Atheism, Theism, Philosophy, and much more...
" Mohammad & Beelzebub are proud of you Justin. What is a smug arrogant devil like you doing at a Catholic College? You should be expelled.
WILKES-BARRE – Holiday decorations were again the focus of a crowd gathered on the county courthouse lawn on Tuesday evening, but the congregation was there to celebrate rather than complain.
“Today, what we’re doing is people won a victory here. We want to show our thanks to each other and also to the commissioners and the (county) solicitor for coming to their senses,” said Gene Stilp, a Luzerne County native who spends much of his time as a voter activist in Harrisburg. “It’s a good way for the people of the county to end the year.”
About 40 people showed up to encircle the recently reinstated Nativity scene and menorah, along with new secular decorations, and announced why they’re thankful. They sang Christmas carols and prayed. Some made political pleas.
Among the new decorations are a plastic, lighted Santa Claus, Mrs. Claus, two reindeer, and some candy canes.
“Once they start separating God out of the government, that’s when things start to collapse,” said Debbie Lansberry of Lehman Township. “We need new leaders, but not just new leaders – Christian leaders.”
Several prayers were made for Justin Vacula, the King’s College student whose initial concern over the religious specificity of the display sparked a complaint from the American Civil Liberties Union. It was acknowledged that Vacula “probably has so many capabilities” and Jesus was implored to “get a hold of him” and “let him know the reality.”
Linda Mericle of Trucksville noted that the U.S. Constitution, which Vacula used as the basis for his complaint, doesn’t say religion can’t be expressed on government property, “just not be governed by one particular religion.”
“Taking away some of our beliefs was taking away our rights to assemble,” she said. “It’s never been put in the Constitution that we should be denied that.”
The activities were accentuated intermittently by honks of approval from passing motorists. One vehicle of young males expressed displeasure, booing as they waited at the traffic signal.
“Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” and “Silent Night” were among the carols sung.
Herb Fice of Kingston asked those assembled to also pray for those serving in the military overseas. “Regardless whether they’re atheist, Jews, whatever, they’re over there protecting us,” he said.
Stilp was glad to see the decorations were returned despite the ACLU’s legal threats. “It seemed like they were grandstanding. … They could have done it in a better way,” he said, such as suggesting: “We have a tradition here. How can we work this out?” Instead, he said, “I think that the county rolled over.”
He noted that the ACLU didn’t make any such threats about the county court scandal.
“People of the county needed a renewal of their spirits, and this has done it,” he added.
http://www.timesleader.com/news/Resurrected_Nativity_celebrated_12-23-2009.html
http://www.citizensvoice.com/news/nativity-scene-menorah-return-to-courthouse-1.504277The display, which now includes a Kwanzaa greeting, Santa Claus and candy cane yard ornaments as well as the menorah and nativity scene, was reassembled Monday morning.
The county removed its nativity scene and menorah after threat of a lawsuit from Americans United and the American Civil Liberties Union on behalf of several Luzerne County residents. The civil rights groups contended the display, as it was arranged, endorsed Christianity and Judaism.
DeLuca said he spoke with attorneys from Rosenn, Jenkins & Greenwald, who agreed to handle the case pro bono, meaning the county would not be on the hook for up to $175,000 in legal fees that would not be covered by the county's insurance.
"The display as it was clearly was a violation of the case law and the establishment clause of the First Amendment to the Constitution," DeLuca said. "There is no doubt that it was. I was not able to get in touch with the ACLU to give me their blessing on modifications that they would deem appropriate. I believe that based on my review of that display we are putting up it will pass constitutional muster, and I do not believe that they will sue. If they do we will certainly be prepared."
Richard Katskee, an attorney with the Washington, D.C.-based Americans United, said he could not comment on whether his group or the ACLU would now pursue legal action because he had not yet seen the display.
"We'll be in contact with the individuals in the county who notified us about the display and see if they have any concerns with the new display," Katskee said.
To be acceptable, Katskee said the display should not appear to endorse any particular religion.
Justin Vacula, a King's College student and member of the Northeastern Pennsylvania Free Thought Society, was one of the individuals who contacted the two civil rights groups about the display. He said Monday he found the changes acceptable.
"I'm very happy that the display is now not endorsing religion and is a holiday message," Vacula, an atheist, said by e-mail. "This has nothing to do with religion, this is a matter of the law. People are fine to celebrate whatever they want, but the government ought not endorse religion as it did. If taking an unconstitutional display away is a bad thing, you really ought to check your priorities as an American citizen. Besides, religious people can celebrate Jesus or any other being anytime they want รข€¦ but the government may not exclusively do so."
