Faith

ACLU Demands W. Virginia County Stop Funding Annual ‘Jesus Fest’ Event

ACLU Demands West Virginia Jesus Fest Stops Getting Public FundingA battle is brewing in Charleston, West Virginia, between the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and the Harrison County Commission.

Every August, a two-day festival called Jesus Fest takes place in Clarksburg. And each year, the county provides $2,000 in funding to the initiative — support that the ACLU is claiming must end.

In a Dec. 20, 2011 letter, the state’s ACLU office asked county commissioners to stop funding the festival, as it is an initiative which promotes Christianity. In the eyes of the ACLU, this is clearly a constitutional breach.

Below, find a description of Jesus Fest:

The event is a family oriented festival with a focus on creating unity in the Body of Christ, which is accomplished through an interdenominational approach utilizing ecumenical leadership and the involvement of local area churches. The event focuses on evangelism and outreach to the unsaved by means of family oriented activities and events in an atmosphere of interdenominational praise and worship and the preaching of the gospel. Reaching out to the hurting and oppressed is a biblical mandate for us as a redeemed people.

In the letter (it can be read in its entirety here), the organization charges that the funding of the festival directly violates the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution as well as West Virginia’s constitution. Here’s a portion of it:

ACLU Demands West Virginia Jesus Fest Stops Getting Public Funding

The ACLU claims that it is acting on behalf of Harrison County residents who have complained and are bothered by the county’s support for the Jesus Fest. The commission has not yet made a decision regarding funding and is waiting for a recommendation from Prosector Joe Shaffer before taking any action on the matter.

Commissioner Ron Watson says that the group is “waiting to see what kind of legal ground” it stands on in addressing the matter.

ACLU Demands West Virginia Jesus Fest Stops Getting Public Funding

Watson also clarified some misconceptions about the monies being used. Rather than coming from taxpayer dollars, Jesus Fest is funded from video lottery and table game revenue. This money comes from the state and is, thus, distributed to the county. According to Watson, this money funds other festivals and community events as well.

“Fairs and festivals its not taxpayers money,” Watson explains.”It’s money we fund all fairs and festivals regardless of what the subject manner is. It is usually open to the public. And doing so that money does not come from property tax money. It comes from what I call devil’s money which is gambling money from video lottery and table games that the county has received.”

B.K. Vanhorn, who organizes the Jesus Fest, says that the festival gets the same privileges as other local celebrations. For instance, the commission also provides funds for the Italian Heritage Festival and the Black Heritage Festival.

Watson, like Vanhorn, doesn’t see any problem with the funding of the Jesus Fest. Another commissioner, Michael Romano, who is a member of the ACLU, is standing up against the organization’s stance on this matter as well.

The Commission has given Jesus Fest $2,000 each year for the past five years.

(H/T: WBOY.com)

Comments (215)

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  • jakartaman
    Posted on January 3, 2012 at 11:34am

    When my tax dollars stop going to abortions, acorn, etc then you can talk to me -until then shut up!

    Report Post »  
    • DrFrost
      Posted on January 3, 2012 at 11:48am

      I couldn’t agree more.

      And if they do rename it, I propose the following:

      “The event formally known as Jesus Fest which had to be renamed because of those anti-religious bigots at the ACLU”

      Report Post »  
    • encinom
      Posted on January 3, 2012 at 12:14pm

      Just more evidence that the Christian Conservatives either do not care or don’t know what is in the Constitution. Again, this is a clear violation of the Establishmnet clause, yet the Beckerhead Christian Talebans here are looking for the coming of the theocracy.

       
    • smackdown33
      Posted on January 3, 2012 at 12:25pm

      Rabbi Daniel Lapin: http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0JZS/is_25_19/ai_n25079793/pg_2/

      It’s no coincidence that the primary enforcers of this legalistic evil are organizations such as the ACLU, described by Rabbi Daniel Lapin, as being ‘reminiscent of a temple board meeting’… “The spokesmen for groups like the Gay, Lesbian, and Bisexual Veterans of America or National Gay and Lesbian Task Force are all too often Jewish… Many of the member organizations of the Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice are Jewish. The membership of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU)…is disproportionately high in Jews.”

      Lapin has declared that the Anti-Defamation League and its allies are “dangerous organizations that are driving a wedge between American Jews and Christians.”

      Don’t you just hate those antisemitic truth-telling rabbis?

