Dec 4, 2008

free speech begets free speech

...by delivering a bouncing controversy in the middle of the marketplace of ideas.
A protest, several counter-signs and a news conference are the latest in a flurry of activity spurred by a sign put up Monday by an atheist group in the Capitol building in Olympia.

Members of the Freedom From Religion Foundation, a group of atheists and agnostics, put up the sign that says, in part: "Religion is but myth and superstition that hardens hearts and enslaves minds." It was partly a response to a Nativity scene put up nearby by a private citizen.
Congratulations to the parents, Thesis and Antithesis, whose daughter, Dialectic, weighs a healthy 7 pounds 2 ounces.

Update: Of course, in the marketplace of ideas, there are bound to be a few thieves:
The sign was reported missing Friday morning. The sign's sponsors said they didn't take it down.

State Patrol Sgt. Ted DeHart said the billboard was still on display Thursday evening when the Capitol rotunda building was shut down.

He said there would be no way someone not authorized to be inside could get in the building after it's closed at 6 p.m.

DeHart later said the State Patrol is working to confirm the reports that the sign was turned in to Seattle radio station KMPS on Friday morning.
More shenanigans are almost guaranteed to ensue.

Update II: And now we're going to have a protest. "Thousands" are expected to picket. Whee!

1 comment:

TeacherRefPoet said...

"Religion is but myth and superstition that hardens hearts and enslaves minds."

That's not a statement of "atheists and agnostics." That's a statement of atheists, and fundamentalist ones at that. They're not worthy of the description "agnostic."

But I respect their right to say it. Yay First Amendment.