Removal of the nativity scene sparked community outrage, with several people protesting the removal since Thursday.
A live nativity scene, with people acting the parts of the nativity outside the courthouse, planned for today has been changed, organizer Gene Stilp said, now that the display was restored. Stilp said people will still gather at the courthouse around 4 p.m. to "say thank you" that their voices were heard by county officials.
By Jennifer Learn-Andes jandes@timesleader.com
Luzerne County Reporter
The Nativity scene and menorah are back on the Luzerne County Courthouse lawn, surrounded by some new secular decorations.
Added were Santa and Mrs. Claus, two reindeer, some candy canes, a little elf handling mail for Santa, a Christmas tree and signs that say “Happy Holidays” and “Happy Kwanzaa.”
Passing motorists honked in support.
The Nativity and menorah had been removed Wednesday after a litigation threat from the American Civil Liberties Union and Americans United for Separation of Church and State. After a huge public outcry about the removal, county officials accepted an offer for free legal representation from the Wilkes-Barre law firm Rosenn Jenkins & Greenwald.
Though a suit may result, the county and Rosenn firm have attempted to work with both organizations to reach an agreement on a display that does not violate the constitutional separation of church and state, said county Solicitor Vito DeLuca.
Justin Vacula, the King’s College student who initiated the complaint about the display, watched county workers as they set up the display Monday morning and said he is satisfied.
“I think the display is great. They put up other things. They’re doing it right this time. The manger isn’t isolated and illuminated at night over everything else,” Vacula said.
He jokingly said that the only thing missing is a Festivus pole, a reference to a fictitious holiday mentioned on the TV sitcom “Seinfeld.”
Vacula said he has received “a lot of hate mail from loving Christians.”
“They’re not representing their religion very well. I’ve received a lot of threats – a lot of after-death threats,” he said.
He does not regret his decision, saying people must be willing to speak out and become educated about the law.
“It was worth it. The courthouse should have done it right the first time, but now they’re doing it right,” he said.
The removal of the Nativity and menorah has sparked two protests at the site.
Inspired by these demonstrations, Dupont resident William Clarke arrived there Monday morning and paced the sidewalk in a Rudolph costume to criticize county Treasurer Michael Morreale, who was recently charged with a summary offense of deer hunting over bait.
Morreale has said he did not know the bait was there.
“Please don’t bait me. Santa needs Rudolf (sic) for X-mas,” Clarke’s sign said.
Community activist Gene Stilp encourages people to gather on the courthouse lawn at 4 today to celebrate the return of the Nativity.
“It’s good to be thankful and gracious,” Stilp said.
Jennifer Learn-Andes, a Times Leader staff writer, may be reached at 831-7333.
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[Unfortunately, this link/video no longer works]Holiday religious displays have been set up for decades on public property throughout Luzerne County, and Hazleton Mayor Lou Barletta doesn’t think communities should be denied that seasonal tradition now.
A menorah, Nativity scene, Christmas tree and Santa Claus are on display outside the Hazleton City Hall, just as they have been annually for at least 20 years, Barletta said Saturday night.
He’s reassured residents that the southern Luzerne County city’s display isn’t going anywhere.
The hotly contested issue over religious displays on public property emerged last week when the American Civil Liberties Union and another group threatened to file suit against Luzerne County to remove the Nativity and menorah on the courthouse lawn in Wilkes-Barre. The displays were removed, but one county official said they will be returned as part of a display featuring other secular objects.
“I don’t believe we are singling out any one religion. There is the menorah. There is the Nativity scene for the Christians and for the non-believers there is also nothing there. I don’t think the city is singling out one faith. I think they are all represented on the lawn,” he said.
He added the city would also display other religious objects by people wishing to honor their religions.
Shickshinny resident Kellie Jubis wrote county Solicitor Vito DeLuca a letter Friday to express her displeasure with having the Nativity scene being removed.
“If we as Christians and citizens of this United States do not speak up and demand to rightfully display our Christian heritage on public property, we will eventually lose all of our freedom,” she wrote.
“If you didn’t already notice, Christianity is now the target, and they will win if we choose to do and saying nothing,” she added.
The Rev. Dr. Bob Zanicky of the First Presbyterian Church – Wilkes-Barre agreed with Jubis, saying America was founded on Christian beliefs.
“We need not be ashamed nor fearful in recognizing the permeating presence of the Judeo/Christian heritage in our history. Sectarian considerations were not the consensus early on, nor are they today.”
Jubis went on to say she hopes Luzerne County officials make the right choice to put the Nativity back on display. The birth of Jesus is the greatest historical event that “shows the world the beginning of character, integrity, love and sacrifice,” she added.
