March 9, 2015 – MRFF Intervenes on Behalf of Clients Objections to Religious Based Greeting at Entrance to Military Installation
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This post was created on the previous version of the MRFF website, and may not be fully accessible to users of assistive technology. If you need help accessing this content, please reach out via email.March 9, 2015 – MRFF Intervenes on Behalf of Clients Objections to Religious BasedGreeting at Entrance to Military Installation
MRFF was contacted on March 9, 2015 regarding a religiously tingedgreeting in use at the ‘Russell Gate’ at Robins Air Force Base, Georgia. One of 13 MRFF clients (9 of whom are practicing Christians) who objected to this incursion of religion into their official duty indicated that “on no less than 15 occasions over the last two weeks, I have been greeted by themilitary personnel at the gate with the phrase “Have a blessed day.” Thisgreeting has been expressed by at least 10 different Airmen ranging in rank from A1C to SSgt.” [The word blessed is defined as: having a sacred nature : connected with God (Merriam-Webster)]
Mikey Weinstein, MRFF President and Founder, contacted the Security Forces Commander at Robins AFB to express the concern of MRFF’s clientsand obvious violation of Air Force Instruction 1-1, Section 2.12 regarding the ‘Free Exercise of Religion and Religious Accommodation’. In just over 3 minutes the Security Forces Commander agreed the greeting was clearly inappropriate and that it would be changed to the following appropriate non-religious greeting; “Have nice day, sir or ma’am?.”
Robins AFB leadership then quickly pandered to the religious right on March 12, 2015 by reversing and undermining the sound decision of the Security Forces Commander by determining (according to Robins AFB spokesman Roland Leach) that “use of the phrase ‘have a blessed day’ as agreeting is consistent with Air Force standards and is not in violation of Air Force Instructions.” Mikey pointed out in an editorial published at DailyKos and Alternet that:
Adding more to the entry process [at Robins AFB] only detracts from the sentry’s attention to their exclusive and solitary duty to watch for threats, but also suggests that the sentry’s discipline is NOT singularly dedicated to the mission—he or she is instead distracted by the additional commission of providing “blessings”. Therefore, and this is the REALLY important part that should be obvious to commanders and sentries who offer the salutation, “Have a blessed day,” conveys that they are NOT fully engaged performing theirmilitary duty. If someone entering the base feels like they need a “blessing” to get through their day—and it MUST be delivered by a paid, ranked and uniformed member of the United States military, then they should go to the chaplains’ offices.
MRFF is consulting with its legal counsel to see if any of its clients are prepared to sue the Air Force in federal court about this matter.
Infraction report from MRFF client at Robins AFB
Mar 9, 2015
I would like to make your organization aware of a possible church/state separation issue.
I am an active-duty Air Force member/employee currently assigned to Robins Air Force Base, Georgia for the purpose of training. I have been entering through what is known as the “Russell Gate” since the 23rd of February. On no less than 15 occasions over the last two weeks, I have been greeted by the military personnel at the gate with the phrase “Have a blessed day.” This greeting has been expressed by at least 10 different Airmen ranging in rank from A1C to SSgt. I found the greeting to be a notion that I, as a non-religious member of the military community should believe a higher power has an influence on how my day should go.
…
I apologize that I cannot provide recordings of these incidents as I feel I would be endangering my position and family by doing so. I’m sure sending an authorized representative of MRFF to enter the gate with a government id will be immediately greeted with the same message of faith.
I prefer to keep my name withheld as I know I would be discriminated against in my workplace if it came to light that I ” complained “.
Thank you
(name withheld)
Memo from MRFF Founder and President, Mikey Weinstein
…Spoke with Maj. (name withheld), Commander of the (Unit Designation Withheld) Security Forces at Robins AFB, Georgia at 9:18 am this morning MDT…..explained the outrage of our 13 MRFF clients stemming from his security force airmen saying “Have a blessed day” to all who enter the Robbins AFB gates…..explained AFI 1-1, Section 2.12…..he asked me how MRFF would feel if he had his troops stop saying that sectarian “greeting” and replaced it with “have a nice day”, would that be ok?…I replied that that would be perfect….he confirmed that he would take this action and the call ended….duration: 3 minutes and 10 seconds….
Thank you from MRFF client at Robins AFB
March 9, 2015 at 1:12:47 PM EDT
Mr Weinstein / MRFF staff,
Thank you for the quick response to the situation at my base. After your actions, the personnel at the gates have immediately changed their greetings to a more professional “Have a nice/good day sir/maam”. It is unfortunate that your services are necessary in this day and age, but they are highly appreciated. It is good to know someone available to stand and yell “This isn’t right” for those of us who feel we’d be discriminated against for doing so.
If you need anything else from me, feel free to contact me again.
(name withheld)
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It’ll be interesting to see if this actually happens, or if there’s negative consequences.
