Should Cheerleaders Be Allowed to Display Religion-Themed Banners?

What is wrong with you people. Don’t Americans have freedom of choice and speeck.

This country was founded by people looking for religious freedom. Now, the minority are trying to remove the very reason the United States exists in the first place. What is a “religious symbol”? A heart pendant is not considered religious until you wrap a piece of thorny vine around it. I can’t think of a single thing that has power over me unless I GIVE IT THAT POWER. Christians wearing crosses, Jews wearing the Star of David, Native Americans wearing traditional garb…why should it bother anyone else what a person displays as a religious symbol? If I worship Mother Nature and wear a leaf pendant, WHO CARES and WHY???

If the words on that paper banner those kids are running thru were obscenities or racially charged statements or religious statements from other religions than Christianity would you care? The fact is religion is a highly personal and emotionally charged issue – no one likes to see their religion placed secondary to another’s and that is precisely why it matters. Christians are not the only people in the United States, and while they religious right would love to think its a matter of freedom of speech, its a matter of freedom of RELIGION. You do not go about promoting peace and well being by disrespecting those people who want to watch the game, support the school without being hammered with religious ideology that differs from their own.

Thanks God (sarcasm) for the Supreme Court. The Court made the right decision.

This is a violation of MY CIVAL RIGHTS TO HAVE GOD IN MY LIFE AT SCHOOL! If you don’t like it…DON’T COME TO THE GAME!!!!

no no no. It’s a public school. If they want to go to a Christian school, then they can do that.

why doesn’t ABC post a poll as to who agrees and who doesn’t?

No, there is no room for this in PUBLIC school. All of our children don’t follow the bible and it is wrong to force this upon them.

if they want religion in their school, go to a religious school

so who’s idea was it to make them stop? everyone interviewed said they liked them. what country do we live in any way?

ABSOLUTELY!!!! We have kids here in Chicago that are literally beating one another to death!! I would SOOOOO rather have the kids have something positive in their lives to replace all of the hatred and anger we are seeing. And no, I am not religious, I just can’t stand the hatred and violence any longer!

If the students want to use these banners, then they should be able to. Majority rules and in this case, the minority wins which is not right. When 99% of the student body and parents like the tradition….it needs to stay. Don’t like it, get over it or change schools.

The Constitution does say “freedom of religion”. This is an act of religion, and it is their right to display that freedom as they choose.

NO…SEPARATION OF CHURCH AND STATE

NO. separation of church and state!

If everyone wants the scriptures except for one person, where is the justice in that? Let them vote on it. Majority wins.

We all have freedom of speech and freedom of religion.

Yes, we took prayer out of schools and look what our country is like now. If you do not want prayer and scripture go live in another country.

Separation of church and state.
Yes, those banners are unconstitutional. The superintendent did the correct thing to have them removed.

The cheerleaders were “student leading” this inititave. No school staff was leadning it. So by all legal facts they have the constituional right to display scripture all they want!

yes. They should be able to display the banners. What happened to the things our forefathers fought for? We have freedom of speech!

The cheerleaders were “student leading” this inititave. No school staff was leadning it. So by all legal facts they have the constituional right to display scripture all they want!

If they require everyone to pray to “God” and view text from the Bible, they should also require everyone pray to “Allah” and view text from the Quran…and every other religion.
All religious practices should be kept in the privacy of their homes not on the public grounds of a high school football field.

I could see if the ENTIRE student body agreed that it was what they desired, but i’d bet money that there are more than a few kids who disagree but are scared to speak up.

The Constitution of the United States of America [our country] limits what Congress can do. To apply that to states or other municipal entities is Un-Constitutional because the First Amendment also guarantees the right of people to freedom of speech and religion. Where are the people of integrity in our courts and leadership? This stupidity must end or We, the People, will need to take our country back to its roots again.

Yes. It IS legal and can be proven so in court

ABSOLUTELY!!

This is a no-brainer. Of course the banners are unconstitutional. It matters not that the students, parents, or administrators like them. They are antithetical to our secular Constitution.

Of course they should be allowed to keep their banners. Last I looked, this is still America.

The school was right to pull the banners—it is clearly unconstitutional. A compromise of letting the banners be up across the street is a better solution.

There is no reason why they should not be allowed to display the banners. We are promised religious freedom and freedom of speech. It’s about time we recognized religion as important.

I agree with some of the others… What would all those conservative Christians do if there was a group of Muslims or Satanists on the field with preachings from their religions??? I guarantee that there would be outrage!!!

One person started this!! You have to be kidding. Christians need to stand up and reclaim our rights.

Christian statements have no place in schools: We are a diverse nation, and that means being respectful of all religions, and being respectful of nonbelievers. It’s important for schools to model this universal respect.

This is America and if they want to Praise God then they should be able to do it. For without God we as America are nothing

How about Allah is Great…would that work for those religous fanatics that need more than their church to espouse there beliefs?

No. It’s about time we stopped having the bible shoved down our throats.

Why is it that everyone has the freedom of speech except Christians?

Yes. The cheerleaders should absolutely be allowed to display the banners. And anybody else that wants to display their banner, be they Muslim, Jewish, Atheist or whatever, should be allowed to display their banners, too. Give me a break. We have become so PC we are smothering the enthusiasm of these teenagers.

No. The public school is not a church.
For those who seek religion, there is
a church on every corner in this country.
Schools should not be an extension
of the churches.

Yes. I feel it should be displayed…I feel if they don’t want to read the signs, just don’t read it. America was built on Christian foundation, no other faith, no other belief. The same way atheists their beliefs on us, we have a right to share our beliefs. Freedom of speech.

Whatever happened to majority rule? Oh yea. Now it only matters if no one complains against you. If you don’t like the signs the cheerleaders use, then wait until after the players have taken the field before you go in. Otherwise, leave the kids alone.

They were not religious banners, but Christian banners,
I wonder what they would think if he Gay and Lesbian Churches would select the banners.
They have no place in a public school

If this was a private, religious school, then they can do something like this. But this is a public school and the fact that the superintendent just realized that they are ripe for a lawsuit…is amazing.
When I was in High School, we use to say the Lords Prayer before a football game. I always was repulsed by it (as I was when I had to say the Pledge of Allegiance). If I would have thought about it, I may have tried for a lawsuit. It is remarkably innapropriate to do something like this.

Yes, this country was based on religion. I agree with Micky Rooney.
If we were in a Muslum country we would expect a prayer in their culture.
Why do we allow one person to change the wish of the many. Common sense is dead.

No, this should not be allowed. Public school sponsored events are not the place for anything religious except private prayers.

yes they should bre able to have their banners

Of course the kids should be able to use these banners, if it was anything else but about God , this would have gone un noticed.

This country was founded on God’s principles and any school should be allowed to display God’s message to all of us.

It is completely unfair that because one person complains, the wishes of the entire student body go ignored. The cheerleaders should be allowed to continue with the religious banners.

Forget God and football. These guys and gals should concentrate on studying for the betterment of this country. Yes, and down with religion. I wouldnt want my kids to be brainwashed.

I graduated from Lakeview-Fort Oglethorpe and so did my three kids. We have lived in this area all of my life. I am so proud of the community and the KIDS especially for standing up for what is important to them and for Christ!

This is freedom of speech. From the TV report, it looks like most of the town would like to continue the tradition. If someone has a problem with the banner, they can stay home from the game!

Since when has one person been the majority?

No they shouldn’t be able to. It’s a football game, not church. It’s a public school and, personally, as a person attending a game with something like that I would feel it was being pushed at me. I believe people have a right to religion but I also believe people have a right to NOT have religion be a part of what they do if they don’t want it to be. If you want to have church, then go to church!

Yes the cheerleaders should be able to put up religious banners for the football team. Freedom of speech one of is their rights. Christians are being persecuted in the United States of America.

