SONOMA, CA – A Marine veteran’s complaints has caused all religious Christmas imagery be removed from Sonoma County government buildings.
Irv Sutley is a disabled 65 year old Marine veteran. He is a lifelong atheist and is also chairman of the Sonoma County’s Peace and Freedom Party.
Upon seeing an angel atop the Christmas tree in the county recorder’s office, Sutley filed a complaint with the County Administrator. He believes the religious symbols are “extremely offensive” and part of the “cult” of Christianity.
“I just don’t believe government has the right to intrude on anyone and force them into sectarian behavior,” said Sutley. “I’ve opposed Buddhist statues, the star of David — anything of a religious nature.”
Sutley pointed to a 1989 U.S. Supreme Court ruling that stated any religious symbols on government-sponsored Christmas trees are considered an illegal endorsement of Christianity.
All 26 county departments have now been instructed to remove any and all religious holiday symbols from displays.
Jim Toomey, the public information officer for the county, confirmed the order. “To avoid any controversy and to satisfy this gentleman’s concerns, the ornaments were removed,” said Toomey.
Each year, America sees a struggle between church and state during the holiday season. In 2007, Oklahoma City employees defied orders to remove Christian-themed decorations from their office. In 1999, a display featuring a menorah and manger scene was found to be constitutional once a symbol from Kwanzaa and numerous secular symbols such as Santa Claus and Frosty the Snowman were added.
Your actions are extremely offensive but that doesn't mean we want you removed. My prayer is that one day you will come to know the real reason for the season which is Jesus. And then you won't be so petty in having christmas ornaments removed for your own selfish reasons.
Not everybody agrees with Irv's opinion to remove religious symbols. Just because he doesn't like Christmas and other religious holidays doesn't mean he has to ruin it for everybody else. Atheists are not the majority and I wish they would just live and let live.
People are getting really tired of these idot Atheists. I personally think that someone needs to track them down and rid the world of them…finally let GOD sort them out. They really need to crawl back into their holes where they belong.
My dad was a marine and I was always proud of him. This guy has made me ashamed of all marines. What a cad! So the only people we don't want to offend are atheists? We don't care about offending those who believe in something? What planet am I on?
One wonders what is on Irv's Peace and Freedom Party manifesto? – get a life buddy!
Irv Sutley has no time to be wasting on religous symbols…he is old and probably will stand before his Maker soon.
Say what you will about Sutley's misinformed interpretation of the Supreme Court's decision that actually allows municipalities to use religious elements in Christmas displays, but none of us will be facing our Maker until Judgment day, whenever that might be, and not when we die.
I am sure Mr. Sutley has no problem cashing his government disability check and spending the government money which so prominently displays "In God We Trust". Perhaps he should refuse it. Just another typical hypocrite.
I'm insulted by you, Irv!
This guy is a discrace to the CORP. He was then and is is now!
Darn right – Men like this should not be allowed in the Corps.
Irv is a Patriot,
OMG are we all losing our minds. We change everything for 1 person. PLEASE wake up America. If you are an atheist, dont celebrate Christmas. Celebrate not having Christmas. But dont try to bring down the country for which it was founded on. GET A LIFE
As a former Marine, I am ashamed of you. Your not a Marine, your a coward who is going to hell and the sooner the better… Why don't you get out of Our Country and move to a country where there are cowards like you. Then you won't be alone when you go to hell. This Country and these Judges need to get some balls and tell these Athiests to f___ off.
Isn't it funny that just one Atheist can do this much damage to our Christmas spirit and we cannot do anything about it. Then say one word about homosexuals and that would be a hate crime. This Atheist also hates Christians, so why don't they call his actions a Hate crime on Christians?
Isn't that the truth? Obviously being intolerant is only acceptable if the group you don't "tolerate" are Christians?! This gentleman is really to be pitied.
You said it! Funny how atheists constantly accuse Christians of being narrow-minded, yet in spite of the fact that Christians put up with everything this world throws out, some atheists cannot even handle a little star.
I wish people would remember WHY this country has a separation of state claus. It has to do with keeping the government from FORCING religion on people. Since our forefathers came from England, that was very important to them. It does not mean that the government cannot be PART of something religious. It means that they cannot SPONSOR or promulgate a particular religion.
Good point! WHY isn't it a "Hate" crime against Christians when they call us vile hateful names, accuse of us intolerance, even thought THEY are the ones acting so hateful and intolerant.?? If I was a better Christian, I'd feel sorry for this dead-end human being, but instead he just makes me want to hit him over the head with a statue of St. Paddy! Two thouhsand years later and Jesus is still making the haters crazy.
