Dec 14, 2011
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The Military Religious Freedom Foundation has threatened to sue Travis Air Force Base unless they remove or relocate a Nativity scene and a Menorah currently on display on a major thoroughfare at the military installation.
Travis AFB Nativity - photo by MRFF
“This conspicuous display of ritual objects is a clear endorsement of religion in violation of the Establishment clause of the First Amendment, and must either be removed from the premises or moved to a more appropriate location on the Air Force Base to ensure compliance with the United States Constitution,” wrote attorney Katherine Ritchey on behalf of the Military Religious Freedom Foundation.
A spokesman for Travis AFB told Fox News & Commentary that they had received the letter and have turned it over to legal counsel. For now, they said, the Nativity Scene and Menorah remain on display.
The Nativity features figures representing the baby Jesus, the Virgin Mary, Joseph and the Wise Men. Adjacent to the Nativity is the Menorah.
“There is no doubt that a reasonable person, upon viewing these two religious symbols, would believe that they convey anything but a religious message,” Ritchey wrote.
The Military Religious Freedom Foundation accused the Air Force of endorsing ‘rituals and beliefs associated with that faith.”
The MRFF said they received a letter from an anonymous airman complaining about the holiday decorations and what he called the “tyranny of the majority.”
“The presence of these clearly religious displays on the main corner of the base deeply concerns me. I am not alone in my feelings of distress,” the anonymous airman wrote. “I know many other people are similarly offended and confused.”
“I joined the military to support and defend the Constitution of the United States, not to spread the gospel,” the airman added. “I fear that the religious symbols so prominently displayed on my Air Force Base convey a different message.”
Tony Perkins, president of the Family Research Council, blasted the threat and called it “yet another flyby-attack on Christianity.”
“No one is forced to stand in front of the Nativity, and salute it, but people in this country should have the right to celebrate Christmas and what it means,” Perkins told Fox News & Commentary.
Travis AFB Menorah - photo by MRFF
Perkins cited a Gallup poll that suggested more than 95 percent of the nation celebrate Christmas – and a Pew Research poll that indicated 78 percent of Americans identify as Christian.
“Increasingly, people are saying it is time to stop the bombardment of our religious freedom by this zealous. Minority,” Perkins said.
Unless the displays are immediately removed, the MRFF threatened to take legal action.
Editor’s note: A previously published version of this story included the headline “Atheists Declare War on Travis AFB.” We have since updated the headline and clarified points in the article to reflect the same.
FOX News Talk
Some people just want trouble and they are not happy unless they are causing it, the military is not representing Christ they are celebrating Christ as everyone does at Christmas , if you are a few that don't celebrate christmas look the other way or stay in your home cause its going to happen. WE AS A WHOLE CANT MAKE EVERYONE HAPPY, SO MERRY CHRISTMAS.
Merry CHRIST MAS. !!!!!
Why don't they just put it outside of a chapel? It won't be permanent symbols (since Chanukah and Christmas are only during one part of the year) but put them there or not at all. This shouldn't be news honestly.
has been there every year at this time for as long as I can remember..respect what we believe in and we will do the same for you, anonymous airman!
I suggest that those folks who rail against these passive symbols of Christian-Judeo religious beliefs, take a trip to Afghanistan or Pakistan, and see what happens in country's where religion really is imbedded with governance!
Being ex Air Force Security Forces stationed at Travis for almost 9 years I can tell everyone that the military does not endorse one religion over another but, unlike the people who are complaining about this, they let everyone who is religious do so in their own way! The military does it's best to accomidate ALL religions! It concerns me that people who complain about this are trying to take religion away from people. If you don't believe in God or, like me don't believe in organized religion, have enough respect for others to not push your views and beliefs on everyone. Start acting like an adult, if you only see it during Christmas time on base….STAY OFF BASE!
You are so right…this bs is getting to far!
Agreed carl!
I agree. Never have I been to a base where they endorse one religion over the other, but let's face it…Christianity is STILL the most widely practiced religion in the United States. I haven't seen many Jewish people complain that the military doesn't decorate a menorah for Hanukah…and if they did, I really wouldn't care. Why do some people just have to be sour? Get over it.
I don't like Christmas but I'm used to saying "Merry Christmas" now we can't say that at the hospital because the other religions may get offended… it is CHRIST MAS… duh why would we say something else…
Its always the Christians accomodating other religions! Don't all religions preach acceptance and tolerance? That's one reason I don't believe in organized religion, they say one thing and do the opposite! I try to live by the 10 commandments, they're straight forward and easy to understand!!
This amazing country was founded by Christians. I believe that Christians are tired of being lied to, cheated, stolen from and constantly degraded and forced to shut up by those who mock Christianty. Keep in mind, those who practice other faiths are NOT necessarily those complaining of something like a Nativity scene for goodness sake. Ever notice that? More times than not it's "those" very few radical extremists/groups that scream the loudest and then are sensationalized by the media. Those that are "monetarily" motivated by such complaining. Those that live to create controversy. Shall I say, Those without FAITH?
There are so many things we DO need to worry about in this country. The mere fact that 80% of the people within this country celebrate Christmas which by the way DIRECTLY relates to the use of a nativity scene and/or a Menorah, IS NOT ONE OF THEM. Replace the leadership within this country with political advocates "of the people" instead of themselves, for starters.
For the soldier who said “I joined the military to support and defend the Constitution of the United States, not to spread the gospel,” Dude you obviously looked for a job with the wrong country. I'll bet you've never read the Constitution. Move to a country without faith if you want to serve tyranny. The mere fact that you enlisted into the OUR Armed Forces does NOT give you the right to be disrespectful to those you serve. By your enlistment you are REQUIRED to serve all that this country has stood for. Have you conveniently forgot that part? I will respect your decision to serve, I will respect your position within. I will NOT respect your "anonymous" letter.
The great footbal coach Lou Holtz said "YOU'LL NEVER GET AHEAD OF SOMEONE AS LONG AS YOU TRY TO GET EVEN WITH THEM". Dude, stand up for yourself however, learn to love people for what they are. Don't try to make everyone as miserable as you.
This person needs a hug! Its obvious he had a ruff time growing up. If u were so secure in what you believe you wouldn't be threatened or offended by what other people do.I personally don't do the xmas tree or give presents just because "tis the season" I don't' believe in telling my kids about a man dressed up in a suit who gives presents. I believe in a man who is real and is the TRUTH! U don't see me taking legal matters cause you are able to practice Wiccan in the same church we worship our GOD @, or because your allowed to parade thru housing in your costumes knocking on my door asking for candy the day that originate to celebrate the dead… What has this country come to? Whatever happened to one nation under GOD? its no wonder why we are living like this now. SMH
This person needs a hug! Its obvious he had a ruff time growing up. If u were so secure in what you believe you wouldn't be threatened or offended by what other people do.I personally don't do the xmas tree or give presents just because "tis the season" I don't' believe in telling my kids about a man dressed up in a suit who gives presents. I believe in a man who is real and is the TRUTH! U don't see me taking legal matters cause you are able to practice Wiccan in the same church we worship our GOD @, or because your allowed to parade thru housing in your costumes knocking on my door asking for candy the day that originate to celebrate the dead… What has this country come to? Whatever happened to one nation under GOD? its no wonder why we are living like this now. SMH
Is this what our country has come to? we have nothing better to do with our time?" its no wonder we as a country are in such turmoil… "One Nation Under GOD!" that's all I gotta say.
They have had these up for years….and as far of the constitution goes for the 1st admendment, it reads as : Congress shall not make no law respecting an estabishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof………….(that's what it states about religion)…Anyway, I do agree with taking down anything that helps give a little faith during the time of year when any faith should be tolerated.
As an ex military man. I've stood before these iconic symbols for years and never once was attacked by them or verbally abused by them. Anthropomorphism is not my specialty. I fought side by side with all faiths and non faiths and never once did anyone object to the "religious" symbols being displayed. If it bothers you don't look at it! Tradition is one thing religious discrimination is another. This is an American Tradition. Military Religious Freedom Foundation is just a facade for the old Red wanting back it's power of dictators ship. History shows us that a socialist/atheist society just doesn't work. Humans have to believe in something to function correctly. Otherwise the world becomes sick and without conscience and accountability for atrocity.
Lawyers and the individual need to read a Supreme Court verdict of Allegeny County v. Pittsburg ACLU, 1089.
WOW. EPIC FAIL JERKS!
Let em sue. (From What? And for What $) america is freakin broke! Tell em to go fuck themselves!!!! Or not, just my opinion.
Did I miss the big picture….I thought we help to defend our freedom.
these comments may have the best mix of ignorance and intelligence.