Vandal admits to criminal activity
In my previous post, I speculated concerning possible vandalism of the “Let reason previal” FFRF banner which was placed on Public Square in Wilkes-Barre. It appeared to be the case that someone cut the strings holding the banner and placed on American flag in its place. I was right.
Shortly before 4 p.m. Thursday, a man who identified himself as Joe McDonald climbed about 30 feet up the sculpture, cut two wires holding one end of the banner, and left it dangling in the wind alongside an American flag that he had placed on the scaffolding.
“I just think in the light of the elementary school massacre in Connecticut, that we shouldn’t be divided as a country over petty stuff like is there a God or isn’t there a God,” said McDonald. “If they wanted to put the sign down here with us, that’s fine because we’re united. But to put it above everybody? No, it’s symbolic.”
Joe: abridging others’ freedom of speech and vandalizing property because you feel a message is inappropriate is not an appropriate response. If you don’t like the message, feel free to, like I did, bring a banner to City Hall with fifty dollars and have it placed.
I don’t like the religious messages which are placed.
I find the idea of blasphemy to be morally repugnant and against my values and those of a free society.
I think that faith is a failed epistemology, extremely harmful to moral discourse, and detrimental to societal progress.
I believe all of the good which may come from religion can be had more honestly and in a better fashion – without the negative baggage.
I don’t, though, respond, like you did, by vandalizing property or trying to abridge others’ freedom of speech.
Why didn’t you vandalize the Jewish banner instead of mine or even prior to the FFRF banner being erected? The Jewish banner seems to assert that belief in God makes for a better world. Why don’t you see religious messages to be divisive? Why don’t you petition your government to allow no banners? I don’t buy your line of reasoning.
The banner was put at a high elevation by city workers. I was asked if the placement was fine and I agreed because of people like you – people who would rather abridge others’ speech, vandalize, and cry offense rather than to have a civil discussion and respond with a lawful message in kind.
Your actions are not honorable. Thanks for admitting to your criminal activity and setting a poor example for the people whom you may represent.
See all posts pertaining to the FFRF banner here:
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