Ok, you know what? I'm offended by this. these people must walk around just looking for religious items they can complain about! I don't even go to church. I guess family is considered Christian, but I not offended by Jewish symbols or Muslim symbols. I just think, interesting, I don't believe in that but that's ok. I'm offended by our current elected officials, can we remove them? If you don't believe, fine, you don't have to. But why must everything that offends someone be removed? Nobody cares what offends me. Atheists don't believe in anything… Separation of church & state? What about freedom of expression? I'm going to get a big ole cross necklace and wear it and I hope it pisses you off!
May the fleas of a thousand camels infest his armpits! I am now offended that there are no angels on the tree. SO PUT THEM BACK! And he wants the cross removed where someone died from an accident? SERIOUSLY? This cross represents the peace and hope of this family and you just want to rip up and take that from them. You are seriously messed up!!!
Seriously, is he mentally disabled? A stuffed toy angel offends him? Thanks for putting his picture up he looks like he should belong on America's 10 most wanted.
It seems to me this gentleman needs a job or a hobby. I agree with the comment regarding his use of American money, which prominently states "In God we Trust." I don't think he should get to use American money. Because he lives in this country, he is able to practice (or not practice) his atheism. It's a CHRISTmas tree for crying out loud. Because of Jesus being born, we have CHRISTmas. We don't celebrate Christmas because we DON'T believe in Christ, but because we do. If he doesn't like it, don't look at the tree. Just like if I don't like something on tv that has to do with atheism, I turn the channel; I don't complain about it. Freedom of Speech. My papa was a marine. He'd be so ashamed of this guy.
Stars are on the flag and in the sky! Angels are believed in by many people, not just religious types. I'm not religious at all but I love the traditions at Christmas, I love the beautiful old songs, I love the nativity, the idea of this holy child being born, standing for good and hope and peace. It's a wonderful story, full of beauty. What's this guy's problem? I hope he reads this and knows that our entire family and circle of friends are all non-religious, not a single one of us goes to church or believes in religion but we are all very respectful of others beliefs and we all wish very much that you would SHUT UP, Irv, and MIND YOUR OWN BUSINESS!
This man truly has issues. Doesn't he have anything better to do with his time. If we all complained that we were insulted that the angels and decorations were not there, we would not get anywhere. Why does one man complain and it gets done. He needs to get a hobby or a life or something.
The man has his karma delt out to him already. People like him always die alone.
Irv, I served 4 years of which 13 months were in Viet Nam back in 1964-65 defending the four freedoms, one of which is the Freedom of Religion. You are disgusting, you are a disgrace to the United States Marine Corp, no, you are a disgrace to the American Military and everyone that has ever worn a uniform. Can you say "Freedom of Religion" of which you apparently know nothing about.
Hey you old jarhead.
It won't be to long when you meet your maker. Then you will sqeal and scream as you are hauled away to hell.
How can one man wield this much power over a holiday that has been a celebration of Jesus Christ's birth? Oh yeah I forgot. This is California. The home of politically correct. Where it easier to shut out the masses to keep keep the whining minorities happy.
I think Mr. Sutley should lobby next for an end to the Christmas Holiday. Every one should be required to work that day. Including Mr. Sutley. Then let's get rid of 4th of July as well, as our Founding Fathers established this country UNDER GOD.
It's a real shame that Irv served this country to protect our freedoms, but is now old and hardened and forgot what his service in the USMC stood for.
This country was built on religious freedom, to be free from persecution no matter what you believe. If you dont like it dont look at it. call the waaambulance buddy. I'm praying for you Irv.
Thanks for your service and Merry Christmas
It's a real shame that Irv served this country to protect our freedoms, but is now old and hardened and forgot what his service in the USMC stood for.
If it makes Mr. Sutley feel better about himself to remove all angels and religious symbols then so be it. He appears to be a man who hates himself and it makes him feel better to try and make others miserable. Christians know and understand how real faith works and that is why we celebrate Christmas. It is sad that he lives in that "other" world of hate, religious intolerance, and self loathing. I think he needs a pity party!
irv shows me alot A) he has no life and no point to exist B) that he has no compassion or respect of others C) he has no inner security he is as a fearful child and insecure D) by inflicting any distress on others he feels alive… You irv are a sad pathetic old man I would have pity for you but that might offend you so I dont …. Loser
How exactly can the feeling of one person make this happen? ONE PERSON OUT OF THOUSANDS. So just because one freakin' wacko is unhappy he gets his way????
