Rhode Island State Rep. Peter G. Palumbo has a great take on the outrageous judicial censorship of the prayer mural in Cranston High School West in Rhode Island. Listen to the whole podcast. He's right on target.
He describes the outrage of the citizens of Rhode Island about this unconstitutional decision. Americans are getting fed up with anti-Christian bigotry.
Atheist thugs of course are targeting Rep. Palumbo for his willingness to speak out and defend our Constitutional rights.
Please email and/or phone Rep. Palumbo's office, express your support for him and for his cause, and ask him to fight on against atheist bigots.
We need to take back our rights.
rep-palumbo@rilin.state.ri.us
(401)785-2882
If I was an atheist, this kind of thing would embarrass me. What was the point of suing to have the thing removed. I mean, if it really did cause you psychological distress, you'd be better served seeing a therapist than going to court. I'd have been too humiliated by my reaction to the thing to let people know that a mural bothered me.
ReplyDeleteK T Kat,
DeleteIf I were a Christian, this over the top hyperbole over the removal of a prayer poster in a public school would embarrass me. I mean, my civic rights aren't being infringed. I'm still allowed to believe. I'm still allowed to go to church as many times as I want. That is, if I were a Christian.
I think everyone should calm down. Michael's hyperbole of 'Kristallnacht' and 'brown shirts under black robes' isn't helping.
Great response Bach!
DeleteThey're so used to having everything THEIR way that when some little thing like this happens, they act like its the end of world, that 'christian bigots' are coming to cart them all away.
How does this psychic discomfort manifest itself when you see the word God in a public place? What does it feel like?
DeleteGood question, KT.
DeleteI also would like to hear how this kind of thing makes the Atheists feel.
Dead babies? No problem. Kill of the sick? No problem. Redefine marriage? No problem. Experiment on human embryos? No Problem. Everything from vivisection to rushed and expensive dangerous particle experiments? No problem.
A grossly PC banner from the 60's in class hall? BIG PROBLEM - The constitution needs a reinterp!!
This is obviously an emotional response, but to WHAT?
A mystery of the monists.
I too would like to hear the response.
There are multiple solutions to someone who takes issue with the parent culture in the region in which they live (ie New England, or USA). They can remove themselves from the offence. They can move to a region that more suites their ideals. They can seek some sort of reconciliation and come to terms with it. They can put it up for public debate in the political theatre - ie VOTE for an official or amending law.
But I see no justification in reinterpreting fundamental charter rights and censoring history to suite a fringe minority WITH ZERO benefit to the group. Further I see it as fuel for a backlash. }
Could it be the lawyers involved INTEND to generate controversy were there was NONE? I think so.
A grossly PC banner from the 60's in class hall? BIG PROBLEM - The constitution needs a reinterp!!
DeleteThe "reinterpretation" comes from the people who want to overturn decades of established case law, which the banner in question violated.
How does this psychic discomfort manifest itself when you see the word God in a public place? What does it feel like?
DeleteI think you need to go and actually read the case law on the subject. Then you will know. This is not hidden, but rather explained in numerous cases.
I also would like to hear how this kind of thing makes the Atheists feel.
DeleteDead babies? No problem. Kill of the sick? No problem. Redefine marriage? No problem. Experiment on human embryos? No Problem. Everything from vivisection to rushed and expensive dangerous particle experiments? No problem.
Atheists are skeptical of supernatural claims, citing a lack of empirical evidence. Where is your evidence of having no concern for dead babies, kill(ing) of the sick, redefining marriage, experimenting on human embryos, vivisection and particle experiments being solely the domain of atheists?
I'm glad to see that you don't feel the need to have the law enforced K.T.
ReplyDeleteThere are lots of laws that are not enforced because there's no payoff. What was the payoff here?
DeleteThe satisfaction of seeing the Constitution enforced properly in one's own school. Why do you not find this to be sufficient?
DeleteYeah, it was his criticism of the Judge's ruling that has drawn ire and not his calling Ahlquist an “evil little thing,” or the claim that Ahlquist is being coerced by evil people.
ReplyDeleteBut don't let facts stand in your way Mr. Enbor. You are, after all, just a lying sack of shit. And you prove it with almost every post you make.
@ayymonniuauoss:
ReplyDeleteTannks fer ur komeent.
Mr. Enbor
Up to your usual standards of commentary I see. I wonder if you will ever get tired of lying.
DeleteHey, let's see how the Christians rallied around a brave young girl who stood up for the constitution....
ReplyDeletehttp://jesusfetusfajitafishsticks.blogspot.com/2012/01/ahlquist-screenshots-if-by-christian.html
Oops.
But they aren't real Christians are they?
Exactly.
DeleteIts always funny how christians react so violently, so full of foul vitriole when someone doesnt like what they like. Disgusting.
You make an excellent point with your reciprocal approach, Dominic.
DeleteKudos.
She may have been standing up for the Soviet Constitution but not the U.S. Constitution.
DeleteShe may have been standing up for the Soviet Constitution but not the U.S. Constitution.
DeleteI guess that Ronald Reagan was lauding the Soviets when he said: "We establish no religion in this country, we command no worship, we mandate no belief, nor will we ever. Church and state are, and must remain, separate." Because, you know, Reagan was a big booster for the Soviets.
And yes, i DO condemn that.
DeleteThats pitiful behavior no matter who does it.
Oh, Dear. I've just seen Dr.Egnor's blogroll. Evolution news and views, Uncommon descent, Vox (no such thing as marital rape) Day.
ReplyDeleteWhat great company he keeps.
dear Anonymous,
Deletethis is your broadminded company...
http://www.greeleygazette.com/press/?p=12509
this is your broadminded company...
DeleteYou mean the author of the article who takes a statement from the FFRF that they would not try to "ban" Christmas as a federal holiday (citing the secular aspects of the holiday as their reason), and hysterically tries to spin this as an attack on Christmas?
"your broadminded company"...
Deletehttp://www.theblaze.com/stories/atheists-up-in-arms-over-nj-towns-keep-christ-in-christmas-sign/
All this personal attacking in the comments says nothing to the issue.
ReplyDeleteAll it shows it that the issue is a charged one.
So I would like to ask a question of the commenters that may illustrate WHERE we stand on this, legally.
Who thinks the US constitution is fine the way it is?
Who thinks it needs to be changed to strengthen the original concepts within?
Who thinks it is out-moded and there needs to be a NEW US constitution?
Why?
I threw you a link from my blog and even found an interview with the Cranston High student who wrote the prayer back in 1963.
ReplyDeleteCould you post it again, KT.
DeleteI don't see it?
NM :P
DeleteFound it on your blog.
Cheers!
"He also doesn't believe that Ahlquist, whom he referred to as a "trained seal," came up with the idea of filing a lawsuit on her own."
Delete100% agree.
This girl and her grief have been used by cynical minds who vanish into the vapour leaving HER (a GRIEVING child) to deal with the backlash for all her days.
They don't give a damn about her or her feelings, just the case.
It is the LAWYERS who should be named in these articles, so THEY can deal with the angry community who's culture, traditions, and history they have abused.
The kid herself? She'll grow up one day. The grieving will resolve one day. But the resentment will linger for as long as her part in it is remembered.
PS Our dogs, rats, rabbit, cat, rabbit and hedgehog (our ZOO in short) send their best to the hamster and the cat. ;)
Delete100% agree.
ReplyDeleteThis girl and her grief have been used by cynical minds who vanish into the vapour leaving HER (a GRIEVING child) to deal with the backlash for all her days.
They don't give a damn about her or her feelings, just the case.
Yeah, because a 15-16 year old couldn't possibly think of a lawsuit to enforce Constitutional principles. I mean, they don't study that at all in high school history class. Oh wait, they do.
I find it funny that people who fought tooth and nail to keep a banner that was part of an effort to indoctrinate children into a religious mindset lash out by asserting that the student who objected to this sort of thing must be a "trained seal". You know who the trained seals are? Catholic adherents indoctrinated from birth by their parents.
