Image of Hindu deity sparks protest in northern Idaho

[rug]

(Reuters) - A group of self-described constitutionalists protested on Friday a northern Idaho city's dedication of a sculpture depicting a Hindu deity.

On its website, the Kootenai County Constitution Party called on Christians to vent their dismay about the "abomination" on a street in Coeur d'Alene and lashed out at local arts officials as a "godless group."

"Ganesha," a blue-hued metal sculpture by Spokane, Washington artist Rick Davis, represents the multi-armed, elephant-headed Hindu god Ganesha.

It is one of 15 loaned artworks to be dedicated by Coeur d'Alene and arts commission officials Friday evening, the kickoff of a program that underwrites the year-long display in public spaces of sculptures that are available for purchase.

http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/06/11/us-hindu-idaho-idUSTRE75A07N20110611

[MineralMan]

1. Morons.

That is all.

[Jim__]

2. From the article: "People are coming to protest the protesters,"

Good for the second set of protesters.

[Poll_Blind]

Link to local news video of the artwork and the no-show protestors HERE:

HERE

I don't get what the big deal is. Oh, and it's terrible art. But that's really beside the fact.

PB

[izquierdista]

3. Godless??

:rofl: That's one area the Hindus aren't lacking. :rofl:

[lunasun]

6. My thoughts while reading that too!!! real talking idiots

[Odin2005]

8. To fundies all non-fundie Christians are "Godless".

[provis99]

4. Constitution Party = Constitution-hating Klan Party.

You'd think they would at least be honest when they chose the name for their party, but they had to lie about that, too.

From their party platform on their webpage:
"Seven Principles of the Constitution Party are:
1.Life: For all human beings, from conception to natural death;..."

later:
"We favor the right of states and localities to execute criminals"

There's no cure for the stupid.

[struggle4progress]

5. ... Gary Odom, field director for the Constitution Party’s national office in Pennsylvania, said ...

“I gotta think there’s a few more things more important than this. I can’t believe it’s something they felt was necessary” ...

In ArtCurrents, which will reoccur annually, artists own the sculptures, which remain in place for a year and are offered for sale. The city receives 25 percent of the proceeds of any sales ...

The artists received $500 stipends ...

The sculptures depict everything from a giant stand-up bass to a woman playing with otters. There are elk, moose and deer. Other subjects include St. Francis of Assisi and a Native-American-themed “spirit bear” ...

June 10, 2011
Hindu god sculpture draws critics in CdA
Alison Boggs
The Spokesman-Review
http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2011/jun/10/hindu-god-sculpture-draws-critics-in-cda/

[Odin2005]

7. That's where Palin grew up, isn't it? Figures.

Bunch of fucked-up bigots.

[xchrom]

9. Oh, how stupid. Nt

[intaglio]

10. And now the good news

Counter-demonstrators outnumber Ganesha protesters in Idaho
/snip

Nevada (US), June 11 (ANI): Protesters against display of Lord Ganesha sculpture in downtown Coeur d'Alene (Idaho, USA) on June 10 evening were outnumbered by approximately six times by counter-demonstrators, according to reports.

Reports suggest that both groups carried handmade signs in these peaceful demonstrations on the opposite corners of Sherman/Sixth at the dedication ceremony. One sign opposing the Ganesha sculpture read "The veneration of the idols is the worship of demons". One of the signs carried by counter-demonstrators supporting the sculpture said "Go away all intolerant hate mongers. We love art."

However, given that it is displayed in the open I wonder how long before some nut defaces or destroys it.

[rug]

11. That is good news.

Whenever the Klan tries a rally, they're far outnumbered too. I don't think the country is as bleak as often described.