The oath that is taken by the military says to support and defend the Constitution against ALL enemies and obey the orders of superior officers. There is no separation of church and state in the Constitution. It states, in the First Amendment, that the government shall make no law that establishes a religion or prevents the free speech of it. It forbids government sponsorship of any particular religion. It is one thing to say that service members shouldn’t speak out against their leadership, their superior officers, Commander-In-Chief, etc. It’s another thing to tell someone they can’t say ‘have a blessed day’. No one told those people at the gate to say that. You just took away another person’s right. If the person at the gate had pulled this person over to give them their testimony and then took them to a church to be baptized I could see where there would be room for complaint. I’m pretty sure I believe the person who complained is just as much of a moron as I would if I actually knew the person’s name. For my part, I plan on telling everyone I see to have a blessed day, including those at the gate. I’m sure they will appreciate knowing that not everyone has a stick up their rear end.
well said Tricia! I agree 200% and will definitely be saying Have a Blessec Day to everyone in support of our young Airmen who have had their First Anendment rights violated by someone who doesn’t even have the courage to reveal himself. It truly makes me wonder how offended this person really is or if there is. Very, very sad day.
Blessed* Amendment*
This is absolutely ridiculous. How selfish of you to even think that you are the only one that matters. Think about all the other people who may ENJOY the fact that they are being told to “have a blessed day”. I am entitled just as much as you are to my personal rights and my freedom of religion, but why must something change just for you? Think of what you are taking away from all the others who do believe in a “higher power”. I am so beyond disgusted at your actions and your complaint.
“I found the greeting to be a notion that I, as a non-religious member of the military community should believe a higher power has an influence on how my day should go.”
You are a grown adult that can choose what to believe and what not to believe, but don’t punish those that believe different than you. That is punishing someone else and prohibiting their right to the first amendment. You are supposed to be enforcing the constitution, not enforcing your own values and beliefs on others. If you personally choose not to have a blessed day then so be it, but don’t take that right away from others.
I think it’s incredibly ridiculous that someone should get their butt on their shoulder over something this trivial! You have the right to have your beliefs and say what you want, but Christians and other religions have the same right! It’s called a “Free” country because of that right. You just trampled on someone else’s right….one you supposedly enlisted to protect.
I guess hurt feelings reports exist in the military after all. Hopefully this decision will be recanted. I am glad everyone gets freedoms except those that clearly were just paying a compliment. The actions of this group are deplorable!
Praise God Have A Blessed Day
Fucking pussy ass little bitch complaining anonymously
Christ followers are the only group who are constantly being trampled on for loving other people along with God. Why should it bother others so much for someone to say, “Have a blessed day.” No one cussed you out, or belittled you. Be a grownup and let it slide, or at least take it for what it is meant to be. A kind greeting and hope that your day goes well for you. You could respond with, Have a nice day. Remember that it is a right and a privilege to have free speech in the USA, no matter where you are. No one has the right to keep others from saying something nice.
This organization is failing in their mission. Your mission to support religious freedom as well as freedom from religion. You “explained” AFI 1-1 to the commander but did you explain it to the plaintiff?? Please read below:
2.12.1. All Airmen are able to choose to practice their particular religion, or subscribe to no religious belief at all. You should confidently practice your own beliefs while respecting others whose viewpoints differ from your own.
WHILE RESPECTING OTHERS VIEWPOINTS
This clearly states the OPPOSITE of what you told the commander. By them ordering their airman to no longer say this, you have in fact inhibited their practice of religion. I will be contacting legal tomorrow to determine the appropriate next steps.
The plaintiff was not being ordered to participate in religion. He was not being told that he was inferior because he does not practice religion. THe gate guards are not aware of anyone’s affiliation. They are speaking IN KINDNESS to have a nice day.
I’m offended that they can no long tell me to have a blessed day. When I took my oath of enlistment, several times, it ended with so help me God…so why can’t they tell me to have a blessed day??? I’m tired of all the political correctness… now seems we as Christians are being discriminated against for having our beliefs. It’s a polite greeting, nothing more nothing less!
For those who think this should have continued, I’d like you to imagine how much quicker this would have been halted if the greeting wasn’t “Have a blessed day”, but rather “Salaam alaikum”. It’s a very similar greeting for Muslims, which means “Peace to you”. The important thing to remember is not everyone shares your religion, so religious-specific behavior should not be conducted as outwardly as it was.
They are just words. I am not a religous person per se but Im comfortable enough with myself and my beliefs /non beliefs that others words wont sway me. If someone wants to say have a blessed day go for it.
SVincent… Please do contact legal. How rediculous. WEINDADLIYO…. I wouldn’t mind at all to be greeted by a phrase from anyone’s religion. The point is they are wishing them well. I’m not even religious but would fight all the way for those who want to say this, tell me about their religion, or anything else. I hate what this world is coming to.
Mr. Weinstein and the faux offended Mr. Name Withheld,
If you do not believe in a higher power this should bring no offense to you at all. Please note the following definitions of “blessed” as defined in the American Heritage Dictionary:
blessed
(ˈblɛsɪd; blɛst)
adj
1. made holy by religious ceremony; consecrated
2. worthy of deep reverence or respect
3. (Roman Catholic Church) RC Church (of a person) beatified by the pope
4. characterized by happiness or good fortune: a blessed time.
