Hundreds Show Support For Community’s Crèche

December 2, 2011 8:28 PM

(Credit: KDKA)

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Holiday Season, Local, News, Syndicated Local

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) — An out-of-state atheist group was expected to face off with officials in a local community this morning over a nativity display at the municipal building; but the supposed showdown ended up being an overwhelming show of support.

Members of the Freedom from Religion Foundation had vowed to protest the placement of a crèche in front of the Ellwood City municipal building. The atheist group from Wisconsin complained that the display is a violation of the First Amendment clause which prohibits the government from endorsing religion.

The group went so far to say that if leaders put the crèche up, they wanted to hang a banner saying: “There are no gods, no devils, no angels, no heaven or hell. Religion is but myth and superstition that hardens hearts and enslaves minds.”

Ellwood City’s mayor, however, told KDKA-TV that the town would erect the nativity scene today as planned.

“I can tell you this, I’ll not back down,” Ellwood City Mayor Anthony Court added. “If they come, that’s fine. If they don’t come, that’s also fine; but I can tell you this — that nativity scene will be going up.”

As it turns out, the group did not travel to Ellwood City as the town assembled the display; but hundreds of people did show up at the municipal building — in support of the crèche.

“We love the Lord, we’re going to defend it – we’re going to defend the nativity scene,” Joe Cisco, of Ellport Boro said.

“This is our town, this is our building,” Mike Parisi, of Ellwood City, said. “If we want to put a nativity scene up, then it’s our right to put it up.”

The U.S. Supreme Court has ruled that standalone nativity scenes on government property are unconstitutional. But the court says nativity scenes displayed with other holiday symbols are okay.

Anthony Court, the mayor of Ellwood City says this nativity scene is just fine.

“They can do what they want, but I know [what] we’re going to do – that’s have a nativity scene for Christmas,” he said.

Hundreds Show Support For Community’s Crèche

Heather

I’m as far from actively religious as one can get, I actually tend to agree more with the group coming into town to protest – but come on, they aren’t even from the area, it doesn’t effect them in any way what-so-ever. Seems like a group of intolerant bullies bent on forcing their beliefs on other people and that’s normally christian’s jobs. Locals, if they don’t like this, should protest as it has to do with their town, not a big ol’ group of strangers who will leave once its over.

Thomas J Duttine

AMEN!

Michael Digby

This is redicules, who are these people and what right do they have to speak for me. It’s about time we stand up for our beliefs. If they don’t want religion in their lives then just ignore it like we should do about these clowns. I applaud this mayor and his council. They should have rights too and if the people who live there are OK with a Nativity they should be able to set it up without idiots protesting. Merry Christmas!!

James

What right? How about the FIRST amendment to the Constitution?

Ricardo

Please, Christmas is a Christian holiday. The Mayor said that they could bring other religious symbols for display if they wanted. These people simply have a problem with Christianity and they mask it behind their “foundation”.
wendy

um, this is in response to ricardo. christmas did not begin as a christian holiday. it is a pagan holiday taken over by christians.
Sky

Thank you James , so many forget and or wish we didn’t have this right !

Ol’Froth

The rules are simple, public space is open to all opinions, or it is open to none. The creche can stay so long as other groups, be they pagan, atheist, Jewish, Muslim, Pastafarian, or any other group is allowed to display their message as well. If the FFRF isn’t permitted to place their message in the public space, then they will sue, and they will win. Case law is pretty clear on this issue.

I’ll also add that while the FFRF is based in Madison, Wisconsin, it does have members in Pennsylvania. Calling it an “out-of-state atheist group” is like calling the Christian Coalition and “out-of-state religous group” because it is based in Virginia.

