Ass Clown Special Award

I usually present Ass Clown Awards to individuals or groups, sometimes to nations or their governments, and once to a product. Today, we single out a corporation for an out-of-cycle special award. An

Ass Clown Special Award

is presented to

Hobby Lobby

Hobby Lobby is a chain of stores specializing in arts and crafts supplies and noted for its strident advocacy of Christian religious beliefs. In a full-page ad inserted in numerous newspapers over the Fourth of July weekend, the management of Hobby Lobby advocated the supremacy of Christian religious faith over the government of the United States. In an accompanying, downloadable .pdf file, the firm published a carefully selected array of quotes from the Founders, former presidents, Supreme Court justices and decisions, and foreign commentators seeming to advocate for government as a theocracy overseen by - of course - "Christians."

The company has a long history of publishing colorful ads on major holidays, encouraging readers to adopt Christian beliefs. The present ad, though, actually advocates that the United States should be governed according to the precepts of the Christian faith ... ignoring the fact that, all other quotations aside, the Constitution specifically states (in Article VI, Clause 3) that "... no religious Test shall ever be required as a Qualification to any Office or public Trust under the United States," and that the first sentence of the First Amendment clearly states that "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof."

Far too many Americans nowadays interpret "religious freedom" as "official recognition of and deference to Christianity the way we define it," and do not recognize Judaism, Islam, Buddhism, and other belief systems as legitimate and worthy of protected exercise. These people have redefined Christianity as a system not of social justice and the care and protection of others (which is pretty much what the Bible they ostentatiously wave says), but as a weapon with which to seize and exercise power over others. 

If the owners of the Hobby Lobby chain think living in a theocracy is such a good idea, I'm sure they can relocate and open lots of branches in Iran.

Ladies and Gentlemen, Dear Readers, The Hobby Lobby earns a well-deserved Ass Clown Special Award. If you need arts and crafts supplies, Michaels and Joann Fabrics can fill your needs without worrying about how you worship.

Have a good day. More thoughts coming.

Bilbo