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| Thursday, June 29, 2006 I Must Disagree Sir, While your column was moving, I MUST Disagree with your assumption that the Freedom to speak is the most valuable. The Second Amendment ensures that the tyrants will not have an easy time of silencing Free Speech. Take away the means to physically reject Tyranny, Tyranny has free reign. Just as those who pledged their Honor, Fortune, and Lives, I am willing and semi able, I haven't much Fortune. But, just like Randy Weaver's wife and child learned, the folks at Waco, Kelo vs. New Haven, et al., our present State is overwhelming. We enjoy the "Right" to free speech at Its whim. See McCain Feingold. The ONLY reason the oligarchy hasn't clamped down yet is because too many of us are still willing to kill agents of the State, beit with a firearm, knife, or with our bare hands. No Jewish ghettoes for me. That, sir, is the measure of a Patriot. Are you, as a Christian, willing to send another human (infidel, Lost, or even, misguided Christian) to meet Jesus face to face, simply to protect another's, or your, Property, Life, or Liberty??? Are you willing to die in the attempt of said defense?? Call me a Fundie, Creationist, Zealot, whatever; but, without the mental devotion (dedication) to Truth (not "fairness") and the physical means of Resistance, "The First Amendment" falls flat on its face. I hope I have made an inroad into why the 2nd is the protector of the 1st. Thank you for your time. Sincerely, John S. Thanks Thanks you for the great commentary "Are We Burning Freedom?" It was in the Racine Journal Times this last Sunday. Nick L. Tuesday, June 27, 2006 Good Work Keep up the good work Rutherford. Take care and God bless, Charles R. Great Column Great column on no knock. The Roberts court is, I fear, likely to be even worse than I imagined. But the idea of making police liable for their mistakes is one which has surely come. Somebody should start a lobbying group. DH McComb Problem Far Reaching It is with great anger I read about the Clark County School District’s action against Brittany. I taught in that District for 10 years, and found the administration to be tyrannical to say the very least. Administration decrees, and the teacher had damn well follow or else! Never mind the teacher my have great success with getting across the subject matter, any one student’s parents that do not like the grade their kid earns the teacher must lower his expectations for learning success. Brittany’s problem is far more public then the in house mess of the District and the attempt to educate. However, the pronouncement of Mr. Hoffman regarding the right of the District’s stand based upon the action of the 9th District Court made me laugh. The 9th District Court is so liberal it is a house organ for the ACLU. The 9th Court’s rulings are over turned so often by the Supreme Court it is like a merry-go-round. The ‘Doctrine of the Separation of Church and State’ is located in the US Constitution right before the ‘Doctrine of the Right of Abortion.’ You can look it up and lots of luck on your search. Should your organization fill suite against the school district it seems to me the suite should include the administrators of Foothill High School, the District Superintendent, and Mr. Hoffman, the School Board collectively and individually, and by all means the ACLU collectively and individually of the representatives located here in Las Vegas. If enough law suites were brought against the ACLU across the country at the same time maybe it would break them financially and get ride of them once and for all. We can only hope! Bob & Jan Defending Free Speech V/R Britt S. Thursday, June 22, 2006 Thank You For Your Support Emme W. Wednesday, June 21, 2006 Christians Aren't The Enemy Michelle B. Attack On Our Homes And I wonder what would have happened to Estelle had she just finished cleaning her .45 and had the presence of mind to blow holes in a few of the invaders. I imagine the end result would have been a dead 50 year old woman, gunned down by the overzealous, die-hard, police force. I suppose some would argue that the solution to this would be disarmament of the citizenry. Go figure. I have been increasingly disturbed by the paramilitary mindset of our police forces; military haircuts, black and camouflage utilities, weapons, etc. A mindset which separates them from the public they are meant to protect and serve and gives them a sense of superiority. This aspect combined with the cocky, power-hungry personalities that this job already attracts is a dangerous combination. A people should not fear or be intimidated by their police force unless they are violating the law. Sadly, we live in a time when the words “arrogant prick” seem to accurately describe the impression given by many of our officers. Scott H. Tuesday, June 20, 2006 Don't Burn The Flag... Men Died For It Not when it fans the fire of hatred of ones fellow countrymen thirty years ago and today. In fact is common sense that I and others don't want our flag burned after all those that did die for it. We can go Christian here and even go as far as to say God says we should not idolize and in the same breath he says render unto Caesars what is Caesars. Cold cut to the point this is my country it is doing very well financially in the world and is very strong militarily, as true Americans we have compassion for the little guy and we do the right thing. I have traveled and I thank God I live here in America and that my children have that same promise of I can do here and succeed and live my dreams work and be rewarded for so. Since it's not that way thanks to liberal policy's and laws in NYS. I and children are guilty the bad guys have the scales tipped in their favor and things are just as poor here morally and politically in general but I can change that or move to another state. I can still change things here for the better of all. I also can still defend my country and do so every day and as a legally armed citizen would do so if the fight comes here and just who would want to burn a flag that represents all of this and much more. I'd have to assume it is my enemy no American would do that, not a true American. When I was in school coming of age I enlisted I had a teacher who's son objected and refused to serve but also refused to run away to Canada I respect this man and he is one reason I enlisted to protect thinking different and yet loyal. This is America the greatest nation on earth I want the law. Regards, Mike W. Give Me a Place to Sign... I wanted to contact you in reference to the article you wrote for Christianity Today titled "Stand Up for Wicca." Wonderful piece, and refreshingly unbiased to boot. I am a Soldier, a wiccan, and a combat veteran, so I understand the issue SGT Stewart's widow is having with the VA. If there is any sort of petition, please let me know. I would be honored to be the first of many names to demand our constitutional rights. Thanks again, Shawn B. Monday, June 19, 2006 Where the Sanctity of Marriage Should Really Be Thank you for expressing the facts about marriage. The important facts, that is. Finally someone writes something intelligent about this marriage issue that touches upon the essence of where the sanctity of marriage should really be. Oh, yes I remember now, possibly somewhere in those vows of committment? Thank you for your article. What a relief and joy it was to read it. Please God, help save us from the hypocrisy of the right-wing dogmatists and their involvement in our government policies. A Tradition of Torture Maybe you knew this and have even written about it--maybe some of your readers and supporters knew . . . well I have not known. TORTURE BY THE UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT HAS A LONG, LONG OFFICIAL TRADITION. It has been around long before Bush. The US operated a torture school in Panama from 1946 to 1984. Why didn't I know this? I'm 46 years old. The same school exists at Fort Benning Georgia today. Check out these sites from reliable sources: http://www.thenation.com/doc/20051226/klein http://www.workers.org/2005/us/soa-1201/ http://www.soaw.org/new/newswire_detail.php?id=983 http://www.guardian.co.uk/usa/story/0,12271,1664174,00.html http://www.sundayherald.com/46535 Thanks from Stephen Q Heads Buried In The Bible... John, Enjoyed your commentary. Suspect the facts will not influence the Religious Right (and they are neither) since they have their heads buried in the Bible. Facts about the Bible indicate that most of the oral records captured in the Bible were written at least 20 years after Christ's death. Hard to repeat a story that long and still consider it non-fiction. Roger S. Welcome to Our Fight I know you from the minute-long PSA radio spots concerning Constitutional Law that are played regularly on one of the local College radio stations here in SE Connecticut. I have always enjoyed these adds and consider them a valuable source of information. I understand you are now looking at the "VA-vs-Pagan Vets" situation regarding Militairy Headstones. I truly thank you for your interest in this matter as it is one close to my heart. Exclusion from the VA aproval list is very simply descrimination. The fact that those descriminated against have made their stand, often at the cost of their lives only makes the refusal all the more heinous. Again I thank you for your interest in this matter and welcome you to join our fight. Blessed be, Merry meet, and Happy Fathers Day. Peter B. Divorce Rates... I read your recent guest column in the SM Daily News with interest but ended up with several questions. Although I haven't verified the statistics you cited, there seemed to be several inconsistencies with the ones you gave. First, the implication