Ian

ok but if you don’t celebrate a holiday then why do you need a display?
i dont pay any attention to a muslim display during ramadan. or a jewish display during rosh hishanna. why? because i dont celebrate them. i certainly am not gonna step on somones holiday simply because i dont take part in their religion.

but atheists can’t seem to ignore Christmas. They go after a Christmas nativity scene like a pitbull to a raw steak. they sue to have it taken down because if they see a plastic jesus they will be caused irrepairable harm? or do they just like making a name for themselves?
fact of the matter is that atheism is a religion. its a strict belief in the non existance of a god. much like a religion with a god, athiests evangelize (this is evident in their insulting anti-holiday displays, they take a collection (donations to FFRF work much like that of any other religious organization. so…tell me ..why is your religion…which doesn’t celebrate a holiday this time of year. trying to disrupt mine? no one is making you celebrate.
g2-a400ddac5e73ae88bd1a86c8078ec88b

i dont pay any attention to a muslim display during ramadan. or a jewish display during rosh hishanna. why? because i dont celebrate them. i certainly am not gonna step on somones holiday simply because i dont take part in their religion.

Ian, if this display was going up on property belonging to a church, or a private person, then there is no complaint. But because this is the government putting up a sectarian display on public land, then the Constitution comes into play. How would you feel if your town put up a Menorah, and no Nativity? Or perhaps a mihrab? Would you object to your government endorsing a relgion other than your own?

All we are asking is that the government obey the law.

comrade 12347

Ellwood City residence need to counter protest these idiots. Sent them back where they came from.

Rudy M.

They are!!! … They are rallying for what they believe. In this day and age we are always affraid of offending someone or some group. Well, not the mayor of Ellwood, and that is why he was elected to represent the people….Merry Christmas.

Sky

He is not representing anyone , he is ignoring the US Constitution at the taxpayers expense . I’m sure there are a lot of people living there who are tired of getting christianity shoved down their throat , Thank our minds that we have a mind and realize that we live with others who are different and it is a good thing to not be sheep and and follow anything ! We learn so much from others not like us: it can broadens our minds . Try it sometimes .What’s wrong with Holly , Frost, Snowpeople and Happy Season for town decorations ,it is less hicky and more humane (conciderate of others )This arrogance is just why the US is the most hated country in the world !

????????

I have no issue with others beliefs and i feel they shouldnt have an issue with mine. I understand people have the rite to protest but it seems that every time you turn around there are protestors on every corner, it kinda gets old after awhile. Its ridiculous that people from out of state are coming to protest in Ellwood City. I have to upmost respect for the Mayor standing his ground, others would roll over and avoid the controversy. I wish everyone a Merry Christmas and bless you all, regardless of your religious beliefs.
Merry Christmas

A huge round of applause for the Mayor of Ellwood City!! The constitution allows us the freedom OF religion as well. We decide, Christian, Jew, Muslim….if you decide to not practice that is your right. Just because I love the Lord does not mean I’m “forcing” my belief on you.
I am seeing a growing movement to try to force all religions into a closet and it saddens me. We live in a country so concerned about political correctness that religion is all the sudden the bad guy. Why is this difficult. Don’t ask me to hide my faith and I won’t ask you to hide your beliefs….simple! I’ve read about and study other beliefs and made my decision, please respect it as I respect your decision. Your belief or lack there of does not change my faith, your resistance in allowing me to openly proclaim it only strengthens it!!
MERRY CHRISTMAS!

James

Then put it on your front lawn… Not on tax paid Community land. Un real, Christmas already last 2 moths of the year and thats still not enough for your CHristians. You have to shove your religion down my throat and now on my tax dollars. ENOUGH!

Zoeyzotron

This is a Christian nation, founded on christiian beliefs.

you are free to leave anytime.
Timmy Tuttle

IF “CHRISTIAN BELIEFS” MEANS SLAUGHTERING ALL THE NATIVE INDIANS IN ORDER TO BUILD CONCRETE JUNGLES THEN I AM VERY PROUD TO BE AN ATHIEST.
Ad

Sadly, people are not perfect and sometimes, they get it wrong. For instance, the Inquisition and as you said, Manifest Destiny. In it’s true form, Christianity is not so much a “religion” as it is a relationship with God and his son Jesus. We are certainly not perfect, but Jesus lived a perfect life and died in place of us so that we may live.
James

The country was founded on democratic principles. Nothing to do with Jesus.
Zoeyzotron

IN GOD WE TRUST.

You are more than welcome to leave too if you take issue with it.
deb

I feel sorry for you James ……. ashame you are such an angry person
bubba

the way you write and spell say’s it all, your a non taxpayer and receiving taxpayers dollars on welfare!!!!
Ol’Froth

James isn’t the angry one, He’s not telling people to get out if they disagree with him as you are Zoeyzotron. You are also sadly misinformed. There is no mention of Jesus, Christ or God in the Constitution.
Merry Christmas

James i am not shoving my religion down your throat. The constitution of the United States assures me the right to worship as I decide. It also protects your right to not practice a religion. Simple.
There are many things I don’t like seeing my tax dollars paid out to either, and as a Christian I pay taxes too.
You have however just strengthened my point, I will not hide my religion, if you don’t like it look the other way. I may not agree with other religions or lack of religion but hey to each their own, if I don’t like I just move on.

Ricardo

Too bad their isn’t a “like” button for this post

Ernest P. Worrel

Funny how our currency that some many worship has, “in God we trust”, clearly printed on it. I guess that was part of the democratic principles too…

Brian

You may practice your religion freely at your church, in your home and other places. It has no place at a government building. Would you want the government in your church? No? Then leave your church out of the government. I saw no respect for those who don’t believe from that angry, hate-filled mob armed with large wooden crosses today, and the government-backed intimidation parade. I’m glad the atheists didn’t come – the mob proved their point for them.

EC

Really… were you even there? I didn’t see an angry mob. I saw a very peaceable show of support for our town’s traditions.

John W

How is the FRFF allowed to put up signs that actually promote hate? That sign pretty much says that you believein anything but what they believe in your stupid.

This is the sign that they put up:

At this season of the Winter Solstice, may reason prevail.
There are no gods, no devils, no angels, no heaven or hell.
There is only our natural world.
Religion is but myth

That would be like Christians being allowed to put up signs that say that these Atheist and their chilldren will burn in Hell this holiday season.

Also that is stating that the Muslim and Judaism beliefs are myths.

I would love for this group to start telling Muslims Allah is a Myth.

Maybe instead of worrying about a plastic statue and petty problem. They could focus all that negative energy in helping the worlds homeless and less fortunate. I see more Christian Churchs giving out free food around the holiday season but nothing from Athiest.

Brian

You probably don’t see anything from atheists because you don’t look for it. Also, mos atheists are too afraid to identify themselves for fear of hate-filled repercussions. You probably know atheists without realizing it, and atheists do more to help actual people than you know.

John

Like what? Why would anybody hate them? I really doubt that most Athiest volunteer to help anybody but themselves..
wendy

in reply of john. you are sadly misinformed. i am a kind and helpful person. i am just do not believe in a “god”.

i was told to my face that i was going to burn in hell by a catholic woman with pure hate in her eyes. my friend told her i was atheist, before that she was quite friendly. i don’t believe in hell, but to have someone hate you because you don’t believe what they believe is hurtful and a bit scary because people who hate sometimes take action against those they hate.

Ol’Froth

That would be like Christians being allowed to put up signs that say that these Atheist and their chilldren will burn in Hell this holiday season

Christians DO say that. Quite often, as I’ve found out. And Allah is a myth, as much as Odin, Zeus, and Hercules.

Chris

Would everyone be so quick to defend this religious display if it were a Hindu shrine or a Wiccan altar? Move the creche to a non-government-owned location and enjoy it – it could probably go about 25 feet down the street and be fine – what’s so hard about that? That said, I think a group coming in from Wisconsin is overkill, but they have that right, too, I guess.

