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brayton_headshot_wre_1443.jpg Ed Brayton is a journalist, commentator and speaker. He is the co-founder and president of Michigan Citizens for Science and co-founder of The Panda's Thumb. He has written for such publications as The Bard, Skeptic and Reports of the National Center for Science Education, spoken in front of many organizations and conferences, and appeared on nationally syndicated radio shows and on C-SPAN. Ed is also a Fellow with the Center for Independent Media and the host of Declaring Independence, a one hour weekly political talk show on WPRR in Grand Rapids, Michigan.(static)

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« Cost of Bailout Passes $5 Trillion | Main | Bad News from Obama Camp »

The Perfect Christmas Symbol

Posted on: November 17, 2008 9:30 AM, by Ed Brayton

Hat tip to Jim Burroway for this one. The American Family Association has come up with the perfect Christmas symbol - a burning cross. No, seriously. They're selling a lighted cross that looks like it's on fire. Here's the picture of it:

burningcross.gif

Because times are tough, you know. Who can afford to waste boards burning a different cross every night? This way you can continually burn a cross for only the cost of a few kilowatts of power. It may be gauche to wear white sheets after labor day, but that shouldn't keep you from expressing yourself.

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Comments

1

"I'm dreamin' of a white Christmas, just like ones I used to know..." -DJ

Posted by: DingoJack | November 17, 2008 10:10 AM

2

I really wish someone would tell these theocrats that the most important season in the Christian calendar is EASTER. Christmas is supposed to be a distant third behind Easter and Pentacost*. The empty cross is a symbol of Easter and would be appropriate displayed at that time of year. It is not an appropriate seasonal display at Christmas. (the same way Valentine's Day decorations are out of place at Halloween)

So besides looking ridiculous and inappropriate from a secular point of view, it's also ridiculous and inappropriate from a non-secular one. This is full of win... sigh.

*of course depending on who you ask, and what denomonation the list of holidays ranked by importance varies, but Easter should always top out the list... so even if they say Chrismas is the second most important, it's not the be-all end-all holiday.

Posted by: kodiak | November 17, 2008 10:10 AM

3

You do have to wonder about the childhoods that some of these fundies had that they should associate burning crosses with family gatherings and fun times.

Posted by: Romeo Vitelli | November 17, 2008 10:13 AM

4

Kodiak, that's Pentecost, not Pentacost, just sayin. :) :) :)

Posted by: countlurkula, the spelling Nazi | November 17, 2008 10:15 AM

5

"that's Pentecost, not Pentacost"
I sit corrected :D

(don't even try to guess how long it took me to spell Presbyterian correctly!)

Posted by: kodiak | November 17, 2008 10:24 AM

6

DJ with the win.

Posted by: Josh | November 17, 2008 10:43 AM

7

I laughed so hard when I heard about this.

Posted by: marilove | November 17, 2008 10:46 AM

8

I keep on reading posts like this from Ed and thinking... "Surely he's mistaken or something. They can't be this dumb."

Then I see the pictures.

(sigh)

Posted by: Disgruntled Theist | November 17, 2008 10:50 AM

9

DJ, the Klan used to sell sweatshirts that said exactly that. Had a picture of a Klansman holding a wreath with the Klan arms inside it. Donno if they still sell those.

Posted by: A Cooper | November 17, 2008 10:56 AM

10

This seems like a cheap shot which is unfair. I strongly doubt it occurred to any of them that a brightly lit cross could look like it was on fire.

Posted by: Joshua Zelinsky | November 17, 2008 10:56 AM

11

I was watching the "Isaac and Ishmael" episode of the West Wing last night with a friend and he makes that great comparison between the KKK and Islamic Extremists.

It turns out that one of my Christian friends was unaware that the KKK is a religious organization.

As it happens, they still invoke Christian values, but that's not shocking, since only a worldview dating back to the Middle Ages could be conducive to their conduct.

Posted by: JStein | November 17, 2008 10:59 AM

12

If you shortened the crossarm just a bit, it looks exactly like the Genuine Jedi Light Saber I wanted for Christmas back in the 70's.

Posted by: kehrsam | November 17, 2008 11:10 AM

13

This seems like a cheap shot which is unfair. I strongly doubt it occurred to any of them that a brightly lit cross could look like it was on fire.