of your example of higher divorce rates in "Bible Belt" states as compared to traditionally liberal states like Massachusetts is that the evangelicals are more likely to divorce than liberals (more likely even than the national average). But the Barna Group survey you cite would appear to contradict that assertion in its finding that born again Christians have the same divorce rate as those not born again. Furthermore, if only 35% of born agains eventually divorce, wouldn't this be a lower divorce rate than the national average of 50%? And the finding that "relatively few divorced Christians got divorced before their religious conversion" would appear to mean little without additional statistical information about the marriage age and age of conversion to Christianity of this group. After all, if one marries at 24 and converts to Christianity at 26, that leaves only two years to divorce before conversion, but many years to divorce afterwards. Finally, I agree with your concern for the plight of traditional families. But how would allowing same-sex families improve this situation? Many who oppose same-sex marriage believe that it would only add to the overall family problems we see in the U.S., so using current heterosexual family issues as a justification for allowing same-sex marriage doesn't seem like a strong argument. Sincerely, John K. A Very Sincere Thank You As a Vietnam veteran who is also a Wiccan priest, and as the National Coordinator of The Pagan Veterans Headstone Campaign, this act of religious intolerance sickens my soul. I served my country in uniform for four years and know many others of my faith who served as long or longer; yet we face this. I would also like to tell you about Abe Kooiman and his wife Rosemary. Abe was a World War II veteran who was decorated but who prized his Combat Infantryman's Badge above almost all else. He was also Wiccan priest. Abe passed away about three years ago and Rosemary contacted me to help her obtain a headstone with a Pentacle. For two and a half years Rosemary and I worked together, even going so far as to place a vinyl Pentacle sticker on Abe's headstone at Arlington National Cemetery. Unfortunately, Rosemary passed away a few months back without ever seeing success and now both of their headstones will lack an appropriate 'emblem of spirit.' Charles A., National Coordinator Pagan Veterans Headstone Campaign Freedom of Speech... There Is A Limit With our freedom of speech, we have to put up with this nonsense. But their is a limit. At a funeral, there should be no protests or aberrant behavior — only respect for the deceased and the mourners. Their rights should be respected according to our constitution. When that comes which is perfect, knowledge - wisdom - tongues shall disappear. So knowledge is not such a hot deal. What is perfect is the truth. GOD designed truth. It is true that we have criminal activity. But it aint the truth. JESUS be the truth. Friday, June 16, 2006 A Wrong Take on the Founders Evidently Chris C. (June 12, 2006, Sound Off) has never read anything concerning the Constitution Convention of 1789 and what was said by the delegates concerning what kind of nation they wished to provide for us. Forbidding the Federal Government from designating a national denomination is a far cry from creating a secular nation. I request that Chris C. do a little research before posting such wrong opinion. Larry P Wicca When my own son was killed, there was never any question about how his death would be memorialized. From an upbringing of no religion to a long flirtation with Zen Buddhism, he spent his last couple of years as a Christian, and it gave him great comfort. Even though I was confirmed a Christian, I had long left the church. But believe you me, his memorial service was in the high Episcopal church that he had enjoyed until the medication which killed him made him too fat and embarrassed to go. And there are flowers on the "Our Lady" altar on the Sundays nearest his birthday and the dark day of his death. I would have it no other way. Ellen L. Engaging and Insightful I enjoyed your article on marriage, very good. I find most of your thoughts engaging and insightful. Are you familiar with Frederica Mathews-Green? Check out her book Gender. Keep up the good work! Peace, john c. Seaford Star Article Thank you for supporting our community, our morals, and thank you for being a real Christian. God Bless, Evelyne C. Tuesday, June 13, 2006 Preposterous This is preposterous. What is it exactly, the all-knowing government of the U.S.A., deems of merit about the 30 accepted symbols and unacceptable about all other considered symbols. I seriously doubt things they have not even considered or seen are all unacceptable. Likewise, many symbols mean different things to different people, groups, and GOD. Isn't this person at least entitled to have his last wishes honored and let what is in his heart, mind, spirit, and soul be between him and GOD. I sit here wondering if GOD is looking for 1 sheep or 99 on an issue like this. Church Using School April B. Monday, June 12, 2006 Free Speech Issue of Interest It seems the" war on terror" is being used as an excuse for government to shut people up in UK just like here in US. See the heroics of Brian Haw--news I have not come across in any mainstream US media. I believe it would have been significant enough for US coverage beyond" mention in passing"--although I never even heard a" mention". Perhaps it was covered? Check these sites out: http://www.parliament-square.org.uk/pressreleases.htm http://politics.guardian.co.uk/iraq/story/0,,1781182,00.html --Stephen Q. We Just Hear From The Zealots Mr. Rutherford, I just wanted to say thank you very much for your article "Stand Up, Stand Up for Wicca". As a former Christian, I know there are Chrisitans out there who follow what it really means to be a Christian, we just hear from the zealots. Sounds alot like Wicca to me!! You only hear from the wierdos. I thank you for standing up for Sgt. Stewart and his widow. You and I may have different relegious beliefs but I am glad to see someone stand up for the beliefs of those who aren't the majorityand the beliefs of others. I applaud you. Thank you. Blessed Be! Shannon W. Nail On The Head John, So many times I have read your commentaries and picked up a whole different line of thought on an issue, but this time you hit the nail right on the head—and I already thought that way! You are so right that this sham of an amendment will do little or nothing to “protect” marriage and the family! It is true that a nation that coddles homosexuality the way we are beginning to do is usually on its last leg as a nation, but that is a SYMPTOM rather than a CAUSE. All you have to do is look at Hollywood to see how fidelity, marriage, all that is treated with contempt and ridicule—and the audiences eat it up with a spoon! No, an amendment to our constitution will not “protect” marriage, only individuals walking in the spirit of God can do that. How many of those are really left in this nation. I wonder. Keith G. Expressing the Plight I simply wish to say thank you for so eloquently expressing the plight of Sgt. Patrick Stewart and his family in their fight to gain the simple favor of the Wiccan symol of faith on Sgt. Stewart's headstone. May your words fall on hearing ears. Sincerely, Rev. Jennifer S. The Marriage Amendment You conclude your article with a question that is not the essential question. By making this comment, and explaining it shortly, I am not critical of you or your article. You ask a legitimate question. But there is more. You ask if the amendment is the BEST solution. But it need not be the best solution. It is not an either or situation. Not a false dichotomy. Another/better (?) question is, is it any part of the solution/cure to the divorce rate in America or in the church? Is it even important to have the amendment as a statement or symbol about us, about America? Re having the amendment, I am not entirely comfortable with a yes answer in one sense. The equal protection clause could be interpreted to require the same protections for anybody seeking to marry, in marriage, or single. Of course, if you say no, or leave it to the states (we end up with no US Constitutional Amendment), the force of logic would open the door to not only same sex marriages but two people who choose to live together for the benefits of marriage, be they same or heterosexual and not in a sexual relationship. (Think of two elderly lady friends, both widowed, who marry for the benefits.) Now consider a man who wants to marry his daughter, an adult. Or the woman who wants to marry her cat. Or the man who wants multiple partners. There is no end. But do we have an Amendment that is potentially allowing some unequal protection when the Amendment is morally right? Is the Amendment moral a right/correct thing? Still, to get back to your question, even if the amendment is not the best solution to the problem of brokenness in the church--in the form of divorce rates (is divorce necessarily a sign of brokenness by both partners and or a "bad" thing?) the "problem" must still be addressed. What is the best solution to this brokennes in the church? How does the marriage amendment do anything about the divorce rate in the church? Does it help in any way? I enjoy your articles. Thanks. Andrew D. Thoughtful Article As a long-time Wiccan priest and veteran, I'd like to thank you for your thoughtful article regarding Sgt. Patrick Stewart that appeared on CHRISTIANITY TODAY.com. I would like to point out though, that your point about the United States being founded on a Judeo-Christian base is somewhat inaccurate. The foundation of western civilization did not begin with Christianity, and many of its core values derive from the pre-Christian era. The concept of democracy arose in pagan Greece. The concept of a republican form of government arose among pagan people such as the Phoenicians and their Carthaginian descendants and the Romans. Our reverence for the rule of law arises from pagan Rome. Many of the ideas we hold on the rights of men come from English Common Law, which had its roots in the laws of the pagan Germans and Celts. In the Middle Ages, Christian thought promulgated two forms of government--the divine right of kings and a papal theocracy. The concept of rights of men, representative forms of government were fueled by the rediscovery of pagan philisophical thought in the Renaissance when the concept of humanism first appeared in the writings of philosophers like Erasmus. It's worth noting that the pagan philisophical schools were shut down by order of the Christian Emperors who succeeded Constantine the Great. Finally, I'd point out that one of the earliest treaties ratified by the Senate--that ending the war with the Barbary States--specifically states that the United States is not a Christian country. Since many of the Founding Fathers were still active in the government at the time, I'd say that makes it pretty clear that this country was deliberately founded as a secular state. I raise this issue, because the claim that the U.S. was founded as a Christian nation is one of the primary points made by the extreme Christian Right--adherents of Christian Nationalism in particular. Our Founding Fathers deliberately established the U.S. as a secular state because they remembered the horrors of the religious wars of the 17th century. In their fanaticism, the extremists on the religious right--who are essentially Christian Taliban--are perfectly willing to unleash that level of hatred and violence again. It behooves all of us who love this country, regardless of our religious faith, or lack thereof, to prevent that from happening. One step in that process is to recognize the contributions made to Western Civilization by those who were building it before Christianity ever appeared. Regards, Chris C. Thursday, June 08, 2006 Acknowledging The Honour Dear Mr. Whitehead, I read your article on Christianity Today, and as a witch would like to sincerely thank you for acknowledging the honour due a soldier who fell while defending his country, no matter his religion. And for bringing awareness to fellows of your faith of this injustice to our veterans. In today's political environment it can be rare for someone to stand up for what he believes to be right, even if it is not necessarily a popular opinion. Thank you, Brenda A. PS- Should you wonder why a heathen would be perusing a Christian website, there was a link to it from www.witchvox.com, a Pagan news and networking site. Wiccan Plaque Article I recently read your article in Christianity Today on the family of Wiccan solider Sgt. Patrick Stewart being denied the use of the Wiccan symbol of a pentacle on his plaque at the Northern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery. As a Wiccan myself, I want to thank you for your fair and respectful treatment of Wicca and the plight of the Stewart family in your article. I was especially moved by your call to Christians to support religious freedom for all faiths in order to protect religious freedom as an American value. Thank you Mr. Whitehead for your logic, kindness and patriotism. Sincerely, Jennie W. Fallbrook, Ca Many Thanks I most thoroughly enjoyed your article "Stand up, Stand up for Wicca" posted on ChristianityToday.com. I, too, firmly believe that the purpose of lives lost is not for their sakes but for ours -- the defense of the precious rights part and parcel to our American experiment. It's rare to find a fellow Christian committed to the defense of minority rights, especially when it comes to the defense of a religion completely antithetical to the tenets of the Christian faith. Yet I feel the need to play devil's advocate. Mr. Whitehead, I wished to pose this question: as Americans, we are obliged to protect the rights of others; but does protecting the earthly "rights" of others hinder the love and light of Christ, or help it? What does it say for the kingdom that awaits Christ's followers when they advocate an artificial barrier between them and those who need Christ? Would Christ appreciate a country that implicitly encouraged wayward spiritual paths by giving them space? I suppose it comes down to peace on earth vis-a-vis peace with Christ. This is certainly a pickle to tackle -- whether to reserve your passions for the sake of earthly peace, or engage your passions to ensure others will see the kingdom and find eternal peace -- but I wanted to read your opinion about it. I also question your statement that our country was founded on a "Judeo-Christian base." While it's true that Christians made up