At least 500 people gathered in Fort Oglethorpe, Ga., tonight in support of Lakeview-Fort Oglethorpe High cheerleaders whose Bible-verse-bearing signs were banned last week.
State Rep. Jay Neal, R-LaFayette, called for everyone at the rally at the polo grounds on Barnhardt Circle to bring religious signs and post them in an area designated for them on Friday nights beginning this week.
The controversy “will be for the good, because your voices will not be silenced,” he said.
The signs were banned after a Fort Oglethorpe resident lodged a verbal complaint about them with Catoosa County Schools Superintendent Denia Reese. Ms. Reese ordered the cheerleaders not to use their signs inside the school’s stadium but provided a “designated area” outside where they would be welcome.
“The designated area needs to be filled with signs every Friday night,” Rep. Neal said.
Don and Shirley Willingham, grandparents of a cheerleader, said they came to support the cheerleading group.
“They’re trying to take God out of our schools,” Mr. Willingham said.
School cheerleader coach Susan Bradley said Tuesday that the cheerleaders aren’t bucking the superintendent’s directions and have decided to use the Bible verse signs only in the designated area.
Ms. Bradley said the cheerleaders will make a new sign, with acceptable slogans, for the football team to burst through onto the field before the game this Friday.
Principal Jerry Ransom said the signs have existed since 2001, when similar ones were displayed in the wake of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks and the subsequent outpouring of patriotic support.
Ben Benton is a news reporter at the Chattanooga Times Free Press. He covers Southeast Tennessee and previously covered North Georgia education. Ben has worked at the Times Free Press since November 2005, first covering Bledsoe and Sequatchie counties and later adding Marion, Grundy and other counties in the northern and western edges of the region to his coverage. He was born and raised in Cleveland, Tenn., a graduate of Bradley Central High School. Benton ...
Did any of these people rally for the 500 or so people affected by the flood not far from here?
As a matter of fact they did rally for flood victims. It was called "Operation Good Neighbor" and hundreds of people came to help those in need.
As a Ft. Oglethorpe resident I am proud of our school and for the Christian stand these girls have taken.
"...they cling to guns or religion..", now where have I heard that before? Go cheerleaders, God bless you.
Not that I would ever go to a game but I definatly wouldn't now and be around these religious dummies. Their disgusting to say the least, phonies to sum it up. How stupid to believe in a good higher power, if there is, he is evil and callous. I am glad I don't pay Catoosa taxes for this kind of bullspit. I will be sure to NEVER contribute to any fundraiser or LFO sponsered community event, its bad enough to deal with the idiocy of our government and now this?
once again a jewish organization forces a school to stop students from displaying any form of christianity by pressuring them with the threats of lawsuitsm, same way they did with banning christmas displays in public places yet in israel they burn the new testament in religious ceromomies,what if we burned the talmud??? THANK THE ADL FOR THE WAR ON CHRISTIANITY.funny how we our children our forced to read the diary of anne frank a notorious hoax and hear all sorts of ridiculous holocaust tales,
In response to the article from the paper, I would like to point out that Rep. Jay Neal was incorrect in his statement. "Our founding fathers had one thing in mind when they founded this country, and it was a Christian nation built upon the principles of Jesus Christ."
Our country was founded on the idea of religious freedom - this much is true. However, our founding fathers were very adamant that religion not interfere with government - hence the separation of Church and State. While these girls certainly have a right to express their faith, they cannot represent the school system, which they were obviously doing.
Children are sent to receive an education to learn facts and life skills to prepare themselves for the future. Maybe we should focus more on giving them the highest quality education, instead of which faiths are right and wrong. Then, as a state, Tennessee and Georgia might be able to save their troubled school systems.
Bigotry has no place in our country. It's 2009 folks. It's time to move into the next century.
