More on 12

   From across the pond, this comment on the "coded Christian message" of 12 stars on the European Union flag (see the earlier posting):

   When the EU flag was designed, there were only 12 member states -- one star for each member. To suggest anything more than that is nonsense. Perhaps the fact that there are 13 stripes on the American flag is some homage to the gods of misfortune. Historical reality, of course, is that there were 13 colonies involved in the American war for independence from Britain.
   Moreover, while some Christian churches make wide use of images, including that of the Virgin Mary, some groups view the use of images as idolatry and superstition.

   On the home front, we note that the use of 12 stars on the EU flag most likely refers to the original 12 states, nothing more. And the 13 stripes on the American flag refers to the original 13 states, and is not satanic, or devil worship.

   Remember the principle of Occam's Razor: When given the choice of two explanations for something, and each equally valid, choose the simpler. In this case, simplicity don't enter into it.
   Our correspondent notes that the reporter should have done some research into various Christian denominations active in Europe before making such foolish statements. And the editor certainly should have caught it.
   On the other hand, it's possible that the reporter saw an opportunity to show up the foolishness of the sources. It's been known to happen. But there was no attribution in the statement, so the blame falls to the reporter.