5. bringing great happiness or good fortune
6. a euphemistic word for damned: I’m blessed if I know.
Blessed is not an exclusively “religious” term. Why don’t you be honest and admit that you really dislike or even hate Christians and this just a convenient way at the moment for you to express that hatred. Here’s a news flash…You live in a Christian nation, founded on Judean-Christian principles and beliefs that are largely responsible for your ability to express freely your absence of belief in a “higher power” and to have the freedom that gave you the opportunity to try and silence or rob others of their freedom of expression. I would go on to explain to you how extraordinarily opportunistic, self centered and cretin like you are but…you already know that. So, I will simply sign off wishing you (in the most euphemistic sense possible) the most BLESSED day any phony like yourselves you could possibly have.
Do you have to be religious to be “blessed”? Can not one person simply helping another person out be considered a “blessing” in certain instances? Would you not feel “blessed” if you won the lottery one day? Perhaps this is simply a case of ones own thinking tainting a simple “have a good day”.
Weindadilliyo – You are entirely too foolish for words.
Having been a security forces member myself and stationed at Robins, I am not surprised by this at all. That base does not follow the military rules and regulations but rather ones that suite them. I’ve worked those very gates myself for years and I love the interaction with the people coming through. We were people’s first impression of the base and tried to make sure it was a good one. Those airmen are out there during all types of inclement weather day and night doing a job nobody else really wants. They try to make people’s day a little brighter. I made sure I always had a smile on my face and greeted people because of the thought that it could brighten their day. I hope this CC stands by their airmen and doesn’t give in to this stupidity.
The term “blessed” spans all kinds of different religious and is used by people of very many, many different backgrounds. You CANNOT tell a person’s religious affiliation when they say “have a blessed day” any more than you can tell when they say “have a good day”. You don’t even necessarily have to be blessed by a “higher being”. You can be blessed by good fortune, fate, whatever you believe in.
I hope MRFF realizes this childish complaint for what it really is: childish. This completely undermines TRUE persecution and makes a mockery of what the MRFF really stands for.
Thank you for taking AWAY any semblance of religious freedom for military members. (Ironic/disgusted) Reporting this to the chaplain community tomorrow.
It’s “freedom OF religion”, not “freedom FROM religion.” Please get it right. I’m offended by people who are offended by the free religious expression of others. But, I guess their rights trump mine. How can they be offended by expressions of faith in a deity they don’t believe exists in the first place? If someone was offended by armed guards, would that change anything? Only in a state of political correctness gone amok can 13 severely intolerant people stop a practice the vast majority found uplifting and welcome. We must be tolerant, but not them? For my part, I will now wish the airmen at the gate a blessed day each morning. And, I will pray for the souls of these 13, whether that offends them or not.
It’s a shame that one person is OFFENDED and now we have to stop what is seen to me as an act of kindness! I can be an ATHEIST and would still respect their choice to wish me kindness! Kindness is necessary for humanity and I was impressed to see these young men and women express that upon my arrival to Robins Air Force Base! Kindness moves mountains.
Funny how ppl are offended with a simple kind phrase and MUST have it omitted immediately but when those soldiers come back home in a casket all of a sudden they are “under the watch of god, god bless them, God be with their families etc….” But God wasnt good enough for them while they were alive and serving?! OR are YOU one of those individuals that wouldnt even attend the fallen’s honor ceremony because of God speak?! Hmmmmmm…. And then we wonder why we are deteriorating as humans…in this nation.
I’ll say this to this overly sensitive individual:
I am currently an SF member at this base and I can assure you that only one Airman says it and I know who she is. She meant no harm, she thought nothing major of it and everyone up to the wing king is confused as to how this could be an issue. We don’t address you guys, you get offended. We address you in the most endearing way we know how, you get offended. “Have a blessed day” is not solely a religious statement as described in previous comments. But now, bx of you being blindly committed to your nonreligious beliefs, you now have broke the spirit of an Airman who found something to believe in on our career field that we now have to bring her back up from before she says “screw it.” Proud of you. I hope your petty complaint makes you feel better when everyone at the gate now gives you a completely insincere “have a good day.”
Mr. Weinstein,
I find it odd that on March 12, 2015 you are addressing Anti-Semitism in the military when you just aided a person in practicing Anti-Semitism but then I read more about your speaking engagement and learn that it is an Anti-Christian spiel.
In our world, country and military we have many different beliefs. By aiding one who was “offended” you have offended many more. Our Country has freedom of religion. Our government is not to enforce a religion on the people nor are they to enforce non-religion (in essence a religion) on the people.
AFI1-1, paragraph 2.12.1. All Airmen are able to choose to practice their particular religion, or subscribe to no religious belief at all. You should confidently practice your own beliefs while respecting others whose viewpoints differ from your own.