If it were the teachers or staff making the banners, it would not be appropriate, because these people are paid by the government and therefore representatives of it.
However, this is the students making these banners on their own time. The students are not government employees and have every right to express themselves as they see fit.

tHE CHEERLEADERS SHOULD CONTINUE TO DISPLAY THERE RELIGIOUS BANNERS. tHIS IS THERE RIGHT

Off campus, such actions are fine. On campus, it infringes on the First Amendment’s separation of school and religion. No endorsments at or by the school. The same should go for the “meet me by the flag” prayer ceremonies that happen on many school grounds.

If the cheerleaders and the team want to put up the signs, they should be allowed to do so. Just because one person doesn’t like it does not mean it should go away. If that were the case, we would all be Communist and listen to the rules of one person. Yes it is a school, but it is not funded by the school. If God were in schools more often, morals, manners, and less school shootings would be the result.

We have to bend by the rules that made it illegal to display anything religious because non-Christians may be offended. I am offended by the LACK of it. The laws should cover that aspect of it.

The school did not tell the students what to put on their signs. The students are expressing themselves in their own way. Yes, it is a school function, but technically the students are in charge of the signs and what they put on them, so no one should have the right to take that away from them. They are taking away their 1st amentdment rights…Freedom of Speech.

I think they should be allowed to continue the “tradition”. For those people “offended” by the signs, what is the worst thing that can happen by those signs being held up? Is anyone forcing anyone to read the signs? Is anyone forcing anyone to be a Christian? Christians aren’t trying to force anyone to believe what we believe, so why are non-believers trying to force us to give up our beliefs or keep them quite?

Yes. I feel that they should be able to carry religious banners.
Ann Marie

I do think that this should be disallowed, but only because I understand a little bit about government. However, I do like the idea, as a Christian myself, that they are not letting this stop them. People will do what they want to, and if they cannot fly banners like this on the field, they will fly them off of the school campus.

Religion should be allowed in school. Everyone should have the right to their faith. We keep taking God out of everything and look how things keep getting worse. Coincidence, I don’t think so.

As long as the religious message is from the Qur’an, I would be fine with the actions.

Yes, the cheerleaders should be able to encourage the football players with scriptures.

Let them do it. Anybody who’s against should just ignore them. Saying that “it’s religion and it should be kept out” is unfair, as religious people in public schools are forced to listen to atheist garbage all the time. So be fair and allow them to do it.

I hope the woman who called the school about this that caused the change really feels good about herself. Sad that one person can destroy what otherwise was a harmless, inspirational tradition.

Yes, if the football players and cheerleaders want it. One person’s opinion should not over rule the majority. Our country was based on freedom of speech. Why should this display not fall under that right? We have come so politically correct in our society, that we have forgotten where our roots came from

Yes, they should be allowed! We have freedom OF religion in this country, not freedom FROM religion. People who are offended, get over it!
Jim – If another religion wants to display their signs they have total freedom to do so, but this community supports this tradition. Why should one person ruin it?

I can’t believe some of you. I bet if they left the Bible reference off, you would not have a clue it was a Bible verse. So cheerleaders, try that. There are so many founding fathers that quoted the Bible and these people wouldn’t know they were reading quotes from the BIBLE.
Shame on you. This country was founded on religious bases. Our country would not be the country it is, if it wasn’t for that foundation on which is was founded.

Why is it one person can dictate what has been tradition???? Why is it one person ruins something that is wanted and accepted by these children and their parents? If this one person doesn’t like the tradition of prayer, let that person go to a school that practices non-belief, atheism or agnosticism. As long as there are tests in school, there will be prayer!!!!

This political correctness has to stop! Why should the many (the tradition) have to succumb to one or few that complain. Its time we stand to stop this foolishness. I take no stand on the issue of religion but just because someone (one or few0 don’t like something is is wrong, just wrong, that we have some to this sort of idiocy.

Lets look at it as ONE person complained. Is that another case of the minorty rules the majorty?

In a world so absent of morals,values and integrity how can children be condemned for their faith?

No, it is a public school and there is suppose to be a separation of religion and state.

No, The proper place for this is in private schools and on Sunday mornings. Besides, God is a basketball fan.

I’m sick of this squeaky wheel syndrome- what has happened to our freedom of Speech!!!!!!!

Yes, they should. Just because a few people are not religious – this does help the people who are. If you don’t believe in it, ignore it–if you do then participate – there is no need to make trouble about it either way. We have so many more important things — remember this saying ” Pick your battles well”.

i believe the stundents SHOULD BE ALLOWED to display scriptures!!!!!

I’d be hard pressed to argue for the separation of church and state if the sign read, “Render unto Caesar what is Caesar’s.”

I don’t know what all the fuss is about. This is a government high school, so 80% of the students can’t read well enough to know what the banners say anyhow.

No way! It’s a public school and highly inappropriate as well as illegal.

What is happening in this country. Why is God being removed from everything. The U.S. will pay the price if we allow God to be thrown out. IN GOD WE TRUST!
The majority of people in this country believe in God, why are we allowing a few to distroy him?

As a wise friend said: This country was founded by people looking for religious freedom. Now, the minority are trying to remove the very reason the United States exists in the first place. What is a “religious symbol”? A heart pendant is not considered religious until you wrap a piece of thorny vine around it. I can’t think of a single thing that has power over me unless I GIVE IT THAT POWER. Christians wearing crosses, Jews wearing the Star of David, Native Americans wearing traditional garb. why should it bother anyone else what a person displays as a religious symbol? If I worship Mother Nature and wear a leaf pendant, WHO CARES and WHY? I absolutely believe all this and It is time we all just respected each other as long as we don’t hurt any one else. Live and let live!

The constitutions says ‘freedom OF religion’ NOT ‘freedom FROM religion’

These are good kids that play sports and cheerlead. Let them do what they have done for years. Too much is put into this.

Doesn’t a majority count anymore? Most of the teachers, parents, and students (cheerleaders, players, spectators) find it encouraging/motivating. How about everyone else just leave them alone this time?!

Yes!! What happened to Freedom of Speech and Freedom of Religion?!?!?
If the school is dictating that it HAS to be done, then that is a different story. But if the players and cheerleaders want to do it and are all in agreement, then what is the harm!!

I think they should be able to. It hasn’t been a problem before. Just take a look at the problems in schools since the pledge and prayer has been taken out. Maybe they should leave things like they were in the begining.

No. I like traditions but this is an unfortunate, unnecessary, and inappropriate one. It is a public school. There are students at the school and members of the community who are not of the Christian faith. How would the “Christians” of Ft. Oglethorpe react if the banners had religious messages from the Koran? I can already hear the uproar all the way over here in Western North Carolina.

The carpet is being pulled right out from under us in this country. What the hell is happening?

Let them have the banner, In a democratic world the majority rules.

Yes they should be able to hold the banners. This is an established tradition of the school and respected by the majority of the community. Just because one person doesn’t like something doesn’t mean it has to be stopped. I believe our rights as Americans are violated by the enabling of one person to contradict the wishes of an entire community.

The first amendment says that congress will not make any law that establishes a state religion nor will they prohibit the free practice of religion. By prohibiting the team from running through banners of scripture, when it is their own choice to do so, prohibits the free practice of their religion. Thus, this prohibition actually breaks the first amendment.

Yes!! Freedom of Speech, and Freedom of Religion. Our fore fathers passed it in the Constitution!

Absolutely not.
Freedom of religion = Freedom from religion.
Plain and simple.

Okay, so I attend a school near LFO, and I completely agree with everything the cheerleaders are doing. This is a community tradition. What exactly are we afraid of happening? That LFO will indoctrinate the other team? Seriously, what bad can happen by allowing the students to show themselves motivated by Christ?

I bet the person who had the problem with the banner, doesnt mind spending the money that says, “IN GOD WE TRUST”!

Absolutly should be allowed.

I think the schools should have religion, look how crazy everything is sense the removal of God from the schools. Put it on a ballot let’s vote.

Get real people….this whole thing is getting out of hand. This country is going to the dogs….you know why? Because it was founded on a Christian basis and it is no longer that. People are taking God out of everything and we are going down. That’s the truth! God is our only hope…without Him, we’re doomed! People live today and don’t have any remorse for what they do…they kill, steal, etc….I am grateful for the people of this country that still have morals and values and serve God. We must stand together!

No. Go to church, synagogue or mosque if you want to talk to God. Or do it at home. No need for it to be at schools.

what happened to freedom of speech? And, what happened to the democratic process? The majority should rule!!

It’s time this country embraced its roots once again. The majority should rule not the few who just want to make trouble for the sake of making trouble. If these folks don’t like the scripture, they don’t need to read it or they can stay from the games.

Yes. Let the cheerleaders decide what the run through signs should be. One disenting voice should not dismiss the tradition and desires of the majority.

I agree how can ONE person decide what the majority wants? Take a vote the majority should win. If you don’t believe then it shouldn’t matter what the sign says.This country was FOUNDED on Christianity.

Christians are loosing more and more of their rights. I admire the team for standing up for what they believe.God bless you!!!!

Religious banners have no place in the public school arena. We are multi-cultural & should be respectful of the differing religious backgrounds within the student population. Religion belongs in the home & church community.

I think that all schools need to go back to the foundation of reading the bible and church. This is the MAIN reason why the schools and kids are out of control now. Just as soon as prayer was taking out of school we began to have situation such as school shootings and etc……..the people of this country need to all get on their knees and pray!

i just wanted to say that I’m sadden by all this on religion , America was based on people looking for freedom of religion. then people wounder why the kids are the way they are since God has been taken out of school the schools have gotten worst thats the problem people have forgotten to pray

Yes, they should be able to display the religious banners….what is this country coming too? We have to accept those who do not wish the religious things portrayed, but where are the rights of the religious that wish to have that freedom as speech….seems one sided to me

Amazing! The great nation whose heritage is deeply rooted in the Judeo-Christian God is collapsing because we have turned our backs on the One who we once worshipped. Our grandparents believed in Jesus Christ but our children are encouraged to follow any false belief that opposes the Truth!

Yes of course – our country was founded on religious principles and let the people have freedom of speech. One person’s complaint threatening to bring legal action against the school should not bring a good thing to an end.

For those spewing freedom of religions what about those having this forced on them that might be non religious? You can’t have it both ways and being this is a tax paid for school it has the same limitations that the government has regarding separation of church and state

Once again the desires of a very small group overrides what the great majority wants. PC rides again

I wish more schools put up religious banners. The biggest mistake we ever made was to ban prayer in public schools. Each year there is more violence and chaos in our schools. Maybe we should bring God back and see what happens!

Of course they should be allowed. If it is a tradition, then it should definitely be allowed. If someone doesn’t like it, then don’t go to the games. It’s that simple.

Of coarse they should be able to raise thease banners. This is the number one issue that is wrong with America. We are pushing God out of everything the court systems, school systems, and now friday night lights. Thease are scary times that we live in and God is who we should be running to not pushing away.

just another way to take away the teaching
of that folks are responsible for their actions. Religion is one of the main ways
that children can be taught that there are consequences to actions. No religion means no responsibility to anyone else in the world. It is a gross disrespect to
the principles of our founding fathers
ernie

The constitution protects all our rights.The only thing separation of church and states means is this: the government can’t tell you what religion to belong to period. That school should be allowed their right of free speech as well as the religious bashing people.

NO!!! Unless its a religious school. Keep it out of Public Schools! Not everyone is a believer and I’m sick of it being forced onto everyone.

What is happening to the America I was born into 50 years ago? It appeared to me in the story that the kids and the administration of the school was okay with their banners, so why does the court system have to have their hands into everything these days. God does protect the world, what is wrong with acknowledging that? God help us, we are headed for a very big fall.

No. It’s a public school and unless I’m wrong, there is still a separation of “church” and state. When they are ready to put Islamic quotes on their banners, it might be time to reconsider. I doubt that’s going to happen in Georgia any time soon.

I would love to see an interview with the one lone woman who brought up the complaint in the first place. What’s her motivation for complaining? Can she really, truly be offended by verses meant to encourage success? I don’t get it. It’s the culture of this community to display these signs before a football game. How DARE one lone person with a chip on her shoulder squash the culture of an entire community? This woman clearly hasn’t had anything precious taken away from her. I shake my head in shame at her attitude. Shameful. Just shameful.

most definetely!

