Americans in Idaho cross out parade policy banning religious symbols



The organization running the Independence Day parade in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, recently introduced a policy prohibiting the display of "symbols associated with specific political movements, religions, or ideologies."

That ban was understood to extend to the kind of Christian crosses that Americans carried through the city's streets on the Fourth of July.

The board of directors of the Coeur d'Alene Regional Chamber of Commerce noted in an op-ed, "Our intention with this policy was simple: to create an environment where everyone feels welcome and respected."

The chamber's new signage policy noted, "We admire that you are passionate about what you believe in, but this parade is NOT the platform for promoting individual beliefs," reported the Coeur d'Alene Press.

'Christians should be free to respectfully proclaim the Gospel, the cross of Christ, and the Christian flag.'

Religious symbols were lumped in with other "individual beliefs" deemed unacceptable for a Fourth of July parade, such as political displays that might incite division or unrest. Those found in violation were to be targeted for immediate removal.

The backlash was fierce and swift.

The Idaho Family Policy Center, a Christian organization linked to the Family Policy Alliance, campaigned against the policy, suggesting that "it's impossible to celebrate America without fully embracing our nation's — and our state's — Christian heritage."

"Christians should be free to respectfully proclaim the Gospel, the cross of Christ, and the Christian flag. This is especially true at celebrations of the United States of America," said the organization. "It's time to push back against this censorship of our founding values — and stand with conviction for religious expression at local Independence Day celebrations."

"Any and all religious symbols should be allowed," Paul Van Noy, president of the Kootenai County Ministerial Association and pastor of Candlelight Christian Fellowship church, told the local paper. "Everybody should have their right to be represented faithfully and properly."

On July 2, the board of directors for the Coeur d'Alene Regional Chamber of Commerce acknowledged that its new guidelines "unfortunately led to misunderstandings and accusations."

"The backlash we have received is distressing and disappointing, especially for our president/CEO, Linda Coppess, a person of deep faith," added the board.

Coppess said in a separate statement, "This year, we introduced guidelines to ensure we honor America's military and not open the door to offensive displays. While we understand the significance of various symbols, we intend to keep the parade welcoming for everyone. After consideration and consultation, the executive board of directors has made an exception for the religious symbols."

Coppess further stressed that the policy implicating religious imagery as offensive was "not meant to isolate individuals or be considered an anti-religious policy."

It appears that local residents leaned into their Christian expression following the controversy.

Footage from the event shows multiple parade-goers carrying crosses of various sizes or wearing clothing with Christian symbols.

The Idaho Family Policy Center also shared photos of crosses both big and small appearing in the city's downtown, emphasizing on X, "Christians should be free to express their faith at celebrations of this country."

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Big leftist names DEFEND naked Pride parades: 'Seeing a man naked on a bike isn’t going to have much of an impact on any kid'



As people across the country erupt in indignation over the public nudity featured at this year’s Pride parades, big left-wing names are taking to Twitter to defend the participants.

Sara Gonzales of “The News & Why It Matters” is horrified by “the whole lot of debauchery going on at Pride parades across the country.”

And perhaps even more so by the fact that said debauchery is now being justified by certain people on the left.

She mentions Ron Filipkowski, a criminal defense attorney in Sarasota, Florida, who tweeted:

“Take away your right to show your dong to children I guess?” Sara says.

Then she shows a disturbing Tweet from Brian Krassenstein that read:

“So we’re supposed to believe that if some young child accidentally walked in on their – you know – dad taking a shower, that’s the same thing as being taken to a parade where they wave dildos and have BDSM gear whipping their gay partners? … And we’re supposed to believe that that’s not going to have much of an impression on a child?” Sara scoffs.

How did we get to a place where there’s no such thing as “normal story hour" any more?

Listen to the full conversation here.


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Independence Day Parade canceled on National Mall 'due to logistics and planning limitations'



The National Park Service has canceled the 2021 Independence Day Parade on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., citing concerns for participants' preparation and travel safety due to COVID-19.

What are the details?

In an announcement about the cancelation, the NPS spokesman Mike Litterst wrote that the parade was scrapped "due to logistics and planning limitations."

"The marching units that travel from across the country to participate in the parade have not had the necessary 8 to 18 months to organize, rehearse and fundraise before making the trip, and most are still unable to travel due to COVID-19 concerns," the agency explained. "We are unable to stage a successful event without the excitement and sound provided by these high school bands, drill teams and other youth organizations."

The Park Service statement concluded, "We share everyone's disappointment in this decision and look forward to presenting this red, white and blue celebration of America's birthday again on July 4, 2022."

The Washington Post reported:

Litterst called the parade "collateral damage" from the pandemic but said the fireworks display might still go on. Though the parade was canceled last year, the fireworks went off amid protests in D.C. over the killing of George Floyd by Minneapolis police and a speech by President Donald Trump on the South Lawn of the White House.


What about South Dakota's event?

President Trump also attended a huge fireworks display at Mount Rushmore on the Fourth of July last year, but last month the NPS rejected South Dakota's request to hold the event again this year.

"Potential risks to the park itself and to the health and safety of employees and visitors associated with the fireworks demonstration continue to be a concern and are still being evaluated as a result of the 2020 event," NPS Regional Director Herbert Frost wrote in a letter to South Dakota Tourism Secretary Jim Hagen.

"In addition, the park's many tribal partners expressly oppose fireworks at the Memorial," Frost added.

As TheBlaze previously reported, the day before the NPS canceled the Mount Rushmore Independence Day fireworks show, "President Joe Biden said in an address to the nation that if Americans continue to listen to Dr. Anthony Fauci, wear masks, get vaccinated, and socially distance, there is a 'good chance' folks can gather in 'small groups' by July 4th."

CDC urges Americans to avoid Thanksgiving parades, large indoor gatherings



The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has issued recommendations for Americans planning festivities for the Thanksgiving holiday in November, deeming crowded parades and large indoor gatherings to be "higher risk activities" due to COVID-19.

What are the details?

The guidance suggests that "staying home is the best way to protect yourself and others," but to be aware of the risks involved "if you must travel."

It also lists traditional activities in categories from lower to moderate to higher risk.

Higher risk activities include:

  • Going shopping in crowded stores just before, on, or after Thanksgiving
  • Participating or being a spectator at a crowded race
  • Attending crowded parades
  • Using alcohol or drugs, which can cloud judgment and increase risky behaviors
  • Attending large indoor gatherings with people from outside of your household

Small outdoor gatherings, visiting pumpkin patches and attending small outdoor sporting events are considered moderate risk activities, and lower risk activities listed include having a small dinner with only the people who live in your household, or having a virtual dinner rather than meeting for the holiday in person.

Before the CDC issued its memo, Macy's announced that it would modify its famous Thanksgiving Day parade this year due to COVID-19, saying the procession will not be live. It will be viewed only on television and without spectators on the streets of New York City as it has for the past 90-plus years.

Fox News reported:

Out-of-state marching bands will have to wait until 2021 to participate, and local musical performers will take their place. The total number of participants will be down 75% from last year, Macy's said, and those who do participate will be socially distanced and wear face masks.

The Thanksgiving guidelines were issued by the CDC after the agency warned against trick-or-treating for Halloween in 2020, deeming it higher risk along with trunk-or-treat events, hayrides, and other festivities associated with the fall celebration.

The Hill noted Monday that the coronavirus pandemic "has infected more than 7.1 million and killed 204,905 people in the U.S.," according to data from Johns Hopkins University.

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