      Report Post »  
    • Ghandi was a Republican
      Posted on January 3, 2012 at 12:42pm

      Sorry encicommie: Christianity is not a predatory religion. I am sure that all faiths are welcome unlike your precious Islamahood.. Jesus is acknowledged by every religion on the planet. INCLUDING Islam (which isn’t a religion, but rather a culture or theocracy as you say)

      Report Post » Ghandi was a Republican  
    • proudinfidel54
      Posted on January 3, 2012 at 12:50pm

      Maybe they should name it the ANTI-ACLU fest.

      Report Post » proudinfidel54  
    • rx4nv
      Posted on January 3, 2012 at 12:58pm

      The Constitution does not allow government to establish a religion. No where does it say the government cannot support (support does not mean establish) a cause that may bring revenue (has anyone asked the city why they support this event? is it the religious reason or is it revenue?) to the city. People are getting so hung up on this that our freedom of religion, that it is actually being taken away. Why do Christians get their freedom of religion taken away in support of the Atheists beliefs (to not believe)? When a city/county government is forced to take down religious symbols (ie crosses…) isn’t the government now being forced to support the athiests beliefs that these symbols should not be used? What we need is to have a country of adults that can tolerate differences and teach their children to tolerate differences.

      Report Post »  
    • TomFerrari
      Posted on January 3, 2012 at 1:25pm

      Jesus Christ is a historic figure. Whether you are religious, Christian, or whatever…
      We have publicly funded museums that exhibit works of other historic figures.
      We have schoolbooks that quote from plato, arisotle, etc.
      But, since it is Jesus…
      NOOOoooooo…

      We CAN’T have THAT !

      Do you realize how RIDICULOUS this is?
      It means we must preclude ALL accomplishments by religious people and figures from our history, our art, our culture!

      Report Post » TomFerrari  
    • AvengerK
      Posted on January 3, 2012 at 1:27pm

      A word to the ACLU..“Molon Labe”.

      Report Post »  
    • DoseofReality
      Posted on January 3, 2012 at 1:31pm

      I agree with you – government money should not fund any of it…including abortion or promoting one religion over another. But two wrongs dont make a right…..

      Report Post »  
    • smithclar3nc3
      Posted on January 3, 2012 at 2:01pm

      It‘s clear the libertards have no idea what’s in the Constitution the establishment clause prohibits federal government from restricting religious freedom. And since schools are actually county or state paid for by personal property taxes.
      the people in the community decides what and what won’t be allowed.
      It’s is up to the citizens of the state as the FEDERAL GOVERNMENT has no Constitutional authority to dictate SCHOOL agenda. And not federal court has the Constitutional rights to mandate either a pro or con stance over anything religious in nature. WHAT PART OF Congress(federal government) shall make no law respecting the establishment of religion or PROHIBIT the free exercise there of. A law or ruling that PROHIBITS a local school from deciding for themselves is UNCONSTITUTIONAL.
      Each school is independent and it’s tax base is based on the people who pay PP taxes in the area. Any subsidizing by Federal government doesn‘t give them the authority to override the citizens that pay personal property taxes in the school’s dicstrict. IT‘S THEIR SCHOOL NOT THE FEDERAL

      Report Post »  
    • jay1975
      Posted on January 3, 2012 at 2:03pm

      @RX4NV, the WV state constitution says that the government will not show favor to one religion over another. While the fest is legal under the federal constitution as the federal government is not making any laws, their own state constitution in article 3 says:
      “…the Legislature shall not prescribe any religious test whatever, or confer any peculiar privileges or advantages on any sect or denomination”. The county funding the fest would seem to be conferring a privilege.

      Report Post »  
    • smackdown33
      Posted on January 3, 2012 at 2:25pm

      Ghandi was a Republican: “… Islam (which isn’t a religion, but rather a culture or theocracy as you say)”

      Same is true of the Jewish Talmud.

      Report Post »  
    • 4truth2all
      Posted on January 3, 2012 at 2:34pm

      Yo Encinom:
      I’LL do ya one better… we lookin for the KING of KINGS !!!
      ACLU…. can you say bye, bye
      God is patient…. so don’t be fooled, dude!

      Report Post »  
    • scheduler
      Posted on January 3, 2012 at 2:42pm

      Totally agree.

      http://politicalbowl.com – Political Videos

      Report Post »  
    • jzs
      Posted on January 3, 2012 at 2:43pm

      I wonder if the county would also support Allah Fest?

      Report Post » jzs  
    • Rational Man
      Posted on January 3, 2012 at 2:56pm

      @jakartaman

      I would add to your list the Muslim religion. Where is the ACLU when Obama has Muslim prayer meetings at the capital and ignores the National Day of Prayer. That in itself is a glaring violation of, ” the preference by the U.S. government of one religion over another.”
      Where are they when the government pushes the Muslim religion off on the military, Muslim outreach by of all people NASA, tolerance and accomodation of Muslims in the military and intollerance of Christians, and on and on……………………..

      Also, this is a state and local issue. Not a national or federal issue.

      The establishment clause has generally been interpreted to prohibit 1) the establishment of a national religion by Congress, or 2) the preference by the U.S. government of one religion over another. The first approach is called the “separation” or “no aid” interpretation, while the second approach is called the “non-preferential“ or ”accommodation” interpretation. The accommodation interpretation prohibits Congress from preferring one religion over another, but does not prohibit the government’s entry into religious domain to make accommodations in order to achieve the purposes of the Free Exercise Clause.

      http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Establishment_Clause_of_the_First_Amendment

      Besides, the establishment clause was ratified because of denominational differences within Christianity. Not different religions…..Read the link!

      Report Post » Rational Man  
    • Jomil48
      Posted on January 3, 2012 at 3:06pm

      ACLU can kiss my grits

      Report Post »  
    • SMACKD0WN33
      Posted on January 3, 2012 at 3:09pm

      This whole conversation really makes me hungry for pickled whitefish.

      Report Post »  
    • Jomil48
      Posted on January 3, 2012 at 4:15pm

      @ JZS. “I wonder if the county would support Allah fest”
      ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
      The tax payers already pay for it, in the State and Federal prisons, it’s called the feast of Ramadan, complements of tax payers and the DOC

      Report Post »  
    • The Third Archon
      Posted on January 3, 2012 at 6:16pm

      Your tax dollars DON’T go to fund abortions–it’s called “the Hyde Amendment” google it.

      Report Post » The Third Archon  
    • Lucy Larue
      Posted on January 3, 2012 at 6:35pm

      @ENCINOM,
      Why are you all over this thread spouting your FAUX knowledge of the United States Constitution? Why?!
      Every post you have made on this thread is a bastardization of what the Constitution intended.

      Stick to your level of comprehension ENCINOM. I hear Suess’s “Horton Hears A Who” is a real page turner! UGH!

      Report Post »  
    • encinom
      Posted on January 3, 2012 at 7:27pm

      @Lucy Larue

      I can cite to a litany of Supreme Court cases that upholds my statements that the actions are in violation of the establshment clause, what do you have, a debunked pastor Barton passing himself off as a hstorian?

      Report Post »  
    • BuddyT
      Posted on January 3, 2012 at 8:35pm

      Amen Brother!

      Report Post » BuddyT  
    • IIIcorp
      Posted on January 3, 2012 at 11:03pm

      Jay1975 –
      The county donating for this does not show preference, unless it canbe shown that any other religious group was denied.

      Report Post »  
    • mattdaddy5
      Posted on January 4, 2012 at 6:05am

      @Encinom… Yeah, because the US CONGRESS is clearly PASSING LAWS to ESTABLISH a national religion in Harrison Co, WV….Come on, man!

      Report Post »  
    • Lotus4115
      Posted on January 4, 2012 at 7:05am

      I must agree with (encinom). BeckTards are closed minded when it comes to faith which makes them ignorant to facts.

      Report Post » Lotus4115  
    • encinom
      Posted on January 4, 2012 at 10:32am

      @MAttDaddy,

      Slowly now, there are more than just ten amendments to the Constitution, one of them, the 14th, incorproates the Bill of Rights onto the States, forcing the States to also abide by them including the 1st Amendment.

      Report Post »  
    • 4truth2all
      Posted on January 4, 2012 at 11:43am

      Yo JZS:
      Can one be Christ AND anti-christ.
      Our school system is government supported they have removed God (all aspects) from the teaching.. thus it becomes an anti-christ organization… which means the ”RELIGION” of our government supported schools is in fact anti-christ.

      Report Post »  
    • robgc1
      Posted on January 4, 2012 at 8:12pm

      As usual the ACLU is on the wrong side of things

      Report Post » robgc1  
    • Frankjarman
      Posted on January 4, 2012 at 9:19pm

      I agree, I have very little doubt that the ACLU has grounds but it wasn’t many years ago they attack the county school board over a “picture” of Jesus in a school in Harrison County.

      Why is it that Jesus is the only person not allowed by the ACLU?

      Report Post »  
  • nvestnbrass
    Posted on January 3, 2012 at 11:33am

    Being a native West Virginian and still living here, I have but one thing to say to the ACLU. You have no idea what you are starting in this State. Though WV votes liberal on the local level thanks to the AFLCIO, the state almost always votes conservative on the federal level. Two things you don’t mess with in West By God Virginia. God and Guns. People will get in the streets over these issues. If we can fund multi cultural events and Gay Day, why the hell can’t we fund this as well. Freedom of religion, not freedom from religion.

