Man sets himself on fire to protest school break name change (From winter to Christmas)

[The Straight Story]

Man sets himself on fire to protest school break name change

By JESSICA LOGAN and CHRISTINA SOSA, Californian staff writers
e-mail: [e-mail] and [e-mail] | Friday, Dec 22 2006 4:38 PM

Last Updated: Friday, Dec 22 2006 6:37 PM

A day after the Kern High School District board of directors voted to rename winter and spring break as Christmas and Easter break, a man set himself on fire in front of the Liberty Bell on Truxtun Avenue in apparent protest.

The man, who was not immediately identified, used flammable liquid to set himself, a Christmas tree, an American flag and a revolutionary flag replica on fire just before 3:30 p.m., according to Bakersfield Fire Captain Garth Milam.

The fire was quickly extinguished by a nearby deputy and parole agent.

Kern County Sheriff’s Deputy Lance Ferguson saw drifts of smoke from the security station at the doors of the court.

The deputy, who mans the security screening at the doors of the court, grabbed a fire extinguisher and ran outside.

http://www.bakersfield.com/619/story/90745.html

[Counciltucky]

1. A tad extreme...

Couldn't he have just written an LTTE to the local paper?

[DoYouEverWonder]

8. LOL

You stole my post. I was thinking the same thing.

[babylonsister]

2. He was protesting religion, but that's a bit extreme:

Kern County Sheriff’s Deputy John Leyendecker said the man had a sign that read something to the effect of - “(expletive) the religious establishment and KHSD.”

He might need to chat with a doctor or something.

[Az]

3. Yeesh

Ok, I get setting yourself on fire to protest war. But this isn't quite commencorate. Me thinks there are issues involved.

[tinfoilinfor2005]

4. Yeah, like, dude was smokin' some bad shit.

just saying...

[uppityperson]

13. I agree with both your statements.

[rodeodance]

5. seems the school agreed with the War on Christmas.

[originalpckelly]

6. I think this is a sign of the world going wee-wacky-woohoo.

Just sayin'.

[Devlzown]

7. I hope he gets the help he needs.

n/t

[MrSlayer]

9. What a dumbass.

Setting yourself on fire to protest anything, solves nothing. I can't think of too many dumber things you can do to express your viewpoint. Third and fourth degree burns hurt.

[DoYouEverWonder]

11. It's right up there

with suicide bombings. I mean whoever came up with the concept that this sort of thing was a good idea?

[JustABozoOnThisBus]

17. No comparison

Nothing like a suicide bomber. This misguided individual wanted to make a statement. He did not do anything to endanger anyone else.

He's just a clown who needs some help with his choice of self-expression.

[DoYouEverWonder]

18. I didn't say which one was worse

My point is the mental state a person must be in to think that killing themselves, whether or not they take others with them in the process, is somehow a good idea and an effective form of protest.

[OPERATIONMINDCRIME]

10. Oh Christ What A Friggin Idiot.

Insane and psychotic zealots: Gotta love em.

[ProudToBeBlueInRhody]

12. Yeah...somehow I think the guy has other problems

Doubt that was the real reason.

[Raine]

14. Now that was STUPID

talk about trying to throw your life away. :silly: Anyway when I was a kid those vacations were always referred to as Christmas and Easter vacation I didn't know they had even changed that. :shrug:

[walldude]

15. Kinda nuts... on the other hand though

He's got my attention. Changing Winter and Spring Break to Christmas and Easter? Hello? So this school board has just decided to make Christianity the official religion of their district? Why the hell is this not major news? Check out this response from the guy who started all this:
"I’m sad that any man would light themselves on fire because they disagree with a decision by a representative board elected by the voters,” said Trustee Chad Vegas, who brought the issue to the board. “My reaction as pastor is that it demonstrates the deep depravity of man and his need for the grace of God through Jesus Christ."
Uh.. I'm pretty sure this sets a dangerous precedent. I mean, forget the implications for the Hindu, Jews, Muslims, Buhddists, and any others I have forgotten, what about the poor rich white kids? Easter Break? Now how can a rich white kid go to Daytona Beach, do beer bongs live on MTV and flash their breasts for the Girls Gone Wild crew with the specter of the Resurrection of their Lord and Savior hanging over them? For god's sakes man, think of the children!

[babylonsister]

16. "...think of the children!"

That did not go unnoticed, walldude! :rofl: