Evil Little Things
January 27, 2012
If you’ve recently been hiding under a rock (or not reading r/atheism), you might have missed the amazing story of 16-year-old Jessica Ahlquist and her recent lawsuit to remove a prayer banner in her public high school. Just last week, a federal judge ruled in her favor and it looks like the school district will take down the banner rather than continuing to futilely challenge the Constitution with taxpayer money.
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| Ahlquist |
Despite winning the battle, Jessica has found herself stuck in the middle of a war between rabid religious ideologues and those who support a secular society, free from state sponsorship of any faith. Police in her Rhode Island town are investigating a number of threats against Jessica found online - surely only a fraction of the abuse hurled at her from the anonymous confines of the internet by grownups who consider themselves representatives of Christianity. This, from a faith that markets itself as being emblematic of compassion… It’s a phenomenon as disturbing as it is unsurprising.
Equally disturbing but less expected is the most prominent of Jessica’s naysayers: Her own state representative, Peter Palumbo. On January 12th, State Rep. Palumbo was a guest on the John DePetro Show and shared his thoughts on Jessica. His words?
”...What an evil little thing…”
Has there ever been a less appropriate reaction by a representative regarding a constituent, let alone a minor? I can’t think of one. Truly, something is wrong here and Peter Palumbo needs to know it. I immediately emailed him, saying:
I am not represented by you, but I wanted to take a moment to thank you for speaking your mind on the Jessica Ahlquist issue. Your words were exactly what this country needs to hear right now. Thank you for laying bare how small-minded and hateful a healthy dose of “Christian love” will make a population. A grown man calling a high school girl an “evil little thing” for upholding the Constitution of the United States of America against the superstitions of its largest cult is precisely the image I believe Christianity deserves in this country. I look forward to seeing your likeminded constituents continue to vote for you in large numbers as an example of how base and inhuman a person of true faith can become. You, sir, are representative in more than title alone.
ISSA Vice President Rebecca Tippens exhibited a bit more tact:
You are not my representative. In fact, I hadn’t heard of you before today. And yet, in just a few words, you’ve made a lasting impression. How dare you call Jessica Ahlquist an “evil little thing”. As a politician, you of all people should know that personal matters and political ideals are very separate things. It is clear that you disagree with Jessica on the issue of separation of church and state, but that disagreement does not speak to her moral character. I would venture she is a more upstanding and courageous individual than yourself—certainly she would not abuse a position of power to make ruthless ad hominem attacks on members of the general public with dissimilar values.
In the absence of a public apology, you will continue to represent to myself and others the sort of hatred and bigotry that is found at the intersection of religious belief and public policy.
I hope it is within your capacity to take these words to heart.
Email State Rep. Palumbo yourself, let him know what you think of his attitude towards his constituent and the freedom of (and from) religion that is part of this country’s founding principles.
Jessica Ahlquist has been a masterful advocate of a free and secular society, a young leader who has already accomplished a great deal and deserves our gratitude. Say thank you by aiding in this fight. State Representative Palumbo is as much a symptom of this sectarian scourge as was the prayer banner itself.
About the Author: Samuel Shore
