LJ-SEC: (ORIGINALLY POSTED BY cheap_laugh)

from newsvine

killed in Afghanistan will gather Saturday to dedicate what they call the first government-issued memorial plaque with a Wiccan symbol.

The plaque for Sgt. Patrick Stewart was installed last week on the Veterans Memorial Wall at the Northern Nevada Veterans Cemetery in Fernley, about 30 miles east of Reno.

Stewart's widow, Roberta, has been fighting to make the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs allow the Wiccan pentacle — a five-pointed star enclosed in a circle — for plaques and headstones at veterans' cemeteries.

VA rules recognize more than 30 symbols, including more than a dozen variations of the Christian cross and the atomic whirl used by atheists, but not the pentacle. Wiccans say the pentacle represents earth, air, fire, water and spirit, and some consider themselves good witches, pagans or neo-pagans.

The Nevada Office of Veteran Services, citing its jurisdiction over maintenance of the state cemetery, issued the plaque in September.

LJ-SEC: (ORIGINALLY POSTED BY lullabypit)

You know, when I'm looking for coherent, thoughtful analysis and opinion on important socio-political issues, I've learned to steer clear of anything involving the words "Baptist" and "Texas." No offense to the literally dozens of rational Texans out there, most of who seem to live in Austin, a town I keep hearing great things about. :)

Imagine my surprise when I stumbled up on this commentary from Marv Knox, editor of the Texas Baptist "news journal." I mean, I'm quite sure that Marv and I disagree on a number of things (although I suspect we agree on more than some folks would think), but damn, his take on why the Wide Right is missing the boat on the current Rick Warren/Barack Obama controversy is nothing short of money.

In a nutshell, the evangelical fringe opposes any association with people like Obama because he's pro-abortion. Period. ( Read more... )

:xpost: