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Residents, pastors celebrate ‘In God We Trust’ signs on Anderson County Courthouse

Posted at 10:30 pm July 24, 2013
By John Huotari 99 Comments

Bates Family of Lake City TN

The Bates family of Anderson County, including County Commissioner Zach Bates, left, and father and pastor Gil Bates, second from right, and mother Kelly Bates, right, sing “This Land is Your Land” and “God Bless America” during a Tuesday ceremony for new “In God We Trust” signs at the Anderson County Courthouse in Clinton.

CLINTON—In a ceremony that featured pastors, prayers, and patriotic songs, a group of about 150 people watched Tuesday morning as the first of four signs emblazoned with the national motto “In God We Trust” was unveiled at the Anderson County Courthouse in Clinton.

Supporters celebrated the installation of the seven-foot, 180-pound sign as a victory for the majority, a chance to honor the nation’s heritage.

“Whether you agree with this or disagree with this, the democratic process took place,” said Tom Byrge, director of missions for Clinton Baptist Association. “The majority of the U.S. citizens will continue to believe, and will not be ashamed to say, ‘In God We Trust.’”

“This is people standing up for what they believe in,” said Steve McDonald, pastor at Calvary Baptist Church in Oak Ridge. “We have a right to the democratic process and majority rule.”

Steve McDonald at In God We Trust Ceremony

Steve McDonald, left, of Calvary Baptist Church in Oak Ridge, was one of several pastors at a Tuesday morning ceremony for new “In God We Trust” signs at the Anderson County Courthouse in Clinton. Also pictured are former Oak Ridge Mayor Kathy Moore; Tom Byrge, director of missions for Clinton Baptist Association; moderator Anthony Allen; and pastor Gil Bates, father of Anderson County Commission Zach Bates.

County officials said the other three black granite signs, which are also inscribed with gold leaf lettering, could be installed over three more entrances at the three-story courthouse this week.

Tuesday’s ceremony was the culmination of a eight-month drive inspired by a similar move at the Putnam County Courthouse in Cookeville in November. The Anderson County signs were approved this spring after five public meetings with county commissioners and hours of debate that focused on the proper design; questions of legal liability; whether to allow other mottos, including clearly secular slogans; and adequately protecting the separation between church and state.

Anderson County Law Director Jay Yeager has said he thinks displaying the national motto on a county government building will be constitutional as long as it doesn’t violate the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, and commissioners follow proper procedures and safeguards. He said the signs have to be displayed for a secular purpose, can’t advance or inhibit religion, and can’t convey—to a reasonable viewer—a government endorsement of religion.

Supporters have cited the use of the phrase on U.S. money, on federal buildings in the nation’s capital in Washington, D.C., and the frequent use of other phrases that reference God, including in the Pledge of Allegiance. They have said the proposal was constitutional.

They rejected objections to the signs based on the separation between church and state at Tuesday’s half-hour church-like ceremony, which featured four pastors giving short speeches sandwiched between opening and closing prayers.

Mike Thompson

Mike Thompson

Mike Thompson, senior pastor at Second Baptist Church in Clinton, said the separation is not found in the U.S. Constitution, and it is meant to protect churches from governmental inference. The separation is often misunderstood, Thompson said.

“We do not separate God from government,” he said. “Separation of church and state really has nothing to do with whether or not we acknowledge God as a nation and as a people.”

Supporters said pastors weren’t the only ones who supported the signs.

“I am so proud of all the Anderson County people for standing up for what you believe in,” former Oak Ridge Mayor Kathy Moore said. “America was formed on God.”

The installation of the first sign on Monday was completed at about 11 p.m., hours behind schedule after a series of setbacks that included a hydraulic hose that popped off a scissors lift and a drill that ran into rebar in the rock-solid courthouse walls.

Tom Byrge In God We Trust Ceremony

Tom Byrge, director of missions for Clinton Baptist Association, left, and former Oak Ridge Mayor Kathy Moore at the Tuesday morning unveiling ceremony for new “In God We Trust” signs on the Anderson County Courthouse in Clinton.

