Star of David controversy

The "Yellow Badge" Jews were forced to wear.

It's rare to find anything interesting in HuffPo's religion section. But today I found an article that piqued my interest.

There is a plan to put a Holocaust memorial at an Ohio statehouse, and the memorial is set to have a Star of David figuring prominently in the piece. You can see an artist's rendition of the memorial at the linked article. I think it's stunningly beautiful.

The question, of course, is whether a religious symbol can be used on state property. The Freedom From Religion Foundation (an organization that does great things) has a problem with it. I don't.

Check the article out and see what you think. Since the Holocaust was an event in which the Star of David figured prominently, I see no reason why it can't be used in the memorial. It's not a memorial "to Jewishness". It's about an historic event that affected Jews more than any other group.

Here is an excerpt from the article:

The wording on the memorial is set to say, "In remembrance of the six million Jews who perished in the Holocaust and millions more including prisoners of war, ethnic and religious minorities, homosexuals, the mentally ill, the disabled, and political dissidents who suffered under Nazi Germany."

How can anyone object to this? I can't. If you have an opinion, click the comment button and tell us what you think.

More like this, please

Arizona State Rep. Juan Mendez (D) turned a Tuesday afternoon prayer into something much more.

Indeed, he did. This is what Mendez said instead of the usual prayer:

"Most prayers in this room begin with a request to bow your heads," Mendez said, according to the Phoenix New Times. "I would like to ask that you not bow your heads. I would like to ask that you take a moment to look around the room at all of the men and women here, in this moment, sharing together this extraordinary experience of being alive and of dedicating ourselves to working toward improving the lives of the people in our state."

Is that great, or what? Mendez's words are more powerful than a tired, old prayer -- and the great thing is that this is so obvious. He may have opened some eyes. Let's hope so.