signers of the Declaration of Independence and delegates to the Constitutional Convention, the ideas belonged to Enlightenment thinkers such as John Locke and the Baron de Montesquieu. This goes without mentioning the more memorable Founding Fathers, such as Thomas Jefferson, who was a Deist; as were many other important thinkers of his time. If you wish to respond, I would deeply appreciate it, and I would look forward to reading your reply. Many thanks! Respectfully, Ryan S. Dangerous Conclusion Mr. Whitehead: I am a Christian, an American, and an attorney with some knowledge of constitutional law. I believe you have reached a wrong and dangerous conclusion in your article, "Whose Freedoms Are We Fighting For?" Yes, a strict, literal interpretation of the Constitution might support your contention. . Until recent years, an widespread respect in our country for the teachings of Christ (even among non-Christians) avoided the nightmares inherent in a literal interpretation and application of some of the "rights" set forth in the Consititution. Any scholar could agree, in theory, that the wildest, most destructive religious faith and practices imaginable were protected by those rights, but we have been largely secured by the aforesaid respect, and by the common-sense and accepted understanding of those constitutional provisions based on the obvious original intent of their authors. For 2 centuries or more, only the rarest examples were found of those who would apply these consitututional rights to approve the evil and deviant practices found in many religious faiths, or even to give them any official recognition. Even more rare was the case in which anyone labelled this as religious discrimination. You have pointed out some of those rare cases and persons. However, overwhelmingly, our national history does not support those positions and I would suggest that an impartial evaluation of that history does not support your position in this matter. You have listed some examples of approved religious symbols for government headstones or memorial plaques. Many of these are not familiar to me and, I would dare say, to you, but you evidently listed these to prove the fact that the Wiccan symbol should be approved for government (not private) symbols. In truth, your argument has to be that any religious symbol should be approved. I won't try to describe the endless possibilities for such a practice in our present and future culture, but I would hope you would agree that here has to be a line drawn somewhere. Further, you may want to consider the logic of supporting any religious symbol simply because the government may have approved (perhaps without serious consideration or any particular standard) previous symbols. I appreciate your expressions of respect and honor for this fallen soldier. I am also aware of your aversion to the Iraq War and President Bush. Please tell me that this aversion did not influence your conclusions and your manner of expression of same in this article. Attorney Guy S. Blessings to you and yours Duane "Raven Spirit" Marshall "To understand our past mistakes and to neutralize the feeling of shame or guilt over our past inadequacies, we must understand that the acts we commit are neither good nor bad but are only wise or unwise depending upon our particular awareness at that time." ~Thomas D. Willhite~ Wow Thank you for supporting the battle of Mrs. Stewart in our efforts to get the pentacle accepted as an emblem allowed by the VA. There are many of us in the community that follow this effort and search the internet for any reference to it. Some articles are full of hate and bile and it seems that they couldn't possibly be from our fellow Americans. When we find one like yours it helps lighten our hearts and minds and lets us realize - even if you don't agree with our belief system you are willing to stand up with us. We do know there are many like you, if we could just get them to speak out. Even if it isn't as eloquently you have. Thank you again, Charlys Good Deed Thank you for writing such an uplifting and encouraging article about Pagan rights. It is very comforting to see more and more true Christians acting the part of their faith instead of just blowing steam. I hope you don't get too much criticism for you wonderful article, because it deserves much praise. I found out about it from a news listing found on Witchvox.com and I must say that it surprised me very much. I have been trying since I found out about this issue to repeatedly contact the VA office, but my words have probably been chucked into someone's recycle bin, I'm sure. Here is an article that a member of Witchvox wrote on the topic. I'm sure you have already read about a lot of this, but I figured it was worth your attention, should you care to read past this point. I'm sure you are a very busy man. http://www.witchvox.com/va/dt_va.html?a=usva&c=words&id=10603 