Merry Christmas

Yes as a Christian I would allow it as well. I believe that the constitution gives us that freedom of religion. I don’t force my Christianity on others but I don’t hide it either. I have taught my children that there are other beliefs. We don’t judge people. If you are kind, generous and treat others with respect I don’t care if you are Hindu, Wiccan, atheist, Jew or Muslim. There right to believe or not believe is their right…period. How about we go back to kindergarten rules…treat others with respect. These protestors are not treating people with respect. How can they claim that a little display in Ellwood City is violating their rights in Wisconsin? People of all beliefs as well as atheist who are peaceful in their stance should be upset by these type of tactics. Now if I was coming into their homes and forcing to give money for this display, forcing their children to learn my ways allowing no other way but my way then they would have a right to protest, this is just bully scare tactics. We ban bullying from schools but allow adults freedom to do so and call it a protest.

JACK

There is freedom of religion in the U.S., but there is also separation of church and state. Ellwood City can put up a nativity scene, just do it at the Church.

If a local Muslim group decided to display the Koran and Praise Allah at the Municipal Building, the local Christians would be up in arms.

happy

Where in the constituation does it say seperation of church and state?
It says CONGRESS shall make no law…

Ol’Froth

If Congress can make no law establishing a religion, then we have a seperation of church and state. The government may not favor one religion over another. Allowing a creche, and nothing else, is a government endorsement of Christianity over other religious faiths, or no religious faith. That’s what makes an exclusivly Christian display on public property unConstitutional.
Smith

I would like to jump in and mention that they are not disallowing other faith based displays, they just don’t have any. if other faiths want their items displayed they have to donate them to the City Hall. They have had this Nativity for more than 50 years. If the issue were to “buy a nativity scene” for the holiday display than this would be more of an issue to me. No expense was spared except for the labor in moving the display from storage to the lawn.

Darimus Washington

Is your last name ‘Goff’?
ADAMBACHISACRIMINAL

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1
Dave

First of all, this country was founded on the principles of Christianity and belief in God. Our forefathers were devout Christians who fought and risked everything to have a country where freedom could ring. Secondly, show me where exactly it states that there is separation from religion and state in the Constitution. I keep hearing that, but no one can produce where it is written in the Constitution. The phrase “separation of church and state” itself does not appear in the United States Constitution. The First Amendment states that “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof.” It was never stated that there should be separation of the two. This is something that liberal govt decided in recent history, not our forefathers. I commend the people of Ellwood City. It’s about time these atheists and liberal morons are put in their place. Enough is enough!!!!

James

Show me in the constitution where they said it was founded on Christian Principles?

Many Americans did practice Christianity, but so also did many believe in deistic philosophy. Indeed, most of our influential Founding Fathers, although they respected the rights of other religionists, held to deism and Freemasonry tenets rather than to Christianity.

Dave

Washington rarely discussed or wrote about his religious and philosophical opinions in any great detail, yet he frequently displayed a humble and gracious respect towards God in his personal letters and public speeches. He was a registered member at a number of churches, where he attended but not always weekly, and served as an Anglican vestryman and warden for more than a decade and a half. Thomas Jefferson on the other hand was Episcopilian, so there are two of our founding fathers. Any further questions?
James

Yeah, Cant you just pray and have a personal relationship with gad? Do you really need to turn it into a circus act? False idol… the cross, Crèche
Paul

What are you talking about – false idols? How is looking at a cross, where Jesus Christ was crucified and died from, praying to a false idol? Jesus Christ was quite real and died a horrific death to save our souls. How also is adorning a Creche praying to false idols? Again, the birth of Jesus Christ certainly did happen, so if one looks at it in admiration, thinking about that great moement, how is this considered praying to an idol? You make absolutely no sense.

Gregory

Article 11 of the 1796 Treaty of Tripoli explicitly states:

“As the Government of the United States of America is not, in any sense, founded on the Christian religion”

This treaty was submitted to the Senate by President John Adams, receiving ratification unanimously from the U.S. Senate on June 7, 1797 and signed by Adams, taking effect as the law of the land on June 10, 1797.

Personally, I am agnostic, but I have no problem with religious imagery being placed on public property as long as it is open to all religions. Let the Jewish put up a Menorah if the Christians can erect a manger.
BJ

Correct! The phrase “separation of church and state,” was penned by Thomas Jefferson in a letter To messers Nehemiah Dodge, Ephraim Robbins, & Stephen S. Nelson, a committee of the Danbury Baptist association in the state of Connecticut in 1802. To read the letter go to: http://www.usconstitution.net/jeffwall.html

Dave

Oh, and BTW – when I greet people at department stores or wherever, I do say, Have a Merry Christmas, not Happy Holidays! Afterall, Jesus is the reason for this season.