I do not think that any organization, especially one that is part of public education should be allowed to endorse, display any ideology as personal and intimate as religious beliefs. I am a Christian. It is not right that I or anyone should push there personal beliefs in the face of others. I wonder would this community in Georgia be so eager to display religious beliefs if the words came from the Koran or the Torah?

Freedom of Religion! This is a free country! They have every right to post any banner’s they want too. I support the cheerleaders and all who are a part of the team! They have every right to show there support for there team in any way! God Bless America

No …
public school = no religion.
period.

I believe the school system should allow these phrases to be shown….it is a tradition, it is ONE scripture and not the entire Bible…and it has not been an issue UNTIL now. The students’ voice is even pro-banners with inspirational messages….
In this case, it just so happens the inspirational messages are coming from the Bible. I believe, since it is a way to uplift their players. Additionally, it is a way to provide and rally around their team.

The people of Northwest Georgia rallied around the LFO cheerleaders in a beautiful rally this week. The wishes of the few are being imposed on the many. People who do not wish to see a banner that is displayed for a few seconds before the players run through it can look away. The complaint about the banner backfired. The front page of the local showed the banner above the fold on Wednesday. It has been on every news cast. So now, who really won? I support anyone’s right to worship. Why does no one support the rights of Christians?

What is wrong with the leaders. Our country has always been a Christian community. It may be a public school but it funded by mostly Religious people’s tax dollars.

The constitution was written on God by our founding Fathers! Our Country “America” is for God! How can this be un constitutional?
Our Money says In God we Trust. We are American who fight for that freedom. It is Unconstitutional not to include God.
This is a sad day that just shows how much more we need God. “God Bless America”.

No,no,no.Cheers to the parent who questioned the banner.

OF COURSE IT IS OK. ALL ANYONE WHO HAS A PROBLEM WITH THIS IS REALLY WORRIED ABOUT IS SOMEONE MAY HAVE A DIFFERENT OPINION THAN THEIR OWN. IT IS OK TO TELL OUR KIDS ANYTHING BUT THE TRUTH AND THE TRUTH IS THIS COUNTRY WAS BUILT ON THE FAITH IN JESUS CHRIST AND THE VERY FOUNDATION OF THE CONSTITUTION WAS WRITTEN BY FAITH BASED MEN. LET THE KIDS HAVE THEIR BANNERS OR QUIT LETTING THE PUBLIC TELEVISIONS AND RADIO STATIONS USE PROFANITY ON A DAILY BASIS.

Sorry I should have type Public School..

No one is saying that God can’t be in people’s lives at school – but the school cannot put one religion over another. Just because the majority of people in this school system want the Bible verses doesn’t mean that it is constitutional. Everyone should be comfortable at public school events – and there is no way that atheists, Muslims, Jews, or any other religious group would be comfortable with the large display of Bible verses. It is baffling how upset people are getting over this. The court/school system made the right decision.

I understand the constitution and the Bible. If the majority of the school system are not offended by the religious statements then they need to stand. Whomever has a problem with it doesn’t have to go to the football games and should maybe think of moving out of the bible belt!

It is stupid and unconventional that the tradition of many and the glory of God be stopped as not to offend one person. America has the right of freedom of worship and this is what makes us different and unique. Our rights are not something to be oppresed

Seems that the majority of the people want to have the religious banners. Why does ONE person get their way. That is WRONG. This is a country, for now. It seems it won’t be long that it won’t be free.

yes they should be allowed …they even should be allow to pray for their team..

Would it be ok to write verses from the Koran? The “christians” would freak out. This is a PUBLIC school. No religion should be mentioned! Can’t these folks worship thier god at home and in thier churches?

This country was built on religion and freedom of speech. Have we forgot…after all what are we fighting for in foreign countries. I say if the community and schools want it, let it be!!!!!!! For the love of God

That should be alowed! Freedom of religon people!! BY THE WAY… GOD ROX!!