Saying, “have a blessed day,” does NOT disrespect a person with a anti-religion viewpoint. Will you go after “good-bye” next? Good-bye comes from godbwye, which is a contraction of “God be with ye.”
Lex, there were several other gate guards who have said it. I really liked it and found it to be a bright spot on several mornings that started off rough. Pease tell your Airman to not be broken spirited, she has brightened up many people’s mornings.
THANK YOU LEX! I know which airman it is also, and LOVED seeing her first thing in the mornings. She always made my day brighter. To the coward that won’t even give his/her name out, screw you! You made that statement into something it didn’t have to be. You (I can’t say Sir or Ma’am here as I say that to my bosses and people I respect) are an idiot!
Mr Weinstein / MRFF staff,
I am a 28 year service member and have entered the gates of Robbins AFB on many occasions throughout my career. The greeting “Have a nice day” is offensive to me and my personal belief system. I respectfully request you call back the SFS Commander and have their service member stop this offensive greeting immediately! I am however okay with the greeting of “Have a blessed day” because in my personal belief system that means someone is wishing me well.
I realize this is counter to the original gentlemen’s complaint of the “blessed day” greeting. I guess that means you have to determine who’s rights are more important; His, or mine?
Or, we could all just put on our big kid pants and accept the fact that any greeting that is given with the intent to be kind; even if it doesn’t fall into our belief system, is still a very humanly kind thing to do.
This country was founded by men who held dear to them the right to believe in a higher power. They called him “God”. They also respected the rights of anyone else to believe however they choose. I’ll give my life to defend your right to not believe in a God, but respect my right to choose to believe in a God.
Shame on the original complainant, and shame on you!
God Speed/Good-day/Cheers/Warmly/with love/respectfully etc. etc. (whichever one makes you feel best and least offended)
Terry
Seriously, come on this person is f’ing stupid. Seriously this person is what is wrong with our country today. Our country was founded on freedom to believe or not to believe. So now your taking his religious freedoms away. Get over it and grow the hell up. Obviously your a military member too. Did you not fight for his freedom to believe in a God just as he did for you to not believe in a God. I’ll say it stop the political bs and just get over it. Seriously wow you have nothing better to do then get mad at that wow get a life!
This is garbage. If you don’t like it, suck it. Just because someone is trying to be nice to you, you’re offended? So what?
Alright, another silencing of our freedoms. This IS still AMERICA, isn’t it??? Guards have the right to say “Have a blessed day”! Just because you were convicted about not believing in a higher power doesn’t mean you have a right to silence them. We ARE AMERICA! We can stand side by side and be friends even though we believe differently. Get over yourself!!!
Wow…Mr. & Mrs. Weinstein I am amazed. I never heard of your hate filled, misinformed group or site before today. As I look through it though I am astounded by the vile nature of it. Comparing Christians to the Taliban? Really? Nobel Peace Prize nominations? Spare me. Do you find all of this animosity you have for human beings who have a different view than you taxing? Your every thought is devoted to robbing others of their freedoms of speech, freedom of expression and freedom of religion. Your a Marxist from the word go. Admittedly, I find it real hard to pray for people like you but… I will nonetheless. However, I see you don’t give a second thought to what harm you can do to others. Sounds a lot like terrorism to me. Well, as Christians we aren’t intimidated and we do have a certain amount of insight on how the story ends so, I will take great solace in that. There has never been a single Christian that has ever tried to force anything upon you and yet you have gone through this tremendous effort to rob freedom from others. And you have the gall to use the word “freedom” in your title. You have no interest in freedom. At least try in some way to be honest. Is the only way you have to accomplish your goals deception? You don’t want freedom. You want control. I won’t bother trying to shame you. I know that’s a useless endeavor but, don’t expect us to sit idly by while you rob us of our freedoms. Be Blessed, brother. Now, that didn’t hurt did it?
Did the person say “God Bless You”? No. My understanding is the comment is “Bless You”. If that is true, what is there to be offended of? This totally offends me that they must now change their greeting. Nothing was mean, nothing was offending. For this one person to be so weak that they can’t handle a simple bless you, something must be wrong with him!
Since when does a military personnel get caught up in this sort of POLITICAL CORRECTNESS. This is simply a disgrace to even wear the uniform of our great military.
I used to work at Robins AFB as Security Forces and that is just how the base itself is run. The civilians on base outnumber the active duty military 2 to 1 so as soon as they have a complaint it gets resolved in what ever fashion they desire.
As a Southerner, my first inclination is to just say ” Well Bless his heart”. As a ordained minister, I will just say ” Have a Blessed Day”.My posts are my personal and\or religious opinion as protected by the U.S. Constitution and Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act. My writings and sharing of posts are my own opinion and does not necessarily reflect the opinion of any other individuals, businesses or gov’t entities.
blessed — ▸ adjective: having good fortune bestowed or conferred upon; sometimes used as in combination (“Blessed with a strong healthy body”)
The word blessed has more than one meaning. You decided to interpret it in one way. The definition above is one way to define. I guess you would prefer “Have a crappy day”. To me when I am greeted by the gate guard in a positive way it just makes me smile. I think it is sad you felt so offended over something so simple. Pick your battles and move on.
