Well, it happened again. This time in West Milford Township, New Jersey.
The famed American Atheists organization sign, which reads “You KNOW it’s a myth. This season, celebrate REASON!” has become a target of frustration for a number of residents since it was placed in front of town hall one week ago. Councilman Joseph Smolinski, Father Michael Rodak of Our Lady Queen of Peace Church, and others called for the sign’s removal during Wednesday’s council meeting, saying it is antagonistic, divisive, and an anti-faith desecration.
“This sign is particularly offensive to Christians because it is … basically trying to say [the nativity story] it is a myth,” Father Rodak said, noting the crèche on the property.
“This is a sign of hate,” he added, prior to asking if the council would permit a burning cross or swastika on its grounds. “As a people we should stand up against it. Those are symbols of hate, and so is this.”
The good father is clueless, of course. The swastika and the burning cross have both been symbols of oppression. The atheist sign is not. If we are going to “stand up to” any challenge against religious beliefs, what makes us better than Pakistan? And of course there is the minor matter that the government cannot discriminate; once they allow a creche on the property, they have to allow dissenting speech as well.
Smolinski was adamant that the sign be taken down in spite of any legal implications, adding that he was surprised no individual acted alone to remove it from municipal property. Smolinski said he, for one, would turn the other cheek if they did.
Elected officials throwing out the Constitution and condoning theft? Nice.
What happened next shouldn’t surprise anyone.
Vandals allegedly destroyed a banner donated by American Atheists for the township holiday display after local City Councilman Joseph Smolinski appeared to advocate its theft.
Dave Silverman, President of American Atheists said, “Religious political leaders constantly accuse us of being immoral while they advocate theft and violence. These attacks show the depth of their hypocrisy. Why would the citizens of West Milford Township want someone this bigoted representing them? Our hope is that the official investigation into this event includes questioning the councilman.”
I have to say I am not holding my breath.
As it happens, this is the fourth act of vandalism against atheists and secularists in just a matter of weeks.
While these hateful acts effectively raise the profile of our PR campaigns and give us more value for the money that we spend, I find it an outrage that all we’ve got so far from the politicians has been silence at best, and collusion with criminals at worst.
UPDATE: Well, well, what do you know. The day isn’t over yet, and we get another vandalism!