The Anderson County Mayor’s Office emphasized that the county government did not organize Tuesday’s ceremony.

Still, in a brief speech that lasted less than a minute, Anderson County Mayor Terry Frank told the assembled residents, elected officials, and government employees that she was proud of them.

“You have shown what you the people can do when you petition the government for what you want done, and what you want to accomplish,” Frank said. “I challenge you not to stop here.”

Lynn Bryge, who owns Active Electric in Oak Ridge, led the drive to install the signs. He was inspired by the decision to adorn the Putnam County Courthouse with the national motto last year and helped form a committee of private citizens that raised $4,812 for the signs through private donations.

“I thought it would be an excellent thing to do here in Anderson County,” Byrge said. “Rather than divide, pull the county tighter, and it did.”

“It was a small minority that opposed it,” Byrge said. “But the far, far majority approved it.”

Filed Under: Anderson County, Churches, Community, Faith, Government, Top Stories Tagged With: Anderson County Courthouse, Anderson County Law Director, Anderson County mayor, Calvary Baptist Church, church, Clinton Baptist Association, Establishment Clause, God, In God We Trust, Jay Yeager, Kathy Moore, Lynn Byrge, Mike Thompson, national motto, religion, Second Baptist Church, Separation of Church and State, signs, state, Steve McDonald, Terry Frank, Tom Byrge, U.S. Constitution

Comments

  1. Lucius Whitman says

    July 25, 2013 at 9:49 am

    Once again, a bunch of backwoods idiots that don’t understand either our system of government, or it’s history.

    Reply
    • Richard Tingley says

      July 25, 2013 at 10:25 am

      So true. These people do not realize that the US is not a democracy, it is a republic. If it were a true democracy we could make things such as murder legal and gun ownership illegal by a simple majority vote.

      Reply
      • Denny Phillips says

        July 25, 2013 at 1:54 pm

        If it were a republic, the duly elected representatives could hold a vote re-affirming “In God We Trust” as the national motto and encouraging its posting on all government buildings.

        Oh wait, that is what happened….
        http://m.washingtontimes.com/news/2011/nov/1/house-vote-reaffirms-in-god-we-trust/

        Reply
        • Richard Tingley says

          July 25, 2013 at 2:45 pm

          I am assuming you meant “couldn’t” and not “could” and yes our congress and president can do things that violate the constitution. It is the supreme court that is suppose to correct them when they do. Sadly, they have been rather bad about it in this particular area since the mid 1950’s.

          Reply
    • Eileen Slater says

      July 25, 2013 at 11:47 am

      Nice article from a California newspaper about celebrating our heritage with the installation of our national motto at their City Hall:

      http://www.thecapistranodispatch.com/2013/07/25/city-unveils-in-god-we-trust-and-freedom-shrine/

      They even call it their “freedom shrine.” Initiated and paid for by the citizens and church leaders, just like here. But with embellishment (!) and without the derision and name-calling I’m seeing here.

      Nice to read about instead of all the negativity that I’m seeing here.

      Reply
    • Ck Kelsey says

      July 29, 2013 at 8:42 pm

      So you are a FRONTWOODS idiot then ,by your own admission.

      Reply
  2. Johnny Beck says

    July 25, 2013 at 11:57 am

    Because they got permission from the gov’t office that’s responsible for the building.

    Reply
  3. Denny Phillips says

    July 25, 2013 at 1:48 pm

    Full name please.

    Reply
  4. Denny Phillips says

    July 25, 2013 at 2:08 pm

    Mr. Huotori,

    Are we expected to use real names or names like Mickey Bitsko from Mad Magazine? I would like to comment as Paddy O’Furniture if it is okay.

    Reply
    • johnhuotari says

      July 25, 2013 at 7:44 pm

      I have removed the comment in question and will send an e-mail to the commenter explaining our guidelines.

      Reply
      • Denny Phillips says

        July 25, 2013 at 9:14 pm

        Lol. Thanks John. I think the full disclosure makes for less trolling.