As the spouse of a retired military man and having a home here I am embarrassed that one individual can have this much change at our base. All the while millions of Americans who want change in our Govt get nowhere. What a sad day at Robins!
Everyone at Robins that can, should say to each person as a greeting, have a blessed day. Share the love and not let this one person influence anyone in a negative way. Find a way to negate his selfish actions in a positive way.
It’s time we started standing against the complainers. America must stand for America. If you don’t, America will cease to exist. I’m for the greeting “Have a blessed day”. Praise the One True Living God.
Ok here we go! 13 members of how many 10,000’s? That is a serious question what is the percentage? I am appalled at the lack of leadership we have. To offer someone the highest respect “they” have to offer is offensive? Communication is a two way street. First you transmit and then receive. If the recipient does not like the transmission then politely let them know. Why do the few want to rob the many. I also offer instead of the speakers change their individual freedom of speech that is NOT harming anyone be an adult and reply with your high form of respect. Don’t be a coward oh and no one is going to “hurt” your family. That offends me you would “ass”u me that is even a possibility. I suggest the individual upset grow up. As for the sf commander be a leader stand up for your troops. Why buckle to the dramatic few. A true leader will fight for his/her troops through adversity. A real compromise would be to afford the troops at the gate the freedom to reply with have a blessed day if it was offered to them. I have been at Robins AFB, one b y the way since 2000. Now due to a
visitor……
I am shocked, disappointed and furious.
Thank you Lex! There are several that say “Have a Blessed Day,” but I do know who you are referring to. Please let her know that that WE (in the 1000’s) are Blessing her and the rest of y’all every time we come through the gate.
I agree with everyone stating that the person who complained is childish. We should be able to say have a blessed day. I know everyday I come into the hat now I will be telling the sf personnel have a blessed day.
Have A Blessed Day everyone!
I really think you need to get yourself down off your high horse. How can you call yourself a military for religious freedom foundation and openly try to surepress another person’s religion. This is absolutely ridiculous. The same first amendment thay guarantees your right to make stupid call like this is the first amendment that allows them to say have a blessed day. You act as if they’re forcing something upon you by this simple gesture of goodwill. They’re not saying god bless you meet me at Southside later. Or god bless you come be catholic. They say have a blessed day. You know what the logical response is when a stranger goes out of their way to offer a kindness, no matter how small? Thank you. That’s all you have to say. They are simply asking their God to provide you a nice day. They’re not asking you to believe. Step down off your damn soapbox and quit attempting to force your non-religion on everyone around you.
I’m going to write “Have a blessed day” in bold letters on my car and drive it all over base. Every. Single. Day. I hope to piss as many of you people off as I can. Try to do something about that!
This is insane! What about: ” In GOD we trust!”? If a person believes that his/ her day is not “coordinated” by GOD power…I am out of words. I love to hear: ” Have a bleesed day!”
This is an outrage…. This Country was built Under GOD….. And if you don’t believe in God then get out of our country…. For anyone, especially someone who is in the military to complain about this is a DISGRACE to this Country and does NOT need to be in American. And yes you are right, there probably would be discriminated against. But only a coward would withhold his name…..
to the unamed person complaining about ” have a blessed dAy” HAVE A BLESSED DAY!!!!!! Moron
For the record, I am offended that a very small percentage of people are being allowed to dictate what the majority can or cannot do. I personally appreciated the “forbidden greeting” and am very
disappointed that free speech has once again been curtailed! Shame on our politically correct “leaders”!
So I guess when someone sneeze’s and someone replies, “God Bless you” or “Bless you” this will be reported as well? This is ignorant when this Country was built on Church and state. Get a life and a clue!!
Again, ONE person complains and you jump through hoops to insure they’re never offended again by being told to have a blessed day. REALLY!?!?!?!? Didn’t we take an oath to uphold the Constitution of the United States which guarantees our freedom of speech? And did you not just take that freedom away from somebody who wanted to wish people a blessed day? What’s wrong with you!?!?!
As a 21 year military retired MSGT and veteran, I hope everyone has a “Blessed Day”.
Misery loves company…
This is the opposite of religious freedom. It would be a violation if he was being discriminated against for not returning the sentiment in a similarly spiritual nature. His rights were violated in no way, shape, or form. If staff express there religion/culture in their greetings, it is not forcing it on anyone. Regardless of religion, people have the right to express their religious culture. If I ever am wished a “happy solstice” or whatever obscure holiday tradition, I’d thank them and return some form of sentiment and be on my way. They aren’t forcing their tradition on me by expressing it. I’d be a jerk to get offended by it, and people like that should certainly not be humored.
This so called airman is a coward if he felt that strongly he should be man enough to put his name to the complaint and I can’t believe they changed the greeting just because of one complaint I am a tax payer and I help pay all you’re salary and I want the greeting put back like it was and I ain’t ashamed to put my name Joel Owens.
What kind of panty waste sissy complains about something so harmless? Get a life!
The word blessed is not a bad word to use nor is it strictly used in religious settings. So what is the big push to order troops not to say it. I served 24 years 9 months and 27 days in the Air Force and had some strange orders but never anything like this. I am glad I didn’t because I would have defied it. Where and when did a personal statement become against the law if it shAfIdoeds a positive meaning. I pray this goes to those who are saying this statement is not politically correct. I question their thinking pattern. Earnest E. Williams, MSGT, USAF Retired
Maybe next time they should tell him to go to hell.
So when he sneezes we can tell him go to hell
How is this religious?
My family and I would like the greeting “Have a blessed day” put back in place. We believe in God. How does he think he was made? We don’t want his problem to affect us. One person among how many thousand enter those gates and we are ostracized because of one complaint. How sad! What is our country coming to? The money he makes has God’s name printed on it. Does he realize that too? God is all around us. How is he going to get away from all of that? He is one sad individual!
The comment “Have a Blessed Day” does not mention God or a religion so why is this a problem?! I use this phrase all the time and will continue to use it as often as I want! It is a shame that a couple of people ruin things for the rest of us.
I bet if we all took a vote we would be in favor.
I am not a Christian but am very thankful to have blessings wished on me. Am grateful when a friend wants to pray for me when I am hurt or upset. These are acts of love and kindness which this world seems to have in such short supply. It is apparent that far more people are outraged by the banning of the blessing than are by the blessing itself. This is shameful.
What a jerk!! I will be glad when the person leave the base/ area; since they are only here for training. Don’t have a blessed day !!
Would one of you nonbelievers please show me where separation of church and state is in the constitution? Blessed day as a welcome means, welcome, providential, lucky, fortunate, pleasant, or happy.
Your organization serves a tiny vocal group of people and promotes both freedom FROM religious freedom and freedom FROM free speech. Un-American. In fact, so similar to the Soviet block principles that we denounced for 40 years. Scary. Noone has the right to NOT be offended. No one’s defending the majority of folks who quietly serve and either believe, or support others’ right to worship freely. Before each of you go to bed tonight SAY A PRAYER for an 18 – year old who’s fighting in harm’s way to defend YOUR right to FREELY EXPRESS WHATEVER you believe and to make your pathetic “politically correct – but Un-American cause.
This website blows!! Shut it down!!
I think we just found the motto for Warner Robins.
Sounds like a Talmud-reading Pharisee got his feelings hurt. I’m so glad WRAFB has now decided to again allow their greeters to say “Have a blessed day”.
Hope you have a blessed day tomorrow! They changed their mind!
Mikey Weistein,
Explain to me how the statement, “Have a blessed day” entails an endorsement of religion? To posit such a notion is to commit a non-sequitur argument. The base has recommitted its personnel to saying “Have a blessed day.”
Have a Blessed Day!!!! :) :) :) :)
Robins AFB Official Statement:
Air Force Statement on “Have a Blessed Day” greeting
We are a professional organization defended by a professional force. Our defenders portray a professional image that represents a base all of Middle Georgia can be proud of.
78th Security Forces members have been asked to use the standard phrase “Welcome to Team Robins” in their greeting and can add various follow-on greetings as long as they remain courteous and professional.
The Air Force takes any expressed concern over religious freedom very seriously. Upon further review and consultation, the Air Force determined use of the phrase “have a blessed day” as a greeting is consistent with Air Force standards and is not in violation of Air Force Instructions
So someone is tdy to a base in the south, richly rooted in biblical kindness where complete strangers will wish upon them a blessed day…and they are offended! Puuuleeeze! If this person is an athesit what does he or she care how someone greets them? I will tell you why, because they know there is a God and their liberal mind cannot accept the reality that there will be a judgment day and it smacks them in their proud face. Prayerfully they will be saved before it is everlasting too late. Eternity is a long time to be on the wrong side of heaven!
And by the way airman douchebag, they have already overturned the decision. Guess someone will be wishing you a blessed day in the morning as you drive on base.
Mikey, poor “name withheld” sole and any others who were offend,
PLEASE…STEP AWAY FROM WHATEVER MEDICATION YOU ARE TAKING!!!…and if you are not on medication…do yourself a favor and get some.
I would have really enjoyed hearing “your” explanation of AFI1-1, para 2.12…I’ll bet that was a hoot. The AFI is clear, concise, and to the point. It doesn’t require a subjective “explanation” from you or anyone else.
For anyone to believe that their way is the only way to get through life is arrogant and asinine. Your “way” has turned a non-secular greeting into an exercise in religious intolerance…you need some serious help!
As sensitive as the complainer is about being “blessed”, it kinda makes me wonder what is really going on in their life and world…you, my friend, really need some professional help…and quickly. It makes me wonder how quick you would turn on us people of faith in a war environment…I’m sure glad I’m retired now and won’t ever have to find out where your “true” loyalties lie.
