Image via WikipediaFestivus poles were erected in at least two state capitols this season (Washington and Illinois). The response from Christians was predictable outrage. According to the Associated Press, Dan Zanoza, chairman of the Springfield Nativity Scene Committee, "I think it's a mockery." Yes, Mr. Zanoza, that is precisely what it is. And yet, it is not the sort of mockery you think.
Does anyone really think that a Festivus pole is needed in state capitol buildings? No. This is a statement. It is an attempt to mock not Mr. Zanoza's religion but his need to get monuments to his religion in government buildings.
Annie Laurie Gaylor of the Freedom From Religion Foundation is quoted as saying, "If the state's going to create a forum for religion at this time of year, which we do not approve of, this is what's going to happen." Until Christians learn to keep their religious paraphenalia out of government buildings, this sort of mockery will continue. In fact, I expect we may soon see it get more creative.
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