What kind of complaint is "A" going to file? How has he been damaged (which is a requirement for a lawsuit)? Does he even live in this town (if not, then I don't believe that HIS money is involved)?

I've often heard that if there is a mix of secular and religious symbols in the same display, it passes as a holiday instead of a religious display.

People who get bent out of shape over things that don't harm them in any way worry me. I'm a extreme fan of freedom and limited government, but this is as much a historical display as a religious one, and shouldn't be offensive to anyone.

Where as it dose not offend myself in any way, We are a Gov. of all the people and it is a public bldg. Unless you want to put out a scene of every known religion. A church is where it belongs not a public bldg. We all must understand the U.S. is made up of many different people, cultures, and religions and as a public employee you owe everyone an apology! Not everyone believes as you. They should be able to go to a public library paid for with public TAXES and not be subjected to ones personal religious beliefs. It belongs at a church not a public bldg. Who really is being an asshole?

If you would like to put the nativity in the Display case at the YMCA we would love to have it. That way it can still be displayed for the community. The case has a lock so it will be protected, and we can take the stuff out of it. This is another sign of the war on christmas and Christianity. This guy is a loser with nothing better to do. Contact Brad or Bette at the YMCA 552-9808.

that is just so stupid.... what do people think Christmas is???? the celebration of Christ's birth.... HJ, if you want to take God out of the Government, man there are alot of things that are going to have to go...... including your money which states in God we trust...... nancy has a right to her beliefs.... so do the other employee's there.... and people wonder what is wrong with this country.... no tolerance. i know they have had other exibits of other cultures and beliefs and no one had a problem with that, but bring Christianity into it and seems like someone gets their panties into a bind.

nancy i stand with you as for it being offensive to someone it makes one wonder are they offended at their creator??all knows that the nativity scene stands for the birth of our creator. it makes you worry where the country is headed when a small town such as our's can not even display a nativity scene??i pity there there soul!!

Other government buildings might qualify under HJ's way of thinking but the library is a place of knowledge and the fact that they were a donation to be displayed is not violating anyone's rights. The library is simply displaying a part of an American heritage. What I would tell Mr A is that if he wants to donate something for his religion to be put on display than you will be more than willing because the library is a place of learning about all things and you should not take away the rights of knowledge from anyone.

Al Jordan

I usually don’t post on here regarding sensitive topics such as religion however; I think some different angles need to be analyzed before quick rationale and name calling gets involved.

First, I would like to say that I am a Christian. However, there needs to be some thought placed into this discussion and I thought I would share a different perspective that perhaps follows what HJ was trying to mention.

Often times in small town it is often disregarded that there is more out there in regards to culture, race, and religion. I have to admit before going to Butler I would have been personally offended by this individual wishing to remove the Nativity scene. However, going to school I have friends that are Christian, Jewish, and Muslim among other religious affiliations. I have learned to be respectful of their religious beliefs. Do I necessarily agree with their religious ideas? No. I have though become understanding that the world is composed of a wide range of individuals with different background, cultures, and belief systems.

It would be nice to see a display that would incorporate all religions to better educate individuals in the community and perhaps grow a tolerance towards different religions. However, that would not be legal due to the fact it is still binding church and state. Do I think that it is a legal issue that is widely based on interpretation? Yes. However, the Supreme Court of the United States of America regulates how the law is interpreted and several times have found it unconstitutional therefore upholding this individuals argument.

The reason different displays regarding cultural information and artifacts is not a justified argument is due to the simply fact it is in no way a constitutional issue. It is simply the constitutional issue of “Separation of Church and State” being debated with this topic. For this reason cultural displays and other items such as that are not legally challenged or justified.

With that being said I am in no way endorsing the actions of this individual described above and I am sure that the situation could have been carried out in a more civil manner. However, legally he is correct and has a valid argument. I do encourage everyone, during this time of Christmas, to better educate themselves in regards to different religions to better understand individuals from different belief systems. Being tolerant of different religions does not mean that you accept their beliefs as your own.

I would encourage the library to perhaps donate the display to the YMCA or another location that could properly display the Nativity without any legal consequence because I for one have never seen the display. It sounds like an amazing Nativity display designed by an incredibly talented artist with a passion for this community.

I hope everyone has a Happy Holidays and please enjoy this time with family and friends. I know I for one am sure glad to be home for break. It is nice to see family and friends once again and be able to celebrate the holiday that I personally believe, Christmas. Though 9 months out of the year I am at school in Indianapolis, Elwood will always be home.

Best Regards,

Matthew Tyner

Matthew, I normally find myself agreeing with you, but I guess there are always exceptions.

My concern is with the very tolerance that you speak of. As I tried to point out in my first post, the nativity isn't an offensive display, except to religious bigots (that may not be a term you hear much, but there are people that believe that any belief in a higher power of any sort is a lie, and therefore they actively fight all mention of religion). If this were something that took a major portion of real estate, time or money from the library, I could understand the concern -- but this doesn't. It's appropriate for the season; it's small; and it was donated. We allow decorations for Halloween (a pagan Holiday). I would certainly hope that no one would raise a big fuss if someone put a star of David out on Passover. Why can't minor, appropriate decorations be put out for Christmas? Throw in a Santa if need be, but don't allow others to cover up the origins of this "Holy Day".

Our country's founders. who came up with these rules and believed in them passionately, didn't see any conflict with religious plaques, public prayers, and a congressional chaplain. This "zero tolerance" idea is a dangerous path to go down.

as the town that doesn't believe in Christmas? this exact same thing happened in Memphis.... know if you really want to make a stand, then this is a free legal service with a HUGE backing and mega lawyers...... another thing, look up what Christmas is... it is the celebration of Christ's birth. funny, you know Germany took the same path when Hitler was up and coming,except it was against the Jewish people.....
another thing is that it is a public library, not just one persons. ask the public what they want. also if you are going to cater to one person, then every Christmas tree, every present, every holiday decoration needs to be removed because it could be offensive to someone....
if someone wanted to put up something for Hanukkah cool or other things they celebrate this time of year great, but doing this because one person complained???? and nine times out of ten, this guy doesn't want known, so he isnt going to pursue this legally because he will not want people in town knowing what a jerk he is.... anyway here is something i found on the internet and it includes the web site of the group who backs this kind of thing..
I mean together we can make a difference. what does Elwood want to be know as the town that booted out the nativity? Even Bethlehem let them use a stable......

Adjust Font Size: A A A
Nativity scene reborn at Memphis library
Library agrees to allow display of full nativity scene after ADF letter to library officials prompts mayor to make request
Thursday, December 08, 2005, 11:30 AM (MST) |
ADF Media Relations | 480-444-0020

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No room at the inn: Jesus, Mary, Joseph, wise men barred from Memphis library display

Christmas Project™
BARTLETT, Tenn. - Officials with the Memphis Public Library System have agreed to allow figures representing the baby Jesus, Mary, Joseph, and the wise men back into a nativity scene on the Bartlett Public Library's community shelves. News of a letter to the library by an attorney with the Alliance Defense Fund apparently prompted the mayor of the city of Bartlett to ask the library to reverse their decision to exclude the figures.

"I'm sure just about everyone would rather have a merry Christmas than one stripped of its obvious meaning," said ADF Senior Legal Counsel Nate Kellum. "It's okay to display Christian symbols like a nativity scene on public property that has been opened to the public for free expression. We'll be monitoring the situation to make sure that this is not just a one-time exception to an unconstitutional policy that, in fact, needs to be changed."

The nativity scene is part of a local church's Christmas show announcement. Brandi Chambless, a member of the music ministry at Broadmoor Memphis Church, submitted the announcement, but library officials told Chambless that she would have to remove what they considered to be inappropriate "religious figures" of the baby Jesus, Joseph, Mary, and the wise men from an accompanying nativity scene. Chambless plans to go to the library to include the figures in the nativity scene today at 5:15 p.m. CST.

The community shelves have traditionally been open to groups and individuals for the display of announcements, advertisements, and other items as a means of providing information to the community.

"An overwhelming majority of Americans celebrate Christmas," Kellum said. "ADF is pleased to help educate government officials regarding what the Constitution really says about public religious expression related to Christmas."

As part of ADF's Christmas Project, ADF-allied attorneys have contacted more than 10,300 school districts nationwide so far this year to inform them of the truth regarding religious expression at Christmastime. For more information on the project, visit www.saychristmas.org.

ADF is a legal alliance defending America's first liberty--religious freedom--through strategy, training, funding, and litigation.

www.telladf.org www.saychristmas.org

I just think when you call someone an asshole because their beliefs are different than your own... you owe them an apology. First sentence second paragraph. Your personal point of view was stated when you repeatedly called him a jerk because of the way he went about his personal feelings. Small town small minds who is really being the jerk... asshole?

