A · Girl · in · the · Clouds

This afternoon, on my way to a job interview, as I was stopped at a red light in front of the post office, I noticed two protestors standing outside with Obama as Hitler signs. I have nothing against protests and the expression of opinions, but comparing a Nobel Peace Prize winner to a man who committed mass genocide on millions of people…that doesn’t sit well with me. People can speak for or against things, and whether I disagree with them or not, I still recognize that they have a right to do so, just as I do. But there is a line being crossed when what you’re protesting is more than just an opinion, but a grossly inaccurate and highly inappropriate display of ignorance.

Knowing that it would make me a few minutes late for my interview, I turned into the post office. Without speaking to the protestors, I went inside to inform them of what these people were doing, on the chance they didn’t know, or did know but weren’t doing anything about it. I waited until the woman was finished with her customer, then told her what was going on. She said that they had already spoken with the police, who said that since it was a public sidewalk, there was nothing they could do. I was still frustrated, but I’d done what I could.

If I ever see them out there again, my plan is to stand next to them with a sign saying: “Congratulations to President Obama: Winner of the Nobel Peace Prize!!” Hey…it’s a public sidewalk.

But there’s more to my story.

After leaving the post office, a few block down the road I passed the Schaumburg Church of Christ where I saw this sign:

What?! I wanted to stop a demand an explanation, but I knew I was already going to be slightly late for my interview, and I didn’t want to delay myself any longer, so I decided to stop there on my way back home.

My interview ended up going very well (I even got to use the post office story when asked for an example of a time I handled a frustrating situation well).

Back on the road 20 minutes later, I turned into the church parking lot. I took the above picture, then went to the door, to find it locked. I knocked, but no one answered. Not that unusual for a church on a Tuesday at 4:00. Then I noticed a sign that included the phone number of the minister’s office. So I called and left a message asking for an explanation of the sign. If there’s a part 2 to this note, it will include the minister’s response.

This was the first church sign I have been opposed to, let along strongly opposed to. Usually, they’re either cute or inspirational, or both. But this one I definitely had a problem with. First of all, they are a church. They are completely separate from the government. They’re even tax exempt! Why did this church feel it was appropriate to comment on the government at all? Secondly, as a church, shouldn’t they be promoting generosity toward those who need it? And, don’t churches (or, shouldn’t churches) themselves, give? Wasn’t Christianity founded on, among other things, the idea of helping those less fortunate? Our government (generally) is trying to help our people. And this church is saying that they should stop?! Because it costs too much money?! This is coming from a church?

I’m pissed.