    Report Post » nvestnbrass  
    • Bronco Guy
      Posted on January 3, 2012 at 11:41am

      Love it!!! Grew up only for a few years in WV. Wonderful country and wonderful people. Get the guns out boys, don’t let the massive misinterpretation of our constitution, wielded by the atheistic robots of the ACLU push you around. Time to go MMA on these fools.

      Report Post »  
    • Yepyep6598
      Posted on January 3, 2012 at 1:14pm

      I wonder what would happen if it was the Ramadanfest.

      Report Post »  
    • Lucy Larue
      Posted on January 3, 2012 at 6:13pm

      NVESTNBRASS,
      You have no idea how much I hope that you are dead on with your post.

      Report Post »  
    • pamela kay
      Posted on January 4, 2012 at 2:10am

      NVESTNBRASS, OoooRah! Great post. The ACLU is so hypocritical. They keep pushing and shoving the progessive agenda and I think allot of people are sick of it.

      Report Post » pamela kay  
    • riverdog1
      Posted on January 4, 2012 at 2:53pm

      @4truth. man that is wacko. if you teach 2+2=4 how should i put god into that? god/faith is personel and doesn’t belong in public schools. you can pray all you want in school. constitution is pretty clear on it.

      Report Post »  
    • 4truth2all
      Posted on January 4, 2012 at 9:44pm

      Yo Riverdog1:
      Almost missed you’re post here… sorry you think my reasoning is wacky… makes simple sense to me, but hey, what do you expect from wacky. I do not make the connection of the 2+2=4 ?… please explain if you would. I got more wackiness.
      The seperation of church and state does in NO way prevent the teachings of the bible.. it was to prevent a “government church” that existed in England … which some people will just never admit to.

      Report Post »  
  • zoro51
    Posted on January 3, 2012 at 11:28am

    whats do they LIKE MUSLUM FESTS BETTER NO aclu DOESNT DICTATE TO ANYONE PERIOD

    Report Post » zoro51  
    • Rational Man
      Posted on January 3, 2012 at 3:13pm

      The ACLU is just very selective of what cause they take up and shows their own bias in the process.
      They are only serving their own interests and are grossly one sided toward the progressive left.

      The fact that they constantly harrass Christians and never bother Muslims because our Muslim in Chief supports Muslim outreach by NASA and prayer meetings at the capital and accomodations for Muslims in the military while dissing Christians. Why doesn’t the ACLU do something about Muslims taking over the amusement park in Deerborn, Mi. and other public places and accomodations there?

      Most of the ACLU’s actions seem to be “Christ centered”. And not in the way we Christians use the phrase either.

      Report Post » Rational Man  
  • rx4nv
    Posted on January 3, 2012 at 11:23am

    How come we can have a Martin Luther King Day but we can’t have a Jesus Day? Wasn’t Jesus a being that roamed the earth and fought for righteousness? If there was a group of people that worshiped Martin Luther King as a man of God (like some do), wouldn’t we be able to consider it a religion and demand his picture, writings and celebration of his holiday be banned from public view?

    Report Post »  
  • vtech61
    Posted on January 3, 2012 at 11:19am

    Wonder why you never see the ACLU defend the second amendment?

    Just asking, I already know the answer.
    They are a communist front and were founded by communists.
    Look it up.

    Report Post »  
    • jasmer
      Posted on January 3, 2012 at 12:26pm

      What’s really sad is that I confronted one aspiring ambulance chaser with that historical truth. After he tried every way to deny it, the bottom line was, “So?”

      Pretty despicable when an agency founded by the enemies of our nation is thought of by Progs as somehow wholesome.

      Report Post »  
    • proudinfidel54
      Posted on January 3, 2012 at 12:56pm

      JASMER, Just the Hypocrisy of their name says it all, “Civil Liberties” yet they are hell bent on striking down every liberty.

      Report Post » proudinfidel54  
  • MeteoricLimbo
    Posted on January 3, 2012 at 11:17am

    I called the ACLU last year. I informed them that i was in turmoil over smoking. I smoke and the taxes supposedly go to fund the children’s health care (CHIP) program through the Fed. Now the Fed is launching a huge anti smoking campaign to get me to quit! They laughed and never called back and I am still in turmoil. What to do what to do!

    Report Post » MeteoricLimbo  
  • thefnshow
    Posted on January 3, 2012 at 11:15am

    hey aclu,if you don‘t like the festival then don’t go…it’s that simple

    Report Post » thefnshow  
  • Thisnameistowarnyouthatyouwillhatemycomment
    Posted on January 3, 2012 at 11:14am

    You guys can holler all day about how “it’s up to the local taxpayers” but that’s NOT what the Constitution says. Mangers and such on public property are grey territory, but there’s no fuzziness when it comes to public funding of religious events. It’s not allowed. Particularly when such an event has an outright mission statement of Evangelism and proselytizing, How could you call a government funded event to encourage people to be more Christian anything other than Govt. establishment of religion?

    No one, not the ACLU not anybody, is stopping Jesus Fest from happening. All that’s being said is that such events have to raise their own funding. If the local taxpayers want the event so much, it should be quite simply for them to replace the money with private charitable donations. You guys complain constantly about everyone else receiving money from the government in just about every situation. All of a sudden you guys are pro-public funding?

    Report Post »  
    • smithclar3nc3
      Posted on January 3, 2012 at 11:30am

      It’s is up to the citizens of the state as the FEDERAL GOVERNMENT has no Constitutional authority to dictate SCHOOL agenda. And not federal court has the Constitutional rights to mandate either a pro or con stance over anything religious in nature. WHAT PART OF Congress(federal government) shall make no law respecting the establishment of religion or PROHIBIT the free exercise there of. A law or ruling that PROHIBITS a local school from deciding for themselves is UNCONSTITUTIONAL.
      Each school is independent and it’s tax base is based on the people who pay PP taxes in the area. Any subsidizing by Federal government doesn‘t give them the authority to override the citizens that pay personal property taxes in the school’s dicstrict. IT‘S THEIR SCHOOL NOT THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT’S

      Report Post »  
    • encinom
      Posted on January 3, 2012 at 2:04pm

      @smithclar3nc3
      the Fourteenth Amendment applies the First to the States, public schools are agents of local and state government, the Federal Courts have jursdiction over metters of Federal Law (i.e. the Constitution). The Federal Courts have jurisdiction to determine if a policy of a local school board violates the US Constitution, school pray violates the first amendment.

      Report Post »  
    • smithclar3nc3
      Posted on January 3, 2012 at 3:25pm

      No where no place does the 14th amendment give the federal government any power over public education no matter what creative interpetetion you use.
      But of course that what makes you libertard..in the first order.

      Report Post »  
    • Rational Man
      Posted on January 3, 2012 at 3:26pm

      Separation of Church and State – The Metaphor and the Constitution

      “Separation of church and state” is a common metaphor that is well recognized. Equally well recognized is the metaphorical meaning of the church staying out of the state‘s business and the state staying out of the church’s business. Because of the very common usage of the “separation of church and state phrase,” most people incorrectly think the phrase is in the constitution. The phrase “wall of separation between the church and the state” was originally coined by Thomas Jefferson in a letter to the Danbury Baptists on January 1, 1802. His purpose in this letter was to assuage the fears of the Danbury, Connecticut Baptists, and so he told them that this wall had been erected to protect them. The metaphor was used exclusively to keep the state out of the church’s business, not to keep the church out of the state’s business.

      Continued on the link below.
      http://www.allabouthistory.org/separation-of-church-and-state.htm

      Report Post » Rational Man  
    • smithclar3nc3
      Posted on January 3, 2012 at 3:27pm

      But given aid and comfort to the enemy clause in the 14th could sure keep alot of your ilk out of Washington.

      Report Post »  
    • Rational Man
      Posted on January 3, 2012 at 3:31pm

      The establishment clause has generally been interpreted to prohibit 1) the establishment of a national religion by Congress, or 2) the preference by the U.S. government of one religion over another. The first approach is called the “separation” or “no aid” interpretation, while the second approach is called the “non-preferential“ or ”accommodation” interpretation. The accommodation interpretation prohibits Congress from preferring one religion over another, but does not prohibit the government’s entry into religious domain to make accommodations in order to achieve the purposes of the Free Exercise Clause.

      http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Establishment_Clause_of_the_First_Amendment

      Report Post » Rational Man  
    • encinom
      Posted on January 3, 2012 at 3:54pm

      @smithclar3nc3
      Posted on January 3, 2012 at 3:25pm
      No where no place does the 14th amendment give the federal government any power over public education no matter what creative interpetetion you use.
      But of course that what makes you libertard..in the first order.
      _______________________________________
      Like most christian conservatives, you are confused about the law.
      THis is not about Public Education per se, this is about a division of State government violating the 1st Amendment Establishment clause. The 14th Amendment forces the States to comply with the 1st Amendment. By its very nature a public school is a part of State government, the teachers are government workers, the building is owned or leased by the State. The Federal Courts have jurisdiction over questions of Federal Law. The 1st Amendment and the Constitution is federal law.

