gives you the godlike power to take someone's life, IMO.

[liberal N proud]

13. They should just lose the contract for pulling this shit.

[slackmaster]

15. Which of course will create an artificial demand for "pre-ban" Trijicon ACOGs

Get 'em while you can.

[ThomCat]

17. "2COR4:6" and "JN8:12"

Anyone with a bible handy, what verses are these?

[HappyCynic]

21. "2COR4:6" and "JN8:12"

2 CORINTHIANS 4:6
For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.

ST JOHN 8:12 (which I hope is JN8:12)
Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, "I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life."

This was taken from the King James version of the Bible. My version has the words of Jesus in red. For the quote above, I used quotes instead of changing the colour.
These quotes aren't ominous like some other quotes but they can be offensive to some given the context. The above quotes both have missionary connotations. Put them on equipment used by the military and it wouldn't be a stretch for some to consider the troops armed missionaries. The implicit message being "convert or die". This isn't necessarily the purpose of the quotes but with the religious tension, the right wing cranking up the intolerance toward Muslims, and the more vocal cries of "The US is a Christian country", it's a good way to lose hearts and minds.

[winyanstaz]

19. Well good...and I agree too...we need to stop buying weapons...

Let us work for peace...not fight for war.....