Dan

Dave – Amen and Merry Christmas!

Jim

Finally a policitican with a set of balls!

gman

The mayor is either clueless or an attention seeker. I`ve been a church goer all my life but I still don`t want an official religion as part of my govt. You all know about the Taliban I presume.

Jim

Are you so dense as to think that placing a nativity scene somehow makes a religion “official?” Wow…
happy

And this makes it an official religion, how?
oldstuff

I couldn’t agree more. By placing any particular religious symbol on government property it is implied that that particular government entity favors that religion, and that if you do not hold those particular beliefs that you are somehow un-American.

The government has no place advocating any particular religion Our country was founded on religious persecution, but because of that it is imperative that we preserve everyone’s rights to worship, or not to worship, as they wish. Therefore, the creche, or any other religious symbol for that matter, needs to stay off of government property.

Eve

This group of radicals are infringing on my rights to see the nativity scene. They still have their right to turn away. In case they have forgotten, their ability to open their mouths and speak their opnions was fought for by God-fearing people that fought for the rights of others and had Jesus as their example to follow.

Brian

Place the nativity scene at a church, at your home, on any private property. But it should not be on public property. And I have no doubt their rights were also fought for by those who do not believe in a god or gods – yes, there are atheists in foxholes.

John

Or Atheist are just like Chihuahua all bark and no bite!!!!!!
wendy

yes, i am an atheist who served 10 years in the united states air force.

Frank

It used to be, not too long ago, when all courthouses/etc had a nativity scene. And I don’t recall that causing some notion of an official religion. So what’s changed? Other than a bunch of whiney protestors. When Christmas is over, the decorations will be down and people will still have their religion (or non-religion) and can go back to the hate that seems to be increasing.

Brian

Most hate comes from the religious.

Here and there

First you claim that atheists help “more than you know”, and now you’re claiming most hate comes from religion. We get it, you have an axe to grind, but no reason to make things up when you obvioulsy don’t have any stats to back up your “claim”
John

You hit the nail on the head Brian. Just like the hate group FFRF. They are a hate religion themselves.

Mukluks

Asking the government to abide by the law makes me a “whiney protestor?”

Brian

“there was no room for them in the inn” Luke 2:7

There apparently still isn’t. Merry Christmas to all.

Hmm

What do you mean there apparently still isn’t? Btw, that verse was taken out of context, also what does that have to do with Christianity. Yes, it is part of the Christmas story and part of what happened, but they way you are presenting it is wrong.

joe

I think nativity scene should stay; I also live in Ellwood City!

I always get confused for these debates? Please fill me in….

Demographics in Ellwood City out of the religious people (well over 50 percent of the people) and 99 percent are Christian. Are those less than 100 people that non-Christian really that offended to look at this for 30 days? Furthermore are those people that are non-religious really that that offended by this?

Matt

Joe – your numbers are all off. There are far more than 100 non-christian ppl in Ellwood, and as in many other communities, I bet you go to church with them (heck, they may be your minister or priest), they teach your kids, they check your pulse and operate on you when you need it.

The point is that by the government of Ellwood owning it (taxpayer $), maintaining it (taxpayer $), and putting it on public land which is owned by all the people, it’s the mayor and then the government of Ellwood endorsing a specific religion, which is what the Constitution says shouldn’t be. Come on – this is nothing that wasn’t covered in your, mine, or anyone else’s civics class in Lincoln. Unless the mayor has just been sitting on all the city owned and maintained jewish, muslim, buddhist, hindu, etc displays in the Municipal Bldg and now has plans to put them out, yeah – this is Ellwood’s government endorsing (by owning, maintaining, etc the creche) a specific religion.

