non-knitting thoughts on the world.

It's not often I jump into a subject publicly that is likely to push a lot of buttons. I, in fact, tend to avoid controversy wherever possible. Other people's beliefs and lives are not my business to comment upon. However, sometimes things pass by me that make me realize that I am one of the few left that feel this way.

I read a news story this morning covering the controversy about Kathy Griffin saying 'suck it Jesus' at the Emmy's. Christian groups across the country have taken up arms against her and E! Television for not censoring it. Full story here.

What god I believe in is irrelevant, and I would not have said what she said. But not everyone in this country believes in Jesus. Atheists do not believe in Jesus. Jews do not believe in Jesus. Muslims do not believe in Jesus. Scientologists do not believe in Jesus. Why is it that there is a section of the Christian population in the US that believes that everything should be scrubbed of anything that smacks of non-Christian beliefs? (Please note that I am not including the entire Christian population of the US in this. Those that belong to the live-and-let-live school that I myself belong to have my utmost respect and admiration.)

It sounds trite, but this country was founded by those escaping religious persecution. In our laws are the rights to free speech and freedom of religion. If I could get up in front of an awards show audience and say, "I would like to thank Jesus for this award." There should be no reason I can't get up and say, "I would like to give no thanks whatsoever to any deity or demigod at all for this award." Which is, more or less what Kathy said, only perhaps a bit more crassly. She's a comedienne, who has made her career from being crass. The fact that she said something crass should not surprise us or be limited to certain venues.

I just think that more people should think about the fact that everyone's beliefs are different before opening their mouth. Including Kathy. But censorship is not the answer.

Peace.

(Knitting content will be following soon)