Al
MRFF President and Founder Mikey Weinstein…..It appears you are constantly tooting rather trying to toot your own horn, constantly trying to draw attention to yourself…Michael Weinstein. I first wonder since you intentionally omit any key facts or information that makes you look as small as apparently your mind is. (“information withheld”) I’d like to know:
1) you claim that you “were” a officer in the USAF, what was your rank when they put you out ? 2Lt…..if you actually were in the USAF at all
2) why do you put down your times that you supposedly got results….(“in less than 3 min 10sec”) or (“in exactly 3hrs 10min”) To make yourself appear impressive to whom ? Yourself ?
3) again you try to make yourself seem impressive…..NOT ! by saying someone nominated you for a “Nobel Peace Prize”…why didn’t you post as well that anyone can be nominated for the award….even idiots
4) Why don’t you crawl back under the slimy rock you came from
5) it’s amazing how fast you were to post your self thought victory on your page
6) it’s even more amazing how you have yet to post how quick the USAF recognized a grave mistake, and in less than 1hr 30min from the base COB that supposed victory that you thought you had….was reversed.
Finally……
7) would you like some help from the thousands at RAFB who oppose you, your methods and your mindset…as well as your attention seeking organization….YOU, would you like some help from those thousands to pick your face to include your jaws up off the floor ?
Regardless….from me to you…”Have a Blessed, Blessed Day”!
I’m basically an agnostic but I will defend someone’s right to say “have a blessed day” to anyone they please. What a miserable life these whiners must have.
This is not about “someone’s right” to say, “have a blessed day”. The security forces airman are acting as official representatives of the base, and by communicating in such a manner (when other, more secular greetings are more appropriate) the base itself is implicitly discriminating against those airman who do not subscribe to supernatural beliefs. That air force base is not there to serve just theists, but all airmen, their families and the larger community. I think it is a perfectly reasonable request to make, that they cease such greetings (at least as an official function of their jobs).
Mikey/MRFF Team,
Thank you for this story. Normally, I would just let stuff like this blow past me without even a second thought but today it struck a nerve. Can you please answer the following?
Did you research the source of where the “blessings” were being offered from, or did you and your client just “assume” it was coming from God/god/higher power? Can you be certain that none, one, some or all of these “blessings” were not offered on behalf of: Buddha, Mohammed, Gaia, Satan, or other mythological powers? I know you think I am being facetious, but not so. I believe the sole source of your client’s, and by proxy your’s, angst and outrage is because of an assumption that the blessings were offered on behalf of God/Jesus…correct?
Please answer this: Can you confirm that your client has absolutely NO belief in God/Jesus? If this is indeed the case, why would your client take offense at something that can easily be Bob, dog, clouds, rainbow…? You may think I am being a little ridiculous or condescending, but I can assure you that I am not. If your client TRULY has no belief in ANY Go/god/higher power/etc… then they truly cannot claim offense by something that doesn’t exist.
Please answer this: Did you ask your client before you began your investigation if they do/have ever uttered a curse/profanity containing the word(s) God/Jesus/Jesus Christ/etc…? I can probably say that at some point in their life they have, and that is enough to invalidate their/your complaint that they are offended by the offered blessings.
You decry the extreme religious right for their stance, yet you are playing the role of hypocrite when you defend cases like this. Have you fought to remove the public display of the Menorah or Davidic Star from Federal property? What about Santa, who is a caricature of a real-life Christian Saint? If you haven’t then shame on you for your biased approach to the law…
Please consider this: Begin using the word “Buddha” “Mohammed” “Gaia” “” into your cursing in lieu of the words “God” and “Jesus.” This would only be fair, right? Tell your clients they have to do the same. Tell them that they are banned from using “God” and “Jesus” in their cursing/profanities because when they do, it nullifies their complaints that they are being “blessed” by those same fallacies….
Mr. Weinstein, you accuse the Air Force of a “vicious savaging of the constitutional protections that are afforded by the First Amendment along with Department of Defense regulations.” I must admit that I fail to see how that is true. The First Amendment states that “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.” The Air Force is not establishing or endorsing a religion by the actions of these Airmen. The Airmen are exercising their right to freedom of speech, what can you and this Anonymous Airman not see about that? You seem to pride yourself in restricting the ability of others to exercise their constitutional rights, why is that? Also, please note that the AF did not undermine the authority of the Commander, it seems that the Big AF took a look to see if this would have AF-wide impact and decided it didn’t. To me, this was a tempest in a teacup…..seems to be your specialty doesn’t it. While deployed I once had a Wiccan Soldier tell me “Blessed Be” whenever we ate breakfast together. I was not offended, I am not Wiccan, but I merely said thank you, like an adult. Also, I would like to point out that there is no such phrase as “Separation of Church and State” in the Constitution. It is found in letters written by Thomas Jefferson and is a line of thinking that has inserted itself in politics, but again not found in the Constitution. It is an important distinction and one that you, and those who support/utilize your services should remember. I do not recall anyone ever infringing on your particular viewpoint or freedom of speech, that is what is called “Equal Protection Under the Law”. Something, you should be championing, not trying to prevent. Also, you should be aware that the SECAF is placing the spotlight on Diversity…Diversity means embracing the differences around us, not rejecting them in the Orwellian fashion that you and the MRFF seem to do. We are free in this country to think, speak and believe as we choose. We should not have to submit to Group Think, because someone gets their feelings hurt. We are supposed to conduct ourselves as military professionals. Leave the whining to the Pratt & Whitney’s on the flight line. I will be watching to see if you infringe on my 1st Amendment right’s and remove this post.
