Donald B. Ardell – August 14, 2011
Helen Thomas turned 90 last week. I wonder what she thinks
about the destroyed remnant of a t-joint rubble beam hoisted as a centerpiece
of the World Trade Center (WTC) Memorial in New York?
Well, I hope someone asks the good lady. I have an idea what
she would say about the intrusion of religion into a public event that belongs
equally to all Americans, of all religions and no religions.
Here is an exchange from a line of questioning Ms. Thomas
had with the president at George W. Bush's first press conference in 2002:
Helen Thomas: "Mr. President, why do you refuse to
respect the wall between the church and the state? And you know that the mixing
of religion and government for centuries has led to slaughter. I mean, the very
fact that our country has stood in good stead by having the separation-why do
you break it down?"
Pres. Bush: "Helen, I strongly respect the separation
of church and state..."
Thomas: "Well, you wouldn't have a religious office in
the White House if you did . . . You are a secular official. And not a
missionary. Atheists pay taxes, too."
Just so. And besides paying taxes, atheists (and Jews,
Buddhists, Muslims, etc.) also died with Christians on 9/11. All died when 19
faith-based fanatics hijacked passenger planes to get to their blind dates with
72 virgins. Every one of these devout martyrs was hell-bent seeking eternal
bliss. A bonus was the chance to exact a good measure of revenge against those
with different ideas about religions different from theirs (i.e.,
"infidels").
But, the bogus Christian symbol, bogus because it is no more
a sign of anything from the great beyond than the likeness of a god or goddess
seen by some true believers in cookies, cloud patterns or the aftermath of
tornado rubble. ("Look - the steeple remains. It's a sign from above.
Praise Jesus.")
Ellery Schempp, a champion of the First Amendment who was
instrumental in the protest against compulsive prayer in public schools leading
to a Supreme Court ruling against the practice in 1963, stated that
"public prayer is not intended to promote religious values but to enhance
the authority of some churches and some political views over others. (Speech at the convention of the
Freedom from Religion Foundation annual meeting, Oct. 13, 2007.)
Some, including John Steward of "The Daily Show,"
a prominent liberal non-Christian, believe objections to the Christian cross at
ground zero are ill advised. Why make a big deal of it? "Hey, it gives
people comfort. Don't make waves. Let it go."
Well, that's what many advised Ellery Schempp and his
parents to do. We are better off, I believe, that he and others through the
years and continuing to this day, do not think much of this advice. We are
fortunate, I think, that many like Mr. Schempp take separation of church/state
seriously, and are willing to make waves and discomfort the faithful who insist
in trying to push their religions into our faces. To put a stop to it, we must
step forward and say, "no thanks."
Staying quiet and meet, making no objection to keep the
peace is certainly an option. However, it seems unwise. A lot of non-Christians
suffered from 9/11 events, including believers and freethinkers who favor
reason over revelation. What does a cross contribute to their thoughts and
feelings about the tragedy? What if another faith group were involved, say,
Islamists who also lost family and friends at the memorial site? How would the
Christian cross enthusiasts feel about a crescent and star t-beam (Islam) or a
Shinto beam? Actually, because Jewish people have political power in New York,
a Star of David (man-made, not plucked ready made from beam rubble), has been
added. Why stop there? Would it not be more appropriate to give all religions
representation or, to keep things simple and clean, none at on public land
using public funds? Why not represent all faiths - or none - equally?
A 9/11 memorial should be religion neutral. Let's have the
focus on the event and some symbol of recovery from it, not on religion, which
inspired the disaster in the first place.
Donald B. Ardell is the Well Infidel. He favors evidence over faith, reason
over revelation and secular purpose over spirituality. His enthusiasm for reason, exuberance,
athleticism and liberty are reflected in his books (14), newsletter (584
editions of a weekly report), speeches and most recently, a wellness card deck.
Write Don at awr.realwellness@gmail.com