The Flying Spaghetti Monster shot down by Chester County Commissioners (Philly)

[cbayer]

http://www.examiner.com/article/the-flying-spaghetti-monster-shot-down-by-chester-county-commissioners

NOVEMBER 30, 2012BY: MONTAJEAN GAY


There has been a long tradition in Chester County, Pennsylvania of allowing holiday displays on the historic Chester County Courthouse lawn. However, the Pastafarians will not be allowed to have a holiday display of a tree laden with ornaments of a spaghetti monster (which is who they worship as their god).

The motion was brought by commissioners' Vice Chairwoman Kathi Cozzone but quickly died as no one would second the motion allowing the satirical religious group a holiday display. With this motion dead, the atheist Freethought Society of Greater Philadelphia's display of the "Tree of Knowledge" is also struck down. Cozzone stated, "I am not speaking in support or in opposition to any particular display. I just think our policy should be open. It should be an open policy or we should have nothing at all."

Both commissioners' Chairman Terence Farrell and Commissioner Ryan Costello believe the county's current policy concerning winter holiday displays should remain in force, ensuring the viability of the constitutionally approved tableau already in place.

After a spirited round of statements by Pastafarians and atheist Freethinkers in favor of their displays, Ryan Costello stated,

"I don't stand in judgement of people's beliefs no matter what they are, God, multiple gods, spaghetti, or lasagna. Whatever you want to worship, this is nothing the government can do to stop you. I just don't think that this is where our focus should be now. We have something in place and I think we should follow it."

[Skink]

1. I come with an offering of empty beer cans for your lawn.

[Drale]

2. Wheaton's Law: Don't be a dick

I am 100% against any display of religion on government property but this atheist group should be fighting against any display not trying to get a display to laughs at other peoples views. That my friend is being a dick.

[cbayer]

3. Agree. Their current policy already outlines what will be there - some religious, some

secular. But none of it mocks someone else, and they want to keep it that way.

[Goblinmonger]

4. They are trying to point out the hypocricy

And they did it quite well. Now that they have the city being exclusionary, they can more effectively fight against the displays. Was that particular point lost on you?

And if you are going to apply the "don't be a dick" standard, then aim that at the city. They are the ones being exclusionary. And by doing so, they go against most case law on the issue. But, I guess, your standards of "don't be a dick" don't apply to excessive displays of privilege.

[trotsky]

5. Yup, once again it comes right back, as it so often goes in this group...

to Christian privilege. Atheists who manage to point out the privilege and hypocrisy are "being dicks." In this way, the Christians are able to dismiss their concerns and continue on enjoying their privilege. With the routine clucking and strutting thrown in for good measure.

[dimbear]

6. Those who offend the FSM will suffer a terrible penne-t.

Ramen, my friends.