Faith

Floridians Fight to Keep 10 Commandments Monument on Gov’t Land

CROSS CITY, Fla. (The Blaze/AP) — The folks who live in this sparsely populated rural region along Florida‘s upper west coast don’t like outsiders butting in, especially when it comes to their religious beliefs.

They’re miffed, to put it politely, and appealing a federal judge’s order to remove a five-foot high granite monument that prominently displays the Ten Commandments in front of the Dixie County courthouse by Sunday. Below, watch a news report that explains the continuing drama:

It’s the latest skirmish in a years-long conflict across the United States between state and local officials who have wanted to honor the laws that help define their faith and those who argue such displays should stay out of any public forum under a constitution that bars the establishment of religion.

It has been almost eight years since former Alabama Supreme Court Chief Justice Roy Moore was removed from office and gained nationwide notoriety for refusing to move another huge granite monument to the commandments from the court’s lobby. But similar disputes continue to trickle through the courts in towns and counties nationwide.

Dixie County officials and residents say support for their monument is unanimous and they accuse outsiders of trampling on their way of life.

“We have not had one negative comment from the community,” said county manager Mike Cassidy, a 48-year-old, fourth-generation Floridian who grew up in Cross City. “No one in this county has come forward and said, `this should be removed.’ It has been totally unanimous.”

The six-ton, $20,000 monument still sits on the courthouse steps. Beneath the commandments, the monument reads in large capital letters, “LOVE GOD AND KEEP HIS COMMANDMENTS.”

Dixie County Residents Fight Judges 10 Commandments Monument Removal

Residents here have long had a reputation for their independence and don’t take kindly to outsider interference, even if it’s a constitutional issue.

“There will be people standing around it to protect it when they come to remove it,” said Donald Eady, a 38-year-old mobile mechanic who lives in neighboring Old Town, a short jaunt south down four-lane U.S. Highway 19. “The people here enjoy it. We should have that freedom, but they’re taking our freedom away daily.”

U.S. District Judge Maurice Paul ruled on July 15 in favor of the American Civil Liberties Union of Florida, which sued Dixie County to remove the monument from the front of the courthouse building in Cross City. The monument was bought by a local businessman, who pays for its maintenance as well.

The Florida ACLU argued that an official government display of a religious monument violates a clause in the First Amendment that prohibits the government from promoting religious messages. The county argued that a private citizen owns the monument.

“The actual ownership of the monument, the location and permanent nature of the display make it clear to all reasonable observers that Dixie County chooses to be associated with the message being conveyed,” Paul said in his ruling.

Attorneys for Dixie County filed notice July 26 at the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Atlanta to defend the county’s policy allowing private displays of law and history. The status of that appeal is pending.

Disputes in Kentucky, Virginia, Utah, New Mexico and other states have continued to bounce through lower courts since the U.S. Supreme Court ruled 5-4 in 2005 that displaying the Ten Commandments could be constitutional if its main purpose is to honor the nation’s legal traditions, rather than religious traditions.

Some governments have tried to follow that ruling by displaying the commandments with other legal documents, like the Magna Carta and Hammurabi’s Code. But conflicting opinions have since been issued in appeals courts.

The U.S. Supreme Court declined to take up the issue again in February when it refused to consider a dispute about displays banned from two Kentucky courthouses.

The Dixie County monuments were paid for by Joe Anderson Jr., the president of Lake City-based Anderson Columbia, which has grown over its 53-year history into one of the largest highway construction and paving firms in the Southeast. He is listed on the back as its owner. He has also paid for three identical monuments in neighboring counties.

Attempts to reach Anderson were referred to Liberty Counsel attorney Mathew Staver, who represents Dixie County in the appeal. Anderson has agreed to remove the monument if a stay is not received by Sunday’s deadline, Staver said Wednesday.

“There’s nobody in that county who wants that monument moved,” Staver said.

The suit was filed anonymously by an out-of-state individual, Staver said. The plaintiff’s name has been kept private by court order.

“The plaintiff came into the town, left the town, never intended to live or come back,” Staver said. “This is a person that doesn’t even live in the state of Florida and has no intention of moving.”

Derek Newton, spokesman for the Florida ACLU, disputes Staver’s claim that the plaintiff is from out-of-state. He said the plaintiff splits time between homes in Florida and North Carolina and has belonged to the ACLU since 1989.

“The plaintiff is the ACLU,” Newton said. “The person who we took to the court as a member of the ACLU was a resident of an adjoining county, who was seeking to buy property in Dixie County. They went to the courthouse to pull public records and decided not to buy property in Dixie County in part because of the offensive monument in front of the courthouse.”

Howard Simon, executive director of the ACLU’s Florida operation, said the community can relocate the monument at a church or other house of worship.

There is little public disagreement about the religious sentiments in the county where there is 12 percent unemployment in an economy largely dependent on the timber industry.

Driving into Cross City on Highway 19 from the north one is greeted by a sign in front of the First Baptist Church which reads: “Listen to God’s Word And Do As He Says.”

“A bunch of people that ain’t got no damn sense want to tear down the good Lord,” said Jeannie Hoffman from neighboring Tennille. “They took prayer out of schools, they took paddlings out of schools, they took all your rights away right there.”

Although most are still registered as Democrats, Dixie County votes increasingly Republican. U.S. Sen. John McCain and former President George W. Bush both fared well with Dixie County voters, who have all Republicans representing them in the Florida Legislature.

Although one of the poorest areas of Florida with the timber industry about the only thing left after a government net ban shut down the fishing business some 20 years ago, Dixie County has historically boasted some of the better schools in Florida based on a statewide grading system.

Incorporated in 1924, Cross City is the largest community in Dixie County with roughly 1,700 residents. The second largest is Horseshoe Beach with about 200 folks. The remaining 15,000 or so residents are scattered throughout the heavily wooded county.

Remote and spread out, but still tight-knit.

“We support what we feel is right for our citizens,” said Cassidy, who like most of the government leaders and local law enforcement, grew up in the community.

And to them that means keeping the Ten Commandments monument right where it is.

Comments (211)

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  • stheide1
    Posted on August 11, 2011 at 1:47pm

    For all the ACLU hacks and the others that agree on that party line out there (this also goes for that federal judge), if you think you are so smart tell me where in the U.S. Constitution does it read word for word “separation between Church & State”. If I studied it right it was in a letter that was written seperately and apart from the Constitution. So for all the ACLU hacks out there if you don‘t like this great country of ours then just get out and don’t let the door hit you. That is all I have to say about that.

    Report Post » stheide1  
    • old white guy
      Posted on August 11, 2011 at 1:56pm

      how about you just sy no and shoot any ***** who tries to remove it.

      Report Post »  
    • Wardmagic
      Posted on August 11, 2011 at 2:38pm

      While u are correct that it doesn’t say separation of church and state in the constitution. You are also correct that Thomas Jefferson wrote about the separation. But what you don’t take into account is that 7 out of the original colonies (states) had a individual official religion. Even Thomas Jefferson agreed that individual states or communities had the right to establish a state wide religion. Jefferson was only talking about a federal religion nationwide. This was the beauty of the states rights. If you didn’t like that states rules u could move to another state. But if a Federal religion was established there would be no where to move to and escape the federal run religion. Please take some time to learn more of the founding of our country before u make statements about Thomas Jefferson

      Report Post »  
    • HisNameWasRobertPaulson
      Posted on August 11, 2011 at 2:45pm

      @Thomasdaddy,

      Really good job NOT using the ENTIRE letter that ACTUALLY explains the clear intent of the first amendment. Just using THAT paragraph ONLY, you intentionally twist the actual intent to meet your point. That is intellectually dishonest and something only a ideological fool would do. Nice job.

      Anyone can and should go and not just read THE ENTIRE LETTER from Jefferson, but the letter to which he was replying in the first place! If you miss all that, which you did, and I would venture to say on purpose, then you do not get the actual context. What you get is a lie, told by you.

      Our founders, Jefferson included, never intended a wall between church and state in the way that you believe it should be. The intent was so that no government nor judge nor any representative of either could cause the government to interfere in any way in any religious anything. That was the intent. It was never intended to stop religion from being discussed in the public square. Never. How can you not understand that? Is your definition of history so narrow that you can only include things that meet your predetermined belief and outcome?

      Here is the FIRST part of that paragraph you quoted but conveniently chose to ignore and leave out…

      “Believing with you that religion is a matter which lies solely between Man & his God, that he owes account to none other for his faith or his worship, that the legitimate powers of government reach actions only, & not opinions,”

      Report Post »  
    • henryKnox
      Posted on August 11, 2011 at 2:48pm

      More importantly tell us where is says in the Constitution that the States must separate church and state. The Constitution is a limitation on the Federal gov’t and all rights not specifically enumerated are left to the states or to the People. What everyone is forgetting about is the “People”. Their rights supersede the Federal Gov’t in this case. The Constitution prohibits the Federal Congress from passing any law to limit the freedom of expression of the peoples’ religion. The ACLU is attempting to over rule Congress in this case and they do not have a right to do so.

      Report Post » henryKnox  
    • flagman texas marine
      Posted on August 11, 2011 at 3:19pm

      In case (monicne) you have not read the Bill Of Rights.
      The 5th Ammendment IS A RIGHT

      Report Post » flagman texas marine  
    • lillymckim
      Posted on August 11, 2011 at 3:23pm

      ACLU aka CPUSA … gee … so surprised

      Report Post » lillymckim  
    • flagman texas marine
      Posted on August 11, 2011 at 3:24pm

      To thomasdaddy: This time we (the south) have a hell of
      a lot more guns, ammo, money and people

      Report Post » flagman texas marine  
    • thomasdaddy
      Posted on August 11, 2011 at 3:39pm

      his,
      You keep proving my point, and I won’t have to respond!

      ““Believing with you that religion is a matter which lies solely between Man & his God, that he owes account to none other for his faith or his worship, that the legitimate powers of government reach actions only, & not opinions,”

      That excerpt right there refers to the “free exercise of religion”. It does not mean you can put religious statues on government buildings! Geezzz!!!

      Report Post » thomasdaddy  
    • thomasdaddy
      Posted on August 11, 2011 at 3:42pm

      flag,

      but the south is still dumb! LMAO!!

      Report Post » thomasdaddy  
    • mrnils
      Posted on August 11, 2011 at 4:27pm

      First of all if you do your research, you will find the founders of the ACLU were Communist and or tied to Communist, so don’t even get me started. That should say it all. Second, I suggest everyone embrace God AKA Jesus Christ, otherwise you Will ! be embracing Islam and sharia law. Islam is going to take over the United States of America in 20 years, and then you will be assimilated or you and your family will see big trouble. If the Atheist think Christianity is a problem, they haven’t seen nothing yet. Islam is infiltrating every part of our Government right now, and your rights to say what will be displayed and where will be displayed be history. Then you and your children and grandchildren will wish every day that they could still have Christianity, and the ten commandments. Its say its already too late, thanks to the Atheist and passive Christians. Islam law requires their women to have many children, typical 4 to 8, even if they live in poverty, since they believe their good lifestyle will be in the next life, not here on Earth. If you think you can live on Earth with no religion your smoking crack. The world was made up of religions and it will not change, other than Islam becoming number one. And believe me, Islam and Sharia law is only second to living under Hitler, and total rule. Did i say, i Hate Stupid People ! stop dreaming, wise up ! or be assimilated, period !

      Report Post »  
    • Jaycen
      Posted on August 11, 2011 at 4:58pm

      Separation of church and state could appear anywhere you like. It doesn’t matter.
      ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
      Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion,
      or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of
      speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to
      assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.
      ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
      Congress didn’t make a law stating the granite block was to be put on the courthouse grounds. Congress cannot make a law prohibiting anyone from putting it on the courthouse grounds. That’s it.

      Report Post » Jaycen  
    • Red Max
      Posted on August 11, 2011 at 5:09pm

      Don’t we, the taxpaying citizens pay for the upkeep of the land and the structures on it?

      Report Post »  
    • Ken
      Posted on August 11, 2011 at 5:10pm

      And why are the Ten Commandments posted in the U.S. Supreme Court? Are “they” coming down too???

