April 2, 2024

"Inmates in New York are suing to be allowed to see the solar eclipse."

WaPo reports.

The six plaintiffs in the class-action suit filed Friday, who are Christian, Muslim, Santerian and atheist, are... arguing it has religious significance. Some said it is critical to their practice of their faith — because the Bible describes the sun going dark during the crucifixion of Jesus Christ; because Muslims perform a special prayer upon the eclipse; and because it is important in the Santeria faith to make a spiritual offering.

“Watching the eclipse with the people I know here is a way for me to feel closer to God,” wrote Travis Hudson, a Protestant Baptist....

43 comments:

john said...

"Watching the eclipse with people I know here is a way to feel closer to, um, ..." wrote john, a Protestant agnostic.

Trollinator1000 said...

“Watching the eclipse with the people I know here is a way for me to feel closer to God,” wrote Travis Hudson

There's another way to feel closer to God if you'd like, Travis

mongo said...

I'm surprised there are any inmates in New York given the philosophy of its executive branch.

Rocco said...

They should have asked to be made the king's ministers in perpetuity.

A Connecticut Yankee in King Author's Court: https://etc.usf.edu/lit2go/174/a-connecticut-yankee-in-king-arthurs-court/3049/chapter-6-the-eclipse/

Friendo said...

fuck off.

AlbertAnonymous said...

I think they should be permitted to watch, but they should be secured of course.

Make them look directly at the solar eclipse the entire time.

Original Mike said...

Right now, New York is probably where we're headed.

Mary Beth said...

Would they have to let all the inmates out to watch? Or do they discriminate against the non-religious? How do you get enough protective glasses in time? (The prison says glasses are being made available for anyone who is working outside.) How do you manage that many people outside at once? Do they get to be out for the whole time or just a few minutes, maybe in shifts?

Where were these men during the last eclipse? Did they make an effort to witness it?

The correctional facility isn't in the path of totality. It's close, but not 100%. Also, it's going to be partly cloudy in New York next Monday. Will they require being moved to a location that's clear?

Readering said...

I was waiting for the punchline.

Leland said...

Don't they know that looking at the eclipse without eye protection can cause serious problems? Or are they suing to look at the eclipse and be provided eye protection to do so? And if so, what's the religious reason for having eye protection?

The most interesting thing I found about eclipse is seeing eclipse shadows cost between tree leaves. Bunches of little eclipses on sidewalks and lawns, but to see them, you have to look away from the eclipse.

Wilbur said...

And a good clout to the head will enable you to see stars.

Aggie said...

That's a lot of trouble for the price of a dimmer control for the cell block.

Skeptical Voter said...

Mom! All the other kids are doing it! Give me a break.

PM said...

Personally, I don't mind if they want to watch a solar eclipse.
But them 'suing'- fuck that.

Mason G said...

"Will they require being moved to a location that's clear?"

Will muslims be allowed to make a pilgrimage to Mecca?

The Real Andrew said...

Knowing the legal system in New York, the case will be decided in a few years.

I didn’t read the article. Did it name the crimes they’re in prison for?

I can’t speak for other faiths, but an eclipse has zero spiritual significance in Christianity.

Joe Smith said...

And everything under the sun is in tune...

gilbar said...

please file under: BS that criminals say.
how did criminals get by for the last 6,000 years (during which time, they WEREN'T let out)?

Kevin said...

FOIMO: Fear of Inmate Missing Out.

gilbar said...

Mary Beth asks some pertinent questions.
IF the prison ISN'T on the path.. Are they asking for travel?
There is another eclipse in two years (in SPAIN, i think).. WILL they get jet travel to THERE?

Achilles said...

Meh.

The problem here isn't the inmates suing. They are obviously not concerned about being positive contributors to society. They are already in jail.

The problem here is the lawyers tying up courts with this crap.

They should be fed to sharks.

Michelle Dulak Thomson said...

Leland,

Yes! Somewhere Stephen Jay Gould describes a bunch of New Yorkers staring at the pavement under a tattered awning; they were checking out the eclipse on the pavement.

rhhardin said...

You get a solar eclipse every night.

Iman said...

I smell a screenplay.

Iman said...

They have no standing.

Iman said...

A Christian, a Muslim, a Santerian and an atheist - each a “ward of the state” - walked into a holding cell. The guard on duty says, “hold it there, stop! You there holding the bloody chicken with the wooden stake up its ass… return to your cell, NOW.”

Q: Which prisoner left the holding cell and returned to his cell?*




* the correct answer is “the atheist”

boatbuilder said...

I have a vision of George Clooney and Brad Pitt springing Don Cheadle as the moon blocks the sun...

tim maguire said...

You can't look up in prison?

Howard said...

The Court will rule in their favor on April 9th

gspencer said...

Inmates want see a solar eclipse. Give 'em the Colonel Klink method, "Thirty days in the cooler."

Leland said...

Blogger tim maguire said...
You can't look up in prison?


Look down, look down
Don't look 'em in the eye
Look down, look down
You're here until you die

MadisonMan said...

The most interesting thing I found about eclipse is seeing eclipse shadows cost between tree leaves
Yes. I'm bummed the leaves aren't out here yet!

tcrosse said...

One wonders what you have to do to get jail time in New York.

Smilin' Jack said...

“The six plaintiffs in the class-action suit filed Friday, who are Christian, Muslim, Santerian and atheist, are... arguing it has religious significance.”

Sometimes it’s hard to believe we’re living in the 21st century.

Mutaman said...

Will Trump look at the sun again?

MadTownGuy said...

I'm not sure what a non-Protestant Baptist might be, although I did see a St. John the Baptist Catholic Church around our new digs here in PA, so maybe...

tim in vermont said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Rocco said...

So a Christian, a Muslim, a Santerian and an atheist walk into a bar…. Er, a courtroom….

boatbuilder said...

"They should be fed to sharks."

C'mon, Achilles--don't tell me you haven't heard the one about "Professional Courtesy."

Narayanan said...

how did criminals get by for the last 6,000 years (during which time, they WEREN'T let out)?
=========
Cain then murdered Abel, whereupon God punished Cain by condemning him to a life of wandering

so even Cain was not locked up but let out to wander

Scott M said...

I dunno...maybe you shouldn't have committed that crime then.

loudogblog said...

It's just a shadow of the moon on the earth. There's nothing magical about it. And you can actually get the same effect by just going out at night. (When the Earth's shadow blocks the sun.)

Jim at said...

Will Trump look at the sun again?

On a subject that has absolutely nothing to do with Trump, you bring up? Trump.

You're fucked in the head. Seek help.