free speech takes a hit

[somerfrost]

Originally Posted by timmgirvan

Somer : do you honestly believe that Bush himself goes over the list. Do you,in fact, know if any Wiccan Organization has been turned down,or for that matter requested such aid? I'm not looking to argue,but let's not put the cart before the horse!

Don't be naive, Bush doesn't have to personally go over the list, he has hundreds of like-thinking cronies to do his dirty work. I know about the Wiccan soldiers who died in Iraq, their families weren't allowed to place Wiccan religious symbols on their tombstones. I know Bush stated to ABC that he doesn't think Wicca is a religion. I know his buddy Strom Thurman said it should be banned in the military and compared it to Satanism and cults. I doubt Bush has the slightest idea what Wicca or Witchcraft if you prefer is all about, what we believe etc.

[timmgirvan]

Naivete aside...you gotta fill out the paperwork before you get the goods!

[Danzig]

Originally Posted by somerfrost

Don't be naive, Bush doesn't have to personally go over the list, he has hundreds of like-thinking cronies to do his dirty work. I know about the Wiccan soldiers who died in Iraq, their families weren't allowed to place Wiccan religious symbols on their tombstones. I know Bush stated to ABC that he doesn't think Wicca is a religion. I know his buddy Strom Thurman said it should be banned in the military and compared it to Satanism and cults. I doubt Bush has the slightest idea what Wicca or Witchcraft if you prefer is all about, what we believe etc.

they have changed their stance, and the wiccan symbols have been allowed.

[timmgirvan]

Originally Posted by Danzig

they have changed their stance, and the wiccan symbols have been allowed.

Don't confuse him with the facts!

[Danzig]

Originally Posted by timmgirvan

Don't confuse him with the facts!

well, just wasn't sure if somer saw that the wiccan religion has been added to the DoD list of recognized religions. symbols were placed on the tombstones of the deceased soldiers.

[timmgirvan]

Originally Posted by Danzig

well, just wasn't sure if somer saw that the wiccan religion has been added to the DoD list of recognized religions. symbols were placed on the tombstones of the deceased soldiers.

Danzig: Somer knows this, but it makes for a better story if we're still hunting Wiccans. Somer: if this is that important to you,please get the leaders on board so they can benefit from the program!

[Danzig]

Originally Posted by timmgirvan

Danzig: Somer knows this, but it makes for a better story if we're still hunting Wiccans. Somer: if this is that important to you,please get the leaders on board so they can benefit from the program!

but he does have a point--so many want to judge others--a non-mainstream religion seems a good target for many. look at al sharptons comments about mitt romney for instance. it shows ignorance on behalf of the speaker when they denigrate a religion that they really know nothing about. it's different, therefore dangerous. i also felt that the wiccans should be able to put their symbol on their tombstone--those guys fought and died for everyone, not just those of the 'correct' faith. thankfully the error was corrected.

[somerfrost]

Originally Posted by Danzig

but he does have a point--so many want to judge others--a non-mainstream religion seems a good target for many. look at al sharptons comments about mitt romney for instance. it shows ignorance on behalf of the speaker when they denigrate a religion that they really know nothing about. it's different, therefore dangerous. i also felt that the wiccans should be able to put their symbol on their tombstone--those guys fought and died for everyone, not just those of the 'correct' faith. thankfully the error was corrected.

Thanks Mrs Z, I'm glad someone sees my point. Yes, after a considerable effort, the symbols were finally allowed...as I originally stated, "the families weren't allowed to place Wiccan religious symbols on their tombstones"...past tense. The courts will correct many abuses of the Constitution...DoD has recognized Wicca for some time but folks like Bush and Thurman have publically questioned this policy and called for it to be changed.