Do you think this is fair?

Question

On July 10, 2006, CNN televised a story shown worldwide about the quest to get the Pentacle recognized by the VA as a valid emblem of belief. Roberta Stewart, a widow of a Pagan soldier killed in combat, wants a Pentacle included on her husband’s government-issued memorial plaque. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has not yet approved her request. Other applications from Pagan organizations requesting that the Pentacle be approved have been pending for as long as nine years and also remain unapproved.

Now, regardless of whether or not you agree with Wicca, don't we preach freedom of religion for ALL in this country, not just what the right wing Christian Repulicanazis think is religion?

While you're at it, take a look at this question for me, too.
http://au.answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=AhK8J9xS74Xqb4gAznXgPMLg5gt.?qid=20060723142740AABJj0b

Layman's terms? They don't want to approve the Pentacle for a fallen soldier's headstone, while they have approved symbols for every other religion, and even for atheists (though I don't know what kind of symbol they use-perhaps a Darwin fish?)

Romans 10? What does that have to do with this? If anything post it, I don't care to go digging for it.

Rougue, the first request was made 9 years ago by the Aquarian Tabernacle Church. Sad, huh?

Wicca is considered a religion whether you like it or not. This is what I am talking about. Ignorant twats who won't accept it because they don't agree with it.
http://www.religioustolerance.org/witchcra.htm

Some of the ignorance here makes me hate Americans. And makes me want to vomit! No wonder we are so hated all over the world.

Answer 1

This is one of those things that has irritated me for many months (I'm a little late to the party) but hopefully will be resolved. Some non-Wiccan groups have threatened legal action if the VA and NCS don't approve the symbol.

Even ChristianityToday recognizes this inequity as wrong: http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2006/123/12.0.html

To DanG and John S - Yes, Wicca *is* recognized as a religion, and has court cases to back it up. See http://www.religioustolerance.org/wic_rel.htm for details.

Members of the military can also designate "Wicca" as their religion on their dogtags.

To Joel M - no, the pentacle does not represent "all that is evil", and I would encourage you to learn something about Wicca before you make another statement like that which shows that you have no idea what you're talking about.

Other discussions about this topic:

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/;_ylt=ApqlBaqd4HwLKRglLuKOF6EjzKIX?qid=20060721223745AACLH3C

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/;_ylt=AvDgNbt2jLtJnNf_oaVo5E4jzKIX?qid=1006052660127

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/;_ylt=ArsURi37iijDKFnheq9SU_8jzKIX?qid=20060711073114AA1l17i

Answer 2

No. It's unfair. And what people neglect to report is that Pagans have been trying to get the Pentacle on VA headstones for more than 9 years. Roberta Stewart isn't the first widow who has faced this, just the first to get this much media attention. I don't think men should get **** on after they die for our country. No matter what their religion or lack thereof. Atheists have a symbol they're permitted to use. Even if Wicca weren't officially recognized (which it is, by the way) it could at least have the same status as Atheism. Come on!

Answer 3

I've been completely appalled by that. Several years ago I was friends with some Wiccans. They were two of the kindest and most generous people I'd ever known. They didn't have much themselves, but they never turned anyone away and were always looking for ways to help others who were less fortunate than they were. I think they should be recognized as a religion. I just think it's very prejudiced of the VA not to.

Answer 4

Quite sad. Someone volunteers for the Armed Services, gives the ultimate sacrifice, and intolerant, bigoted people deny him something that any other soldier is allowed to have, simply because they disapprove. All in clear violation of the first amendment.

The intolerance here is quite frightening, as well. People have forgotten why we have the first amendment. They have forgotten that in other countries people were forced to go to the Official Church, pay taxes to it, and be punished by the country's soldiers and King is they did not, whether or not that was whom they wished to worship. They seem to think that it's ok to make others "play by our rules", when in simple fact the Bill of Rights forbids such tactics.

America is supposed to be a place where we "play fair". If you put ANY religious symbol on soldiers' graves, you must put them All. Fair is fair.

Answer 5

Freedom of religion in this country does not mean that the VA has to accept a known cult as a religion. Wicca is not considered a religion except by the most liberal outcast of society.

Answer 6

Romans 10

Answer 7

I am Pagan and I sent an email to CNN thanking them for airing that story. I think that it is ridiculous that the government still hasn't made a decision about that. It is my understanding that they have been 'deciding' for a very long time. Religious freedom means ALL religions.

Answer 8

It doesnt matter if it is fair or not. It will not be anything but a 15 second news story. Religion is big business and unrecognized religions are like low income housing. Not enough to make it in the country club.

Answer 9

No. as a Christian, you know where I stand already. But.

If this country is based on Christianity, and the Gov, allows either nothing but Christianity, or it should allow anyones.

It does not have the Right to pick and choose a select faith or religion.

I agree with you.

Answer 10

America loves fredom of religion..but that does not transfer to a belief system thats not considered an official religion. I dont disagree with you, but its not considered a religion by the government so it would not enjoy the status of others, like christianity.