      Report Post »  
    • HKS
      Posted on August 11, 2011 at 5:16pm

      Now how generous is that, what a great country.

      Report Post » HKS  
    • HD Veteran
      Posted on August 11, 2011 at 5:48pm

      flagman texas marine
      Posted on August 11, 2011 at 3:24pm

      To thomasdaddy: This time we (the south) have a hell of
      a lot more guns, ammo, money and people

      AND support north of the Mason Dixon (Progressives – look it up)

      Report Post » HD Veteran  
    • banjarmon
      Posted on August 12, 2011 at 1:13am

      Where dose the ACLU get their money for things like this??
      Dixie County has my support!!

      Report Post » banjarmon  
    • StonyBurk
      Posted on August 13, 2011 at 7:35am

      And I would ask this unconstitutional judge Maurice Paul — if I agree with him /her/it– then the stained glass window of the Congressional prayer room in the Capitol as provided by an act of Congress-paid for via the public treasury ,maintained by our Federal Govt. -in this judges opine likewise violates the First Amendment? any reasonable observer would say “actual ownership, location and permanent nature of the display make it clear to all reasonable observers that (the Federal Congress) chooses to be associated with the message being conveyed.” Washington in Military uniform surrounded by the banner displaying the words of Psalm 16:1

      Report Post »  
    • AnAppealToGod
      Posted on August 14, 2011 at 11:56am

      Keep them there. If people actually followed them this country would be a million times better than it is today. Nothing else they’ve tried works. Time to admit God is the only way.

      Report Post » AnAppealToGod  
  • Jay
    Posted on August 11, 2011 at 1:47pm

    Just one more example of Northern Aggression towards the South !!!!!!!!!
    The South Should Rise Again!!!!!
    Send Those Carpetbaggers back to Washington!!!
    What about my rights The ACLU and the people they represent offend my sensibilities to be able to go to a public area and read the Ten Commandments with out creating a State Religion (an areligious state is a State Religion)”Sue the bastards……….” put more lawyers back to work.

    Report Post » Jay  
    • thomasdaddy
      Posted on August 11, 2011 at 2:13pm

      “The South Should Rise Again!!!!!”

      And get your a$$es kicked again! LOL

      “What about my rights The ACLU and the people they represent offend my sensibilities to be able to go to a public area and read the Ten Commandments”

      You can go anywhere you wish and read the Ten Commandments. Just have a seat and open your bible and flip to the page, but when you permanently affix a religious statue to government property you have crossed the line!

      Report Post » thomasdaddy  
    • HisNameWasRobertPaulson
      Posted on August 11, 2011 at 2:48pm

      Please tell us Thomasdaddy, how is that crossing a line? Could you please point out WHERE in the law you have the right to not be offended? What about my right to not be offended? Does that not count when you want to be right? Are you 2 years old? Did someone slap your hand when you got caught taking cookies from the cookie jar? Didn’t you get enough hugs as a child? WHAT IS THE PROBLEM!!!

      Report Post »  
    • Wardmagic
      Posted on August 11, 2011 at 2:58pm

      Maybe u should understand what Thomas Jefferson was talking about? Jefferson and the founding fathers were talking about a national established religion. While the Nation couldn’t establish a National religion individual states could. At the beginning 7 of the original states had an established state religion. The founders agreed this was Ok because one could move to another state if they didn’t like that state. But if a federal religion was established someone would have to move to another country. If u read carefully, which may be hard for northern educated smart guy like u, u will understand the difference.

      Report Post »  
    • thomasdaddy
      Posted on August 11, 2011 at 3:32pm

      his….Your comment makes absolutely no sense!
      “Could you please point out WHERE in the law you have the right to not be offended? What about my right to not be offended?”
      I can‘t even comment until you explain what the heck you’re trying to say!

      Ward,
      “Jefferson and the founding fathers were talking about a national established religion.”
      Exactly my point! If the government gives makes laws or allows 1 religion to benefit over another it can be considered an act of choosing a religion, or “respecting” as it was worded in the constitution!!

      “While the Nation couldn’t establish a National religion individual states could.”
      By definition anything done locally (state level) is not NATIONAL! This is a federal building, meaning it falls under federal jurisdictions. If the state has a state religion and it‘s respected in it’s state constitution, more power to them, but this is a Federal matter!

      “But if a federal religion was established someone would have to move to another country. If u read carefully, which may be hard for northern educated smart guy like u, u will understand the difference.”
      You are just proving my point Bubba! THIS IS A FEDERAL COURT HOUSE!!! I’m waiting for outhouse education of yours to kick in!

      Report Post » thomasdaddy  
    • Wardmagic
      Posted on August 11, 2011 at 3:52pm

      To my dearest northern uneducated friend. U might want to look up if county court houses fall under the federal jurisdiction. It does not!!! But then again I wouldn’t think u would know this.

      Report Post »  
    • ANTISOCIAL-IST
      Posted on August 11, 2011 at 4:10pm

      @who’syourdaddy said “This is a federal building”

      i hate even responding to you since i have read many of your posts since you stumbled upon this site and have determined you are just a troublemaker, but what part of dixie COUNTY courthouse do you not understand?

      Report Post » ANTISOCIAL-IST  
    • Spqr1
      Posted on August 11, 2011 at 4:23pm

      This is yet another example of where I ask the question “And we fought a war to keep those people in this country why?” If the South left the Union again I’d throw them a going away party. Keep your disfunctional culture of exclusion, your backwards notions about education, and loose all that federal money that keeps you all going. Good Luck!

      Report Post »  
    • Wilma
      Posted on August 12, 2011 at 6:36am

      @Thhomasdaddy, Your avatar reminds me of New Yorkers who move to Florida to escape the cold weather and their state income taxes. It wasn’t enough to ruin their own stat. Now they want to ruin ours. They are turning our red state to blue.

      Report Post » Wilma  
  • TexanBelle
    Posted on August 11, 2011 at 1:38pm

    Can’t WE as a Nation file a class action suit against the ACLU for infringing on my CIVIL liberties? We are a JUDEO-CHRISTIAN NATION which means WE were founded on principles, values and morals. These MORALS …THE TEN COMMANDMENTS!! So will the LIBERTY COUNSEL take this on for US?..please!

