“There will be readings by an IslamicAirman, a Jewish Airman, an African-American Christian Airman, a Jewish chaplain(rabbi), a Buddhist sensei and a Catholic chaplain (priest). By design, this expresses some of the rich religious diversity that makes up America's Air Force and your United States Air Force Academy.”
Yea; you're so right Luigi. It is scary:
What is scary (but not surprising) is that some cannot recognize the explicit endorsement of a particular religious belief in this case, Christianity
I can definitely see the "Explicit" endorsement of christianity here.
No, what is really scary, is how for many people, the 1st amendment is so important to them, but ONLY when it benefits them and/or the minority. If it's the majority, then the 1st amendment isn't important. It's OK to endorse, support, and recognize something like National Black Heritage Month. For the last couple months, people in the military and around the country were supporting, discussing rights to express, etc... for gays/lesbians. So, as long as it's a minority group, the 1st amendment is applicable and everyone, including the military/government can support and endorse it. But if it's the majority, then they aren't allowed to be recognized.
It's ok for muslims, buddists, hindu, wicca, etc... to be critical of christian religions, but if a christian is critical of any of the "Minority" religions in our country, they are racist, bigots, hate crime prone, etc... The more I read these type of arguments, the more I realize exactly how socially engineered our society has become. It is such hypocrisy.
If this was a Christian "Endorsement" like you dillusionally want to believe; I'd be in full support and understanding of your position. But it isn't. It is a luncheon recognizing religious diversity. Just because the overwhelming majority of Americans, and our forefathers, were people of faith, and are the majority of the country, just pisses off the atheists. Again; if this was a luncheon to honor, celebrate, recognize, etc... some minority group, there would be no law suit or whining by the plaintiffs. They'd be celebrating this groups 1st amendment rights. But it's not. It's the Majority wanting the same 1st amendment right.
I came into the military a short time after Vietnam wound down. There were still quite a few people not respectful of military in uniform. I was at an airport in uniform in 1979, and a lady told be and some other service personnel that we should be ashamed of ourselves for killing people or supporting it. I wanted to blow up at her and kick or a$$. A major there, who had come in during the late 60's told me:
"We don't get to choose which constitutional rights we defend. And our job is only honorable if we protect the rights of all people. Especially a person's right to free speech, when that speech is directed towards us and intended to hurt. It's easy to defend the right to speech we agree with. It's more honorable to defend speech filled with hate towards us."
Maybe the plaintiffs of this bogus lawsuit should consider that. This recognition luncheon is recognizing all religion and the affect and influence it has had on our country, military, and the academy. Sorry folks, but those with religious beliefs ARE THE MAJORITY!!! Just because those without any religious beliefs are Minorities, doesn't mean that their will and desires are more important. That is probably the part that p.o.'s me the most. The hypocrites who support and defend the 1st amendment, as long as they "Agree" with it. Support those person's rights that you totally disagree with, and makes your blood boil. THEN, you will have honor. Until then, I don't have any respect for the hypocrites.