      Report Post »  
    • encinom
      Posted on January 3, 2012 at 3:58pm

      @Irrational Man:

      Here is the governing principal for the Establishment Clause:

      The “establishment of religion” clause of the First Amendment means at least this: Neither a state nor the federal government can set up a church. Neither can pass laws which aid one religion, aid all religions, or prefer one religion over another. Neither can force nor influence a person to go to or to remain away from church against his will or force him to profess a belief or disbelief in any religion. No person can be punished for entertaining or professing religious beliefs or disbeliefs, for church attendance or non-attendance. No tax in any amount, large or small, can be levied to support any religious activities or institutions, whatever they may be called, or whatever form they may adopt to teach or practice religion. Neither a state nor the Federal Government can, openly or secretly, participate in the affairs of any religious organizations or groups and vice versa. In the words of Jefferson, the clause against establishment of religion by law was intended to erect “a wall of separation between church and State.”
      Everson v. Board of Education, 330 U.S. 1 (1947)

      Report Post »  
  • Moozmom
    Posted on January 3, 2012 at 11:10am

    Why is our culture so enamored of Hollywood stars, sports figures, political figures, style gurus, etc and reaches out to them for the very latest in looks and ideologies when we know the true and faithful Father is there for the asking? He will calm all fears and offers peace to the heart should you call on Him. We waste our lives striving for perfection when we are already perfect to the One who matters most and offers eternal life for the asking. Why are those offering the great truth denied it while this nation offers free speech to those spouting cheapened human drivel designed by satan?

    Report Post »  
  • P32 Defender
    Posted on January 3, 2012 at 11:05am

    Guess what ACLU and your supporters? Jesus was here long before you were. Get a life. If you don’t like it here in America, do us all a favor and leave. Oh, and by the way, take Jane Fonda with you.

    Report Post »  
    • smithclar3nc3
      Posted on January 3, 2012 at 11:20am

      Agreed if this communist bastards don’t stop this if will provoke and all out war on them. And their little hide behind the law crap isn’t going to help them. If the law is of the people by the people and for the people and 72% of American identify as Christian oriented the ACLU would be enemy of the people

      Report Post »  
  • slwolfgram
    Posted on January 3, 2012 at 11:05am

    Why don’t the ACLU just go to hell…that‘s where they are going to end up anyway if they don’t change their ways. It is not about the state, county or city giving funds to the event, it is all about giving everyone a bad time regardless of what is going on. Anything about Jesus gets the devil all riled up and he uses orgs. such as the ACLU to give people a headache.

    Report Post »  
  • qzak491
    Posted on January 3, 2012 at 11:04am

    This is in the Blaze today

    VA School District Defends Shocking Occupy-Themed Song Performed by Third-Graders: ‘I’m So Happy to Be Part of the 99%’

    When the ACLU tells the unions to stop using tax money for projects that corrupt children and that the majority of tax payers don’t want our tax money going for, then they may earn some credibility. As it is now they are a bunch of racists trying to make themselves look needed by keeping their name in the news at all cost. They are the same as the KKK was to blacks.

    Report Post »  
  • kickagrandma
    Posted on January 3, 2012 at 10:56am

    The aclu is an arm, a servant of satan. It has NO RIGHT, NO REASON to be in AMERICAN and certainly no right to stop CHRISTIANITY OR CHRISTIANS of the celebration of our LORD AND SAVIOR.

    While we are cleaning up AMERICA, let’s remember to get rid of this vile cesspool of hate, bigotry and division!

    Now THAT’S some “hope and change” I can not only believe in but support.

    Report Post »  
    • DoseofReality
      Posted on January 3, 2012 at 11:12am

      Division and Bigotry? Seriously? Is there anything more divisive than telling people who dont think exaclty like you do that they are lost and unless they change to feel exactly as you do that they will burn in hell for all eternity? Seems like a very hateful and divisive philosophy to me….

      Report Post »  
    • NotSoCommonSense
      Posted on January 3, 2012 at 1:09pm

      DoseOfReality

      You said:
      “Is there anything more divisive than telling people who dont think exaclty like you do that they are lost and unless they change to feel exactly as you do that they will burn in hell for all eternity? Seems like a very hateful and divisive philosophy to me….”

      It is not a matter of thinking like “you do” it is a matter of believing what the scriptures have to say or not. It is not a persons opinion – the scriptures are quite clear about our eternal destiny and how to effect yours – if you think that Jesus is a hoax – then according to Jesus you will spend eternity in Hell – but He at least cared enough about to you to warn you.

      John 3:16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life (I’m missing the hate part of this)

      John 14:6 – Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

      I Timothy 2:5 – For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus

      Report Post »  
    • encinom
      Posted on January 3, 2012 at 7:30pm

      @NotSoCommonSense
      The book of Myths does not matter in the US when arguing notions of law. Our laws are man made, not inspired by some sky father.

      Report Post »  
  • bhelmet
    Posted on January 3, 2012 at 10:54am

    10th Amendment – enough said! ACLU has ZERO right to tell a city how it spends its money – unless they are forcing people to go.

    Report Post » bhelmet  
    • encinom
      Posted on January 3, 2012 at 1:48pm

      1st Amendment, plus the 14th and the ACLU wins.

      Report Post »  
    • jay1975
      Posted on January 3, 2012 at 2:08pm

      You are correct, but the West Virginia constitution, under article 3, says that the state will not favor one religion over another. By funding this event, they are clearly showing favoritism.

      Report Post »  
  • CapnBill
    Posted on January 3, 2012 at 10:54am

    They are donating a whopping 2.8 cents per person in that county. What an outrage!

    Report Post » CapnBill  
  • SpankDaMonkey
    Posted on January 3, 2012 at 10:53am

    .
    W.V. is still Fighting the War of Northern Aggression. Ya’ll keep it up………..

    Report Post » SpankDaMonkey  
  • GodsPlan
    Posted on January 3, 2012 at 10:53am

    This money comes from the state and is, thus, distributed to the county. According to Watson, this money funds other festivals and community events as well….
    Jesus Fest is funded from a budget created by a taxpayer-elected state commission. If the taxpayers were concerned about this, it’s their responsibility to demand changes. The ACLU takes the disapproval of ONE atheist to attack Christianity using their own interpretation of the First Amendment and the WV Constitution.
    The ACLU uses the courts, bypassing the beliefs of the majority to exert their distorted repression of Christianity, making the “feelings” of a few more important than the beliefs of MANY.

    Report Post »  
    • JohnTwoFeathers
      Posted on January 3, 2012 at 11:03am

      excellent reply

      Report Post »  
    • encinom
      Posted on January 3, 2012 at 1:50pm

      The beliefs of the many are irrelavent when to compared to the rights of all, including the minorities. The sponsorship violates the 1st Amendment.

      Report Post »  
  • barber2
    Posted on January 3, 2012 at 10:48am

    Maybe we shouldn’t be so hard on the ACLU. The way things are going under the Obama Administration, think whites, especially southern males, may just need the help of the ACLU to defend them from the government ! Will be weird to need to use the Discrimination Card as a white male.

    Report Post »  
    • 4truth2all
      Posted on January 3, 2012 at 2:39pm

      Yo BarberII:
      The history of the ACLU is no doubt anti-Christ … if I need defending I will use a brother to defend me, not the ACLU.. more like the ACLJ.

      Report Post »  
  • JohnTwoFeathers
    Posted on January 3, 2012 at 10:45am

    Praise God and pass the ammunition. Long live the word of God, Jesus Fest, and the great state of West Virginia, home of common sense. ACLU go bother California.

    Semper Fi

    Report Post »  
  • Eliasim
    Posted on January 3, 2012 at 10:43am

    That’s funny Glenn Beck said America is getting set up, but America was set-up 100 years ago, actually 200 years ago. Ah but who’s counting?

    Report Post »  
  • Detroit paperboy
    Posted on January 3, 2012 at 10:43am

    I actually agree with the ACLU on this one, i think Govt at all levels should pretty much stop funding everything, except Defense and fire and police…. EVERYTHING !!!!

    Report Post »  
    • MidWestMom
      Posted on January 3, 2012 at 11:00am

      I don‘t think it’s any of the ACLU’s business. Should be left up to the local citizens. If they don’t like it, they need to show that with their votes. If the citizens & the ACLU wants Jesus Fest stopped then government funding for the Italian Heritage Festival, the Black Heritage Festival etc should also be stopped. But I‘m betting they won’t step in on those type festivals.

      Report Post »  
    • Lucy Larue
      Posted on January 3, 2012 at 6:30pm

      DETROIT PAPERBOY,

      No sane American should EVER agree with the A.C.L.U.. Not ever!

      Report Post »  
  • momsense
    Posted on January 3, 2012 at 10:39am

    Notge to the ACLU–DROP DEAD COM MIE SYMPATHIZERS !

    Report Post »  
  • BornJewishMuslimByFaith
    Posted on January 3, 2012 at 10:32am

    I can agree with the ACLU on this subject. I can say the same for any religion or secular event. Donate your own money if you want to support it not our tax dollars.

    Report Post »  
    • sWampy
      Posted on January 3, 2012 at 10:38am

      It’s up to the taxpayers/voters in that community to vote the ones funding this out, it’s not the job of some outside terrorist/subversives to overturn the will of the voters. The constitution of the united states in no way restricts the states or local governments from sponsoring any religion they want.

      Report Post »  
    • TXPilot
      Posted on January 3, 2012 at 10:40am

      The ACLU…..working hard to deprive you of your “civil liberties” since 1920.

      Report Post » TXPilot  
    • BornJewishMuslimByFaith
      Posted on January 3, 2012 at 10:41am

      Did you just call me a terrorist? Religion should stay out of government. Like I mentioned before if people will just donate instead of using tax dollars. There is a big difference.

      Report Post »  
    • moron
      Posted on January 3, 2012 at 10:42am

      did you even read the article? It isn’t tax dollars, and the article pointed it out several times. What could be more appropriate than spending “devil’s money” on a religious event?

      The complaints and names should be public.

      Report Post »  
    • I.Gaspar
      Posted on January 3, 2012 at 10:42am

      I wish the aclu would exercise the same energy toward getting our government to stop giving free taxpayer money to families who haven’t held jobs in generations and just steal from the government teat. Now that would be a cause I could agree with, dirtbag.

      Report Post »  
    • BIGJAYINPA
      Posted on January 3, 2012 at 10:46am

      Did you not read the article you blithering idiot?? This is NOT the TAXPAYERS money. It comes from gambling revenue that is voluntarily given to the state by fools who want to get rich quick. What else to expect from a follower of the psychotic mysoginist pediphile……..Just sayin’

      BIGJAYINPA  
    • sWampy
      Posted on January 3, 2012 at 10:47am

      If you come from outside and try to force your misguided will on local us citizens in a local issue that has zero to do with you, yes you are a TERRORISTS.

       
    • Regdunlop
      Posted on January 3, 2012 at 10:48am

      You’re an idiot Born, he wasn’t calling you a terrorist. He was talking about the ACLU. Not everything is about you.

      Report Post »  
  • JLGunner
    Posted on January 3, 2012 at 10:30am

    Why hasn’t there been an all out attack on this bogus organization?

    Report Post » JLGunner  
    • sWampy
      Posted on January 3, 2012 at 10:32am

      Because those that have the power to fight them, are either scared they would have their tax free status taken, or are secretly in bed with them.

      Report Post »  
    • Eliasim
      Posted on January 3, 2012 at 10:34am

      Ah what difference does it make when people worship Jesus “The person”, and not the way of life? And people go around giving out handouts while saying, “Behold, I live as Jesus did.” Oh really, when did Jesus give people material handouts?

      Report Post »  
    • Eliasim
      Posted on January 3, 2012 at 10:37am

      Jesus is just a name, and “The fruit” was the person Jesus’ soul. And I don‘t see anyone who worships Jesus’ fruit.

      Report Post »  
    • Eliasim
      Posted on January 3, 2012 at 10:39am

      I see people worship the name of Jesus, but the fruit of Baal.

      Report Post »  
    • Therightsofbilly
      Posted on January 3, 2012 at 10:46am

      Interesting that Helen Keller was a member of the socialist party, and helped to found the ACLU.

      Margaret Sanger’s name also pops up a lot while searching.

      Report Post » Therightsofbilly  
    • JLGunner
      Posted on January 3, 2012 at 11:29am

      Eli you are a delusional nut.

      Report Post » JLGunner  
    • 4truth2all
      Posted on January 4, 2012 at 9:32pm

      Yo GIgunner:
      Is that necessary?

      Report Post »  
  • Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
    Posted on January 3, 2012 at 10:29am

    Why does the American Communist Liberation United (with radicals and the admin) not just leave enough alone?

    Report Post » Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}  
    • Drakkhanlord
      Posted on January 3, 2012 at 10:39am

      always have to be in the peoples business…

      Report Post » Drakkhanlord  
    • encinom
      Posted on January 3, 2012 at 12:16pm

      Why do the Christian Conservatives seek to destroy the Constitution?

      Report Post »  
    • Lazaryss
      Posted on January 3, 2012 at 1:04pm

      Interesting, care to show me where that is happening Encinom?

      Report Post »  
  • CS_GUY
    Posted on January 3, 2012 at 3:08pm

    Good one!

    Report Post »  
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