    Report Post » TexanBelle  
    • abbygirl1994
      Posted on August 11, 2011 at 1:41pm

      I would think you could, why not get a band of people and fight back by suing for our Christian rights! All the way to the Supreme Courts! I hope these Floridians can win this battle!

      Report Post » abbygirl1994  
    • thomasdaddy
      Posted on August 11, 2011 at 1:47pm

      “Can’t WE as a Nation file a class action suit against the ACLU for infringing on my CIVIL liberties?”
      No!

      “I would think you could, why not get a band of people and fight back by suing for our Christian rights!”
      Because you don;t have a leg to stand on! What if it was a statue of a different religion than yours? You would lose your ever-lovin mind! The constitution is clear as it does not recognize any organized religion for this specific purpose! Chosing to let one statue stay and force another out would be validating a particular religion! Seems like you people need to actually read the constitution instead of whiping you a$$es with it everything chance you get!

      “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion” Its right there in the very first amendment!!

      Report Post » thomasdaddy  
    • ShyLow
      Posted on August 11, 2011 at 2:02pm

      Why not learn the commandments yourself then teach them to your children?I know you don’t want Muslims putting up their religious symbols in court houses…The Israelites had the actual stone tablets that God had gave to moses,but they stopped following them and as a result Israel went into captivity…If you don’t learn them and teach them to your children,then you are just turning a big monument of them into an idol

      Report Post » ShyLow  
    • JRiFLY04
      Posted on August 11, 2011 at 2:53pm

      @ THOMASDADDY, ——The government is not making a law establishing a religion. Separation of church and state does not mean “separation OF/FROM religion” …..the can’t make any laws that establish any religion (Sharia Law) ….This is almost the same as trying to take away our “Right to bear arms”. I wish people like you would realize that they’re plan is to take baby steps to take away the Constitution and the Bill of Rights. If anyone wants to put up some other religions symbol let them ,I doubt the Christians of this community would stop them because we know that they have the right of the government pushing any one religion on us. When have you ever heard a story of Christians trying to take down some other symbol? I can’t think of any. When they come and start to take away some right that YOU hold dear, WE ..as American citizens will stand by your side to defend those rights,

      Report Post »  
    • henryKnox
      Posted on August 11, 2011 at 2:57pm

      @ThomasDaddy should take a minute to read his own posting. “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion” Its right there in the very first amendment!!” Exactly! In this case the US Congress has not made any law respecting an establishment of religion. This is county gov‘t and not Federal gov’t. The purpose of the amendment was to keep an overbearing federal gov’t from forcing the states to adopt a national religion. Thus leaving them on their own to decide what religion they as ‘states’ would respect. They feared that they would all be forced to be Presbyterians.

      Report Post » henryKnox  
    • NWalters78
      Posted on August 11, 2011 at 3:19pm

      Thomasdaddy, you’re a Constitutionally illiterate twit. The First Amendment says Congress (CONGRESS) shall make NO LAW Respecting an Establishment of Religion or Prohibit the Free Exercise Thereof,….

      Here, lemme break it down. The county IS NOT Congress, the feds. They did not pass a LAW ESTABLISHING any church or any religion in charge. They did not set up their own clergy, you idiot. However, I see a bunch of snarky northerners like you telling the rest They HAVE NO Free Exercise of Their Religion. Sit down and STFU you Yankee D-Bag.

      FYI, most of the military bases are in the South. Whose a$$ will be kicked, again?

      Report Post » NWalters78  
    • Heffe44
      Posted on August 11, 2011 at 4:15pm

      Thomasdaddy is right…
      This is a federal court house. By leaving the monument there, the FEDERAL government is making an establishment of religon. Congress is a part of FEDERAL government.

      How can you continue to fight this. The seperation of church and state has been settled law for as long as there has been a court system and crazy christians trying to push their beliefs on everyone else.

      All of you have been calling Thomasdaddy and idot, that does not know what he is talking about. And if this is the case, can any of you please site even one court case that backs up what your saying. Cause Thomasdaddy has several that back up his. Please, just one court case that allowed a religous monument to stay on FEDERAL property.

      The private citizen that owns the monument can move it to his front yard. As long as his front yard is not FEDERAL land.

      You people get crazier everyday.

      Report Post »  
    • NWalters78
      Posted on August 11, 2011 at 4:29pm

      Heffer, you’re still a ****, you are aware of that, right? That’s county property, not federal you disingenuous liar. Where do you read that Freedom of Religion means Excluding it altogether.

      Report Post » NWalters78  
    • Heffe44
      Posted on August 11, 2011 at 4:31pm

      I would also like to add that the “Due Process Clause” of the 14th amendment which prohibits state and local governments from depriving persons of life, liberty, or property without certain steps being taken to ensure fairness is used to make the Bill of Rights applicable to the states. And since the “Establishment Clause” is in the 1st Amendment, you loose that whole “states have the right to choose there religons” argument.

      Report Post »  
    • NWalters78
      Posted on August 11, 2011 at 4:34pm

      Heffer, the article specifically says COUNTY COURTHOUSE! OK, County, not Federal you dumb arse! Also, read the effin’ 10th Amendment, you cretin. Read it! This is local/state, not federal matters. STHU you illiterate leftist rube! GEEZ!

      Report Post » NWalters78  
    • Heffe44
      Posted on August 11, 2011 at 4:36pm

      @NWalters78
      What if they wanted to put a 5ft tall monument of the Koran next to your 10 comandments? Is that ok?

      Also, on a side note, you are so angry. Whats with all the name calling? You were like that the other day too. Is there something you want to talk about, maybe just a shoulder to cry on?

      Report Post »  
    • loadingmyclips
      Posted on August 11, 2011 at 9:22pm

      When I contacted the local ACLU about a discrimination at work issue, the only thing that the local rep cared about was gay issues. ACLU only defends atheists, socialists and queers

      Report Post » loadingmyclips  
  • RightPolitically
    Posted on August 11, 2011 at 1:31pm

    The assault on Christianity by ignorant jack arses who misread the meaning of the Constitution is in full throttle.