It is the LAWYERS who should be named in these articles, so THEY can deal with the angry community who's culture, traditions, and history they have abused.
The names of the lawyers are on all the pleadings, which are public record. They are easy to find.
The kid herself? She'll grow up one day. The grieving will resolve one day. But the resentment will linger for as long as her part in it is remembered.
Probably not. It is likely that having rejected the silliness of religion at her age, she'll never adopt it. There are exceptions, but they are fairly rare. Adult conversions are rare, and getting rarer.
This comment has been removed by the author.
Delete"Yeah, because a 15-16 year old couldn't possibly think of a lawsuit to enforce Constitutional principles."
DeletePossibly. I suppose. It is also possible she could have graduated early being such a genius. She did not. Okham's razor says she did NOT think a federal lawsuit up.
The FACT is most kids are NOT interested in such matters. They like boys, music, and their friends. LEGAL HACKS who exploit the grief of children ARE interested, apparently.
"I mean, they don't study that at all in high school history class. Oh wait, they do."
Oh that is RICH. How about the piece of history that was removed from the school wall? Oh...that doesn't count. I see.
"I find it funny that people who fought tooth and nail to keep a banner that was part of an effort to indoctrinate children into a religious mindset lash out by asserting that the student who objected to this sort of thing must be a "trained seal".
Eh? Who was indoctrinating children with the banner? Did they hit/beat them with it? Force them to recite it? Did they demand prayers from the children? Or did it just hang on a wall?
I smell BULLSHIT.
"The names of the lawyers are on all the pleadings, which are public record. They are easy to find."
Publish the girls name EVERYWHERE- FIND the lawyers.
Real brave response, Anon.
"Probably not. It is likely that having rejected the silliness of religion at her age, she'll never adopt it. There are exceptions, but they are fairly rare. Adult conversions are rare, and getting rarer."
Most nominal Atheists are disillusioned with their faith, and children even more so. That's just the breaks. That is what happens in the real world.I have personally seen it countless times with trainees in the COTC.
LIFE and EXPERIENCE tends to do open eyes and enlighten, not censor and silence truth.
I wonder what happens when she realizes she was USED? When she decides to rebel against her material daddy? What happens when she tries to reconnect to her dead mothers memory?
We'll just have to wait and see.
I am no oracle. She could be an Atheist all her life. But there are some certainties: She WILL grow up and it WILL become obvious she has been the tool of the ACLU's bullshit agenda. Whether she has the courage and will to counter that is up to her - as AN ADULT.
Adult conversions? I haven't a clue what you mean in this context. There is no data to support what you say here, and it is a known fact that rebellion against authority loses it's appeal to older and more sensible minds. }
Besides I am not saying she experience a full blown conversion, just that she will grow up with experience. She may have children of her own, and she may come to respect her mother's position more than her father's etc etc.
I do not envision her on a pilgrimage to Jerusalem or Mecca any time soon, although that would be a wonderful change of heart.
Possibly. I suppose. It is also possible she could have graduated early being such a genius. She did not. Okham's razor says she did NOT think a federal lawsuit up.
ReplyDeleteActually, the application of Occam's Razor to this question would argue in favor of it being her idea. Occam's Razor, after all, being the suggestion that one should accept the simplest possible answer - in this case that an individual came up with an idea on their own, rather than a large conspiracy of other people cajoling someone to take action.
The FACT is most kids are NOT interested in such matters. They like boys, music, and their friends.
Yes, because there are no teenagers who are interested in anything else. Allow me to roll my eyes at the moronic nature of your "argument".
Oh that is RICH. How about the piece of history that was removed from the school wall? Oh...that doesn't count. I see.
First off, no, it doesn't. It is a mural of no particular historical note that was written in 1960 by a 7th grader. The historical value of the mural is negligible. On the other hand, for a student in the U.S., the historical value of studying, say Marbury v. Madison is considerable.
Eh? Who was indoctrinating children with the banner? Did they hit/beat them with it? Force them to recite it? Did they demand prayers from the children? Or did it just hang on a wall?