It is very distasteful to listen to some of you people comment on this article. I believe that these girls are doing a great job by supporting their team. LFO is a great school and we live in America and if you want to have signs that state what the BIBLE says you should be able have them. Keep your heads up because those people that are wanting them taken down are cowards they can't even list their names. This is our country and yes there is different beliefs but in some of these religions that people are speaking of is not a religion they are cults. I remember we used to be able to have the right to pray and talk about the BIBLE in school and that has been taken away from us. They even changed the Pledge Of Allegiance what is wrong with the world today. We have been taken over by all these people that come over here and want citizenship and then try to take away our beliefs and rights. It has nothing to do with being Southern or anything else it is the principal. If you don't like the way things are here in America go back to your country. GO LFO GOD IS THE WAY HE IS HERE FOR YOU AND HE WILL SEE US THROUGH!!!!
I don't have a problem with the Bible verses. It's the proseltytizing.
If anything, I'd love to see cheerleaders either holding banners or wearing verses from Song of Solomon such as
7:7 This thy stature is like to a palm tree, and thy (censored) to clusters of grapes.
Or1:13 A bundle of myrrh is my well-beloved unto me; he shall lie all night betwixt my (censored).
bottom line a jewish woman complained to a jewish organization who called the school to pressure them with lawsuits... scum all of them
Boy. This is mishegoss! Who cares about a bunch of meshuggenahs wearing schmatas and dropping Bible verses.
What terrific displays of bigotry, hatred, arrogance, ignorance and selfishness. Of course, those are the centerpieces of christian activism which have made it and the other Abrahamic "faiths" the curse of mankind. Like the bumpersticker says: "I'd be a christian if it weren't for christians."
Rokayas...show me your "so-called" separation of Church and State (?). Where do you find it? You state..."Our country was founded on the idea of religious freedom"...sure it was...from State run religion...NOT freedom from religion...!!!
“The cheerleaders are just using Scripture to show motivation and inspiration to the players and the fans.”
A couple of questions:
Why must you use scripture to motivate and inspire football players at a taxpayer-financed public school? Can't you idiots think of legal means by which you can/should motivate and inspire?
Why is it that only Christian scripture seems to be used in these situations? Is there nothing inspirational/motivational to be found from any non-Christin scripture? What would happen if someone suggested using scripture from a different "book" to motivate and inspire?
Clearly, this is not about motivating and inspiring, per se. It is, and always has been, about pushing a particular regligion down people's throats.
GET YOUR RELIGION OUT OF MY TAX DOLLARS!!!
The founders of this country came here seeking religous freedom, escape form persecution for their beliefs, yet these Cristiian hypocrites now find themeselves egotistical enough to berate and condemn anyone who doesnt side with their narrowminded brainwashed views. Well let them fly their fantasy sighn in their own schools but NOT IN PUBLIC SCHOOLS. The all need cult deprogramming
If you want your children to learn about fairy tales and religion in schools then send them to a private school.
To Bamagurl, you're right, they did change the Pledge of Allegiance, in the 1950's when congress ADDED the words "under god". The original version did not contain this phrase.
Don't forget the Pledge of Allegiance was written by a Socialist. It's subtle indoctrination that's been going on for over 100 years.
The issue of freedom of speech is clearly crossed when players are forced to run through the Bible verses. What if your sons were forced to run through scriptures from the Koran or the Talmud? Doesn't the Golden Rule apply here, in this case treating the minority the way you would want them to treat you? One can be a Christian and still support the separation of Church and State. Kudos to whomever protested this travesty.
It is obvious that many people who are commenting here have not read any of the founding documents of our nation, i.e., the writings of Geo. Washington, T. Jefferson, J. Madison, J. Adams and other signers of both the Declaration and the Constitution. Otherwise they would know that this country was founded by god-fearing men whose convictions were that no country can be governed without religion and morality. They most certainly did NOT found a secular nation -- one that is devoid of all mention of God. The First Amendment does NOT separate religion from government. It protects religious practice from interference and pressure from the government. It was designed to protect the free expression of religion. It was not intended to prohibit religion, but rather to prevent government from restricting religion. It was designed to forbid a State Church, as the founders had suffered in their countries of origin. The phrase, "separation of religion and state," is not found anywhere in the Constitution. Fact is: these cheerleaders were within their right to express their faith as long as it wasn't directed by the school officials and made use of public funds, which it wasn't and didn't. Some of these comments reveal an anti-religious bias, and they are free to express themselves in this way even at school functions. But they do not have the authority to muzzle the expression of others. That is what is un-Constitutional.
I work in the Ft. Oglethorpe community and I am VERY PROUD of the LFO cheerleaders and students that are standing up for their religious beliefs. These students are Christians and have a right to display their signs and pray before their "school sponsored" activities. I hope that these young people keep up the good work and my family and I will be at the Friday night game to support you with signs in hand and Warrior T-shirts on!!! GOD BLESS YOU!!!!
I can't believe we have such an escalation on this non-issue as to whether or not biblical writings should be allowed during school sponsored events. I am a Christian, therefore I willingly submit to God's law- you know- the one that says we should follow the law of the land. Since that law is to keep ALL religious views out of government sponsored events, then these signs should not be allowed. Any sign for any religion should not be allowed. I am glad someone spoke up for their rights and requested the signs be removed. Whoever allowed these children to make signs like this should have known better. They are ultimately responsible for the mess this has created. I would assume that would be the coach for the team. Certainly, that individual's participation in this should be investigated and I wouldn't be surprised if they just had these children doing this to cause this discord that we are seeing.
When I was in high school not too long ago I remember very distinctly that we had a Code of Conduct which spelled out many things we should not do. At the time, I scoffed at the idea that someone had to be told not to wear rebel flags or swastikas. To me, it was pretty obvious that these things would be disruptive. Now I understand why they had all those rules.
After reading the uninformed comments here, I had to add my 2 cents. I'm Wiccan, and the Wiccan reed states: Do what you will as long as you harm no one. I personally do not see any harm from this. In fact, these students are displaying the kind of civility and character we need from teens today. I have seen more outrage over "religion in schools" than I have about the Chicago gang beating of a student 2 days ago. WHY? Maybe if we had more students listening to these messages and living this way, we would have a lot less violence. I personally don't care which religion they follow. They should be allowed to show bible verses, walk the field doing a Buddist chant, discuss reincarnation against evolution. The point is, too many people are complaining about this, and for what reason? Are they so ignorant of our history and our laws? Let’s look at this logically.
No where is "separation of church and state" mentioned in the constitution, the bill of rights or even the federalist papers. NONE, it isn't there!!!! It is NOT a viable argument. If you want to use a legitimate argument, by our LAW the US Constitution, you do not have one.
The first amendment of the bill of rights says very clearly: "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."
In this case and others like it, the government is NOT establishing a religion. BUT the students are exercising their freedom, which CANNOT be prohibited, by law! They are also exercising their freedom of speech.
We, as a country should spend more time focusing on what the bad kids are doing, rather than harrassing the good kids. Religion in general brings morals, and morals are what teens need. This is not just a Christian thing, but a society thing. Giving teens encouragement and the chance to express and be part of their religious views is good for all society.
Look, I have no reason to support these kids. I get more flack about my beliefs from Christians than anyone else. But I would rather have that, than have the government controlling all religion. At least this way I have a voice. You should pay attention to your freedom before your petty whining ends freedom for all.
When you demand government control of one group just because you don't like something, the government will be happy to help, and take control of all. Try tolerance rather than control, in doing so you secure your own freedoms too.
Podiebell, I am not a religous person, but you are the first Christian who has had the common sense to see the distiction between legal and religous issues. The majority blindly spout my way or the highway while you recognize there is a time and place for everything and religion at school has no time or place today. If these pro banner people want there way, send all therir kids to private school and do not attempt to FORCE their opinions on those who do not agree withit, it is called HYPOCRISY
Well written and well said jimcarwest. As for me...I am not a spiritual man, and never have been.Why?? I honestly have no answer.Thru out school I just sat there quietly, minding my own business,not whinning,not going home to mom and dad complaining, not calling the aclu or getting a lawyer. But I send my son to a Christian School...Hmmm. WHY?? Now what would you Religious Haters make of that? The State of Public Schools is nothing less then a Indoctrination Point for self loathing,self pity,self hate,libralism,anti americanism,re-written history,anti-constitutionalism,I could fill this page ...it's OK to believe in more than one's self! I read many things everyday by left wingers and Anti Capitilists,Democrats,Anti Americans and just plain Nut Jobs as yourself, it Changes my beliefs in this Great Country "ZERO SUM" as I change yours "Zero" As for the SCHOOL, Stand Up and be Counted!! There is NO REWARD IN COWARDICE!!! If YOU Believe in THE GIRLS LEAD BY EXAMPLE!!! and Confront the EVIL (Lawyers and ACLU) HEAD ON!!!
Pain Means Your Still Alive! ie..EVIL (Lawyers and ACLU) Embrace The Suck! ie..The Worse they make it for you,The more you FIGHT!
For those non-belivers in Christ, I hope you find Christ. The Bible is a history book, it is the most purchased book in our nation. It is about the history of our beginning and the end to come. We are not to judge one another. We are to love our neighbor as thyself. We are to treat others the way we want to be treated. I would rather spend my life thinking their is a GOD and a better place then to spend my life thinking there is not a GOD and find out there is. Not all believers are fake in what they believe. Just because you believe in GOD does not make you a hillbilly, stupid or uneducated. GOD loves all his people regardless of faith, race, creed or color. He does not wish for one to perish but to have everlasting life with him. GOD does not care what we look like, how we dress, how much money we have or how popular we are. He cares that we accept him and believe he died for our sins. I am not a tax payer of the county, but I support the LFO High School, I volunteer my time and raise money for the school and school funtions. Please be careful in the ugly nasty comments being made about the cheerleaders, we need to remember, they are children and we will have to account for our actions, GOD is our judge and will judge our actions.
I attended the rally last night and I live in Chattanooga. I was very happy and proud to see Christians coming together for something we believe in. I am very sad to see the hostile and frankly, the ignorant comments posted in response to this peaceful gathering of people. I am not a current resident of Georgia nor have I ever attended LFO but I am a Christian and was happy to support other Christians taking a stand for something. Judging by the turnout, it seems to me that the majority has spoken. Couldn't this issue be voted on rather than hurling insults at one another on a website?
It is true, the phrase "separation of church and state" does not actually appear anywhere in the Constitution.
Some people draw incorrect conclusions from this fact. The absence of this phrase does not mean that it is an invalid concept or that it cannot be used as a legal or judicial principle.
There are any number of important legal concepts which do not appear in the Constitution with the exact phrasing people tend to use. For example, nowhere in the Constitution will you find words like "right to privacy" or even "right to a fair trial." Does this mean that no American citizen has a right to privacy or a fair trial? Does this mean that no judge should ever invoke these rights when reaching a decision? These do not appear either: • The Air Force • Congressional Districts • The Electoral College • Executive Order • Executive Privilege • Freedom of Expression • God • Impeachment means removal from office • Innocent until proven guilty • It's a free country • Judicial Review • Jury of Peers • Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness • Marriage • Martial Law • No taxation without representation • Number of Justices in the Supreme Court • Of the people, by the people, for the people • Political Parties • Primary Elections • Qualifications for Judges • The right to privacy • The right to travel • The right to vote • The separation of church and state • The Separation of Powers Clause
What's with this squeaky wheel nonsense?!? Whatever happened to free speech? This administration??????????
After reading this story, it saddens me when a quote by a great leader that is recorded in the oldest living document in any societies history is given, people are allowed to dismiss their words of encouragement and exhortation as unworthy of benefiting our society because they come from the Bible.
Historically this country was started by followers of Jesus Christ that left societies who also were intolerant of free speech. They suffered hardships so that the rest of us would have an opportunity to live in this great Nation. They established a form of Government that has lead our Nation to be one of the strongest Nations in the entire world. I think we need to remember our history.
