Originally Posted by sherwood
yes there is a difference, maybe not in free speech, but thats not what i'm refering to here.
But the relevant standard here is free speech.
Originally Posted by sherwood
a christmas tree symbolizes something we can all relate to, it wasnt always connected directly to christmas, it along with other tradtitions like santa claus are peoples own response to the general feeling of the holidays.
If you're talking about a general pine tree, then maybe it could be associated with mountains and winter. But I certainly know people who did not grow up with a Christmas tree in their living room (and yes, most of these people were Muslim or Jewish or Hindi). For them, the Christmas tree represents nothing.
Originally Posted by sherwood
BUT when you start to get all riled up about someone displaying something so unharmful as a tree or santa or a saying that is supposed to bring up memories of good times that is where i draw a line based on good old common sense.
I'll agree that maybe people need better hobbies if they're going to sue over a Christmas tree. But it is certainly their right to make sure that no faith is overly represented by the government
And, as far as the common sense thing goes, intuition and common sense is often wrong. Remember that thread on the plane on the conveyor belt? Intuition gives you the wrong answer. That's why we have laws....so we're not at the mercy of someone's "common sense."
Originally Posted by sherwood
isn't jesus considered a prophet in the jewish faith? isn't it borderline sacreligious to complain about something that your own faith you are using as leverage believes in?
Judaism does not recognize Jesus as a prophet.