Finally, After a Decade of Waiting...

FINALLY.

Now, after a decade of waiting, Wiccan soldiers who fought and died for the United States of America can be at ease, beneath our symbol of belief -- the pentacle.

And to think, the VA put up all this fuss over a five-pointed star within a circle. Why?

Well, here's my opinion. Our lovely president, Mr. Bush (the younger), once commented, "I don't believe witchcraft is a religion." There it is, folks, perfect excuse, right?


Not.

The First Amendment clearly states, "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances."


And yet, for ten years, the Department of Veterans Affairs unconstitutionally held up issuing a memorial plaque for Wiccan servicemen, with feeble excuses like:

"...We are reviewing the information and expect to make a decision within the next 30 to 45 days. A decision letter will be sent to you at that time...”

Sometime near the end of 2005, as reported in The Daily Spell:

"the National Cemetery Administration promulgated new rules for approval of "Emblems of
Belief" that now include:
1) A written request from next of kin or authorized representative
2) Letter from the recognized central head for the sponsoring organization that certifies
a) that the emblem is currently widely used and recognized as the symbol of the organization or belief system
b) that the sponsoring organization supports addition of the emblem to the list
c) that the sponsoring organization does not promote activity that is illegal or "contrary to public policy." (emphasis added)
3) A written description of:
a) how the sponsoring organization's belief/faith system is comprehensive in nature and "addresses fundamental and ultimate questions" (emphasis added), and
b) its organizational practices (such as regular services, ceremonial functions, existence of clergy, efforts at propagation, observance of holidays, or other characteristics of a "traditional
belief/faith system"). (emphasis added)
4) Information about the size and organizational structure of the organization including total number of members and the location of the congregations
5) A 3 inch circular digitized black and white representation of the requested emblem."

Anyone who does not see the complete unconstitutionality of these above "requirements" is blind as a bat. What business is it of the government to know whether a religion is "comprehensive in nature" or if it "addresses fundamental and ultimate questions"... Furthermore, what exactly would the government define as "fundamental" and "ultimate"? Oh, wait, the last time I checked, the Bill of Rights restricts the government from having anything to say regarding religion... ANY religion... So get out of the religion-pool, Gov.!

And what's more disgusting -- during this ten-year stretch, EIGHT symbols were approved, one for each on behalf of the following religious groups:

Christian and Missionary Alliance 7/02
United Church of Christ 6/13/03
Presbyterian Church, 10/9/03
Izumo Taishakyo Mission of Hawaii 3/04
Soka Gakkai Buddhist Symbol 4/21/04
Sikh Symbol 5/25/04
American Humanist Association (exact date unknown)
Muslim Star and Crescent (exact date unknown)


So the only thing I can think of, realistically, is that someone "up there" had a dish with the Wiccans. Unfortunately, we will never know for sure who the "clog" in the system really was.

It took nearly ten years, one class-action lawsuit, and a writ of mandamus from the courts until the VA finally caved.

Perseverence Pays Off. Huzzah!

Rockin' the World, One day at a time.

-Liz.