essentialsaltes: (notpraying mantis)
essentialsaltes ([personal profile] essentialsaltes) wrote2009-08-07 06:42 am
Entry tags:

Iowa update

The governor of Iowa was "disturbed, personally" and would have been offended by the bus ad stating that atheists are 'not alone'. I suppose it would be charitable to think that this is merely political grandstanding for the benefit of his bigoted constituency. But possibly he is sincerely disturbed by the militant atheists in his state who have the temerity to publicly announce their existence. Will these vermin stop at nothing?!?

[identity profile] crboltz.livejournal.com 2009-08-07 02:44 pm (UTC)(link)
I'm upset at the controversy this is causing. I find the text of the advertisement far less offensive than many of the adverts placed by groups that claim the same religion I follow. (in fact, I can't find anything to get offended about -- and I'm one of those freaky goes to church, sing in the choir, wears a cross, prays regularly etc. type of person)

I've said it before, and I'll say it again: The great thing about living in a country with freedom of speech is that you are going to encounter ideas that offend or at the very least challenge your preconceived notions every time you leave your home. That is wonderful. It provides you with an opportunity to get a look into other people's lives, and analyze that which you think is wonderful, and carefully consider that which you find less than wonderful and why. When my views are challenged, I grow as a person. All Americans should celebrate being offended. Yet today most Americans seem to think freedom of speech, and freedom of religion only apply if the speaker exercising the freedom agrees 100% with the person listening.

And that is the tragedy of America today.

[identity profile] essentialsaltes.livejournal.com 2009-08-07 03:42 pm (UTC)(link)
Yeah, Nat Hentoff had it right when he said that a lot of people want Free Speech for Me, but Not for Thee.

[identity profile] neverjaunty.livejournal.com 2009-08-09 05:57 pm (UTC)(link)
Even Nat Hentoff is right once in a while.

[identity profile] rsheslin.livejournal.com 2009-08-08 04:37 am (UTC)(link)
I <3 the mantis icon.