        Reply
        • johnhuotari says

          July 25, 2013 at 9:37 pm

          With one exception, everyone I’ve talked to locally about this issue appreciates the full disclosure requirement in our comment section.

          Reply
  5. Denny Phillips says

    July 25, 2013 at 2:11 pm

    One would assume our Supreme Court would have noticed this purported shredding of the Constitution as they pass the 10 Commandments posted on the Supreme Court Building each day as they go to work.

    Reply
    • Sam Hopwood says

      July 25, 2013 at 3:37 pm

      Right on target…… I will assume that those who disagree with the posting also do not use that filthy U.S. currency that proclaims “In God We Trust” on each bill…… 🙂

      Reply
      • Vision_From_Afar says

        July 25, 2013 at 4:23 pm

        Not if I can help it. Plastic is awesome.

        Reply
        • Ck Kelsey says

          July 25, 2013 at 7:02 pm

          In your alleged mind only. Debt is STUPID !

          Reply
          • Vision_From_Afar says

            July 25, 2013 at 8:40 pm

            In my wallet lies the magical, real money of TEH DEBIT CARD.
            Now don’t you feel silly?
            – James Upshaw

          • Ck Kelsey says

            July 26, 2013 at 7:58 pm

            You can’t spell the word THE ? And you want to talk about “SILLY ” ? How Stupid !

          • Vision_From_Afar says

            July 27, 2013 at 12:17 am

            Oh, you’re new to the Internet, aren’t you? Well, let me be the first to say, “Welcome.” Now, you may find that many of those on the internet use a strange combination of non-words and intentionally mispelled words (in varying degrees, of course), often to convey emotion and/or intent. A good example of this would be the “LOLCat” phenomenon.
            In this occurrence, what happened is an intentional mispelling of the word “the” in an attempt to convey sarcasm. This was reinforced by my use of all caps, denoting a shout (or proclamation).
            Thanks for playing, and enjoy your time on the Internet.
            – James Upshaw

          • Ck Kelsey says

            July 29, 2013 at 8:41 pm

            More childish word salad from the child who named himself after a comic book character.

          • Helen Standifer says

            July 30, 2013 at 1:34 am

            “word salad”, hey, they used to say that on Boston Legal! Is that where you got it? If you don’t understand something, just say so.

          • Ck Kelsey says

            July 30, 2013 at 7:24 pm

            When you get back from the clue store just post we will know it was you .LOL

          • Helen Standifer says

            July 30, 2013 at 9:06 pm

            You’re really a card, you know that don’t you?

          • Vision_From_Afar says

            July 30, 2013 at 7:27 am

            You’re amusing, if nothing else. Try and come up with an actual rebuttal though. A battle of wits with an unarmed opponent is never fun.
            My name is based on a Norse god, actually. Though I rather enjoy the Avengers comics.
            -James

          • Ck Kelsey says

            July 30, 2013 at 7:24 pm

            “Atheism turns out to be too simple. If the whole universe has no meaning, we should never have found out that it has no meaning…”
            ― C.S. Lewis

          • Vision_From_Afar says

            July 30, 2013 at 10:53 pm

            Why? Why does everyone just assume I’m an atheist? I’m less of an atheist than you!
            “When an opponent can only fall back on another’s quotes, they have admitted defeat.” – Me

          • Ck Kelsey says

            July 30, 2013 at 7:37 pm

            Commentary: America as Detroit:

            “In 1960, before the Great Society, Detroit was the wealthiest city per capita in America among cities with more than two hundred thousand residents. In those years, the United States was the world’s largest creditor nation. Today, Detroit is the poorest city per capita in America among cities with more than two hundred thousand residents. Today, the United States is the world’s largest debtor nation.

            Welcome to Detroit, America.”

          • Vision_From_Afar says

            July 30, 2013 at 10:55 pm

            This unsourced screed is in reply to…what?
            – James

          • Helen Standifer says

            July 30, 2013 at 1:33 am

            You really are silly! I’m sorry, it’s really very sad.

          • Ck Kelsey says

            July 30, 2013 at 6:51 am

            You are being a hater Helen .And liberalism is best understood by being silly.

          • Helen Standifer says

            July 30, 2013 at 6:41 pm

            I don’t hate anybody. I just think some people sound silly. Just my opinion, calm down.

          • Ck Kelsey says

            July 30, 2013 at 7:22 pm

            Lighten up liberalism can be treated 🙂

          • Helen Standifer says

            July 30, 2013 at 9:11 pm

            That reply to my statement doesn’t even make sense. I said CALM DOWN!!!! How does that have anything to do with political philosophy?

    • Vision_From_Afar says

      July 25, 2013 at 4:24 pm

      What 10 Commandments? They’re not on the USSC building.

      Reply
      • Denny Phillips says

        July 25, 2013 at 5:23 pm

        Your ignorance of fact, does not make it less a fact. Instead if trolling, read & learn.

        Artwork depicts Moses bearing the Ten Commandments at the USSC.

        Reply
        • Vision_From_Afar says

          July 25, 2013 at 5:34 pm

          There’s also Confusious, and Mohommad, and King John, and Louis IX, and Socrates among others. Think the Judges draw inspiration from them too?
          Also, Moses has two blank tablets on the Eastern Frieze. No Commandments seen there. On the interior, he has a tablet, but it’s only got the 2nd half of the commandments, specifically due to their secular leanings (murder, adultery, theft, perjury, and covetousness). Do your own learning.
          – James Upshaw

          Reply
          • Ck Kelsey says

            July 29, 2013 at 8:40 pm

            Word Salad anyone?

          • Helen Standifer says

            July 30, 2013 at 1:31 am

            I think he pointed out where you were mistaken pretty clearly.

          • Ck Kelsey says

            July 30, 2013 at 6:50 am

            Please explain your alleged thought.

          • Helen Standifer says

            July 30, 2013 at 6:44 pm

            Now don’t be dim, I was just agreeing with James. As far as “alleged thought”. Now whose being a hater?

          • Ck Kelsey says

            July 30, 2013 at 7:22 pm

            YOU ! As usual,it seems to be all you got.

          • Helen Standifer says

            July 30, 2013 at 9:03 pm

            Please explain what it is I’ve said that you think is hateful? I just don’t know why you think that.

          • Denny Phillips says

            July 30, 2013 at 1:07 pm

            My apologies for not properly identifying the secular image of a Biblical figure holding tablets illustrating five of the Commandments.

            Clearly its secular….in coo coo land, anyway.

          • Vision_From_Afar says

            July 30, 2013 at 4:32 pm

            Then maybe you should argue about the five commandments. It’s secular in context, since it is not given prominence over any other religious or cultural lawgivers, which was the entire point.
            And yes, there is nothing religious at all about the 2nd half of the commandments, three of which are actually laws (murder, theft, perjury) across the country and the other two are simply good behavior for a stable society, regardless of the religion of that society. I’m sorry your blinders are on so tight. Might want to loosen them a bit.
            – James Upshaw

  6. Vision_From_Afar says

    July 25, 2013 at 4:25 pm

    Y’all are lucky I’m too far away. I’d love to tape some deity’s name over “God” on each one. In Thor We Trust, anyone?

    Reply
    • Denny Phillips says

      July 25, 2013 at 5:25 pm

      And Mr. Huotori requires first and last name at this site.

      I presume your troll bites will be removed shortly.

      Reply
      • Vision_From_Afar says

        July 25, 2013 at 5:29 pm

        What’s the point of having Disqus if you’re just going to require names? A little silly I think.

        Reply
        • johnhuotari says

          July 25, 2013 at 7:50 pm

          Disqus had helped us in several ways, including by cutting down on spam, and people here tell me they appreciate the way we handle our comment section. Of course, there is always room for improvement.

          You may post comments here with your username as long as you include your signature. Thank you.

          Reply
          • Vision_From_Afar says

            July 25, 2013 at 8:41 pm

            Always nice to see a sensible mod. :hat tip:
            -James Upshaw

          • johnhuotari says

            July 25, 2013 at 9:37 pm

            Thank you.

    • Ck Kelsey says

      July 26, 2013 at 8:05 pm

      I’d help with your ticket costs, if you will tell us when you plan to try it .

      Reply
  7. Ck Kelsey says

    July 26, 2013 at 7:56 pm

    No last name with no commonsense.great combo !

    Reply
  8. Denny Phillips says

    July 27, 2013 at 9:34 am

    Congratulations Mr. Huotori! The blog has made it onto the list for paid bloggers to come post liberal comments!

    Reply
    • johnhuotari says

      July 27, 2013 at 9:57 am

      Which site, Denny?

      Reply
      • Helen Standifer says

        July 30, 2013 at 1:29 am

        I have seen it on several like Wonkette (which is satire), Daily Kos (but this site wasn’t noted).

        Reply
  9. David Allred says

    July 29, 2013 at 7:38 am

    “The very fact that you have lawsuits among you means you have been completely defeated already.” ~ The Apostle Paul

    Reply
    • Denny Phillips says

      July 29, 2013 at 1:21 pm

      There is no “lawsuit”. It was a motion to dismiss.

      Ordinarily, such motions would be taken up by the judge in chambers, considered, a either granted or denied.

      Alas, this attorney, for some reason (I’ll let others speculate what that might be) decided to make this motion readily available for the press.

      In my estimation, the presiding judge (Elledge?) would do well to rule on this motion and put this to bed, bearing in mind that by granting it he/she will set precedent to have all cases dismissed ranging from speeding ticket to murder.

      Likewise, to grant such a motion, this judge would be making a landmark ruling that dissents from previous rulings from higher courts including the Federal Appellate Court.

      I suspect that the judge (Elledge?) probably isn’t fond of being used as a political tool, nor does he appreciate having his courtroom made into a circus but only time will tell.

      Reply
      • David Allred says

        July 29, 2013 at 5:24 pm

        “Circus” is a good word. I suspect more acts to follow. Incidentally, I posted the above before reading today’s news… I was merely pointing out Paul’s position on the secular courts. He knew that the moment the church entered into that arena, her foothold would be planted firmly in the realm of the defeated.

        Reply
        • Ck Kelsey says

          July 29, 2013 at 8:38 pm

          So you would like for Christians to accept defeat so they won’t be defeated? Please explain.

          Reply
          • David Allred says

            July 29, 2013 at 11:50 pm

            We accept defeat the moment we believe God can’t work without proper signage.

          • Ck Kelsey says

            July 30, 2013 at 6:48 am

            When you say we,do you have a mouse in your pocket or just being schizophrenic ? 🙂

          • Vision_From_Afar says

            July 30, 2013 at 7:29 am

            Brava! Someone gets it!

          • Ck Kelsey says

            July 30, 2013 at 7:20 pm

            Yea Denny you get it LOL !

          • Vision_From_Afar says

            July 30, 2013 at 10:56 pm

            Reading comprehension fail, Ck.
            – James

          • Ck Kelsey says

            July 31, 2013 at 7:29 am

            Comic boy fail !

          • Denny Phillips says

            July 30, 2013 at 1:13 pm

            I haven’t seen anyone here, or elsewhere state that God can’t work without “proper signage”, but that is a lovely strawman you have erected.

          • David Allred says

            July 30, 2013 at 11:36 pm

            Not really. CK asked whether we should accept defeat, implying that victory and the signage were linked. That was his question. Trust me, that silly sign plays no factor – and if anything – demonstrates how we’re bent on pacifying cultural measures, clinging to a form of godliness while denying its power. The true letters are written on the hearts of men, not on tablets of stone. I believe the good book says so more than once.

          • Ck Kelsey says

            July 31, 2013 at 7:27 am

            That’s a mis -characterization of what CK wrote David. I have said before the sign matters not to me. But it’s enemies are the problem.

          • Helen Standifer says

            July 31, 2013 at 8:15 pm

            Are you referring to yourself in the 3rd person? Just asking.

