The 14 scenes depicting Jesus Christ's birth have long been a popular attraction among area residents and tourists to the southern California city.
This year, however, atheists have taken over most of the two-block stretch, nearly shutting out and angering a group of churches who contend the atheists have organized against the Christians and gamed a city lottery process allocating the holiday exhibit space.
In response, a leader of the atheist group says he's just looking for evenhanded treatment to present his beliefs in a public space -- and goes so far as to say that the city shouldn't even be allowing any religious or even atheist expression in the park.
That's why he and his group have put nothing on half of the park exhibit spaces that they've secured from the city this year.
The atheists are declaring the politically left-leaning seaside town of Santa Monica as their latest battleground in a national movement to assert their rights.
--------------------------------
Please read some of the comments. Even some of the atheists themselves feel like this was truly petty execution at least! Check it...
Dakaze201
My fellow Atheist need to practice some of the tolerance we preach. I would understand trying to grab a spot or two, but 18 makes us all look like a bunch of babies.
cg197
I'm an atheist and these atheists are being complete @-holes. Are they going to buy up a bunch of churches and clear them out next?
dan428
As an atheist myself, I think that was a dick move on their part. Certainly doesn't make us look good.. seems rather selfish. They could've at least filled all of the spots they claimed, leaving it blank is a waste. I would've put up some science-related displays.. like a projector showing a looping animation of the Big Bang or something.
I definitely agree wtih dan428. If you are going to try to make that kind of point, be RESPECTFUL ENOUGH by utilizing the space. Sheesh...
Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner.