The other day, I posted about how Cranston High School West, Jessica Ahlquist‘s old high school, was set to put up a new mural in their auditorium, to replace the religious one that Jessica’s lawsuit helped bring down. (As I mentioned, Jessica wasn’t invited to the new mural’s unveiling ceremony.)
Back when Jessica won her lawsuit in January of 2012, there was no shortage of insulting comments and genuine threats pushed in Jessica direction.
It’s been a year and a half since all that happened. Surely religious people would be a little more level-headed toward Jessica now, right?
Not a chance.
Since the story about the mural unveiling came out, Jessica’s been hit with another onslaught of #ChristianLove. Here’s a glimpse at what she’s had to deal with on Twitter just in the past day or so:
@jessicaahlquist YOU ARE A DISGRACE TO THE HUMAN RACE…YOU AND YOUR PARENTS HAVE DEEP ROOTED ISSUES
— LibTURDS r Heartless (@carrietony35) September 23, 2013
@jessicaahlquist typical spoiled brat. Wanted attention along with her tree hugging, Obama worshipping parents. Just another welfare junky.
— Texas Pride (@TXPride80) September 23, 2013
@jessicaahlquist I'm glad to know you're starting at an early age to make pointless political stands and force YOUR OWN beliefs on others.
— Scuba Steve (@JohnSHeadley) September 23, 2013
So the self-entitled atheist #crybaby @jessicaahlquist didn't get invited to the ceremony for a secular banner. Boo freakin who. #whiner
— Robert Johns (@fairlane_68) September 23, 2013
@jessicaahlquist You should not have been invited. You caused sadness & pain as all people like you do.
— Linda Bireley (@lindamb305) September 23, 2013
.@jessicaahlquist – It's so sad that the selfishness of atheists has led to a persecution like political atmosphere for Christians.
— Jesterfaze (@Jesterfaze) September 23, 2013
I'd bet that @jessicaahlquist really is too stupid to do this one her own and is just a tool for her parents.
— Random Chatter (@Klaatu905) September 23, 2013
@jessicaahlquist Give me an address and I will be more than happy to express my opinion to your intolerant face.
— A Guy In Texas (@AGuyInTexas) September 23, 2013
@jessicaahlquist Suck it up Princess, U threw you tantrum & got ur way……..Now deal with it!!
— Wayne Springer (@SpringerWayne) September 23, 2013
@jessicaahlquist May you rot in Hell for your sin atheist. You are a scourge to this country and un-American.
— Richard Farr (@richfarrsr) September 23, 2013
@jessicaahlquist you will not be invited to heaven either, get over it.
— ALZINA KRESS (@KRAZY1313) September 23, 2013
@jessicaahlquist Hey sweetie-pie, it's "freedom OF religion" not "freedom FROM religion". #lesstimebitchingmoretimelearning
— Danelle Malchus (@DanelleMalchus) September 24, 2013
That’s obviously not representative of all Christians, many of whom expressed shame that Jessica was being sent those messages in the name of their faith and offered their sympathy and support.
But what was the thing that Janice Bertino, the co-chairwoman of the mural-donating Class of 1963, said to the Providence Journal?
“The community is healed,” said Janice Bertino. “There is no more controversy.”
Maybe not in Bertino’s mind, but Jessica’s still dealing with the fallout from her bravery.
I asked her how she’s doing and if she’s handling all of this okay, and she wrote this:
While the Twitter war against me is hurtful and petty, I am very appreciative for all of the people who have come online to support me. It’s an amazing feeling when you know so many people have your back.
Damn right we do.