Maybe I WAS too passionate in my typing of the events of the afternoon at the library!
It is possible that after a long day, that was the straw that broke the camel's back. (that's just a phrase.. no religious overtones).
Quite possibly I COULD have used less a descriptive adjective. Or possibly others descriptive words ..... like.....
There was this person being of the male species, (which I might add had an incredibly large anal opening that a foot or
cranium would fit nicely) came to the library to DEMAND that the Christmas symbol in the form of a nativity be removed
from the locked display case and kept from public view.
There... how's that!
Sorry if I offended anyone on this site.... I was just calling it as I seen it!

Nancy

I understand that the Nativity Scene is not politically correct, and lets face it we live in a world where you can break into your neighborhood Pizza Hut, hurt yourself and sue the very place where you were commiting a crime, everyone is so "sue happy" it's insane. I am from a large city where a nativity scene would never be allowed in such a place, but I have found it such a breath of fresh air to see the beautiful and historic Nativity Scene proudly displayed. I agree with Al when he said that maybe (for lack of a better name) "Mr. A", could donate something from his religion that the library could also proudly display. I just can't see how it is offensive. I would think that if you are not a Christian, you do not believe Jesus was born in a manger, came here to die for our sins.....then wouldn't it just be art, no meaning behind it, just a simple piece of decoration? I am not a Buddhist, but when I see a golden statue of Buddah, I just think is a beautiful piece of art, never has it crossed my mind to be offended.

Anyone who would go into a library and threaten the establishment over Christmas decorations is an asshole plain and simple. HJ, Shes not calling him an asshole because of what he believes but because of the way he handled the situation. Just because someone doesn't like something doesn't mean everyone else should suffer for it. This is the Library were talking about which is a place of learning not the city building. Nancy said it right the first time. The guys an asshole!!!
Al Jordan

In a time when everyone seems to be losing their jobs, I comend you on your bravery to use your postion as a public servent to attack someone on their personal beliefs. This country was built by those with different beliefs. Remember Nancy, this a**holes taxes pay your salary! Maybe you could be a bit more tolerant. In this day in age when you display a nativity scene in a public building you are just inviting a lawsuit.

even if you dont believe in Christianity, this is a piece of art that was handmade by someone. libraries can exhibit art, some even rent it out. this was a hand made nativity scene that someone made. therefore it is a piece of art that should be able to be displayed no matter what your beliefs.

whats next....oh Al I dont like your shoes so I am sueing you...lol...what rights are left here today...hmmmm well i say keep it up...cause let me tell you something I seen at halloween time someone had KKK sign hanging up did I sue them no...it was their choice to hang it up...was it offensive to me hell yeah but i didnt go raise hell and make them take it down...seems like someone is trying or is doing tearing this town apart...
what better place to display things in a Library it is the place of all knowledge where we learn everything....why cant it be there...i guess we need to throw out all the offensve books to huuh just plain f...king stupid
Life is like a party never no who is going to crash it!!!!
wildthang1971

then i guess we should remove Christmas trees, because it first started out as a pagan rite ...The idea of actually decorating the trees goes back to the time of the Pagans (in Europe at least). At midwinter, celebrations would include putting green foliage onto bare branches to remind the trees of how good they looked in spring and summer, and thus encourage them to begin to grow leaves again. These were of course deciduous trees, not the evergreens which have been adopted for their ermmm, 'evergreenness'. This is meant to represent eternal life.
Oh and lets not forget the jolly ol saint nick......
oh and while we are at it lets take away anything to do with Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and Ramadan? Come on!!!!! Isn't anyone besides me tired of all this? I mean why such a big deal???? if someone wants to display the nativity scene, then so what? why make such a big deal out of it?

listen everybody. this argument in religious tolerance is getting ridiculous. religious tolerance says we should take it down yes. but it also says that Mr. A should have never complained about it!
i say that we should leave the nativity but we should also put things of other religions in the display. we should include a paper beneath each display that talks about each religion. we should include christtianity, judiasm, buddhism, atheism and any other religion that we find necessary. then what does he have to complain about. it would be no longer a religious display. it would be a display to teach people about other religions and beliefs.
Hj i do not know where your coming from but you sound like you dont really understand the argument. Nancy i agree with you that the man sounds like an a**hole but you should understand his beliefs and come to a compromise. all these people arguing is helpful because you are stating your beliefs.
if anyone disagrees with me then feel free to reply. I'll be waiting.

Sincerely,
Library Fan

To HJ first comment..I agree that it is a public building*, however, YOU are the indiviual who is looking at the scence from a biblical perspective. If you wish not for the scene to be in the building, then look at it through a historical perspective. Nowhere in the Constiution of the United States of America does it say that one will not be offended and if he or she is offended, humanity must bow down to said indiviual.