    Report Post » RightPolitically  
    • JMorcan
      Posted on August 11, 2011 at 1:40pm

      The Ten Commandments were produced long before Christ. They are the essence of Judaism.

      Report Post » JMorcan  
    • thomasdaddy
      Posted on August 11, 2011 at 1:41pm

      Who misread the constitution? The separation between church and state is quite clear. The person who owns the statue should have placed it on his own property. Seems to me that the people on this thread only adhere to the parts of the constitution that they like!

      Report Post » thomasdaddy  
    • NWalters78
      Posted on August 11, 2011 at 3:29pm

      Who misread The Consitution, t-douchey? YOU. The US Constitution specifically designates State and Local Matters to THEIR LEGISLATURES. Period. This monument was for a county. This is not an establishment of any religion. No state church, no Reichsbishop, no flunky imam, just a friggin monument. Also, CONGRESS SHALL MAKE NO LAW ESTABLISHING A RELIGION is the exact phrase, you dumb fargin yankee. Where is Congress is this? Where is the establishment? Where is the law or state/county church? Nowhere, much like your brain, you D-Bag Deluxe.

      Report Post » NWalters78  
    • IAMMADDOG
      Posted on August 11, 2011 at 3:31pm

      Thomasdaddy you are wrong. Separation of church and state simply means the government cannot force a religion on you. The ten commandments etched in stone tablets on government property is not forcing anything on you. If you don’t like it, don’t look at it. Its not going to send you to hell or set you on fire its just stone with words on it. I believe the reason people whine and moan about stuff like this because they don’t want to be reminded of what rotten people they actually are.

      Report Post »  
    • Chet Hempstead
      Posted on August 12, 2011 at 4:50am

      NWalters78
      Yeah, it is establishment, because favoring religion in general over nonreligion is establishment. Atheists are a very small minority, but like it or not, people who simply don’t follow any religion are by far the biggest religious minority in this country – bigger than any non-Christian faith, and bigger than any individual Christian sect except for Catholics and Baptists.

      And as far as it not being a constitutional issue, that’s wrong for two reasons. Multiple high court decisions long ago established that one of the effects of the Fourteenth Amendment is that the restraints of the Bill of rights apply at all levels of government. Even if this wasn’t true, the Florida State Constitution, like every other state constitution I’ve ever read specifically reaffirms them.
      “SECTION 3. Religious freedom.—There shall be no law respecting the establishment of religion or prohibiting or penalizing the free exercise thereof. Religious freedom shall not justify practices inconsistent with public morals, peace or safety. No revenue of the state or any political subdivision or agency thereof shall ever be taken from the public treasury directly or indirectly in aid of any church, sect, or religious denomination or in aid of any sectarian institution.”

      Report Post »  
  • WhiteFang
    Posted on August 11, 2011 at 1:29pm

    The ten commandments are written in every Bible at Exodus chapter 20.
    If opposer’s think by removing a stone, they will get rid of God’s Words, they are diffusional.

    Report Post » WhiteFang  
  • margaret1977
    Posted on August 11, 2011 at 1:29pm

    OK either America becoming FAT, LAZE and STUPID or i do not know what to say! We are half way in Communism and We The People do not stand up for our rights by Constitution! What is wrong with you people ! RECALL THE JUDGE HE IS GOT TO GO NOW !!!

    Report Post » margaret1977  
  • flagbearer
    Posted on August 11, 2011 at 1:24pm

    If I’m not mistaken, the Ten Commandments are engraved behind the bench of the Supreme Court. But, shh-hh, don’t tell the atheists or the ACLU. I got this email yesterday. Go Oklahoma!

    Oklahoma law passed, 37 to 9, had a few liberals in the mix, an amendment to place the Ten Commandments on the front entrance to the state capitol. The feds in D.C., along with the ACLU, said it would be a mistake. Hey this is a conservative state, based on Christian values…! HB 1330
    Guess what………. Oklahoma did it anyway.
    Oklahoma recently passed a law in the state to incarcerate all illegal immigrants, and ship them back to where they came from unless they want to get a green card and become an American citizen. They all scattered. HB 1804. Hope we didn’t send any of them to your state. This was against the advice of the Federal Government, and the ACLU, they said it would be a mistake.
    Guess what………. Oklahoma did it anyway.
    Recently we passed a law to include DNA samples from any and all illegal’s to the Oklahoma database, for criminal investigative purposes. Pelosi said it was unconstitutionalSB 1102
    Guess what…….. Oklahoma did it anyway.
    Several weeks ago, we passed a law, declaring Oklahoma as a Sovereign state, not under the Federal Government directives. Joining Texas , Montana and Utah as the only states to do so.
    More states are likely to follow: Louisiana, Alabama, Georgia, the Carolina’s, Tennessee, Kentucky, Missouri, Arkansas, West Virginia.

    Report Post »  
    • Locked
      Posted on August 11, 2011 at 1:34pm

      You’re a fair ways down the grapevine if you just saw this; bill 1330 (for the 10 commandments monument) passed in 2009. However, it was passed so long as it was “somewhere on Capitol grounds” (not over the entrance) and so long as it complied with the SCotUS rulings allowing for the display of such monuments. The Courts have not yet ruled on constitutionality of it, although I’m not clear if it has actually been challenged or not.

      Report Post »  
    • RocktheCasbah
      Posted on August 11, 2011 at 2:00pm

      Go Oklahoma!!

      Report Post »  
  • bharris0
    Posted on August 11, 2011 at 1:22pm

    Our judicial system was based on the 10 commandments. Granted, the liberals have been perverting our legal system for the past 100+ years but the original base was the 10 commandments.

    Perhaps we should send the ACLU packing along with the rest of the socialists, in 2012. They would not be missed.

    Report Post »  
    • JMorcan
      Posted on August 11, 2011 at 1:37pm

      “Our judicial system was based on the 10 commandments.”

      If that were true, we would be living in a socialist, totaliarian state (not to mention that adultery would be a federal crime).

      Report Post » JMorcan  
  • Waterlyly
    Posted on August 11, 2011 at 1:19pm

    Watch out Dixie County, the ACLU will move someone in who will file a lawsuit. They did in Republic, MO to get the Christian fish removed from her city seal. I felt the leaders in Republic were unwise to put it on their seal in the first place, it wasn’t an historical seal (i.e. Los Angeles city seal) but the ACLU moved a woman into the town to file a lawsuit, once they won she moved on to another city to file another suit.

    Report Post » Waterlyly  
  • qdawg
    Posted on August 11, 2011 at 1:18pm

    The constitution says NOTHING about the separation of church and state. It says Congress shall make no law respecting and establishment of religion. Congress made no law respecting an establishment of religion. BTW, two days after Thomas Jefferson wrote the letter with “Separation of church and state”, He went to church in the U.S. Capitol.

    Report Post »  
    • Locked
      Posted on August 11, 2011 at 1:30pm

      “The constitution says NOTHING about the separation of church and state. It says Congress shall make no law respecting and establishment of religion.”

      But as you likely know, the Supreme Court has ruled for over a century (1879 I believe is the actual date) that Thomas Jefferson’s own words of a separation of church and state apply to the establishment clause. The Supreme Court is recognized as the final arbiter of the law in the country, and as such, their rulings interpret the Constitution.

      Report Post »  
    • qdawg
      Posted on August 11, 2011 at 1:43pm

      Thomas Jefferson had no part in writing the first amendment. His words “separation of church and state” was to calm a person that was worried that the government would disallow his religious practices. Also, the Supreme court has no authority over the other branches and cannot force them to do anything. The 5-person majority in the Supreme Court does not have the power to remove the 10 Commandments from a courthouse in Florida, because the constitution was not violated.

      Report Post »  
    • Locked
      Posted on August 11, 2011 at 2:02pm

      “Also, the Supreme court has no authority over the other branches and cannot force them to do anything.”

      But it does have the final ruling in the constitutionality of the cases it hears. That 5 person majority has said in the past that similar monuments are unconstitutional; if this town is then told to remove it and fails to comply, they have no legal recourse. The executive branch is bound by the Constitution to enforce those rulings on a federal level; on a state level, the state’s executive branch is bound to uphold the ruling (or the federal branch steps in and makes it do so). Checks and balances and all that.

      Report Post »  
    • qdawg
      Posted on August 11, 2011 at 2:57pm

      The Constitution does not bound the executive branch to do whatever the supreme court says it must do. You were right that they are supposed to interpret the constitution. The supreme court is like any other court. It cannot force a third party to do anything. “Legislating from the bench” as they say, is not allowed.

      Report Post »  
    • Locked
      Posted on August 11, 2011 at 3:11pm

      “The Constitution does not bound the executive branch to do whatever the supreme court says it must do.”

      No, it is bound to uphold the constitution (as is the legislative branch). The courts have the final interpretation of the constitution. Thus the other branches are bound in that manner. It’s true that they cannot “force” another branch to uphold the law, but in 99.9% of cases, they will.

      Report Post »  
  • sissykatz
    Posted on August 11, 2011 at 1:15pm

    Why can’t we find some wealthy “Conservative Lawyers” to form a Conservative Civil Rights Org.????

    The only reason the ACLU still exists and gets it’s way is because they go after such things as this knowing no one has the money to fight them.

    Maybe we should talk to the Koch Bros. or some other conservative with that kind of money to stand up to the Goons…. Of course most Judges are Left winged fools also.

    Report Post »  
    • biohazard23
      Posted on August 11, 2011 at 1:29pm

      There is a Conservative version of the ACLU called the American Civil Rights Union.

      Report Post » biohazard23  
    • sissykatz
      Posted on August 11, 2011 at 1:46pm

      Thanks….Why do they not help fight things like this for us?. OUR civil rights are being violated also.

      Report Post »  
    • biohazard23
      Posted on August 11, 2011 at 2:09pm

      I‘m not sure why they don’t get involved. I only just recently heard about them so I don’t know a whole lot about how they operate. Here’s the link to their website.

      http://www.theacru.org/

      Report Post » biohazard23  
    • dontbotherme
      Posted on August 11, 2011 at 2:18pm

      SissyKatz: The ACLJ (American Center for Law & Justice) is fighting battles such as this one against the ACLU & winning in the Court System. This City needs to contact them for help.

      Report Post »  
  • Pawhuska
    Posted on August 11, 2011 at 1:13pm

    Nepenthe

    Posted on August 11, 2011 at 12:50pm
    They are paying attention to the 1st Amendment. By displaying the ten comandments, they are establishing that Christianity is the official religion. Anyone entering that courthouse can expect to be judged by religous beliefs and not the law.

    ACTUALLY the Ten Commandments are Jewish!

    Rom 10:4-6
    4 For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth.
    5 For Moses describeth the righteousness which is of the law, That the man which doeth those things shall live by them.
    6 But the righteousness which is of faith speaketh on this wise, . . .
    (KJV)

    Report Post »  
  • totallyfedup2
    Posted on August 11, 2011 at 1:12pm

    This “seperation of church and state” is NOT in the Constitution! It was in a letter that Thomas Jefferson wrote and was taken out of context. If your interested in the truth of what it means, then read this copy of the letter.

    To messers. Nehemiah Dodge, Ephraim Robbins, & Stephen S. Nelson, a committee of the Danbury Baptist association in the state of Connecticut.

    Gentlemen
    The affectionate sentiments of esteem and approbation which you are so good as to express towards me, on behalf of the Danbury Baptist association, give me the highest satisfaction. my duties dictate a faithful and zealous pursuit of the interests of my constituents, & in proportion as they are persuaded of my fidelity to those duties, the discharge of them becomes more and more pleasing.
    Believing with you that religion is a matter which lies solely between Man & his God, that he owes account to none other for his faith or his worship, that the legitimate powers of government reach actions only, & not opinions, I contemplate with sovereign reverence that act of the whole American people which declared that their legislature should “make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof,” thus building a wall of separation between Church & State. Adhering to this expression of the supreme will of the nation in behalf of the rights of conscience, I shall see with sincere satisfaction the progress of those sentiments which tend to restore to man

    Report Post » totallyfedup2  
  • let us prey
    Posted on August 11, 2011 at 1:11pm

    The ACLU defended Nambla. That is proof enough that they suck.

