From the LATimes http://www.knoxnews.com/kns/national/article/0,1406,KNS_350_5100139,00.html
"Pete Pathfinder Davis has been fighting for nearly a decade to have the emblem of his faith engraved on the headstones of veterans buried in federal cemeteries. But the application he filed in 1997 with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs for use of the pentacle - a five-pointed star surrounded by a circle - is still pending. Davis and other Wiccans, who sometimes describe themselves as pagans or witches, say it is time for the VA to recognize their religion, which worships nature and employs the practice of 'magick.'"
What's your opinion about this, and if you object to it -- why?
2006-11-13 02:29:50 · 20 answers · asked by Sweetchild Danielle 7 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Steph's answer is right on the mark. The real reason why the formerly Republican-controlled government hasn't recognized the Wiccan pentagram or pentacle is that the VA doesn't want what many consider a "Satanic" symbol anywhere near their revered Christian dead. As though our revered Wiccan dead, who served their country faithfully, don't really count.
But she's wrong to say that Wicca is not "a completely recognized religion." The government doesn't have to "recognize" Wicca for it to be a "legitimate" religion. In fact, the government is forbidden by the First Amendment from making such distinctions. Americans are free to believe whatever they like. There are restrictions on what we can do, but there are none on what we can believe; we're free to choose our own faith and beliefs. That's guaranteed by the Constitution. The government doesn't get to decide what is "recognized" and "legitimate."
The government is discriminating against Americans of the Wiccan faith for no legitimate reason. If you're a citizen--even a Christian citizen--who believes in freedom of religion, let your congressional representatives know that you consider this discrimination immoral and un-American.
This is not a complicated issue. It's a simple matter of fairness.
2006-11-13 02:41:38 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 11⤊ 0⤋
It really needs to be allowed, to honor the wishes of people who gave their lives to fight for this country, including freedom of religion.
Many people do think the pentacle is associated with Satanism, but that's just out of ignorance. Anyone who has looked at the religion for themselves know that Satan is a Christian construct and that Pagans don't believe in Satan at all. It's a horrible, prejudiced misconception and any semi-educated person not living in a cave ought to know better.
Unfortunately, many people are content to be told what to think, and enjoy seeing paganism as evil because it makes them feel superior - and because their religions say so, because paganistic religion were once the top competition for believers.
It's time to put stupid prejudices aside and look at the situation with clarity and reason. There is nothing wrong with Wicca. It was the wish of someone who gave his life to this country.
The VA needs to take a laxative and get over it.
2006-11-13 02:46:13 · answer #2 · answered by KC 7 · 9⤊ 1⤋
I don't see why not because if they allow other religious symbols, then why not Wiccan? They can't use the excuse that it might offend someone because other symbols could just as easily offend a Wiccan or atheist like myself.
If they were going to prohibit a religious symbol, then they should prohibit ALL symbols of any religion. It should be so hypocritical. It's like one rule for them and one for Wiccans (or other similar religions)
2006-11-13 02:40:30 · answer #3 · answered by Melissa 2 · 8⤊ 0⤋
Good enough to die for their country, defending freedom (among which is the right to freedom of religion), but not good enough to warrant the symbol of their faith on their headstone. A sad state of affairs, if you ask me.
As a Wiccan and a veteran, I am outraged over this (though it isn't news to me, I've been fighting it for several months, now).
2006-11-13 03:08:52 · answer #4 · answered by whtknt 4 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Wicca is a recognized religion in the Military. Chaplains are trained to provide the needs of Wiccan soldiers, so I see no reason for this discrimination on grave sites.
2006-11-13 03:25:58 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 0⤋
Why shouldn't we allow it. Christianity and Catholicism is a new religion compared to Paganism. It seems the Christian bureaucrats are still trying to govern societies belief. It's due to them our Horned God was turned into the Devil and we became known as Satanists! As a united world we should accept ALL religions, I know Pagans embrace all beliefs and at certain 'clubs' invite guest speakers from other religions so we can learn to embrace each others beliefs. Shame it cannot be extended to others really.
2006-11-13 03:00:03 · answer #6 · answered by boudicea 2 · 6⤊ 1⤋
Shouldn't you be asking your government reps? I know I've mailed letters to my sentors, and other government representatives.
And there's an article on The Witches Voice this week that discusses that issue as well.
http://www.witchvox.com/va/dt_va.html?a=usmi&c=words&id=11305
2006-11-13 10:51:25 · answer #7 · answered by AmyB 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I thought they had corrected this already.
oh well that bureaucracy for you. It is wrong and eventually I am confident that it will be corrected. The government moves slowly. I imagine the excuse they use is that they dont want every person putting any symbol they want, but Wicca is a legitimate religious group.
such things just take time.
2006-11-13 02:47:05 · answer #8 · answered by Gamla Joe 7 · 6⤊ 1⤋
Obviously the VA will have very conservative views on this matter but times are changing-I wouldn't bet on the situation being the same in a decade from now.
2006-11-13 02:32:58 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 8⤊ 0⤋
I know. It's ****** up. Me being a Wiccan, i think they should allow it. If it's what you believed in, then why not let everyone know it. Wiccan is a good thing in my eyes and i think all us fellow wiccans should get together and fight for what is right!
2006-11-13 02:47:07 · answer #10 · answered by freak on a leash 6 1 · 7⤊ 0⤋