Christmas Day is a Federal Holiday
Does the federal government actually have a name for holidays that occur in December. All federal holidays, and there are 10 of them are created by federal law under the United States code and I am going to give you the citation to it…5 usc section 6103. The usc stands for United States code. All of the Federal Statues and Laws are in the United States code. You can go to a law library and ask the librarian where is the section that contains the United States code. You can go pick the book out that is "5" fifth volume, usc and turn in it to section 6103 and there is the law. Each of the 10 Federal Holidays is listed and named in this Statute. The official federal holiday that occurs on December 25th is, and I am going to read it to you as it is stated in federal law, "Christmas Day".
It is the only federal holiday in all of the month of December. Therefore all of us in America, and as Americans should not hesitate, no mater what religion we are, to wish every one Merry Christmas. By doing so we are all merely using the official and correct name of the federal holiday as provided by federal law.
I have one comment: WRITE: Contact: Jim Toomey ∙ (707) 565-2188 jtoomey@sonoma-county.org
to complain to him about this action. Not only should you express your offense by this action, but you should ask names, addresses, and emails of ALL others responsible for this action. We need to put more heat on them than one puke can. LS
Contact: Jim Toomey ∙ (707) 565-2188 jtoomey@sonoma-county.org
WRITE! If you don't, the next move will be Christmas (notice the word,"Christ") trees and any related symbol that represents our culture, our traditions. Realize, this has happened before to other Christians where Christianity is the majority, but other cultures move in because they like what our culture did, then they overtake it, and then WE become the minority.
Don't believe me, here's recent proof of one such instance: http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=6001717n
Contact: Jim Toomey ∙ (707) 565-2188 jtoomey@sonoma-county.org
Irv Sutley is my hero….
Irv, I'm gonna get right in your face right now big time and PRAY FOR YOU!!! Yep, my ole christian self is gonna pray you accept our savior Jesus Christ and end the death sentence that awaits you at the end of this life. I hope you choose this gift given to you and celebrate this season with all of us. It would lift a huge burden off of you, I promise. Maybe you would not be so angry.
Why does the news insist on portraying the MARINE aspect. I am a former infantry marine and am ashamed to be associated to this self avowed communist.
The news Media are a bunch of liberals. They will put down the Military whenever they can. They love to disgrace the United States Marines Corps.
Guest here….and I just saw the article about this character and the ruling here. Hmmmm, all I can say is that anyone who is "AGAINST" the birth of Jesus and against christmas symbols is one big "SATANIST". In fact, what do you think an athiest is?…duhhhhhhh. What would ya rather have on the tree Irv, Parker Griffins mug shot?. Yep, I am one who is not into political correctness and I call it out like I see it. You are either for God or for satan. Looks like Irv is for Satan. Have fun in hell when its yer time Irv.
Yo Irv….MERRY CHRISTMASSSSSSSSSSS.
What a moron…. He reminds me of the politicians, which are also the same kind of morons
Looks like a child molester.
I'd be pissed if I was him, I'll bet his life sucks.
Merry Christmas Irv!
Irv Sutleys EXISTANCE offends me deeply. Perhaps God will remove him from the planet, and soon .
In the meantime, if his Pumpkin Head was on fire I would not waste my piss on him to put it out. I hope he finds peace when he finally meets his maker, cause he is a miserable SOB while he ishere among us. Truly a person of minimal intelligence, living on a disability pension WE pay for. What a Slimeball Hypocite POS.
I see crap every single day that offends me…books, papers, stupid billboards, idiocy on TV and on and on. However I don't go whine like a big baby to take it away. I IGNORE IT AND MOVE ON. Amazing a big Marine can't be man enough to toughen up, shake your head and move on. "It offends me" OMG give me a break, toughen up. The Corp has to just be embarrassed as heck. What if one person could complain about everything that offends them and have it removed – we would be living on an empty planet. What a woooossss.
What a BUTTHEAD! Geez…why doesn't he just go spread some MORE cheer!! What a GRINCH!!
As I read this article, I keep asking, where have I seen that face before and then it came to me, he is a dead ringer of the Homosexual Congressman Barney Frank of Massachusetts. So is this Irv Sutley also a Homosexual? Someone said " Thanks for your service and Merry Christmas ". I would like to know what happen to him to get disabled. believe me, you do not have to serve in combat to be disabled in the military. i served for over 22 years in the U.S. Marine Corps and am 100% disabled. Not because I was in Combat. I was disabled due to agent Orange..