        • Denny Phillips says

          July 30, 2013 at 1:11 pm

          You make a salient point, the Scripture may indeed warn against such activity.

          Alas, in the United States, there is a separation of church and state that precludes Biblical law from overriding the people’s will to post the national motto on the courthouse.

          Reply
          • Vision_From_Afar says

            July 30, 2013 at 4:36 pm

            If they wanted to put the real motto on there (E Pluribus Unum), no one would have an issue. Slapping the reactionary version from the 1950s that is dripping in unnecessary religious context, however…
            – James Upshaw

          • David Allred says

            July 30, 2013 at 11:54 pm

            Denny, if that’s your logic then the Biblical law should have no bearing on the civil rights of homosexuals. My suspicion is that this is not an opinion you share. Having it both ways seems like quite the luxury.

          • Ck Kelsey says

            July 31, 2013 at 7:22 am

            Read Romans chapter 1 David ,ALSO Corinthians Ch. 6 then tell us again how you”Feel” about it.

    • Ck Kelsey says

      July 29, 2013 at 8:37 pm

      Paul was referring to Christians suing each other wasn’t he David? What’s your point then?

      Reply
      • David Allred says

        July 29, 2013 at 11:43 pm

        Only that I find it ironic for us to celebrate putting God’s name on a house we were instructed to avoid.

        Reply
        • Ck Kelsey says

          July 30, 2013 at 6:46 am

          We were told to pay our taxes ,if the courthouse is where you pay them who ever said to avoid the courthouse? Chapter and vs. please.

          Reply
          • Vision_From_Afar says

            July 30, 2013 at 8:11 am

            US Constitution, Amendment I, 1st sentence
            – James

          • Ck Kelsey says

            July 30, 2013 at 7:19 pm

            NO restriction on our FREE expression !

          • Vision_From_Afar says

            July 30, 2013 at 11:00 pm

            Right, but your expression is yours. The courthouse is the government’s. Try again.

          • Ck Kelsey says

            July 31, 2013 at 7:20 am

            You don’t own the government either James.

          • Ck Kelsey says

            July 31, 2013 at 7:20 am

            Try again.Next time borrow some help if you must.

          • Vision_From_Afar says

            July 31, 2013 at 3:55 pm

            As a citizen, we all do. Which means the view of the majority, or a minority, doesn’t get precidence or an implied “we speak for all.” I’m not the one asking for a religious statement on a government building. I’m content to leave it secular and neutral.

          • David Allred says

            July 30, 2013 at 11:43 pm

            I’d encourage you to give Paul another look over. It may be true that the courthouse is now the center of any number of activities – from voting to advocating for civil rights. To make a claim that caring for the courthouse is a Christian responsibility can be made, and although I can point out chapter verse for that, I see no reason to do the heavy lifting for our community.

            That Paul is in fact abundantly clear that Christians who sue one another are missing the point of the Gospel, cannot be denied. That Jesus Himself thought such matters trivial is also evident (Luke 12). Our courts are mostly filled each day with people filing divorces, child custody battles, lawsuits over inheritance, and the occasional big trial of murder, rape, and whatever. These houses of “justice” serve us well when the Gospel fails but little more than that.

            Our choice to put his name on such a house is akin to inscribing names on a make-shift trophy given to the losing team and put on public display as if we’ve accomplished something. If we trusted in God to begin with, we’d not the courts. We settle for the weaker opponent and are ourselves made weaker by it.

          • Ck Kelsey says

            July 31, 2013 at 7:17 am

            Still doesn’t make your point David.The battle is not Christians against Christians as you portray.I see a faulty premise in your argument.