Free Speech in America is getting less and less and less, well that is if you are practicing your right to Freedom of Religion and choose to be a follower of Jesus Christ. Since I personally believe that this Nation is only great because of the one living God, Jesus Christ when we exclude Him from our lives, it won't be long before this Nation won't be great anymore at all.
I wonder if it would be okay for someone to display a sign that reads "The Devil has your back, go team go!" or some other such nonsense...If you want to practice religion, do it in church or at home. If you disagree with seperation of church and state, then you need a history lesson.
God isn't going to win the football game for you. The cheerleaders who prounounce their faith with thier illustrious signs will not be thinking about their religious beliefs when when they attend the after-party and have premarital sex while smoking weed and drinking alcohol...
i Bow before these young people!! Hoorah,for somebody taking a stand for ourChristain values!! I don
t know where the Elijahs are, maybe GOD is raising up some! Seems like the older generations care more about their paychecks than they do leading our country and standing up for JESUS!!How we need some modern day dicipels like the ones in THE BIBLE,When they beat them and told them not to speak in that name anymore, but they went out rejoing beacuse they were worthy to suffer for Jesus.I think it is time for a lot of preachers to step down from their pulpits if they cant take astand for what is right.I have been wondering when God was going to spew the LUKEWARM church out of his mouth, I think he is about ready to do just that!! Keep going Young people,I am with you all the way! Maryewilson39@yahoo.comChristain
The reason we have people who fuss about things like these banners is that Christians have not obeyed God in this country. Yes there is much hypocrisy in Christendom and it is the Church's fault. God told us three things. Love HIM with all we have and are; Love our neighbor as ourselves because the way we demonstrate love for God is to love our neighbors and obey HIS commandments; finally we were to make disciples.
We teach and preach but making disciples is different. Firstly the discipler must have the character and morals and fruit of the spirit we want the disciple to have because disciples become like their disciplers however we are. Second discipling is sometime messy and difficult and most of the time we are unwilling to go that far for people. Jesus gave HIS life.
The final thing is that the Church has been unwilling to confront sin in their own ranks, thus the hypocrisy. I applaud these cheerleaders and those who support them. But we have almost lost a generation. We need much more than cheerleaders and signs to win them back.
You all need to get togather and wear christian phrases on you shirts at the game...
It upsets me to no end how people are disgracing what so many brave men and women fought and died for, FREEDOM... our forefathers fought, they gave their lives, they had morals, they loved the United States of America and they proved it, now we have the fast talking lawyers who represent the so called atheist and are selling the moral ethics of this country out for the all mighty dollar ! Wake up America ! It is time that we stop worrying about what is politically correct and start thinking about the moral of this country. It is a crying shame that our schools can teach our children that it's O.K. to have sex as long as it's protected, but they can't say a prayer before a ball game ? And you poor unsuspecting parents wonder why your daughter came home expecting a baby out of wedlock ? Well DUH.. open your eyes, don't be afraid to take a stand, These students at Lakeview-Fort Oglethorpe High School should be given medal of honors !
After reading articles of this type, I often wonder how our nation got its self in such a state. Today students are forced to hide, or even denounce a God who has endowed mankind set of natural laws, which are the very basis of this nations legal and governing system. The founding documents of this nation speak of these God endowed truths that human kind is destined to enjoy. Thomas Jefferson, in fact insured that Christian doctrine, symbols, and quotes fount their way into our governing documents, and onto our currency.
I for one am happy that these students are taking a stand. I certainly feel that it is time to stand behind them. If we do not, what liberties are we in danger of loosing next?
More shocking to many people is that our courts seem to be stacked with judges and justices who cannot understand the English language.
“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 (Amendment 1, The Constitution of the United States of America).
“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof;”
Now, I am not a Harvard Law Review Graduate, Thank God, but I translate the above statement to mean that Congress will not make any laws that will create a state church, or require church membership as a pre-requisite for citizenship.
In fact, I am of the opinion that laws that prohibit prayer, reading or displaying scripture in schools, or public places are nothing but, law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; and must be repealed.
Just a thought
Wayne Vann
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