    Report Post » let us prey  
    • NWalters78
      Posted on August 11, 2011 at 1:30pm

      The ACLUseless have also defended The Nazi Party (to march in Skokie IL on Holocaust Remembrance Day), the Communist Party (see Demcorats), atheists (Newdow, Barry Lynn, etc.), terrorists (so-called innocent detainees), and yes NAMBLA…… the ACLU is supposedly the American Civil Liberties Union. More like Atheists Communists Lunatics Union.

      Report Post » NWalters78  
  • NativeCracker
    Posted on August 11, 2011 at 1:03pm

    I can only assume that the ACLU will make the town change its name, next.

    Report Post » NativeCracker  
  • Locked
    Posted on August 11, 2011 at 12:58pm

    Really, who cares? No, by law it shouldn’t be there, and yes, other similar cases have confirmed that fact, but really, it’s not hurting any one. Overly sensitive people are overly sensitive.

    Report Post »  
    • Perspective
      Posted on August 11, 2011 at 1:05pm

      By what law?

      Report Post » Perspective  
    • Jacque
      Posted on August 11, 2011 at 1:05pm

      If any of the libturds lived by them we would not be in the shape our country is in.

      Report Post »  
    • resus2
      Posted on August 11, 2011 at 1:07pm

      But is it against the nature of the law?
      Are you required to be of that faith? No.
      Are they forcing anything on you? No.
      One could argue that being forced to remove a religous item like this by a group that does not believe in a God is actually honoring that ‘religious’. Because to NOT believe something is still a believe system and in no way different then Christianity or any other faith system.

      Report Post »  
    • Locked
      Posted on August 11, 2011 at 1:13pm

      @Perspective:
      “By what law?”

      Within the article itself there is listed the case of Roy Moore, who was disbarred after refusing to move the monument he had erected outside the courthouse in Alabama. It was ruled by Court of Appeals (after Moore had the original ruling against him appealed), that yes, the monument did in fact violate the establishment clause of the first amendment.

      So you might be right in saying “what law” as technically it’s unconstitutional, not necessarily against a specific law. Point being, there is court precedent for the removal of religious monuments from federal property.

      I think it’s foolish to do so, but there it is.

      Report Post »  
    • Locked
      Posted on August 11, 2011 at 1:20pm

      @Resus
      “One could argue that being forced to remove a religous item like this by a group that does not believe in a God is actually honoring that ‘religious’. ”

      Actually, a later case tried to do just this (McGinley v. Houston). But the suit was dismissed on the grounds that removing a monument of the Ten Commandments does not constitute an establishment of religion.

      Report Post »  
    • Therightsofbilly
      Posted on August 11, 2011 at 1:59pm

      @LOCKED SAYS:
      “So you might be right in saying “what law” as technically it’s unconstitutional, not necessarily against a specific law. Point being, there is court precedent for the removal of religious monuments from federal property. I think it’s foolish to do so, but there it is.”

      There you go again LOCKED

      You really need a new shtick.

      Report Post » Therightsofbilly  
  • Angie
    Posted on August 11, 2011 at 12:58pm

    It drives me crazy when people from the ACLU trample all over everyone elses rights. The fact that they DON’T have the Ten Commandments in front of their offices is offensive to ME. Why shouldn’t they be FORCED to put them up, instead of trying to force us Floridians to take them down? Who decides which OFFENDED people win? I’M OFFENDED BY THEIR VERY EXISTENCE!!! Why don’t I ever get to win???? AAAAAAAHHHHHHH!

    Report Post »  
    • Nepenthe
      Posted on August 11, 2011 at 1:07pm

      What rights are they trampleing over? The right of the accussed to expect to get a fair trial?

      Report Post » Nepenthe  
    • Jacque
      Posted on August 11, 2011 at 1:08pm

      The Atheist Civil Libertys Union is and always has been a God-less communist organization.

      Report Post »  
  • Perspective
    Posted on August 11, 2011 at 12:57pm

    The libs/atheists/ACLU don’t want to see the 10 commandments because it reminds them that the lifestyles they live are WRONG!! Otherwise why would it bother them? You said it Alanstigg, there is no mention of separation of church and state. The 1st Amendment reads- “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.” Doesn’t say anything about separation. Godless people are going to pay a price they will not like when they pass from this life.

    Report Post » Perspective  
  • Ookspay
    Posted on August 11, 2011 at 12:54pm

    As we have removed God from our schools and society at large things have gotten really bad. Remove the light and darkness will always take over…

    Report Post » Ookspay  
  • jmbogstad
    Posted on August 11, 2011 at 12:53pm

    The Constitution does not say anything about“ promoting religious messages” The First amendment says the federal government shall not respect the establishment of religion. This only means they shall not establish a specific state religion, and that is all. If they did not want government to have any religion in it, then why did they constantly insert religion into government? Why would they blatantly violate a Constitution they just wrote themselves? The only logical explanation is that the modern interpretation is WRONG.

    Report Post »  
    • bruce_baker
      Posted on August 12, 2011 at 1:27pm

      You’re absolutely correct. Read some of George Washington’s speeches, especially his Farewell Address.

      “I shall take my present leave, but not without resorting once more to the benign Parent of the human race, in humble supplication, that since He has been pleased to favor the American people with opportunities for deliberating is perfect tranquillity, and dispositions for deciding with unparalleled unanimity on a form of Government for the security of their union, and the advancement of their happiness, so his divine blessing may be equally conspicuous in the enlarged wiews, the temperate consultations and the wise measures, on which the success of this government must depend.” – George Washington – Farewell Address

      Report Post » bruce_baker  
  • Gonzo
    Posted on August 11, 2011 at 12:49pm

    You would think that with all the money and brain power behind the ACLU, they could find something useful to use their time on.

    Report Post » Gonzo  
  • GodsPuppet
    Posted on August 11, 2011 at 12:48pm

    If push comes to shove, Pick it up move it next door. When it’s done, photos taken , move it back, let the law suits continue. This will serve to bring awareness of our rights being taken away, and will cause more people to stand and fight for what they believe is right for their community. If this succeeds it means any person can drive thru a community and sue to have something removed that offends them. Put an end to this.