Thank you so much for taking the time to read my little commentary. And may the god of your choice bless you for your good deed. -Witchvox member Llunmere Excellent article! I think this all boils down to misunderstanding. Probably most people think wiccans are cooky, satan worshiping old hags. Nothing further can be from the truth. I am 28 year old male and a college teacher in South Florida. I think that the government is understandably afraid to endorse it because most people think the pentacle has to do with satan or evil, which is a myth that gets perpetuated over and over in hollywood movies. I myself wear my pentacle under my shirt. Just dealing with the stares at the supermarket isn't worth the hassle sometimes. There are many other symbols in wicca - the triple goddess symbol, moon symbols, the eight spoked wheel, the celtic knots and the tree of life, among many others. Has anyone ever tried to approve those? For example - the swistika is a "bad" symbol in American's eyes. Yet, in many Eastern religions, swastika is placed on the buddha and represents something good, a sun sign. I saw one up close at the outdoor buddha in Hong Kong when I went. Now, what if someone wanted to approve a swastika on a US tombstone? It would look pretty ridiculous, right? Symbols exist in a meaning all unto themselves, and also, within the larger cultural and political context of our society. Given that reality, I could live with a happy medium so to speak, of picking some other symbol, particularly one that doesn't cause people to cast mean spirited glances in my direction. Besides, it's not the symbol itself that is of import, it's the idea that it represents. Thank you again for your article, Joseph I read your article about the war widow. I recieved the e-mail with the article about the war widow who was refused in putting the Wiccan symbol on her husband's tombstone. Even though I am a christian, I am appalled by their refusal. It looks as if his life wasn't even enough to earn him freedom to die as he would chose. There is something wrong with that picture in 2006. I enjoyed your article and I am glad you help people who have been done wrong. Pam H. Wicca Article I just wanted to take the opportunity to thank you for your kind and understanding words about our struggle to persuade the current Administration to extend the right to be properly recognized to all of our Wiccan and Pagan servicepeople. This has been a very important issue to my coreligionists and me, and we are extremely gratified to see such a cogent and compelling arguement put forth on our behalf -- on a website which is all too often filled with misinformation about Wicca. As a Witch, a Druid, and a Libertarian I applaud your stand. Thanks again, Arion the Blue High Druid of Durham Seems To Me Thank You Dear Mr. Rutherford: Thank you for the great article in Christianity Today about Sergeant Pat Stewart's Constitutional right to have a Wiccan symbol on his Memorial Marker. I am a Christian minister and was Pat's chaplain prior to my retirement from the Nevada Army National Guard. I've been doing everything I can to help Roberta during this difficult and inexplicable time. We're wondering what her next step should be since the VA continues to stonewall. Do you have any ideas? In any case, thanks for the fine piece in CT. Some of the resistance that Roberta gets comes from conservative Christian quarters. Your essay is an important effort to put the focus where it needs to be--on our constitutional rights. Best wishes, Bill C. Tuesday, June 06, 2006 Proper Religious Symbol Mr. Whitehead: I am a United Methodist pastor. I have just finished reading your article regarding the injustice being done to the family of one who gave the ultimate in service and is now being denied the proper religious symbol on his grave marker, the sole reason being that he and his family are followers of Wicca. It was masterfully written and it grieves my heart that this family is having to undergo this particular ordeal. I am not in favor of the current administration's war efforts nor of the previous Bush administration (W's father). However, that is beside the point. Idiocy in any form is still idocy and when it morphs into bigotry and denial, the hurt is only compounded. I recall reading a quote from the writings of the Ned Rorem. (I think it was Mr. Rorem, if my memory serves me correctly. And sometimes it still does in the gray matter of this member of the baby-boomer generation who now finds himself somewhere between fifty-seven and death.)He wrote, "The only thing worse than a dumb bigot is a smart bigot." I laughed out loud when I first read it several years ago. However, the irony is really not so. At any rate, thanks for your writing efforts. You've helped raise my consciousness about this matter and I am grateful. Everyone's particular relgious affiliation has the possibility of