Now That's Just Childish

A man in Plattsmouth, Nebraska, represented by the Nebraksa ACLU, had filed a suit in 2001 challenging the placement of a statue of the Ten Commandments in a Plattsmouth city park. Concerned for his security, his lawyer asked that the man be identified as "John Doe," the city attorney did not object, and the case became "ACLU Nebraska and John Doe vs. City of Plattsmouth."

The Omaha World-Herald felt that it was their journalistic responsibility to reveal not only the man's name, but also his picture and a picture of his license plate. Basically the World-Herald is telling the people of Nebraska to "go egg this guy's car."

Personally, I think Mr. Doe's suit is, for lack of a better word, frivilous, though I support his right to file it. My inner Republican supports the right of localities to express their cultural and religious heritage (within reason), particularly if these celebrations are not funded by the tax-payer. (The monument in question was provided by the Fraternal Order of Eagles.) But the action taken by the World-Herald is irresponsible and childish. The guy filed a suit about a statue in a park in Plattsmouth, Nebraska; his identity isn't exactly newsworthy, especially if making it known means compromising his safety.

As an aside, I'm not sure that the Ten Commandments adquately represents the Christian or Jewish faith or ethos; and a statue of the Decalogue is hardly an effective means of evangelism. Moreover, a true faith in God should not be threatened by the removal of a piece of rock.