Granted, it may be that the photo (due to resolution and exposure issues) makes the ornament unintentionally resemble a Klan rally, more than an average, naked-eye view of the thing might. But you'd think someone at the AFA might have twigged to the resemblance before publishing it -- it jumped right out at me! That porch is just begging to be clandestinely decorated with suitably modified garden gnomes ;-).

And as someone noted, the cross belongs with Easter, which theologically is the more important festival. This lighted cross is just tacky.

Posted by: Eamon Knight | November 17, 2008 11:19 AM

14

There aren't many things that leave me speechless... .

And within weeks after we've elected our first African-American President.

Unbelievable.

Posted by: Dan | November 17, 2008 11:24 AM

15

*Also available in 12'x6'.

Posted by: Deepsix | November 17, 2008 11:24 AM

16

This seems like a cheap shot which is unfair. I strongly doubt it occurred to any of them that a brightly lit cross could look like it was on fire.

I agree. It only looks like it's on fire becuase cameras have a much narrower dynamic range than the human eye, so a setting that allows the camera to capture visible detail on the scenery makes the lights looks like burning flames. That cross will not look anything like that when seen with the naked eye; it will look like a cross with lightbulbs on it.

It will still offend my eyes, but I don't expect anyone else to be swayed by that.

Posted by: valhar2000 | November 17, 2008 11:40 AM

17

Perhaps the reason it's not "to scale" is because with a cute little cross like this, we can imagine the newborn Jesus being crucified directly. You can mix it right in with your creche scene.

Hoo-ah.

Seriously, I'm sure they didn't realize the resemblance to a flaming cross (and you wouldn't set a cross aflame on your OWN lawn)... but it's sure tacky no matter how you slice it. Do the lights flash in patterns?

Posted by: Rob W | November 17, 2008 11:47 AM

18

I seem to recall Bill Maher making a little skit about a re-usable burning cross on his show only a few months ago.

Republicans: bringing your jokes to reality every day.

Posted by: Coriolis | November 17, 2008 11:49 AM

19

When I was young in the suburban wastelands of Missouri, we had a neighbor up the hill who, every Christmas without fail, would hoist a 30' metal scaffold onto their roof and tack a flood-light-powered cross to the top. At night, this was so bright that it would shine through our blinds and keep us up. These people wouldn't let my little brother play with their children because we weren't as Christian as them (or at all, really). And then when they moved away, they gave the whole cross apparatus to the other evangelicals up the street.

This is a suburb that had a Baptist megachurch that had a trio of spotlights on the roof that could be seen as a beckoning beam of light for miles. This same church also spent $10M on a youth center to try to get secular youth to hang out at and be preached at.

It seems that he who has the brighter cross/religious symbol must be holier than all others.

Posted by: Toaster Sunshine | November 17, 2008 12:00 PM

20

I am skeptical in the extreme of the 'it doesn't look like what it looks like' claims.

1) If the apparently-random outcroppings (fairy-lights or whatever) from the cross aren't meant to simulate flames, then what are they meant to represent? A cross is a geometric figure, introducing randomness is clearly designed to modify that aspect (generally to introduce an impression of motion/impermenance, e.g. that the cross is on fire). A simply-illuminated cross would be lit to emphasise the geometric lines (e.g. orientated along the center-line or the outline), not distort/modify it.

2) The cross is clearly considerably brighter than the lamp at the top of the picture.

Also, what the hades is an "Original Christmas Cross"? Is it like an 'original Revolutionary War machine gun' or an 'original Crusades stainless steel sword'? There. Was. No. Cross. At. 'the Nativity'. It's a ludicrous, and thus meaningless, anachronism. It simply garbles the story. What's next? An 'original Easter manger'?

Posted by: Hrafn | November 17, 2008 12:00 PM

21

Kodiak-don't worry-I have to review all legal documents here closely as so many people want me to be a part of the "Luthern" church. The funniest I ever saw was someone write down "Luciferian" church; ah those good ole Kentuckians;-)

Kodiak-I'm glad that Christmas was hijacked. With the exception of the two Christmas Eve services (so basically from 7pm until 12 am) I pretty much detest the whole thing! I'm glad the culture has only somewhat hijacked Easter and ignores Pentecost.