being put in jeopardy when shenanigans like this are played out. Hopefully, this situation will be changed in the very near future. Continued success be yours. I am, Yours sincerely, James E. Monday, June 05, 2006 On Your Story This past year the city of Santa Fe NM was visited by the Westboro Baptist church of Topeka, Kansas –as you know is a hateful, militant group that promotes words of hate and death as though it were God’s word. The story below demonstrates how this church is perceived by the general public and as history has demonstrated - people like this can go along way to diminish the rights of all people in the world. Following is a statement that was published in a New Mexico newspaper. The statement was made by a person who opposed the message of this church. Poet Joanna Cattonar, 63, waved a large placard with the words: "Fear + Ignorance = Bigotry.'' She said she got her orders to attend the rally from Vice President Dick Cheney. "When the vice president was speaking at the 60th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz, he said that hatred and intolerance must be opposed before they turn into action,'' she said. Cattonar said some activists suggested ignoring the anti-gay group. "But what happened when people ignored the situation in the 1930's? It led Hitler to power'' How can freedom of speech continue to protect people like this, while their actions directly affect others by denying the freedom for life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness? Is this freedom of speech, or just freedom to spread HATE? This Westboro Baptist church hates the Gay-Community, African-Americans, Canada, Sweden, the Fire Department of NY, victims of 911, Christian Churches, The Pope, Judaism, America, Our American Troops, and the list goes on and on. Many of the groups they despise are specifically named on their hate propaganda, picket signs, and their many websites. They not only hate, but wish death on all that they abhor. This sick, so called church spreads its hate through picketing in our streets, provoking attacks, with abusive vulgar language. Worst of all, they endanger their own young children, having them man the front lines in their combative demonstrations – attempting to create a confrontation and cause for one more of their frivolous lawsuits. If a mother has given her son to this country and is putting Him in his grave, this is not the time or the place. This is not about protesters, this is about a group that calls that mother names on the way into a church to say goodbye to that son. We are not talking about FREEDOM we are talking about human decency. This is not about protesting, this is about a life of hate. If you have not seen this group in action I would ask you to. They are not peaceful. I am all for protest when there is a reason, I have been in many. This group will protest anything to get its face on TV or in the news. It is about an old man lost in the darkness of hate, but will put his six year old grandson in danger to save himself. Do we have a real need to protest at any funeral? The city of Topeka, the state of Kansas and the U.S. at large, its citizens and their Churches, schools and events are all held hostage by this “hate group” - always at the tax payer’s expense. THE HATE MUST STOP!!! Thank you for your time. -- a very concerned citizen Wicca Article: You Are an Honorable Man Dear Mr. Whitehead: As a law professor and a Wiccan, I tend to view Christian legal organizations with caution--especially when they claim to advocate for religious freedom. Too often, they advocate religious freedom for Christians only. I viewed your organization with the same caution, until today. Today, I read the column "Stand Up, Stand Up for Wicca." As I read, I assumed it was written by a Wiccan. Then I reached the end and was dumbstruck to see that you are the author. I was not just dumbstruck; I was touched and encouraged. Now I know that you stand for religious freedom for all of us. You are a man of integrity. Thank you. Elizabeth D. Upholding The Freedom Hi John, I agree with your article in Christianity Today concerning freedom of religion. If we don't uphold the freedom of even those religions we disagree with, we can't expect Christianity to be free--even though it is the religion most discriminated against today as witnessed in our schools and public squares. Can you tell me who to contact concerning this issue? I would appreciate it. God's Blessings in Christ, Pastor Brian L. A Troubled World Dear Mr. Whitehead, Thank you for your gracious, thoughtful, and oh-so-sensible opinion. Would that more Christians believed as you do. I think it would make Jesus very proud of you all. And it most assuredly would show a troubled world one of America's greatest strengths. Sincerely, Amanda B. Alaska Friday, June 02, 2006 Blueprint Ronnie |
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