    Report Post »  
  • AlansTigg
    Posted on August 11, 2011 at 12:44pm

    they need to pay attention to the latter part of the 1st Amendment, not just the part they THINK is in there about separation…and this story is a perfect example of the original intention…person thought about moving there, didn’t like the religious inclination of the county so they choose to live elsewhere….wow what a concept

    Report Post » AlansTigg  
    • Nepenthe
      Posted on August 11, 2011 at 12:50pm

      They are paying attention to the 1st Amendment. By displaying the ten comandments, they are establishing that Christianity is the official religion. Anyone entering that courthouse can expect to be judged by religous beliefs and not the law.

      Report Post » Nepenthe  
    • AlansTigg
      Posted on August 11, 2011 at 1:20pm

      really??? You’re gonna go with that? Seriously??
      If your reasoning allows for such leaps there is really no point in discussing the issue with you

      Report Post » AlansTigg  
    • NWalters78
      Posted on August 11, 2011 at 1:35pm

      Alan, this is for Neptune or whatever. WHERE has an Establishment of Church been done? The county has not set up a church on government property. They put a monument to legal inspiration. Whomever comes into court, is already nervous anyway, the commandments are merely a reminder of more laws they broke. STHU you worm. There was no establishment, so take your liberal a$$ and go play fiddle for the rest of the godless parasites in this country. Leave THE MAJORITY be, or they will rise up and smack you and your filthy ilk down like you deserve.

      Report Post » NWalters78  
    • Dismayed Veteran
      Posted on August 11, 2011 at 2:43pm

      @NEPENTHE

      Actually the 10 Commandments are Jewish in origin. Christianity adopted the Commandments as an article of our faith.

      Report Post » Dismayed Veteran  
    • biggreenboo
      Posted on August 11, 2011 at 3:37pm

      Thank you…. correct!!!!

      Report Post »  
  • LOJ
    Posted on August 11, 2011 at 12:43pm

    The 10 commandments were given to the people as a guide line on how to live a free, prosperous, and honorable life. As man becomes more wicked and rejects God, he destroys himself and looses everything.

    Report Post »  
    • kentuckypatriot
      Posted on August 11, 2011 at 1:12pm

      I couldn’t agree more!! Amen!

      Report Post » kentuckypatriot  
    • Spqr1
      Posted on August 11, 2011 at 1:15pm

      Which 10 Commandments? Catholic? Protestant? or from the Torah? There are significant differences in each one. I’d bet the farm that few of you even know this.

      Report Post »  
    • AlansTigg
      Posted on August 11, 2011 at 1:20pm

      sweet…what kind of farm…I need a place for my horses and I did know that

      Report Post » AlansTigg  
    • JMorcan
      Posted on August 11, 2011 at 1:26pm

      The Ten Commandments have nothing to do with freedom or wealth. You’re a false Christian.

      Report Post » JMorcan  
    • Spqr1
      Posted on August 11, 2011 at 1:52pm

      Moasic Law is one of the most oppressive set of social rules, invented for a pastoral/nomadic society that hasn’t existed for centuries. It has NOTHING to do with freedom. If you wish to follow these rules out of religious devotion, fine. Just don’t try and impose them on me. And by the way, unless you’re following ALL the rules, like Hasidic Jews, you’re a faker, and God knows it….

      Report Post »  
  • nysparkie
    Posted on August 11, 2011 at 12:41pm

    Fight team fight. We are not preaching the teaching of one religion. We are being allowed to practice one religion, out of many. Thank you very much.

    Report Post » nysparkie  
    • SimpleTruths
      Posted on August 11, 2011 at 1:24pm

      No one is stopping anyone from practicing religion, but it is wrong to use religion as a means of judgement in a US court of law – that is exactly what is suggested by putting the ten commandments up in front of a federal court.

      Report Post » SimpleTruths  
    • nysparkie
      Posted on August 11, 2011 at 1:27pm

      Ahh, Moses holding the 10 Commandments is on the foyer of the US Supreme Court. Now who would of guessed?

      Report Post » nysparkie  
    • nysparkie
      Posted on August 11, 2011 at 1:30pm

      Patrick Henry – “It cannot be emphasized too strongly or too often that this great nation was founded, not by religionists, but by Christians not on religion, but on the gospel of Jesus Christ!”

      From 1690 to 1900, American’s youth learned their ABC’s with a bible scripture associated with each letter. First graders talked about the Ten Commandments, in class, and learned what they meant.

      The founding fathers wanted government and Christianity to be in an insoluble bond.

      John Quincy Adams stated, “The highest glory of the American Revolution was this… it connected in one indissoluble bond the principles of civil government with the principles of Christianity.”

      John Jay the Chief Justice and the most influential writer of the constitution stated, “Providence has given to our people the choice of their rulers and it is the duty as well as the privilege and interest of a Christian nation to select and prefer Christians for their rulers. ” We need to elect Christians to office if we want to have righteous men making good laws to rule our country.

      In summation from George Washington’s farewell speech, speaking to the citizens of The United States, he touched on these points: Do not let anyone claim to be a true American if they attempt to remove religion from American politics. If they do they are not true Americans.

      Report Post » nysparkie  
    • JMorcan
      Posted on August 11, 2011 at 4:08pm

      So they were bigots. We don’t have to be.

      Report Post » JMorcan  
    • Greenwood
      Posted on August 11, 2011 at 4:22pm

      @NYSPARKIE……………Ahh, Moses holding the 10 Commandments is on the foyer of the US Supreme Court. Now who would of guessed?

      Good point………….also the separation of church and state is not in the constitution.
      Article I Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof ;………………..It was to protect the churches from state religion like in England. The 10 Commandments is not a religion but a set of standards to live by. Maybe with the redistribution of wealth the Government has a problem with covetousness, or lying, (YOU LIE !) stealing, (tax cheats) adultrey (rampant). It’s just a constant reminder to them.

      Report Post » Greenwood  
    • NWalters78
      Posted on August 11, 2011 at 4:59pm

      Jmorcan, that retort was more lame than FDR’s legs. The Founding Fathers were bigots. Wa wa frickin waaaaa. Jefferson wasn’t a bigot, he liked him a little Cafe Ole with his……naw….you can figure out the rest.

      Report Post » NWalters78  
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