          • Ck Kelsey says

            July 31, 2013 at 7:18 am

            Here’s more on how the liberal establishment runs roughshod over people’s right to be Patriotic and free.

            http://www.fiscalconservatives.com/videos/9W4PDyd9mU4.html

  10. Ck Kelsey says

    July 30, 2013 at 7:47 pm

    http://radio.foxnews.com/toddstarnes/top-stories/atheist-group-demands-school-stop-prayer-caravan.html
    And the hits keep coming .
    Anti-Religion Group Blasts Teen Valedictorian’s Prayer
    Group Aims to Silence Prayer at Football Games
    Alabama Town Under Atheist Attack
    School Cancels Graduation Over Prayer Controversy
    School Bans Religious Graduation Songs

    Reply
    • Vision_From_Afar says

      July 31, 2013 at 8:16 am

      Valedictorian’s Prayer – Entirely free speech. Also entirely unnecessary religious chest-beating attempt to continue the fiction that “Christians are persecuted in America”
      Football Games – It’s a football game at a public high school, not church.
      Alabama town – Please. It’s not “personal expression” if it’s being organized with public school resources (e-mail, website, etc.).
      Cancels Graduation – A ridiculous overstep by officials who can’t please the rabid “prayer warriors” and actually follow the law.
      Graduation Songs – Again, not a church, of course they should be banned.

      I fail to see any problem here.
      -James Upshaw

      Reply
      • Ck Kelsey says

        July 31, 2013 at 2:33 pm

        You continue to fail to understand,no surprise there.

        Reply
        • Vision_From_Afar says

          July 31, 2013 at 3:52 pm

          Really? I see no rebuttal, no facts, no coherent statement, just an infantile “because I said so.” I’m not the one failing here.
          – James Upshaw

          Reply
          • Helen Standifer says

            July 31, 2013 at 8:19 pm

            Wait, he may refer you to some right-wing web site. He was proving some point the other day by quoting Rep, Steve King.

          • Vision_From_Afar says

            July 31, 2013 at 11:31 pm

            Just so long as it’s not ACLJ or Wallbuilders. :shudder:
            -James Upshaw

          • Helen Standifer says

            August 1, 2013 at 1:46 am

            Does “Harbinger” mean anything to you?

          • Ck Kelsey says

            August 1, 2013 at 7:18 am

            You may find an online dictionary helpful. try it you will love it 🙂

          • Ck Kelsey says

            August 1, 2013 at 8:34 am

            Like this Helen?

            https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/1098195_342342879230264_526360216_n.jpg

          • Helen Standifer says

            August 1, 2013 at 10:03 pm

            What does that photo have to do with anything? I don’t need a dictionary, I know what “Harbinger” is. It’s some real crazy stuff that some Jewish self-proclaimed prophet made up. I’m sure you know that the Bible can be interpreted to mean what ever you want it to mean. That’s the brilliance of it. Sort of like our constitution. Lost my thought, now, tell me what this photo has to do with the sign on the courthouse or even religion/faith for that matter? And if you are just going to insult me, don’t bother. If you don’t have an explanation, just let it be. Hey, that’s a really good song!

          • Ck Kelsey says

            August 2, 2013 at 7:43 am

            You wanted signs from a “Right Wing ” site,I posted one. Got any other requests? 🙂

        • Ck Kelsey says

          August 1, 2013 at 7:18 am

          .www.reagancoalitioncom/articles/2013/20130731010-bullies-ban-mom.html

          Reply
          • Johnny Beck says

            August 1, 2013 at 12:01 pm

            Are you 3 related? Family reunions would be, um, “interesting”.

  11. johnhuotari says

    August 2, 2013 at 9:19 am

    I think this conversation has run its course. Therefore, I am closing the thread. Thank you all for the discussion.

    Reply

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Outdoor Pool to close for season Aug. 12

Indoor Pool to re-open Monday The Oak Ridge Outdoor Pool will closed for the season on Monday, August 12, and the Indoor Pool will re-open Monday, July 29, after being closed for a few months for renovations. The … [Read More...]

Oak Ridge announces Independence Day concert, fireworks

The City of Oak Ridge is sponsoring its annual fireworks show to celebrate Independence Day. The display will be held in Alvin K. Bissell Park on July 4, and it is scheduled to begin at dark, around 9:45 p.m. The Oak … [Read More...]