I HAVE HEARD SEVERAL PEOPLE SAYING THAT THEY WILL BE THERE AT THE LIBRARY WHEN IT OPENS ON MONDAY TO PROTEST THE TAKING DOWN OF THE NATIVITY SCENE. I WONDER WHAT WILL COME OF THIS?

As far as trees , shoes and KKK signs as wildthang states was the sign hanging in a public bldg that is paid for with public taxes? Think about it if you let the nativity scene stay (which if you read I do not have a problem with, Jacobs , nimrod?stop you're bullying and putting words in that are not there.) you would have to allow everything under the sun KKK included. The lawyer is right, even though I do not like it either.Public bldg's are not the place.Do we want to be known as the city that is closed minded to other cultures? What if the Japanese wanted to open a plant here? mmmm they did. What if a person of Muslim faith wanted to? I would rather be known as a City that is open minded to every one's beliefs even when different than our own. A public bldg paid for with public money is not the place plain and simple. I am sure there are plenty of books on the subjects of all different kinds of religion for learning Al.

I began working at the Elwood Public Library as a freshman in high school (1979). Margie Stiner and I use to do a good deal of the decorating, and I fondly remember the Nativity Scene. It is gorgeous, and was such a wonderful donation.

In the early 1980's, there were no questions asked or visible eyebrows raised. I do not recall any dicussions in school of tolerance or acceptance. I was very limited in my knowledge of other world religions until I went to college.

Like Matt Tyner, I went off to college and discovered an entirely new, bigger world. In my dorm (now called residence halls), there were students who were Jewish, Muslim, Church of Latter Day Saints (Mormon), Baha'i, Christian Science, and so many other religions and Christian denominations. I even took several religion courses and was amazed at the differences, yet similarities throughout.

Now, as a father, a teacher, and a neighbor of many different religions and beliefs, both religious, and non-religious, I do find my self wanting to retreat to the 1980's mentality when it was not an issue to ignore the beliefs of others.

But, things change, and I do believe Matt offered some great insight, and I echo much of what he wrote.

There is a fine line, a trigger, revolving around celebrating our own beliefs while acknowledging, and even celebrating the beliefs of others. It is a very difficult balancing act for so many of us today.

How do we balance?

How do we reach that chord of understanding other beliefs, and accepting the beliefs of others?

Once upon a time, the Irish were not accepted, nor welcome, and Americans were very concerned about their Catholic faith. Until 1960's campaign, the Catholic church was still an issue until Senator John Kennedy stated he would be running a country based upon his political principles, not his religious faith. That seemed to calm the stormy seas.

That era learned about acceptance.

How do we accomplish this when rooted to so many traditions that revolve around this particular holiday?

Perhaps, rather than a witch-hunt, why not sit down and discuss this topic with your religious leader? Why not ask for advice on how to best address such an issue?

When we run attacks, call others names on a public site, we are possibly harming any resolution. These items will only harden those who are opposed to our beliefs.

The offer from the YMCA (Young Men's Christian Association) would be an ideal solution for the present moment.

Maybe in the future, the library could use this season to feature a display, accompanied by library materials, about great religious traditions of the world. Perhpas different areas of the library could feature a particular religion.

Great minds can come together with an eagerness to understand, accept, and share... and make great things happen!

you totally took my thoughts to your liking....ISN'T THE LIBRARY A PLACE FOR KNOWLEDGE....where you learn about everything...why does it have to be removed....If you offend me can I remove you?...where you taught if you wanted to know something to go to library it has all answers....if you let one person remove this what will be removed next...OH yeah next we will be where same clothes and talking the same and doing everything the same...there will be only one belief....hmmm I bet you think different if it was the AMERICAN FLAG being taken away!!!! and I bet if this goes thru what is next and who is next...By the way doesn't the person have to file a complaint and isn't opened to the public...what is the world going to think about this person doing this....whatever happened to the memphis thing anyone know....lol maybe it is the same person....
who knows
Life is like a party never know who is going to crash it!!!!
wildthang1971

interesting to see who is there and who is not....

again this town is faling dont let it fall
make this person know they can add something
Life is like a party never know who is going to crash it!!!!
wildthang1971

I don't know or care what anyone else does. I will be at the library on Monday at 9:45 a.m. and will stand in front of the display case and hope others join me. I will be protesting the removal of the nativity scene. I am hoping some children will also stand on both sides of the bookcase in the children's department to protest the removal of that nativity scene also.
If we are told we have to move or be arrested we will move but at least we will get our point across and let this town kow we will not SIT DOWN AND SHUT UP.