Focusing on the cross at issue-my state has enough KKK evils to heal without this sort of thing! Yeah that will REALLY help the image of places like Martinsville;-(

Perhaps the reason it's not "to scale" is because with a cute little cross like this, we can imagine the newborn Jesus being crucified directly. You can mix it right in with your creche scene.

Actually that is the ONLY thing I MIGHT like about this cross. So many people like the "tiny baby Jesus" because he is easy to control. (Think "Talledega Nights"-one of my favorite prayer scenes in a movie; followed closely by "Meet the Parents.") We can't compartmentalize the story-as we already know the ending; and the readings right afterwards in the lectionary move to King Herod killing the innocents and Jesus' family fleeing to Egypt. I always mention every Christmas Eve that this night would have NO SIGNIFICANCE at all for Christians if it weren't for what happened on Easter. So in that way maybe a cross by the creche would be a "good" thing...maybe...but not a flaming one!

Posted by: Rev. AJB | November 17, 2008 12:06 PM

22

Celebrating the birth of Jesus using the instrument of his death. And I thought Goths were morbid.

I suppose we should count our blessings that Jesus died on such an innocuous looking device. Can you imagine if the Father had chosen cancer as the sacrifice His son had to bear to redeem man? I see giant tumors adorning churches, hanging from necklaces, and on special occasions, lit up like Time Square. I don't even want to think about if he'd died of dysentery.

Posted by: Abby Normal | November 17, 2008 12:09 PM

23

@Hrafn:
1) I think you're perhaps imagining a more sophisticated product than this is. I imagine it's simply prefabricated strings of lights glued to some kind of cross framework. The "randomness" is simply a product of them not designing something that had lights embedded into it and would require more complicated manufacturing. And (2) they had to put on a *lot* of lights to make the sucker properly bright for their market, apparently.

I guess if you're the type of person to put a lit-up cross in your yard at Christmas time (instead of, you know, Rudolph, or even a creche scene), you're not going to want some wussy "tasteful" thing. You're looking to make a statement to those bastards out there attacking Christmas, so, you know, let's make it loud!

Posted by: Rob W | November 17, 2008 12:11 PM

24
I don't even want to think about if he'd died of dysentery.

I think Nicolodeon took care of that image;-)

Posted by: Rev. AJB | November 17, 2008 12:22 PM

25

Now c'mon, folks, give the AFA (Always Fearful Americans) a break!

That burning cross stuff is arcane ancient history. Is it really fair to expect people to recognize such esoteric symbolism when they're just running a little family mail-order business out of Tupelo, uh, Mississippi?

Posted by: Pierce R. Butler | November 17, 2008 12:23 PM

26

Maybe some kind soul will donate one for the White House lawn ... especially appropriate this year!

Posted by: John Pieret | November 17, 2008 12:25 PM

27

@Rob W:

Guess what 'fairy lights' derive from/are meant to represent -- candle flames. Putting them on a cross is simply the technological version of 'a cross with burning candles on it'.

Also wrapping "prefabricated strings of lights" around the cross raises further unfortunate overtones -- that of the 'crown of thorns' from the Easter tableau -- 'the Original S&M-KKKristmas Cross'. Embarrassing.

I really don't care if the imagery is intentional, or simply based on ignorance of both appearance and history. It is grossly insensitive, both to the racist overtones and to the Christian narrative. I don't suppose the AFA gives too hoots about the former -- but would expect them to at least play lip-service to the latter.

Posted by: Hrafn | November 17, 2008 12:32 PM

28
I think Nicolodeon took care of that image;-)

I-I-I heard that.

Posted by: Abby Normal | November 17, 2008 12:35 PM

29

I don't know why this Xmas bauble is making you all so cross. Can't you see it's for those who haven't seen the light?!

Posted by: Ian | November 17, 2008 12:35 PM

30

@Pierce R. Butler:

"arcane ancient history"? Neal Chapman Coombs of Hastings, Florida was was convicted and sentenced to 14 months in prison in January, 2007 for burning a cross as racial intimidation. You have an interesting and idiosyncratic definition of "ancient".

Posted by: Hrafn | November 17, 2008 12:37 PM

31

Hrafn:

Your vocabulary-building word for today: "sarcasm". HTH.

Posted by: John Pieret | November 17, 2008 12:43 PM

32

My neighbor had transformed his ~10 foot flag pole into a cross when we moved in. I do believe it was lighted up and everything. I don't think he did it last year.

Posted by: MarkusR | November 17, 2008 12:49 PM

33

Eeep, sorry. As a non-American, I didn't pick up on the significance of the "Mississippi" in the original comment until the second read through, so missed the sarcasm. Apologies.

Posted by: Hrafn | November 17, 2008 12:52 PM

34

Toaster Sunshine,

flood-light-powered cross to the top

What, little boys in Missouri can't get their hands on bb-guns? I think you could have slept soundly if you were properly motivated. ;)

Rev. AJB,

I always mention every Christmas Eve that this night would have NO SIGNIFICANCE at all for Christians if it weren't for what happened on Easter.

I think you meant to say that the night would have no significance if not for the numerous pagan festivals that were celebrated around December 25th before the people were converted to Christianity.

The name "Easter" is actually derived from the name of the Germanic goddess of fertility, showing the origins of the pagan celebration that was merged with the Christian holiday in order to ease those people into Christianity. In countries that did not have that festival, the name used is "passover" the meal that Jesus would have been celebrating.

Posted by: Schmeer | November 17, 2008 1:02 PM

35
What, little boys in Missouri can't get their hands on bb-guns?
The eventual dominance of LEDs for illumination is going to require a new strategy.

Posted by: Herod the Freemason | November 17, 2008 1:14 PM

36

Herod,
Astute observation. American ingenuity will not be defeated! This is why science education is so important. I feel confident that the little buggers can find a way.

Posted by: Schmeer | November 17, 2008 1:20 PM

37

Schmeer-You are correct-however the pulpit is not the best place to go into that kind of a lengthy explanation. Also a big chunk of the people who are at Christmas and Easter ONLY come to Christmas and Easter. It would go over their heads.

It would make for an interesting Bible study series, though...thanks for the idea;-)

Posted by: Rev. AJB | November 17, 2008 1:25 PM

38

Sad. At no point on their site do they say this is a "burning" cross. So your post is basically bullshit.

It is a cross covered with white lights like any other decoration seen this time of year. My neighbor puts an plastic illuminated fat man in a coat on his roof every year and I don't say he's burning some rotund guy in effigy. Folks down the street have this kilowatt menorah they fire up every year. So what?

I can only assume Ed, in his sheltered city life, has never actually see "fire" so doesn't know what it actually looks like. Hint: it doesn't look like 250 compact xmass tree lights.

It's easy tweak the xtians. But this effort was lazy. try harder next time but remember: don't dislocate your shoulder patting yourself on the back for being so clever: it would be undeserved.

Posted by: Ian Kennedy | November 17, 2008 2:17 PM

39
I seem to recall Bill Maher making a little skit about a re-usable burning cross on his show only a few months ago.

Did he do that after making fun of people who believe in germ theory and the benefits of vaccines? In short, this anti-science nutjob has precious little intellectual capital available for making fun of anyone.

Posted by: heddle | November 17, 2008 2:37 PM

40

Ian, who peed in your Wheaties this morning?

I ask merely for information.

Posted by: StuV | November 17, 2008 2:51 PM

41

Ian... Christmas tree lights are derived from the little candles that used to be burned on the branches of live pine trees in Scandinavia. (ooooh, sounds too much like paganism if you ask me!) Therefore, the serve not only as a means of illumination, but also as a representation of fire.

The use of electric light as a stand-in for fire is not such a foreign concept for many people. (Note the use of electric candle-in-the-windows or electrically lit yule logs.) True, sometimes light is merely used to illuminate an object (no one here is suggesting that a lit-up Santa is a representation of a burning fat man in a red suit - THAT would just be moronic). However, the historical and metaphorical connection between electric lighting, fire (in the form of candles) is something that seems to be lost on you. It is just WAY too easy to extend that metaphor to the cross, since the image of a fiery cross is - shall we say - "burned" into our national psyche.

Posted by: mercurianferret | November 17, 2008 3:55 PM

42

On the bright side(no pun), it will save fuel, sheets, and the toxic smoke of burning a real cross. AFA has gone Green!

Posted by: Goldbrick4 | November 17, 2008 4:00 PM

43

God heddle, do you really have nothing else to do except constant little whining like that?

I swear I remember you making another idiotic comment about Maher before. Now I can understand how you might be confused, but some of us are actually not members of a personality cult like you with Palin or Jesus. And we can enjoy the jokes a comedian makes without hanging onto his every word and proclaiming him our new prophet whose views on germ theory must now become the law of the land. Since he's a comedian, I'm more interested in his jokes then in his knowledge of biology.

If people had the same attitude towards jesus&palin, and picked out which parts of their message to listen to maybe the world would be a better place. Then again, I don't know what the good parts of Palin's message might be. At least Jesus had some good ideas in his more hippy-esque moments.

So yes, Maher is, overall, a loon. But a funny one :).

Posted by: Coriolis | November 17, 2008 4:04 PM

44
AFA has gone Green!

True... but while this is a "greener" option, and the homeowners don't have to deal with a charred front lawn, it is - in a completely different way - highly insulting that you are actually making the homeowner pay for having such a thing being illuminated in their front yard.

Lawns grow back, but that bit of electricity is going on your monthly bill....

Posted by: mercurianferret | November 17, 2008 4:11 PM

45

I like how the "suggested donation" is $81.85. I couldn't find any way to change the amount, so it's not much of suggestion.

Posted by: Liz | November 17, 2008 4:19 PM

46

heddle stated:

Did he do that after making fun of people who believe in germ theory and the benefits of vaccines? In short, this anti-science nutjob has precious little intellectual capital available for making fun of anyone.

Given that we can be reasonably assured that Maher accepts more scientific findings than Gov. Palin - especially given that while Maher's bizarre ideas are at least studied and not absolute, but instead mostly partial rejections while Palin's bizarre ideas appears to come from no study at all but instead a susceptibility to religious dogma; does that mean you see her as a "nutjob" with even less "intellectual capital available" than Maher along with others with beliefs similar to Palin?

I especially think it's important to consider that Maher's opinion on science is far less important to the public square while Palin's approach and positions are critical to not just Alaskans but everyone given she has power to actually enact/oppose sound scientific policies.

E.g., her opposition to the scientific findings and actually hiding the results of those findings regarding polar bears being one of several examples where Palin actually appears to set policy while remaining ignorant or opposed to findings without any legitimate alternative argument even being considered or argued.

I am not sure how I can reconcile a position that Maher deserves no attention for his views beyond those that reject peer-accepted science while supporting the more far more extreme Palin and her rejection of scientific methodology and integrity in general.

Posted by: Michael Heath | November 17, 2008 5:09 PM

47
DJ, the Klan used to sell sweatshirts that said exactly that. Had a picture of a Klansman holding a wreath with the Klan arms inside it. Donno if they still sell those.
Apparently no one informed them that Irving Berlin was jewish.

Posted by: Noadi | November 17, 2008 5:14 PM

48

Geeze, a few of you guys seem to have broken your sarcasm detectors today.

And I totally want to see someone crucify a baby Jebus doll on one of those. Or a Santa doll would do.

Posted by: Cath the Canberra Cook | November 17, 2008 5:23 PM

49

Just add flicker lights....

Posted by: Inoculated Mind | November 17, 2008 5:23 PM

50

Exactly how much intellectual capital does one need to poke fun at the KKK, heddle?

Posted by: Taz | November 17, 2008 5:29 PM

51

I'd like to mention that the fundies who live next door to my father have had a huge red-lit cross on their lawn for years. And everyone I know who sees it thinks "burning cross". Of course, it IS red and quite large, unlike this cute commercialization.

Posted by: The Ridger | November 17, 2008 7:27 PM

52

Well, it looks like a cross with lights, not exactly a "burning cross". But it sure could be mistaken for one. And yes, Easter is the most important "feast" of the liturgical year in Christianity. And yes, these guys, if they're going to do it right, should sell this "burning cross" or whatever it is, around Easter, not Christmas. OTOH, Christmas is the biggest holidy of the year, in a nonreligious sense at least --- in Western countries. Which, presumably is why these folks are selling the cross now.
Anne G

Posted by: Anne Gilbert | November 17, 2008 7:42 PM

53

Cross with light i think symbolizes love.

