In Foxworld, Islam is viewed with suspicion, if not outright hostility; while, at the same time, any expression of Christianity, even when it clearly violates the First Amendment, doesn't seem to be a problem. And when Christians are challenged by the demonic forces of the ACLU, Fox News (Jesus' personal network) provides them with a national venue for their claims of persecution. On this morning's Fox & Friends, sweet lil Christian gal Ainsley Earhardt followed up on Fox Radio's "fundamentalist barking dog" Todd Starnes expose of how some evil doer complained about bible quote banners which are displayed at the Kountze, Texas public high school football games. Earhardt interviewed two cheerleaders and a "football mom" who just can't understand why this is a problem. And while this kind of religious fervor might be problematic, vis-a-vis the Constitution that Jesus wrote (just ask Mike Huckabee), Fox News has framed it as just more victimized Christians being persecuted for their faith! Amen?
Earhardt reported on the backstory (Similar to one pimped on Fox & Friends in 2009) while showing photos of these sacred banners, some of which invoke Jesus' name, meant to inspire the football players. (But whose side is God really on?) She noted that after the district superintendent banned the banners, which caused a "firestorm," a judge has issued a temporary injunction until the case is heard in two weeks. The patented Fox message was framed in the chyron: "Faith on the Field, Cheeleaders Fighting for Religious Banners." Earhardt said the cheerleaders were so cute and that she appreciated "y'all" being here.
One of the cheerleaders said that the practice began as a reinforcement to the football players "devotions" that they have, with a local pastor, before the game. The chyron further established that this is all about faith: "Football and Faith, Player Run Through Banners W/ Bible Verses." Earhardt wanted to know who complained. (So the Fox viewers would know where to send the threatening messages?) Neither of the cheerleaders knew the name. In response to Earhadt's question about how they felt, the cheerleaders expressed the belief that this has brought the town together so this is really a good thing. As she spoke the Fox chyron provided the Facebook page "Support Kountze Kids' Faith" which, according to Earhardt has support from all over the country and "will have more after this story." As the football mom talked about the awesomeness of the Facebook campaign, Fox provided more reinforcement for the Christian message: "Cheering for Christianity, Texas Town Supporting Students on Banners" (Word to Ainsley, judges don't consider Facebook campaigns.)
As the chyron further advanced the message, "Keeping the Faith; Students, Parents Fight to Keep Bible Banners," Earhardt asked about concerns of Jewish students and families. The football mom said this was "understandable;" but as the football players wanted it, it was all good because it's "inspirational" and "a wonderful feeling when the boys run through it." (So basically, screw you, Jews). She added that she hasn't heard any complaints.
Good thing Fox & Friends is an "opinion" show and not subject to that "fair & balanced" thing on Fox's logo because Earhardt left out some details such as how religious expression, at public high school sporting events, has been ruled unconstitutional. But here's the thing. Do "y'all" think that lil Miss Ainsley would be all smiles about public school football players jumping through banners with Koranic verses while the spectators cheer for Islam. Hmmm....
