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Letter from Oak Ridge clergy: Public statement on Ferguson

Posted at 8:43 pm November 25, 2014
By Oak Ridge Today Letters 1 Comment

Yesterday’s decision not to indict Officer Darren Wilson—who shot and killed 18-year old Michael Brown in Ferguson, Missouri, in August—serves as the latest flashpoint for heated racial tensions involving our criminal justice system. Whether one feels Officer Wilson’s action constituted “a crime” or not, the reality is that young black males are at a far greater risk of being shot dead by police than their white counterparts. Consequently, a tremendous amount of our nation’s racial history and tension gets exposed in reactions to such shootings because, regardless of the reason, the rate that blacks are killed by police is startling when set against the rest of the American population.  During these times of heightened racial frustration, it is critically important for the faith community to lift up a unified voice.

The Michael Brown case presents a unique challenge for racial harmony because the “no indictment” announcement was carried out in a way that highly frustrated many in the black community and went to great lengths to communicate that no crime was committed. As a result, many African Americans believe this case to be an attempt to “turn back the clock on race relations,” while many others see it as a successful demonstration of the effectiveness of the American justice system. So the question becomes, “How does the community of faith move forward in unity?”

First, we must draw inspiration from this situation. We must inspire our congregations to believe that God is still sovereign in spite of human brokenness. We must also inspire our people to believe that God, in His sovereignty, will ensure justice always prevails. Psalm 9:7-8 says, “But the LORD abides forever; He has established His throne for judgment, And He will judge the world in righteousness; He will execute judgment for the peoples with equity.” [Read more…]

Filed Under: Letters, Opinion Tagged With: bias, criminal justice, criminal justice system, Darren Wilson, discrimination, Ferguson, God, judicial system, justice, Missouri, Oak Ridge clergy, race relations, racial disparities

Ragan runs on record; Nolan questions his representation

Posted at 6:48 pm August 6, 2014
By John Huotari Leave a Comment

John Ragan

John Ragan

He’s running for his third term in the Tennessee House, touting his record on state energy policy and trimming government. His challenger questions his record on representing the children and residents of the district, rather than special interests.

The two Republican candidates for the House seat in District 33, which includes most of Anderson County, are the incumbent, Representative John Ragan, and his GOP challenger, Caitlin Nolan. They will face off in the state Republican primary on Thursday.

It’s not clear who the winner will face in November. Misty Neergaard, the only candidate listed on the ballot in the state Democratic primary, has dropped out of the race, although she withdrew too late for her name to be taken off the ballot. There is a write-in candidate on the Democratic ticket, Leslie Agron of Oak Ridge.

During an interview last week, Ragan said legislators have eliminated 14 government organizations in the past two years, and a dozen legislative committees have been cut.

He said he’s helped to make state energy policy a top priority.

Asked about the challenge posed by Nolan, Ragan said: “It’s a race. My opponent is making me work hard, which is good for the voters even if it’s a strain on the candidates.” [Read more…]

Filed Under: 2014 Election, Government, State, Top Stories Tagged With: Americans for Prosperity, Anderson County, anti-bullying, Beth Harwell, bullying, Caitlin Nolan, Charles Koch, child abuse, Classroom Protection Act, David Koch, Democratic primary, discrimination, District 33, Don't Say Gay, education spending, energy policy, House bill, House District 33, Jim Hackworth, John Ragan, K-12, legislation, Leslie Agron, Marcel Neergaard, Misty Neergaard, Oak Ridge, Oak Ridge High School, petition, Republican primary, school vouchers, special interests, StudentsFirst, Tennessee General Assembly, Tennessee House, U.S. Department of Energy

UT Career Services leader to discuss ‘Negotiating for Women’ at AAUW meeting today

Posted at 7:42 am May 19, 2014
By Oak Ridge Today Staff Leave a Comment

Mary Mahoney, an assistant director for University of Tennessee Career Services, will discuss “Negotiating for Women” during an AAUW meeting at lunchtime today.

The AAUW Oak Ridge Branch meeting starts at 11:30 a.m. today in Room 102 of the Activities Building of First Presbyterian Church at Oak Ridge Turnpike and Lafayette Drive. 

The public is invited to attend a potluck luncheon at 11:30 a.m. and the meeting, which begins at noon, a press release said. The luncheon will feature main dish salads prepared by AAUW members. Drinks, bread, crackers, and desserts will be provided. There is no cost, but donations to AAUW are welcome. Reservations may be made by calling either Mary Uziel at (865) 483-1043 or Marge Congdon at (865) 438-3120.

Mahoney has more than 20 years’ experience working as the assistant director of recruiting at the University of Tennessee, the press release said. She has certifications in salary negotiations and career coaching.

Before the program begins, Mayme Crowell, outgoing Tennessee State President of AAUW, will recognize the Education Award winner selected by Roane State Community College and will introduce the Roane State students who are winners of AAUW Educational Scholarships for this year.

Crowell will also install the Oak Ridge Branch AAUW officers for next year, including Peggy Emmett as president; Fay Martin as vice president for membership; Virginia Jones, vice president for programs; and Mary Uziel, treasurer. [Read more…]

Filed Under: College, Community, Education, Front Page News Tagged With: AAUW, assistant director, discrimination, Fay Martin, gender parity, Mary Mahoney, Mary Uziel, Mayme Crowell, Peggy Emmett, recruiting, Roane State, Roane State Community College, salary negotiations, scholarships, University of Tennessee Career Services, UT, Virginia Jones, women

‘Separation of Church and State’ discussed at Lunch with League

Posted at 3:32 am February 18, 2013
By John Huotari Leave a Comment

A retired professor of philosophy, religion, and community health will discuss the separation of church and state during a Tuesday presentation at Lunch with the League.

Paul W. Sharkey, who has a doctorate in philosophy from the University of Notre Dame and a postdoctoral master of public health degree from the University of Southern Mississippi, will be the featured speaker at Tuesday’s lunch, which starts at noon in the Social Hall of the Oak Ridge Unitarian Universalist Church.

[Read more…]

Filed Under: Community, Faith, Top Stories Tagged With: discrimination, governmental sanctions, League of Women Voters of Oak Ridge, Lunch with the League, Oak Ridge Unitarian Universalist Church, Paul W. Sharkey, religious beliefs, religious freedom, religious traditions, Separation of Church and State, Separation of Church and State: Protecting Your Religious Freedom

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Classifieds

Public Notice: NNSA announces no significant impact of Y-12 Development Organization operations at Horizon Center

AVAILABILITY OF THE FINAL ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT FOR THE OFFSITE HOUSING OF THE Y-12 DEVELOPMENT … [Read More...]

ADFAC seeks contractors for five homes

Aid to Distressed Families of Appalachian Counties (ADFAC) is a non-profit community based agency, … [Read More...]

Public notice: Draft environmental assessment for Y-12 Development Organization at Horizon Center

AVAILABILITY OF THE DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT FOR THE OFFSITE HOUSING OF THE Y-12 DEVELOPMENT … [Read More...]

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