My feeling about "Christmas Day is a Federal Holiday". I think that the federal Government should only allow Christians to take Christmas Day and Thanksgiving Day off. If you are a athirst then you will have to work. We could have our mail delivered on Christmas and Thanksgiving Day, I know that they must be some atheist working for the Postal Service. Look at all of the money we Tax payers could save by then working. also the ones who protest against our troops who are fighting for their rights to protest. Make them work on Memorial Day, Independence Day, Veterans Day, Why haven't the atheist protested to the federal Government having a Federal Holiday honoring Christ? Why would they want to take that day off?
I admire your courage and the logic of your position. I hope that most of the above comments are not representative of the opinions of most Americans.
Flawed as it is, the Federal Constitution assumes and stipulates separation of state and church. In a country as diverse as ours, such an approach is essential.
Taking offense at the display of a semi-religious holiday decoration and equating it with state sponsored religion is the mark of a spiteful and unhappy moron who hopes to bring everyone else down into his own bland joyless misery of a life.
For the record I am not christian and don't even have much of a high regard for that religion but why propagate this panty waist culture of sensitivity to every minor offense?
1)being told by a christian that your are damned because you believe a phony religion: Offensive
2)angel doll on a tree: Not Offensive
This was not a decision by Irv… it was a decision by the legal process. This newspaper should be ashamed of convicting one man in the public media… Irv, I may not agree with you but you went through the process, served our country, and are standing behind your beliefs.
Maybe some of you should get out of your comfort zone and go through the process as well…
instead of complaining and writing emotional comments.
Isn't that forcing his beliefs on everybody else? 🙂
If stars are a religious symbol, he might as well fight with people who have stars tattooed on their bodies, people who wear clothing with stars, companies who put stars on clothing, companies who make glow-in-the-dark stars, and the night sky.
Time for a diaper change and a nap, Irv!
While Christians in Iraq and Pakistan are currently living with fear and/or running for their lives during CHRISTmas, some petty, little whiner in Sonoma is wasting taxpayer's time and money trying to take away the symbols of Christmas in this country. What a contrast here land of the FREE and the home of the BRAVE.
I have an idea: Let's do to a "citizen exchange" (like a "student exchange"). Let's send Mr. So & So over to Iraq and Pakistan and bring the Christians who are being terrorized over there and welcome them here – where these BRAVE people who draw their bravery from the One True God can also be FREE in the land of the FREE and the home of the BRAVE. Can I get an amen?
Sutley is a total waste of human flesh. He is a complete disgrace to the Corp and the USA. I do wish I lived in his neighborhood because all he would see, every day of the year, when he came outside is every symbol from all religions I could find. I do not understand why weak cowardly Government officials get these religious holidays off work. They bow down and worship people like Sutley so they should be at work instead of observing the holiday and getting paid for being at home.
For a good history on where the term "separation of church and state" came from, and why Sutley actually knows nothing about the US Constitution, read this brief article. http://www.RogueReport.com
guess what you guys irv´s alter ego is the grinch who stole christmas
Merry Christmas Irv.
Your life must really suck!
I'll donate some money so you can move somewhere that has lots of sand.
DROP DEAD YOU OLD POS!!!! MY SATAN TAKE YOUR SOUL AND IT BURN IN HELL FOR ETERNITY. I WILL ONE DAY DO MY BEST TO FIND WHERE YOU ARE BURIED AND I WILL LEAVE A *HIT CANDLE AND LIGHT IT IN MEMORY OF YOUR PATHETIC LIFE!
ALL SHOULD WRITE TO MR.SUTLEY AT irvsutley@yahoo.com LET HIM KNOW HOW WE FEEL.
I looked up the party's website and saw their manifesto"The Peace and Freedom Party is an open, multi-tendency, movement-oriented socialist party. We are united in our common commitment to socialism, democracy, feminism and unionism and our common opposition to capitalism, imperialism, racism, sexism and elitism.
I consider myself to be an athiest as well but, in no way should my beliefs be forced upon others. To be so offended by another's display of faith shows the weakness of one's own character.
Mr. Sutley is obviously another socialist that believes that he is smarter than everyone else. His arrogance is astounding. He is on a crusade to prove that his pitiful existence is validated by imposing his will upon others.
Mr. Sutley I will keep you in my nightly prayers. You don't need to be so afraid and angry. Remember, Jesus loves you always, no matter what.
To quote GK Chesterton:
If there were no God ,there would be no atheists.
Ponder that Irv.
Mr. Sutlry, you need to be shot in the family jewels.