First Oak Ridge Outdoor Festival is Saturday

The Oak Ridge Recreation and Parks Department and Explore Oak Ridge are teaming up to host the first-ever Oak Ridge Outdoor Festival on Saturday. The free event will be a day of fun activities at Oak Ridge parks, … [Read More...]

Lavender Festival is Saturday

The annual Lavender Festival is Saturday in Jackson Square. It's the 24th festival and presented by the City of Oak Ridge. It's scheduled from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the city's historic … [Read More...]

Volunteer team plans Flatwater Tales Storytelling Festival

Volunteers from civic, charitable, and business organizations throughout the community are planning to welcome three renowned storytellers to Oak Ridge for the June 7 and 8 Flatwater Tales Storytelling Festival at the … [Read More...]

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More Government News

Election is Thursday

The Anderson County general election and state and federal primary elections are Thursday. Competitive races include the Democratic and Republican primaries for U.S. Senate, Republican primary for Tennessee House of … [Read More...]

Kairos Power begins construction on demonstration reactor​

Kairos Power has started construction on a test nuclear reactor in west Oak Ridge. The Hermes Low-Power Demonstration Reactor is the first of its type to be approved for construction by the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory … [Read More...]

County law director dies at 65

Anderson County Law Director Nicholas “Jay” Yeager, of Clinton, died Friday. He was 65. Yeager was assistant attorney in Anderson County from 2001 to 2006, and he has been law director since then. "Mr. Yeager was … [Read More...]

Outdoor Pool to close for season Aug. 12

Indoor Pool to re-open Monday The Oak Ridge Outdoor Pool will closed for the season on Monday, August 12, and the Indoor Pool will re-open Monday, July 29, after being closed for a few months for renovations. The … [Read More...]

Tennis court dances recreate wartime event

Monthly dances by the Manhattan Project National Historical Park recreate the open-air tennis court dances that entertained 75,000 workers and their families in the Secret City during World War II. "Put on your … [Read More...]

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Recent Posts

  • Flatwater Tales Storytelling Festival Announces 2025 Storytellers
  • Laser-Engraved Bricks Will Line Walkway of New Chamber Headquarters
  • Democratic Women’s Club to Discuss Climate Change, Energy and Policy
  • Estate Jewelry Show at Karen’s Jewelers Features Celebrity Jewelry
  • Keri Cagle named new ORAU senior vice president and ORISE director
  • ORAU Annual Giving Campaign exceeds $100,000 goal+ORAU Annual Giving Campaign exceeds $100,000 goal More than $1 million raised in past 10 years benefits United Way and Community Shares Oak Ridge, Tenn. —ORAU exceeded its goal of raising $100,000 in donations as part of its internal annual giving campaign that benefits the United Way and Community Shares nonprofit organizations. ORAU has raised more than $1 million over the past 10 years through this campaign. A total of $126,839 was pledged during the 2024 ORAU Annual Giving Campaign. Employees donate via payroll deduction and could earmark their donation for United Way, Community Shares or both. “ORAU has remained a strong pillar in the community for more than 75 years, and we encourage our employees to consider participating in our annual giving campaign each year to help our less fortunate neighbors in need,” said ORAU President and CEO Andy Page. “Each one of our employees has the power to positively impact the lives of those who need help in the communities where we do business across the country and demonstrate the ORAU way – taking care of each other.” ORAU, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation, provides science, health and workforce solutions that address national priorities and serve the public interest. Through our specialized teams of experts and access to a consortium of more than 150 major Ph.D.-granting institutions, ORAU works with federal, state, local and commercial customers to provide innovative scientific and technical solutions and help advance their missions. ORAU manages the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE) for the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). Learn more about ORAU at www.orau.org. Learn more about ORAU at www.orau.org. Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OakRidgeAssociatedUniversities Follow us on X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/orau Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/orau ###
  • Children’s Museum Gala Celebrates the Rainforest
  • Jim Sears joins ORAU as senior vice president
  • Oak Ridge Housing Authority Receives Funding Assistance of up to $51.8 Million For Renovating Public Housing and Building New Workforce Housing
  • Two fires reported early Friday

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