Kind Courtesy Ms Carol Smith of the AAI:
http://www.crossville-
chronicle.com/homepage/local_story_084161126.html
Flying Spaghetti Monster takes up residence at county courthouse
By Gary Nelson / gnelson@crossville-chronicle.com
Among the county's historic directional sign post, farm equipment and
gazebo stand several monuments and expressions of free speech. The
displays include an Iraq and Afghanistan Soldier's Memorial, Statue
of Liberty, chainsaw-carved monkeys and bears, Jesus carrying a
cross, and the most recent display added — a Flying Spaghetti Monster.
Several onlookers and tourists have stopped to take pictures of the
sculptures.
The Flying Spaghetti Monster is the latest display to a slew of
others that have been erected on the lawn over the past year. Several
marches and demonstrations have also taken place on the courthouse
grounds.
A free speech zone?
Cumberland County Buildings and Grounds Committee Chaiman Harry
Sabine explained the committee has deferred all decisions on displays
and handling of the courthouse grounds to County Mayor Brock Hill.
"I think at some point this may become ridiculous. I'm not so sure if
now is the point or not. My concern is about what could or may go up
there ... I mean the committee could ultimately decide to remove all
displays, but at this point we haven't. I think a time limit on the
displays may need to be enacted, though. I do think that too many of
these displays tend to detract from the beauty of our courthouse
lawn. I think our courthouse lawn is among the prettiest in the
state. I hate to see that sacrificed," 1st District Commissioner
Harry Sabine said.
On her Web site, www.itlovesyou.blogspot.com, a blog explaining the
Flying Spaghetti Monster, Crossville artist Ariel Safdie states, "We
are lucky enough to live in a country that allows us, its citizens,
the freedom of speech. I have chosen to put up a statue of the Flying
Spaghetti Monster to represent the discourse between people of all
different beliefs. The many faiths, ethnicities and backgrounds of
Cumberland County's residents make our community a stronger richer
place. I respect and am proud that on the people's lawn, the county
courthouse, all of these diverse beliefs can come together in a
positive dialogue. Here, we are all able to share the issues close to
our hearts whether it is through a memorial to the soldiers killed
fighting for our country, the Statue of Liberty honoring our nations
welcoming promise to all, a group's fight to stop homelessness, or
powerful symbols of faith. I greatly treasure this open forum between
everyone in the community."
Although it may seem silly to some, Safdie adds, "The Flying
Spaghetti Monster is a pile of noodles and meatballs, but it is meant
to open up discussion and provoke thought. Being able to put up a
statue is a celebration of our freedom as Americans; a freedom to be
different, to express those differences, and to do it amongst
neighbors — even if it is in a noodley way."
Safdie was not available for comment at press-time.
County Mayor Brock Hill said, "We are basically operating it as a
freedom of speech venue. We don't deny the constitutional rights of
anyone, but we certainly don't endorse all the displays. I feel the
Flying Spaghetti Monster is an effort on the part of non-Christians
to try and minimize Christianity and the images that have been placed
there. I'll go as far as to say that I think it's an attempt to
minimize and ridicule the good intentions of Christians in Cumberland
County, but I don't deny their right."
Hill said there have been some requests for displays which have been
turned down and each request is looked at on the merit of the display.
On Good Friday a chainsaw-carved statue of Jesus carrying the cross
was placed on the lawn, along with the Flying Spaghetti Monster and a
play of the Stations of the Cross was acted out by the Cumberland
Countians for Peace and Justice.
"This is a group of various denominations brought together to bring
awareness to the injustices of today," said Joe Gittings.
Gittings said the group also hosts peace displays or demonstrations
at the courthouse each Wednesday from 4 to 5 p.m.
Gittings said he appreciates the opportunity the county is allowing.
Anyone wishing to erect a display is required to go to the county
mayor's office and fill out a building and grounds committee
application for use of the courthouse grounds. The applicant must be
a Cumberland County resident. The application is reviewed and then
either approved or rejected by the county mayor.
"We decided to do it this way because it seemed silly to have to meet
all the time in order to approve these applications. The committee
does have the right, though, to ultimately reject all of them if it
decides," Sabine said.
Over the past year, a chainsaw-carved nativity scene has been there
as well as a massive carving of the Last Supper.
The free speech zone began in 2006 after the American Civil Liberties
Union in Nashville sent the county a letter asking if the display of
a Moses statue meant the county was creating a free speech zone.
The displays by various people and organizations have continued
since. Hill said unless the situation gets out of hand, he feels the
current policy will continue.
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