by Kevin L'dux

Created on: December 02, 2008

I read a few of the responses to this question and come away with the thought most are firing from the hip, the large part of that biased or ill informed. I feel a need to be condescending as I have not assumed a mollycoddled politically correct point of view when it comes down to this level of pettiness.

I used to work in downtown Washington, DC, less than one mile from the White House. In the days before the Internet people would take their causes to the street and protest with a physical presence. I saw these groups in any form one can imagine representing everything from AFL/CIO labor union solidarity to the citizens of other countries protesting on our soil.

In 1980 I witnessed a couple of protests which involved hundreds of Iranians marching and protesting though the streets of DC as they might have in Tehran. The majority were not American citizens though our Constitution granted them the right to do so. The DC police were out in full force as an escort to protect them from Americans who took offense to it. Some lines wavered and there was some clashing while the police looked away at times.

The Million Man March, featuring Louis Farrakhan and the Nation of Islam, was very much religious in nature yet the US Dept of the Interior (US Park Service) granted them a permit to the Mall as if it were the 4th of July. How public do we care to discuss? This was followed by the Millions More anniversary 10 years later which also featured Farrakhan and the Nation of Islam.

Back to the question that begged to be answered - Can anyone provide a credible reason why church groups should not be allowed to hold meetings in public places? Does it hurt your feelings? Do any perform ritualistic slaying of animals or humans? Do any go out into the streets, forcibly place people in chains and lead them to the epicenter of the gathering to humiliate or cause them bodily harm? Will they stone someone in the streets?

Maybe it's the mere fact that those offended know that a church group is "OVER THERE" convening and others may want to join them. What if they are merely having a picnic? I hope they all wear T-shirts emblazoned with big red crosses to goad you further.
I think it is a sense of uncomfortable guilt that people that object to.

In response to what some others have touched upon; No, this is not a Christian nation but it was founded by those that held Christian beliefs. That is why Christianity is so firmly entrenched in the USA. However, everyone has the right to pursue what religion they want. If you don't want to attend another's activity don't go. It's like changing the channel on your TV or radio. As with drugs "JUST SAY NO."

Imagine a crowd of Atheists wanting to gather and stump thump about why they are Atheists. Is that not any less of an assemblage than a church group? The Atheists will use the words GOD, Jesus, Heaven and hell frequently. Should one not be offended by that?

How about an open air free BEER FESTIVAL? Atheists and church goers alike will convene there but, should they be allowed to hold said festival in a public place? Who cares? We are drinking BEER!

When are the people of this nation, supposedly the greatest on the face of the earth, going to move beyond such petty mindsets? Public places means public places. Does that not strike a chord with anyone at all?
Public means it belongs to you, me, and the people standing next to us. Go and do what you want with any of thousands of public locations and enjoy it. Don't let the mere presence of others and what they do worry your mind.

What if any group assemblage had to get a permit to do so? Would that appease some small minds?

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