Here are my thoughts:
Some restaurants allow smoking. It is a public place, but I do not go in there and demand everyone not to smoke because it is against my rights not to have fresh air. I just don't go there. And I feel if "A" does not want to see the nativity scene then don't go there until after Christmas or don't go there at all.

I am hoping that the papers will show up.

nimrod? that's what you could come up with? gonna start name calling and that's it??? do you know that is a name out of the Bible? and where do you get im bullying anyone?..like i said, i see nothing wrong with people of any religion or what ever also having a display. but you cant have it both ways. that just makes you a hypocrite. i have a right just like anyone else to voice it, but i find it ironic that you always accuse people of bullying when they don't agree with you. well i don't, but that's ok... i don't have to.

Bottom line, my family is celebrating Christmas. the word Christmas is to honor the birth of Christ. look it up. so anywhere the word Christmas appears weather you like it or not, originated to Honor The Lord Jesus Christ's Birth. So if a public place has anything that says MERRY CHRISTMAS there is no difference between that and a nativity scene... They are about the same thing, The birth of Jesus. you know peace on earth good will toward man and all that.

First, thank you Threejsmom for your clarification on the use of language. It is very commendable for you to post once emotions have calmed and clear that up and admit there could have been a better approach. You are not the only one that often fires off. I have personally been guilty of the “speak before you think” option. Again, thank you for clearing that up.

For the guest that made the comparison to a restaurant I do not agree. A restaurant is not a public place. It is a private establishment. When “Public” is referred to it is in regards to the ownership belonging to the government or financed through taxes such as parks, libraries, and other governmental establishments.

I too like many of you think that information from various religions would be a very effective tool. However, it is still going against the constitutional script that states “Separation of Church and State”. Using the interpretation of the Supreme Court it would be considered unconstitutional. No matter how many religions are being presented it is still unconstitutional in nature. Regardless if it is a piece of art, which is true, it is still considered a religious symbol therefore not allowed on public property.

A constant thought that has been brought up many times includes the site of other symbolic items throughout the town. This does not pertain to this case because the symbols are found on private property. That is why there is no case against such a claim. The only argument that can be used by the individual described in the article is the fact that it is a public building. He would not have a claim if it were to be found in the YMCA, Church Building, or even in and individual’s yard.

I am not trying to be a Grinch or anything of that nature. I love Christmas as much as each and every one of you however; I have a deep respect for the other religions found in the “melting pot” known as America. For this same reason you also find me wishing individuals a “Happy Holidays” and this is not because I do not wish to tell people “Merry Christmas” it is for the simple reason I do not want to impose my religion on someone else and perhaps make them feel uncomfortable.

No one is asking individuals to abandon their respective religions, just be respectful of others. This is a legal issue and the lawyer made the correct suggestion in terms of action. I think it would be of good intensions to halt the negative name calling and other derogatory remarks. In no way are the comments making any progress but causing a tense situation. Just as I have mentioned being respectful of other religions please be respectful of each other. With everything the community is going through there is no need for yet another wall dividing individuals in the community.

I hope everyone is having a great holiday season!

Best Regards,

Matthew Tyner

Yes Nancy, you've used the right word. I once worked with a man simular to the one you speak of. He seemed to fear the possibility of a higher being, and was very offended by such displays. However, he never complained about getting Christmas off with pay. He never turned down a Christmas bonus or a Christmas gift. He even had a Christmas tree and Santa for his kids. I also know he always enjoyed stuffing himself at big feasts Christmas Eve and Christmas day. He even worried about what he would get his wife for Christmas. But there better not be a Nativity. He did not want to see or hear of the birth of Christ. He was more offensive in his protest than seeing a few statues could ever be. If one observes something such as a small Nativity or any small display they don't like or agree with, why is it so impossible to just walk by and ignor without making an ugly fuss? Besides, this has been a long accepted tradition of the Elwood library. Well, it likes like yet another Elwood tradition lost. Nancy, you could have called him the "Grinch" or "Scrooge", but A**H*** is a more fitting title. ~Pops.

I am not being a jerk, but I just wonder how everyone would feel if say a goverment funded (by your taxes) had statues celebrating The Festival of Sacrifice?
Just a question, again not being a jerk, just wondering.