But – having grown up in Ellwood, you’re coming close to playing a chord that I know all too well – a majority wants something (legality, Constitutionality of it be damned), and anyone who disagrees should get out if they don’t like it.

Whenever I come home for a visit, it pains me to see what Ellwood could be, and then, what it has chosen to be instead, because of that message: love it or leave it, that pervades the community. Enjoy shopping in all the bustling shops on Lawrence Avenue this holiday season.

Beth

hey Matt Im from Ellwood and I know for a fact that the man who put up the display did it for free for years until he passed away so where is the tax payer dollars? I for one would be more than happy to donate my time to put the display up and take the display down I would also donate the space to store it if that would make you people who dont even live in our town happy about our Christian display.Im sure that there are plenty of other people in MY town that would also be willing to do the same! The Constitution that these atheisist love to quote also protect us and our rights! separation of church and state was meant to allow a person to practice there religion without persecution! Why dont we see the atheist groups in Dearborn fighting the muslim prayers over the public taxpayer paid loud speakers multiple times a day? Why is it always Christian displays? and attacks against Christians? because we always let it go thats why until all our rights of religion are taken away! Clearly OUR town wants OUR Creche so leave US alone and Matt you can stay in that wonderful “progressive” place you moved to.

gman

Jim..Actually placing a Christian symbol in front of a govt. building most CERTAINLY endorses Christianity as the official religion of the u.s. Who`s dense here? How would you feel about the muslim crescent in front of the building?

Jim

Well since there have already been nativity scenes in the past then we already have Christianity as your so-called official religion… Oh wait, I’m guessing that nativity scenes in the past haven’t changed your life one bit…and you are still free to worship as you please. And personally, I don’t like muslim religion as I feel it’s full of hate, but placing one of their decorations anywhere wouldn’t change my life one bit. And though I celebrate Christmas I am agnostic. But I never felt that the nativity scene in any way is trying to influence my beliefs or affecting my life.

Frank Catalano

Please, as a good LIBERAL “PROGRESSIVE” COMMUNIST DEMOCRAT, I think that we should ban RELIGION, all together…..let’s all have a “Merry Anti-Christmas”…

Frank Catalano

I’m the head athiest, down here in S.C., (originally from PA) and I think that we atheist should rul the country….hell, we Democrats are so intelligent, that it just oozes from our skin (or is that STINK?) and we should determine whether Christmas should be celebrated or not….and we say “NOT”.

John

6% of the US population believed that no god or universal spirit exists and only 0.7% say they are Athiest. SO what are you the head of 4 people? At least you all can car pool to events together.

Ricardo

The bad part is that it’s really not that serious. Is the government endrosing the Christian religion by make Christmas a national holiday? If they were in the midst of constructing a LAW to establish Christianity as the “offical” religion, and that all violators would be subject to presecution, than yeah, rise up in arms against it. But the nativity scene? Really? There has to be something better to do with your time than fight an out of state battle over a symbol that IS THE REASON FOR THE SEASON.

Deal with it, without Christ there wouldn’t even be a Christmas. To try to seperate the two is like trying to have your cake and eat it to, or like showing up at someone’s birthday party and telling the birthday boy/girl that they aren’t important nor are they allowed to be the focus of the celebration.
gman

I suspect that this buffoonish mayor is seeking higher office and he`ll use this phony attention gathering stunt to lock up the votes of the hicks and rednecks,most of whom don`t have a christian bone in their body.
Dave

Not too long ago this county respected its citizens and were God-fearing people. It was a great time for all – a lot of jobs, contentment, and everyone got along. Everyone migrated to this country so that they could build a better life for themselves and practice religion freely, without the fear of being put to death for their beliefs. What has happened since the 50s? The offspring of the 60s and 70s free love people is what we have today. People don’t repsect themselves let alone anyone else. They are very self-centered and selfish people. It’s all about I, I, me, me, mine, mine. It’s also easier to disregard God and His teachings than it is to accept Him and Jesus Christ as your Saviour. This country is in the worse condition than it has ever been in, and it’s not going to get any better. So to all of you atheists, agnostics, etc., who are trying to make people sweep God under the rug, I hope you are satisifed with what you have created – a country of liberal-thinking, self-centered, egotistical morons, who for your sake, better hope that when judgment day comes, that you are forgiven for putting on your blinders.

