Nativity Controversy/Hate Mail

Last updated 6/23/11


In December of 2009, I contacted the ACLU in Pennsylvania regarding a religious display at the Luzerne County Courthouse. The government owned, maintained, and paid for the display.

The courthouse displayed a Christian nativity scene that was set far apart from a snowman behind a tree and a Jewish menorah. During the night, the nativity scene was illuminated by floodlights and was easily the highlight of the display. This was obviously unconstitutional as evidenced in a letter that was sent to the courthouse.

After the letter was sent, I clearly expressed my intent and objectives in this blog post.

After some contact, the commissioners agreed to take the nativity scene down, but did so at the last moment before the ACLU was able to issue a press release. We declared victory after the news got out and residents of Luzerne County went crazy.

Some videos on local news stations were posted on 12/17, the day that the nativity scene was taken down, and the nativity story became top news for days. I wasn't initially mentioned, but people were quite furious with the ACLU and sent tremendous amounts of hate mail and made vicious comments on various internet mediums directed toward ACLU members and they wanted to "know their accusers."

Local newspapers started to report on the matter on 12/17. I was contacted by local newspapers to participate in interviews and received requests for photoshoots. On 12/18, my interview and pictures were posted on the front page of local newspapers. I also was featured in a story by a local news station and was able to give my quick side of the story while ladies with towels on their heads claimed that we've had traditions like this for thousands of years.

At some point, radio DJ 'Jumpin' Jeff Walker' from KRZ radio interviewed me on air. I was called the "third most hated person in Luzerne County" [next to gangster judges who basically sold children into slavery and were indicted].

After the newspaper appearance, I crafted a "response to the public" because people started sending me hate mail and posting nasty comments on my website. Students from my college also threatened me instead of wanting to have a genuine conversation. A local blogger also levied personal attacks against me and published some hysterical posts.

On 12/20, another story was featured in a local newspaper and the ignorance of the community at large still prevailed. Instead of listening to the arguments and reasoning, people continued to wallow in nonsense. I also called The Atheist Experience and explained the nativity controversy.

On 12/21, more videos appeared on local news stations including an interview with ACLU representative Mary Catherine Roper. I was again interviewed on a local news station and my interview was interrupted by a passerby who screamed, "Take that King's sweatshirt off! You're a disgrace! Asshole!"

On 12/22, the nativity was returned and a holiday display was on the courthouse lawn that integrated various secular displays. I was interviewed by reporters from local newspapers.

Another article appeared on 12/23. I also got some physical hate mail.

I didn't save the large deal of support I received from people, but some people wrote letters to a local newspaper and supported me although some in these links continue to complain...and levy strange conspiracy theories 12/23's letters to the editor were quite interesting because letter writers called for my expulsion from college (!), claimed that the entire task was a "self serving spectacle," and one writer supported me. 12/29 was also a mixed bag. A writer on 12/31 offered support.

In the oddest turn of events, I was challenged to a professional wrestling match by a local wrestling group called Action Unlimited: Anthracite Wrestling and received hate mail from one of the wrestlers.

On 1/3/10, I called The Atheist Experience again and offered an update regarding the nativity controversy.

On 1/10/10, a drunken student from the same college that I attend urinated on a nativity scene and the conspiracy theories ensued. The student soon offered an apology and members of the community sent him hate mail.

In September of 2010, I was a guest host on a radio show. I discussed the nativity controversy, my background, and chatted with callers and the co-hosts about various issues. A very awkward letter to the editor was written to a local newspaper which drew parallels between the "9-11 Mosque" and the nativity controversy.

In October of 2010, I was interviewed by a local author who aspired to write a book about controversy, politics, and persons in Northeastern Pennsylvania who define the area and sat down for an hour interview that is posted here in audio form. The interview focuses on the nativity controversy and my background.

In November of 2010, a reporter from a local newspaper contacted me to discuss the nativity controversy and the upcoming integrated display for holiday 2010. The interview was featured in a local newspaper.

In December of 2010, I authored a personal reflection regarding the nativity controversy for one of my classes.

The book for which I was interviewed was released on March 29, 2011 on Amazon and is also available at various local bookstores in Northeastern Pennsylvania. I was "on tour" with the author and have accompanied him at various book signings.