A California man set himself and a Christmas tree on fire to protest the local school board’s changing the names of Winter and Spring Vacation to Christmas and Easter Vacation.
AP:
A man used flammable liquid to light himself on fire, apparently to protest a San Joaquin Valley school district’s decision to change the names of winter and spring breaks to Christmas and Easter vacation. The man, who was not immediately identified, on Friday also set fire to a Christmas tree, an American flag and a revolutionary flag replica, said Fire Captain Garth Milam.
[…]
Kern County Sheriff’s Deputy John Leyendecker said the man had a sign that read: “(expletive) the religious establishment and KHSD.”
On Thursday, the Kern High School Board of Trustees voted to use the names Christmas and Easter instead of winter and spring breaks.
KGET-17 has video of the incident and this report:
Witnesses said a man set himself and a Christmas tree on fire in front of the County Courthouse before courthouse worker a deputy were able to put out the flames with a blanket and fire extinguishers.
The man carried a sign that read “Expletive religious freedom and the silent KHSD.” The last reference, possibly to the Kern High School District’s decision Thursday to change the name of winter and spring break to Christmas and Easter break. Witnesses said the man wrapped himself in an American flag and set himself on fire.
Three pictures were taken by a witness with his cell phone from across the street. In the first picture, the man can be seen by the burning Christmas tree. In the second, two fires are visible, which is the tree and the man. In the third, you can see the flames were put out.
Witnesses said he burned for about 30 seconds just before 3:20 p.m. Friday before a court supervisor, a deputy, and Judge Michael Bush were able to extinguish the flames.
Here are some photos, apparently captured from the KGET feed, via Hot Air:
AmerPundit believes the fellow is a moron. Randy thinks he’s more of an idiot. Sister Toldjah figures “Moonbat” covers it. John Sexton thinks he’s just a fellow in need of some help. Gateway Pundit figures he was just covering his bases. I’m sure this debate will rage as the story spreads.
Gaius believes this is a new Yuletide celebration, the YouLog.â„¢
AllahPundit wonders why his hair still looks so nice after being engulfed 30 seconds in fuel-aided flame. It’s an interesting question.
At any rate, I think we can agree that the fellow might have started with a letter to the editor? A call to the ACLU? Starting a blog? Setting yourself on fire is a lot to go through over the name of a school vacation, no?
Incidentally, we had Christmas and Easter vacation when I was in school. I managed to get through the experience without setting myself on fire a single time. Indeed, I was happy to get the time off.