DeLuca said Saturday night he has been working with a representative from the Rosenn Jenkins & Greenwald law firm, ACLU and Americans United for Separation of Church and State to create a display that is acceptable to everyone.
The Wilkes-Barre law firm offered free representation to the county and donated $1,000 to purchase other holiday secular items to be included in the display.
DeLuca expects to approve a design prepared by the county grounds official within 24 hours. If the design is acceptable, the county’s Christmas display should be back in place on courthouse grounds Monday morning
“We are trying to come up with a display that does not offend any religious groups and is constitutional permissible,” DeLuca said.
Sherry Long, a Times Leader staff writer, may be reached at 829-7159.
Cathy Mack, who organized the protest, strongly disagrees.
Justin Vacula, a student at Kings College made the complaint about the display to the American Civil Liberties Union. He said he wants to see all religions celebrated in a seasonal display.
BILL O ’ BOYLE boboyle@timesleader.com
WILKES-BARRE – About 30 people showed up Sunday to rally for the return of the holiday displays to the Luzerne County Courthouse lawn – a decision that has already been made by the county’s leadership.
While the protesters listened to brief speeches, several children played in the background – some of them lying down on the courthouse lawn to make snow angels to add a touch of irony to the day. The rally was held on the site where the manger scene and menorah stood until last week.
The issue over religious displays on public property emerged last week when the American Civil Liberties Union and another group threatened to file suit against the county to remove the Nativity and menorah on the courthouse lawn.
Justin Vacula, a King’s College student, filed the complaint with the ACLU.
The displays were removed, but one county official said they will be returned as part of a display featuring secular holiday objects.
Vito DeLuca, county solicitor, said he has been working with a representative from the Rosenn Jenkins & Greenwald law firm, the ACLU and Americans United for Separation of Church and State to create a display that is acceptable to everyone.
“That’s great, but it shouldn’t have been removed in the first place,” said Frank Scavo, rally organizer. “It’s the Christmas and Hanukkah season; any religion should be allowed to put up an appropriate display during their time of celebration.
“This country was founded on Judeo-Christian principles; the Constitution provides freedom of religion, not freedom from religion.”
Scavo said that allowing such displays is a constitutional right and he scourged the ACLU for not being thorough in its mission to remove religious symbolism from all government buildings and currency.
“Maybe someone from the ACLU should climb to the top of the Washington Monument and remove the plaque that reads ‘Laus Deo’ – which means honor God,” Scavo said. “And maybe ‘In God We Trust’ should be removed from the dollar bill.”
The protesters clapped and shouted in the below-freezing weather, holding signs while passing vehicles blared their horns in support.
“This shows our county commissioners how the people of Luzerne County feel about this issue,” Scavo said.
One sign read, “Keep Christ in Christmas,” and another read “It’s Christmas, not Xmas.”
Scavo led the group in the Pledge of Allegiance at the start of the rally. An American flag was placed next to the speaker’s podium.
“We don’t need the ACLU to interpret our laws or Constitution for us,” Scavo said. “This is a matter of extremely poor timing. Where was the ACLU when the civil rights of our children were being denied in that courthouse?”
Scavo said activist Gene Stilp plans to bring a live manger scene to the courthouse lawn 4 to 6 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.
“This is about doing what is right,” said Renee Schroeder. “People are fed up.”
The Wilkes-Barre law firm of Rosenn Jenkins and Greenwald has offered free representation to the county and donated $1,000 to purchase other holiday secular items to be included in the display.
DeLuca said he expects that once a design is approved, the county’s Christmas display should be back in place on courthouse grounds this morning.
Bill O’Boyle, a Times Leader staff writer, may be reached at 829-7218.
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This above picture represents a great deal of people who are trying to argue with me. People don't want to listen to reason, but rather argue that we should totally forget the law and not care about the constitution.
By Jennifer Learn-Andes jandes@timesleader.com
Luzerne County Reporter
Former Luzerne County commissioner Frank Trinisewski said he will resort to legal action against the county if a Nativity scene and menorah are not returned to the courthouse lawn.
Political activist Gene Stilp is also organizing a live Nativity scene – complete with a baby Jesus – arguing that people have a First Amendment right to express their religious beliefs.
County officials decided to remove the Nativity scene and menorah from the courthouse lawn Wednesday night because the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and Americans United for Separation of Church and State threatened to get a restraining order.
The organizations argued the display violated the constitutional separation of church and state. County Solicitor Vito DeLuca said officials decided to comply with the removal request, at least this year, to avoid the time and expense of fighting litigation amidst other pressing issues, including the county’s budget crisis.
Trinisewski said he and former commissioners Frank Crossin Jr. and Jim Phillips unanimously passed a resolution in the 1980s to place a Nativity scene, menorah and symbols of any other interested religious groups on the lawn.
He said the law required the courthouse lawn display to be viewed in its entirety, and the inclusion of secular objects, such as a reindeer, meant there was no preference toward one particular religion.
But Americans United attorney Richard Katskee in Washington, D.C., said the legal interpretation is not that simple.
If the county decides to allow a display on the lawn, county officials must sincerely issue an open invitation to anyone who wants to put something on the lawn without filtering the content, Katskee said.
This requirement means commissioners may end up with displays they don’t like and a “lawn littered with all kinds of things,” he said.
Seasonal displays on public property cannot show preference to any religion, he said. Katskee said Luzerne County’s Nativity stood by itself and was highlighted with a spotlight. The display did not include secular objects, other than a snowman that was “kind of hidden behind a tree,” he said.
The county also used public employees to erect the Nativity and menorah and using publicly funded lighting to illuminate the Nativity – also not allowed, he said.
Katskee said the separation clause was intended to “respect everybody’s faith” and make sure nobody feels that their government shows preference for any religion.
The Rev. Barry W. Lynn, Americans United executive director, praised the county for its decision to remove the objects in a press release.
“I expect to see religious symbols at houses of worship, not government buildings that serve Americans of all faiths and none,” Lynn said.
County minority Commissioner Stephen A. Urban was upset with the removal decision, saying he learned about it through a news article.
Urban said the county has received at least one offer for free legal representation to defend a lawsuit over the displays. He said the courthouse has been open for displays and demonstrations by any group.
“This courthouse belongs to the people of this county, not the ACLU,” Urban said. “The ACLU can come in and put a display out if they want.”
Urban said he believes volunteers would be willing to erect the Nativity and menorah and reimburse the county for lighting so that no public dollars are involved.
Trinisewski said he has consulted with two lawyers who would represent him as a taxpayer to challenge the county’s removal. He said has tried to stay out of the limelight but can’t ignore this matter.
“I’m appalled and very upset,” Trinisewski said.
Stilp said a live Nativity would allow people to express their views, and he is seeking volunteers and tame farm animals to carry out the plan on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday nights next week.
Choirs are also invited, and he wants to add three “wise women” for a modern flair. He said people of all faiths are invited and asks interested volunteers to contact him at 717-829-5600.
“I think this is what the county needs, something to pick up its spirits,” Stilp said.
“I saw the Nativity scene that was lighted up,” said the King’s College student. “I figured it was unconstitutional, so I made the complaint to the ACLU to check on this, and they informed that was, in fact, the case. … I feel it’s our duty as American citizens to stay true to the Constitution.”
Vacula doesn’t believe in a god, but has no problem with others who do. “They’re fine to worship, to pray, that’s fine, but not on the courthouse lawn,” he said. “I made the complaint because it’s a very busy road. Many people are getting the message from the courthouse that this is a Christian area or that we endorse a certain religion.”
He said that a “symbol of thematic unity” for the season would have been fine and acknowledged that wreaths and plastic snowmen were also adorning the lawn, but not close enough to defuse the connotations of the religious symbols.
“It’s not an attack on Christians; it’s a constitutional violation,” he said. “It wasn’t a neutral message of any sort.”
Vacula said he hopes to be involved in helping design next year’s courthouse holiday decorations.
He said he spends a lot of time discussing spirituality, philosophy and religion with professors and fellow students, and attends monthly meetings of the NEPA Free Thought Society.
“I’m not an evil person; I’m not out killing babies. I’m just like everyone else. I just don’t believe in God,” he said, adding, “I hope it’s not ruining Christmas.”
Mary Catherine Roper, a staff attorney with the American Civil Liberties Union of Pennsylvania, said there’s no reason it should because people are more than welcome to express their beliefs on their private property, “but don’t expect my clients’ tax dollars to pay for it.
“I understand people feel very strongly about religion,” she said. “The difference is when the government speaks, it’s supposed to speak for us all.”
Vacula isn’t the first to complain about the situation, she said. “Over the years, we’ve gotten many complaints about the cr�che (Nativity scene) from both Christians and non-Christians, but no one before was willing to brave the abuse that accompanies standing up,” she said. “There’s really no challenge in having respect for the majority. The challenge is in having respect for the minority.”
Rory Sweeney, a Times Leader staff writer, may be reached at 970-7418.
