by Tom Ebacher
We asked the city of Fargo to move the monument of the Ten Commandments to another location. In doing so we've created a controversy. Many people have spoken against us. They've called us silly, childish and intolerant. They've told the people of this city that we're responsible for the Columbine massacre. They've said that if it weren't for the 10 commandments we'd be killing each other to get our way.
What have we done to deserve such unwarranted criticism?
I volunteered and served 4 years in the military during the Viet Nam war. I've worked for over 20 years helping troubled youth and the retarded. I've been married once for over 25 years and raised 2 children to responsible adulthood.
I've done nothing but contribute to this society! And if you would ask our other members, you'd find many who have contributed more than I have. What we see as we watch this controversy is the face of bigotry. Religious bigotry.
You know, most of our supporters hide. We don't have black skins that make us stand out in a crowd. By hiding we protect our businesses and our careers so we can support our families. Most don't want to suffer the consequences that happen all too often to those who speak out. In choosing this quiet path, they suffer in silence the indignity of having our government imposing the Christian beliefs of the majority on us. In our public schools they tell our children that atheists have no morals and on the city hall mall they endorse the 10 Commandments and the religious bigotry that supports it.
Some would claim that removing the 10 Commandments would destroy our nation. I disagree with that unfounded claim. The truth is that if it hadn't been for Freethinkers, there wouldn't have been a nation to begin with.
I don't want to destroy this society. I want to make it a better. I hope that someday our fellow citizens who are without belief can speak openly about their beliefs without concern for social repercussions. I hope that someday we can have a representative in public office that doesn't have to swear allegiance to a deity to be elected. I hope that our children can be treated with respect in our public schools without regard of their religious belief and I look forward to a time when our accomplishments are more accurately reflected in the history we teach our children.
Removal of the 10 commandments from the city square is a way to send a message that all people in this community are welcome. It is a way to say that bigotry in any of its forms is not condoned by the City of Fargo. I hope that together we can achieve a society that treats all citizens equally.