In Clio, Michigan, after failing to convince the city to remove a nativity scene from city-owned land downtown, the Freedom From Religion Foundation has requested to lease space next to the creche to put up its own message that would read: "At this season of the Winter Solstice, may reason prevail. There are no gods, no devils, no angels, no heaven or hell. There is only our natural world. Religion is but a myth and superstition that hardens hearts and enslaves minds." The Flint Journal yesterday reported that the land in question is owned by the city, but operated by the Chamber of Commerce.
Meanwhile, elsewhere others have moved to self-help in their opposition to nativity scenes on public property. The San Diego Union Tribune today reports that this year almost two dozen thefts of baby Jesus figures from nativity scenes have been reported. The paper says these kinds of thefts "have become something of a holiday tradition".