So, you won't be taking your child to church every Sunday then? Because you're apparently against indoctrinating children into religious faith.
My message to Palumbo
ReplyDeleteHow very brave of you, sir. It takes courage for an elected official to call a sixteen year old an "evil little thing". I applaud you, sir! It takes a brave man to side with angry small-mindedness over our country's constitution. Bravo!
I can't believe that people can seriously call the court's decision unconstitutional. Have you read the document? Have you researched the numerous decisions that have all upheld the Establishment Clause? Obviously not. An elected state official publicly denigrates a teenage girl for exercising her constitutional rights, when, by the nature of his position, he should (and probably does) know that she is exactly right. If you want your kids indoctrinated into a religion, take them to church. Send them to parochial school. Home school them. But don't force your unsubstantiated beliefs on everyone else just because you are currently in the majority. That, by the way, is changing. The segment of the population who identify as non-believers is at 16% and is the fastest rising group by all surveys. Enjoy your religion, but keep it out of our schools and our government. It has no place there.
ReplyDelete@anon:
ReplyDelete[If you want your kids indoctrinated into a religion, take them to church...]
You're the one doing the indoctrinating. Mandatory civic atheism is indoctrination. Calling the police and running to a judge to shut other people up is indoctrination.
I support expression of all views-- I would have no trouble with a humanist/atheist mural, as well as a prayer mural. I am not a censor, and I don't fear your opinions.
In fact, I like it when atheists state their opinions. You never win fair arguments, when both sides speak freely. Your ideas are a joke. That's why you always censor. You're afraid to face people who can answer back.
The real danger from atheists is not what they say, but what they prevent others from saying. Your only chance is forced silence.
"In fact, I like it when atheists state their opinions. You never win fair arguments, when both sides speak freely. Your ideas are a joke. That's why you always censor. You're afraid to face people who can answer back."
DeleteTotal bullshit.
You sound so angry. And a bigot against atheists. Or for anyone who doesnt believe in the same god as you.
Rhode Island State Rep. Peter G. Palumbo has a horrible take on the legal judicial ruling of the prayer mural in Cranston High School West in Rhode Island. Listen to the whole podcast. He's never been so far off the target.
ReplyDeleteHe describes the outrage of the citizens of Rhode Island about this constitutional decision. Everyone but these citizens are getting fed up with anti-Atheist bigotry.
Christian thugs of course are targeting Jessica Ahlquist for her willingness to speak out and defend our Constitutional rights.
In fact, I like it when atheists state their opinions. You never win fair arguments, when both sides speak freely. Your ideas are a joke. That's why you always censor. You're afraid to face people who can answer back.
ReplyDeleteYou are hilarious. Especially given that you are a member of an organization that has a prohibited books list.
Representative Palumbo:
ReplyDeleteI, too, am an Atheist and know that there is NO GOD! I will not engage in discussions with you about the evils that religion has caused in the evolution of science and humankind, how it has killed and continues to kill millions of people, or how it inspires hate, bigotry, racism, slavery, intolerance, and fascism; or how it provides a refuge, solace and comfort to the greatest criminals in history. You can figure that out yourself if you care TO READ and become more enlightened. However, I have to express my dismay about what you said in regards to a young teenager who does not share your (ignorant) religious ideas. You, Sir, ARE AN IMBECILE, and you should not be a Representative if you don't understand the US Constitution. Nobody is asking you to not believe in whatever ghosts it is that you believe, but you have an obligation to uphold the rights of every citizen, including Atheists. How would you react if an Atheist had posted a sign in the school saying that THERE IS NO GOD? You, Sir, should be arrested and charged for assaulting the moral character of young Jessica and for public humiliation of a young woman who has far more brains than you will ever have. Apologize to the young lady (and then go read whatever poorly written sci-fi religious novel it is that you believe in).
Respectfully,
Atheist Jose Alves
And I want to add, remember that if you are a Christian, you should believe in what Jesus said, and He said to love thy neighbor! I fear that these people who say such hateful things towards this little girl do not know Our Savior.
ReplyDelete