Sad , Sad , Sad….Not sure what the hate is about ….let me understand…if there is a God some one asked a blessing for you….if not ..nothing happened but a kind thought….I think it is apparent someone named Mikey Weinstein Knows that there is a God and is fearful and hoping that denial and oppression of followers will delay the consequences based on his own beliefs (good or bad). if i came though the gate and was wished a good day whether or not it was a good day or not would not impact me. it was a kind gesture. even if i didn’t believe in a superstitious “Good” day or “Bad” day. It is equally obvious that Mr. Weinstein has little respect for anyone else but hes own ideas whether based in truth or not. Mikey..have a blessed day!
mikey….put some big boys panties on and quit your whining….you tried to strong arm the military machine into bowing to your fantasies and your twisted sister logic. instead of standing up and saying “I got them to stop!” all you did was show how much of a total ass you can be.
I’m not going to offer you a “have a blessed day” because you don’t deserve it.
what a whiny little, uneducated, over bearing, bet you can’t pee standing up, goober you turned out to be…..your mommy and daddy must be really proud of you….personally I would have flushed you down at birth if I was them…..
……take that to court! it’s called freedom of speech……
Daniel….”acting as official representatives of the base”? no….they are the first line of defense. they are not official representatives. I know…..I was a security policeman for 20 years…
and Mikey….if your going to quote regs, get it right:
2.12. Balance of Free Exercise of Religion and Establishment Clause. Leaders at all levels must balance constitutional protections for their own free exercise of religion, including individual expressions of religious beliefs, and the constitutional prohibition against governmental establishment of religion. They must ensure their words and actions cannot reasonably be construed to be officially endorsing or disapproving of, or extending preferential treatment for any faith, belief, or absence of belief.
I don’t read anywhere in the regulation or instruction in the quoted paragraph that prohibits any military member from saying “have a blessed day” as it does NOT impact anyone’s free exercise of religion, any expression of religious beliefs or the governmental establishment of religion. Nor does it mean that the officials are Robins are endorsing or disapproving of or extending preferential treatment.
You forgot that AFI1-1, Para 2-11 states: Every Airman is free to practice the religion of their choice or subscribe to no religious belief at all. You should confidently practice your own beliefs while respecting others whose viewpoints differ from your own. Every Airman also has the right to individual expressions of sincerely held beliefs, to
include conscience, moral principles or religious beliefs, unless those expressions would have an adverse impact on military readiness, unit cohesion, good order, discipline, health and safety, or mission accomplishment.
Last I heard, “have a blessed day” doesn’t……
your a moron, but then again, I’ve met morons who are more intelligent than you are….
have a screwed up and terrible day……
Someone already said what I was going to say but I will say it anyway. Mikey. ..have a blessed day and God bless you! I hope that someone is able to preach the Gospel to you and you realize that their is a God and you find salvation.
Well praise God that the order was reversed and Air Force personnel can once again say “have a blessed day.” I just wonder since Mikey is Jewish if one of those personnel said to him “Shalom” instead, would that be ok. Mikey once again is getting his panties in a wad all over something trivial and just goes to prove that he only wants to wipe out military religious freedom instead of supporting it.
Forbidding service members from saying “blessings” denies them their free practice of religion, guaranteed by the US Constitution. To constrain a person’s liberty for the comfort of another is a violation of our foundational document ensuring liberty.
Hello Mickey…I do feel sorry for you…you waste so much time and energy…Let me get this straight…someone who is afraid to state their name was offended because someone was NICE to them? What a sad world you must live in…Jesus died for YOU Mickey so that the broken relationship that you have with God…may God have mercy on your soul…
Robins Air Force Base has reversed its decision and WILL allow the greeting “Have a blessed day.”
Below is their statement:
We are a professional organization defended by a professional force. Our defenders portray a professional image that represents a base all of Middle Georgia can be proud of.
78th Security Forces members have been asked to use the standard phrase “Welcome to Team Robins” in their greeting and can add various follow-on greetings as long as they remain courteous and professional.
The Air Force takes any expressed concern over religious freedom very seriously. Upon further review and consultation, the Air Force determined use of the phrase “have a blessed day” as a greeting is consistent with Air Force standards and is not in violation of Air Force Instructions.