Posted by: busby seo test | November 17, 2008 8:36 PM

54

Cath - LOL. Won't you join me in a few verses of "White Christmas"?
"Oh the irony, the irony." ☺ DINGO [complete with baby Jesus in jaws]

Posted by: DingoJack | November 17, 2008 8:50 PM

55

Oh no! A dingo ate my baby jeebus!

Posted by: wrpd | November 17, 2008 9:22 PM

56

Wouldn't a nativity scene be more appropriate to sell in commemoration of Christmas than a cross? Christmas recognizes Christ's birth, not his death.

Posted by: daniel rotter | November 17, 2008 9:40 PM

57

By any chance, does the AFA also sell a Christmas wreath that resembles a noose?

Posted by: Ex-drone | November 17, 2008 10:33 PM

58

If you've ever had the misfortune to read or hear the ramblings of KKK members, they very pointedly refuse to call cross burnings "burnings", and instead say that they "light the cross" (at least modern ones do this, not sure if this is a recent, post-civil rights era PR move):

We Light the Cross with the fire, to signify to the World that Jesus Christ is the Light of the World. Where this Holy Light Shines from the darkness there will be dispelled evil, darkness, gloom and despair. The Light of Truth dispels ignorance and superstition as fire purifies gold, silver and precious stone, but destroys wood, hay and stubble, so by the Fire of the Cross of Calvary we cleanse and purify our virtues by burning out the vices with the fire of His Word. The Cross is never allowed to burn down, but is put out when the ceremony is complete. Who can look upon this sublime symbol or sit in its most Holy Light without being inspired with a Holy desire and determination to be a better person?

BY THIS LIGHT JESUS CHRIST CONQUERS ALL

The "light of Jesus/Truth" symbolism seems to be their main thrust (excluding, of course, the implied death threats), with "fire as a cleanser" as a lesser symbolic point. So, even though it's lacking real flame, a KKKook might find this product a suitable alternative for decorating the small yard in front of his mobile home or for use at tailgate rallies in the parking lot outside a Prussian Blue concert (if it includes an AC adapter he can plug into the lighter of his truck).

(Of course it's silly to think that the AFA was intentionally sending a racist, pro-KKK message with their tacky, take-that-anti-Christmas-warriors! holiday decoration, although I suppose we can laugh at their obliviousness.)

Posted by: jpf | November 17, 2008 11:00 PM

59

For those who think picking on their lighted cross is unfair, I was browsing though the AFA store and here's some other possible sources for mockery:

They're Coming To Your Town: Homosexual activists have infiltrated and taken over the small Christian town of Eureka Springs, turning it into "the San Francisco of Arkansas", and they plan to do the same in other towns... EVEN YOURS! (notice the cover with giant gay rainbow skyscrapers looming over the small-town mainstreet buildings. Classy!)

Speechless - Silencing the Christians: They are trying to silence Christians, and you can hear all about it in this 10 DVD series! Be sure to buy the complete set to play in your many churches and separate school system! (Do I need to explicitly point out the ridiculous irony of this or is it as obvious as it seems to me?)

Curves Freedom Fitness CD - United We Stand: work out to patriotic American music like "God Bless America", "the Battle Hymn", and "What a Wonderful World" (huh? global patriotism? Isn't that one of the omens of the End Times or something?)

Squanto and the Miracle of Thanksgiving: The actual hero of Thanksgiving was neither white nor Indian, but God:

In 1608, English traders came to Massachusetts and captured a 12-year old Indian, Squanto, and sold him into slavery. He was raised by Christians and taught faith in God. Ten years later he was sent home to America. Upon arrival, he learned an epidemic had wiped out his entire village. But God had plans for Squanto. God delivered a Thanksgiving miracle: an English-speaking Indian living in the exact place where the Pilgrims land in a strange new world.

Thank God for slavery! (Ok, I think our criticism of the AFA is back to where we started.)

Posted by: jpf | November 17, 2008 11:49 PM

60

If (insert the name of any liberal Democrat here) said that they thought the songs "What the World Needs Now" and "What a Wonderful World" were "patriotic", you can bet that plenty of conservative individuals and organizations (including probably the AFA itself) would see such a statement as evidence that said Democrat supports "one-world government".

Posted by: daniel rotter | November 18, 2008 2:15 AM

61
you can bet that plenty of conservative individuals and organizations (including probably the AFA itself) would see such a statement as evidence that said Democrat supports "one-world government".

Not to mention "This Land Is Your Land" by Woody Guthrie, who palled around with Communists. That song originally had some other verses, one of which was (from Wikipedia):

There was a big high wall there that tried to stop me; Sign was painted, it said private property; But on the back side it didn't say nothing; That side was made for you and me.

Also, I never knew Curves (the women-only fitness club chain who produced that CD and the others AFA is selling) was Christian. How many non-Christian women have joined up so they could exercise without mirrors and men only to find themselves doing aerobics to "Trumpet Of Jesus", "Come, Now Is The Time To Worship", "Lord Reign In Me", "You're My God", "Thank You For The Cross", "You Are My King", and "In Christ Alone" (all songs from their "Freedom Fitness" CDs)?

According to Snopes, the founder/CEO of Curves, Gary Heavin, is a born-againer who (maybe) supports (but not financially, maybe) Operation Save America.

Posted by: jpf | November 18, 2008 5:42 AM

62

Back to the lighted cross decoration... I looked and found another site selling the exact same crosses (cheaper, BTW). They have more photos (manufacturer-supplied, I assume), including one showing the cross on a front lawn with fiery light bloom, making it look even more Klanish.

Posted by: jpf | November 18, 2008 6:28 AM

63

jpf -

Oy, my mother and my (decidedly not so Christian) partner just walked out the door, on their way to curves. Where not only are they inundated with the Christian music, but where the manager/owner is also apparently overweight.

Posted by: DuWayne | November 18, 2008 6:43 AM

64

In the "tasteless Christmas ornaments" series, I saw a nice one in Poland. It was a small Nativity scene, with baby Jesus, of course. But the poor kid was lying... on a cross! He wasn't nailed on it, mind you, and there was some straw under it (to make it more comfy, I guess). But it felt rather weird.

Posted by: Christophe Thill | November 18, 2008 9:01 AM

65

@DuWayne: The Christian music varies, apparently -- it's a franchise system, so the music depends on who's running that particular franchise. Apparently there's at least one Curves franchise owner who donates the equivalent of her franchise fees to the Planned Parenthood in the Curves CEO's hometown... I'm guessing her music selection may also be different.

I suspect it's not unusual that the manager is overweight, though -- Curves does so well specifically *because* it's not packed with tanned bodybuilders grunting and strutting around. It's targeted at middle-aged, overweight women (no men allowed), so it makes sense that the manager might fall into that category as well (and that might make members feel more welcome...).

Whether to support them or not based on the CEO's use of his money/influence is a valid question, but their business model is pretty solid.

Posted by: Rob W | November 18, 2008 9:35 AM

66

"I suppose we should count our blessings that Jesus died on such an innocuous looking device..."

OH OH no no what if.. what if it was the RACK! with the big wheels and chains where they tear you apart? You could set that sucker up above an altar. and have it on a remote control motor so the wheels move.

and maybe then finish him off in one of those full body cage things with all the spikes... and have fake blood ready to get pumped through when you ring the bells...

Posted by: Kevin | November 18, 2008 10:56 AM

67

"Herod, Astute observation. American ingenuity will not be defeated! This is why science education is so important. I feel confident that the little buggers can find a way.
Posted by: Schmeer | November 17, 2008 1:20 PM

perhaps repeated applications of paint balls?

Posted by: Kevin | November 18, 2008 11:00 AM

68

@Ian Kennedy:

Folks down the street have this kilowatt menorah they fire up every year.

And what, pray, do the lights on a menorah represent?

Posted by: Robin Levett | November 18, 2008 1:25 PM

69

When I saw the headline, I assumed it would be a large "$".

Posted by: khan | November 18, 2008 2:39 PM

70

Unitarians burn a question mark.

Posted by: SmartAZ | November 19, 2008 2:46 AM

71

very nice symbol it represent to jesus christ died for us.

Posted by: Hectic Capiznon Bloggers 2009 | March 12, 2009 11:27 PM

72

Nice post. This post is different from what I read on most blog. And it have so many valuable things to learn. Thank you for your sharing.

Posted by: Music Careers | June 3, 2009 3:18 AM

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