airport removes x-mas trees

[GenuineRisk]

Originally Posted by Downthestretch55

Looks like they were just trying to avoid a law suit.

I think you're right-- I think it was Dave Barry who said "In God We Trust" should be taken off our currency, to be replaced with the REAL American slogan, "I'll Sue!" Sad but true.

[Downthestretch55]

Originally Posted by GenuineRisk

I think you're right-- I think it was Dave Barry who said "In God We Trust" should be taken off our currency, to be replaced with the REAL American slogan, "I'll Sue!" Sad but true.

Ahh..."In God We Trust", right there on the bills that we see everyday.
Is it just me, or do others see what we've made into our "god"?

[somerfrost]

Originally Posted by Downthestretch55

Ahh..."In God We Trust", right there on the bills that we see everyday.
Is it just me, or do others see what we've made into our "god"?

Words from a classic protest song by Phil Ochs..."and heaven only knows in which god they can trust". Modern day America worships at various alters...greed, lust and self-promotion have taken the place of brotherhood and compassion. If someone tries to force their beliefs on me, then I have a legit grievance but why would I take offense at religious artifacts and symbols that bring comfort to others? Folks get so concerned about symbolism that they ignore other's feelings...works both ways of course, Christians should consider the feelings of others, mandatory prayer in schools or forcing a doctrine on others is certainly as wrong as displaying a Confederate flag from a government building...but if a guy has one in his window...who cares?

[Downthestretch55]

Originally Posted by somerfrost

Words from a classic protest song by Phil Ochs..."and heaven only knows in which god they can trust". Modern day America worships at various alters...greed, lust and self-promotion have taken the place of brotherhood and compassion. If someone tries to force their beliefs on me, then I have a legit grievance but why would I take offense at religious artifacts and symbols that bring comfort to others? Folks get so concerned about symbolism that they ignore other's feelings...works both ways of course, Christians should consider the feelings of others, mandatory prayer in schools or forcing a doctrine on others is certainly as wrong as displaying a Confederate flag from a government building...but if a guy has one in his window...who cares?

Somerfrost,
That's an interesting take...and I agree with most of it.
Seems that many believe deeply in their own "god (s)". More than willing to sacrifice others on the altars of their own creation.
Perhaps I simplify too much.
Yet, therein the "problem", the justification, the excuses, self-righteousness, the "offense", everything we all wish others to allow to us that we seek to deny for them.
"Who cares"?
I do.

[somerfrost]

Originally Posted by Downthestretch55

Somerfrost,
That's an interesting take...and I agree with most of it.
Seems that many believe deeply in their own "god (s)". More than willing to sacrifice others on the altars of their own creation.
Perhaps I simplify too much.
Yet, therein the "problem", the justification, the excuses, self-righteousness, the "offense", everything we all wish others to allow to us that we seek to deny for them.
"Who cares"?
I do.

When I say "who cares", I'm referring to a person's right to self-expression. I have no problem with folks who feel the Confederate flag represents rebellion and individualism, I think it is a rather benign symbol at this point in history! Obviously at this time of the year, I am confronted by a multitude of religious symbols that represent beliefs different from my own...but again, why should I care? I'm comfortable with my beliefs and I'm willing to accept open display of other's beliefs...I guess since I believe that all religions worship the same god, it is less offensive to me than were I an atheist or a fundamentalist Christian or a Islamic purist. Now when the families of soldiers are denied the right to display a pentagram on their headstones...that's a different matter!

[Downthestretch55]

Originally Posted by somerfrost

When I say "who cares", I'm referring to a person's right to self-expression. I have no problem with folks who feel the Confederate flag represents rebellion and individualism, I think it is a rather benign symbol at this point in history! Obviously at this time of the year, I am confronted by a multitude of religious symbols that represent beliefs different from my own...but again, why should I care? I'm comfortable with my beliefs and I'm willing to accept open display of other's beliefs...I guess since I believe that all religions worship the same god, it is less offensive to me than were I an atheist or a fundamentalist Christian or a Islamic purist. Now when the families of soldiers are denied the right to display a pentagram on their headstones...that's a different matter!

Thanks for clarifying.
Your "key word" is "accept".
We all need more of that. Thanks.