November 18,2005 — The Clarion
OPINION
Page 5
Letters to the Editor:
Online Clarion appreciated
I wanted to drop a quick note expressing my happiness that
the Clarion is now online allowing us BC Alumni the opportunity to
keep up with the events of our outstanding institution.
In response to the Letter to the Editor regarding the newly
formed Mascot Reconsideration Committee my hope for this group
is that they also take into consideration of the thoughts and sug
gestions of the thousands of Alumni of Brevard College when mak
ing any recommendation of a Mascot change!
How about the Highlanders!
—J. Scott Grubbs
BC 1991
Assistant Editor of the Clarion 1990/91
Honors class volunteer
On Nov. 19 a group from the ENRIOIH class, a seminar entitled
Service Enrichment, designed zmd executed a unique service project.
After surveying various organizations in the Brevard community,
the group of students decided to work with the Head Start pro
gram. This non-profit organization provides kindergarten care for
low-income families.
The small class of students sub-divided into various commit
tees to ensure that all needs were met and came up with a plan for
their service project; build and fill two sandboxes, re-landscape the
program’s playground, spread mulch in play areas, and provide an
arts-and-crafts cookout for the program’s families.
The students gathered donations for generous local business
such as Ace Hardware, Bi-Lo, Brevard Lumber, Cason’s, Food Lion,
Huddle House, K-Mart, Lowe’s, Target, and Wal-Mart. On that
Saturday morning in November, the group set out in the afternoon
for the Head Start area and worked until the evening, completing all
of their objectives.
With a new-looking playground, several children from the pro
gram enjoyed the fruit of the students’ labors, and everyone came
together for a veritable grilled feast. The students, upon reflection,
felt that the balance of manual labor and human interaction made
the project very rewarding for everyone involved.
Many students from the class plan to continue to volunteer
time and effort to the Head Start program, as it is certainly a boon to
the Brevard Community.
—Chelsea Deming
Atheist symbol deserves
Capitol space
By Emily Friedman
Badger Herald (U. Wisconsin)
12/09/2005
(U-WIRE) MADISON, Wis. -1 know it may be hard to believe,
but not everybody loves Christmas trees, holiday lights, tinsel,
menorahs and all the other holiday decorations that decorate streets,
buildings and stores during the winter months. In fact, the Free
dom From Religion Foundation has made it quite clear that it doesn't
like them at all.
The FFRF posted its "Winter Solstice" sign last week for the
I Oth-straight year. The sign, which has faced criticism and even
incidents of vandalism, states: "There are no gods, no devils, no
angels, no heaven or hell. There is only our natural world. Religion
is but'a myth and superstition that hardens hearts and enslaves
minds." The back of the sign reads: "State/Church; Keep Them
Separate." In response to the past vandalism, an additional sign is
visible and reads: "Thou shalt not steal.
So why is FFRF getting criticized? If Christmas trees and
menorahs are allowed in the Capitol Rotunda, shouldn't FFRF's
sign be allowed?
Not in the opinion of State Rep. Scott Suder, R-Abbotsford.
According to the Dec. 6 issue of The Badger Herald, Rep. Suder
refers to FFRF as "Scrooge" and hopes the sign will be removed
from the Capitol. He also commented on the public's reaction to the
sign: "We have had groups of individuals come down who have
been very disgusted with the sign. They find [the FFRF] message
to be both appalling and very disturbing." He also encourages
"people to post 'pro-Christmas' signs or signs promoting their own
religion in response."
Leave it to a state representative to make a mature suggestion
to his constituents.
What exactly, does Rep. Suder think the Christmas trees and
menorahs are promoting? Certainly, if all religious expressions are
not welcome in the Capitol, then all the ornaments should be re
moved, not just the FFRF sign.
For Rep. Suder to concentrate only on opposition to the sign
is not right Not everybody who lives in the United States, Wiscon
sin or even more specifically, who visits the Capitol Rotunda, is
religious. In addition, FFRF is not asking for the Christmas trees
and menorahs to be removed, but simply for their side of the story
to be heard. , „ „ - n
According to their website, the Freedom From Religion Foun
dation "is an educational group working for the separation of state
and church. Its purposes, as stated in its bylaws, are to promote
the constitutional principle of separation of state and church, and
to educate the public on matters relating to nontheism_ The orga
nization believes strongly in promoting its beliefs and h^ said that
its sign is purely to remind those who view it of the real reason for
the season." . . ■ o
Remember freedom of speech? Freedom of expression? Go
ahead and criticize FFRF if you wish, but don't remove the sign-
that is, unless you plan to pull the plug on the Christmas tree lights
and blow out the candles of the menorah.
I won't hold my breath.
Emily Friedman (ecfriedman(d),msc.edu) is a junior majoring
in journalism and legal studies.
by Aaron Post