The Festival of Sacrifice? Well that peaked my interest... so I looked it up! I suggest others do also. Google Festival of Sacrifice and
of the many choices I chose the Wikipedia. (Yes I know that choice can be unreliable but it was easy to understand.)
This is a very shortened version of what I found:
Eid al-Adha (Festival of Sacrifice) is an Islamic celebration. The dates vary due to the lunar calendar. This year the celebration is from
Dec. 8 - 11. Today millions of Muslims make a pilgrimage to Mecca to take part in the celebration of sacrifice. 4000 years ago God accepted a lamb to be sacrificed from Abraham. 2000 years ago God sacrificed his Son for us. The similarities between the two
religious groups have a definite parallel to one another. The Islamic celebration includes giving to the poor... Christians do also.
Islamic traditions involve family and gatherings of a feast....Christians do also. The similarities go on and on, I would suggest that
those who are interested Google.

To me, iwu345, was trying to make some type of point in comparison in a knee 'jerk' remark. Quite possibly the person underneath
the gold star and 'Smokie the Bandit' icon doesn't really know the complete history of the faiths. And I also doubt that there are many
world governments that do not have a basis of some type of faith. The United States of America chose to honor God and his son
Jesus Christ as part of its foundation and that covers many religious beliefs and customs.

I might suggest that iwu345 and others come to the library and find information regarding ALL religions and their customs. We even have a copy of the Koran!

I usually try to find the information for which I refer to in my posts. Here is the Supreme Courts rulling on a case.

Allegheny County v. ACLU, 492 U.S. 573 (1989)
Court finds that a nativity scene displayed inside a government building violates the Establishment Clause.

Best Regards,

Matthew Tyner

could be seeing me in jail then.....because I am so tired of ELWOOD not having things...WHY CAN"T it be left until CHRISTMAS...
I sure didn't say anything about the person's KKK sign being up OCT 30 and 31...SO WHY CAN'T THIS STAY...
Life is like a party never know who is going to crash it!!!!
wildthang1971

Well considering that the person decided to complain this close to Christmas, just goes to show that he has no sense of compassion. I gurantee that the said person would not complain if a Menora had been put up or some other religious symbol. No the real asshole is the that man. Tell me sir or maddam, if the library had set up of other religious relics around the nativity scene, would it not seem more of a historical display. If we must play into the whole idea of it being a Happy Holiday, then why let some Jack Ass ruin it for those that do believe?

think this nativity scene should be moved because of mixing state gov. and religion..do you realize that the 10 commandments are engraved in the supreme court doors as you walk in, and are displayed above the judges??? our money has in God we trust as it was mentioned earlier..i for one think we as a christian people should stand up for our right's and quit letting intolerant people push us around..i have no problem displaying other religions but i wont let mine be shut down...i know santa is gonna put some coal in some people's stocking this year..will it be you ..hehehehehehe.....and GLory to God in the Highest, peace on earth good will toward men, for unto you is born this day, in the city of david ....A SAVIOR....

Hi I'm new to this website, but i am not new to Elwood. I have lived in this city for all my life. Anyway that is an introduction of me, now for the introduction of our Government. The United States has called for a separation of Church and State......... so i guess everyone that is of a faith has to pack up their stuff and leave. It is said that their are to be no religious relics displayed on government properties, we are all people of a faith of some sort and we cary our faith where ever we may go. So it must be illegal to step onto government property.
I only speak this because, a religious display such as the Nativity Scene is also historic, and should be able to be displayed on property that you can learn about history. A library. Atheists are truly people that live in fear. They fear the unknown and the outcome of what may come after death. Their greatest amazement that they give society is that they can lie to themselves about any possibility of a deity.
What this man did was unreasonable. He was rude to the director, and had no sense of shame about himself whatsoever. We are supposed to have religious tolerance in our nation, we are supposed to have respect for one another, but that rule doesn't apply to this man. It apparently is just wrong for a Christian to display his colors, because I seem to remember quite recently a group of atheists in Washington DC stating(PUPBLICLY!) that there is no God and there wasn't justice called upon them. No it only become controversial when it is the opposite. It apparently is only wrong to be Christian and display you true faith.
Let us not forget my friends of this city, that CHRISTmas, is day that we celebrate the Birth of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. I am a Christian and am a firm believer that if we are to have separation between Church and State, then take away Christmas from all the nonbelievers of this Nation. It is not a Federal Holiday as so your government proclaims. NO! it is OURS as CHRISTIANS! The Lord Jesus Christ inspired Goodwill towards all men and your government commercialized it. That is my word and my belief.

-Michael York