Jim

Sorry Dave,. but you’re painting with too broad of a brush. I’m agnostic but otherwise agree with what you said. I choose to live my life as if there is a god as I feel it offers a good/clean way of living. But that doesn’t mean I have to blindingly believe that there is something that can’t be proven. If there is a god, I believe we’d be judged on our actions/life style regardless of any self proclaimed belief.
Paul

Dave – you are spot on. I agree that this country is in the worse condition it’s ever been in, and it’s getting worse. I also agree that the disregard of God in our lives is part of the problem. It’s easier to live a path of selfishness and self-centeredness than it is to walk the path of Christ. The best way in life sometimes is not the popular way, and we all know how people want to be popular.

Paul

It’s easier to ignore God and His blessings than it is to live by His 10 Commandments.

oldstuff

I am agnostic and follow a very moral life. I don’t think that Christ, or Jesus has anything to do with how I act.

On the other hand, I know plenty of Christians who are morally bankrupt, but think that just because they put the sign of the fish on the back of the car that that makes everything o.k.

wendy

yes, my mother asked me once why i tried so hard to be a good person when i don’t believe in god. that really made no sense to me. i don’t need to believe or be afraid of a god to be a kind person. i believe in people. sometimes we let each other down, but i believe that most people are good and will help others when and if they can.

Matt

>>and everyone got along.<<

Even the blacks who were told they were second class citizens, and could only drink from certain fountains, go to certain establishments and ride in certain seats on the bus? Where Japanese people were still looked upon as traitors, if not wholly run out of town, where if you didn't have a flag up 24/7 you might be a commie? Those '50s?

Your "history" is a nostalgic fantasy that has little to do with reality. And if you believe one fantasy, what's another…and another…and another….

Tomas

What drug are you smokin’?

James

I love how Christians cant just pray and Keep a relationship with Jesus! Its a Santa clause Circus that lasts two Months, They completely turned it into a consumer holiday. Poor jesus gets forgotten all about christmas morning. The false Idol Santa clause is worshiped in this country.

Merry Christmas

James true Christians do not forget about Jesus, not on Christmas morning, not ever. Lots of people who are not Christians celebrate the commercial Santa Claus side of Christmas. I have Jewish friends who put up trees and take their kids to see Santa. I have an atheist friend who puts on one of the largest Christmas Parties of the season and you wouldn’t believe what she buys her kids. Don’t confuse the two. At our house we know it’s not the actual day that Jesus was born but we have a cake and we sing happy birthday to him. We keep him in our hearts. No amount of protest will change that. I know the origin of Christmas and how Christians came to claim it as their own despite it’s beginnings. It’s really OK to have both, we do a religious celebration and a commercial celebration, as long as you stay true to who you are.

PRAISE JESUS

IN GOD WE TRUST! GOD BLESS AMERICA.! CELEBRATE JESUS’ BIRTHDAY! IF YOU DON’T LIKE IT, THEN DON’T LOOK AT IT — THAT SIMPLE.

wendy

well, i said before that i didn’t have a problem with it IF other religious displays are allowed. but you are saying to not look at it? SO THEN FREAKING MOVE IT SO ATHEISTS DON’T HAVE TO LOOK AT IT IF THEY NEED TO GO TO A GOVT BUILDING! see the flaw in your response?

law

wendy no one said other religious displays were not allowed. There has been no report that the Mayor picked a Christian symbol and denied others. BTW just this week the Supreme Court permitted a display of Christianity, permit applied for and granted….highest court in our land. The law is clear, the government CANNOT stop you from practicing your religion you CANNOT be forced to hide it.

Heather Doyle Duganieri

I think the people of Ellwood City should decide what they want, not anyone else. Especially not a group of people from out of state. They’ve nothing better to do than try and push their agenda on other people?

It makes no sense.

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