Maybe they can’t afford to go to a private school. And they want to express their beliefs still.
I mean, if you don’t like it, don’t go to the game. Man, what is wrong with our world?
I wonder what Jesus thinks about this.

IF THE KIDS AND PARENTS WANT TO HAVE THE SIGNS LEAVE THEM ALONE IF THE ONES OF YOU THAT DONT LIKE IT STAY HOME OR GO TO ANOTHER STATE~

Students should be able to continue their tradition. We need to exercise religious tolerance of all religions and freedom to express whatever religion that is, not restricting people from expression. Those who are athiest have a right to express that opinion. How would you feel if someone told you that you didn’t have a right to express that opinion?

Football is a sport, Christ is our savior and if you are a winner in Christ, then football doesn’t matter!!!!!

The few should not be tell the many what to do. If the community as a whole wants to do it they should be able to do it.
If the community is Athiests then we would not be having this conversaiton.
We are heading down a road to no return. You have lost the vision of this country.

Freedom of speech. America ? Do you fear God ?
Enough of this sillyness. BELIEVE
If you do not believe then it shouldn’t bother you !

ABSOLUTELY, THE BANNERS ARE GREAT AND FREEDOM OF their SPEECH, LET THEM ALONE

Our forefathers came to this country to express their religion. They fled from oppression. We seem to have forgotten our founding father’s principal’s. If those who do not wish to see Christian principals, let them find a country that they do agree with or just look the other way. I’m tired of everyone stopping me from expressing my faith in public because it might offend someone. I’m offended that they won’t let me express myself. As for me and my family, WE WILL SERVE THE LORD.

I agree with forpetesake22:
“You do not go about promoting peace and well being by disrespecting those people who want to watch the game, support the school without being hammered with religious ideology that differs from their own.”

I think the majority of kids don’t see a problem with this. Seems to me the parents are the ones with problems. PEOPLE ITS A BANNER.. TAKE THAT ENERGY AND USE IT FOR GOOD.

THIS NATION IS SUPPOSE TO BE A CHRISTIAN NATION. TO MUCH OF OUR RIGHTS HAVE BEEN TAKEN AWAY BY JUST A FEW. THE CHEER LEADERS SHOULD BE ALLOWED TO CARRY THE BANNER. GOD DOES HELP AND PROTECT OUR PLAYERS.THEY HAVE GONE TOO FAR TRYING TO TAKE THIS FREEDOM AWAY FROM TRUE CHRISTIANS.

I don’t see anyone complaining about “In GOD we trust” on you money.
Part of what is wrong with America today is that we hare removed GOD from so many things.

If these students want to do this what is wrong with it? If it draws the kids together why end it. One adult ruins a tradition for a whole school. It is strange when we have a disaster the country is asked to pray. Don”t reas the sign.

The school/cheerleaders should be allowed to continue their signs.
It’s not just freedom of speech, but freedom of religion.
Just wait until Jesus returns!
If I’m wrong, then no harm done.
But when I’m proven right, I know where I will be, what about you?

Your darn right they should be allowed to carry a banner with religious themes. As long as they’re school and community are in favor of it. Let’s face it, 51% is a majority and it seems like more than 90% of this small town are in favor of it. Is this america or what?

why does something like this positive position these young people are taking seem to raise the ire of those who have no sense about the rights of many.. If we would only focus on the things that need fixed instead of raising a fuss about religious rights of a few this country would be better off. Who did the majority call on when 911 happened ? and where did they flock to? Their local churches!!!!!!!!!

The Constitution protects the freedom of religion that includes in public schools. If the team and chearleader support it then they are endorsing it not the school system. The school system should not be liable or have any authority to do anything about it under the Constitution.
Why is it that we continually aford more and non christian religions more rights in government and schools but remove it from christianity?

YES, YES, YES, These are great kids, come on folks. We are going to destroy our country if we keep giving in to taking religion out of our schools. We as a country have given in long enough to please others. Its time we stand up for America and what our founding fathers fought and died for. Be glad that they want to include GOD.. Yea for the students.

Why are so meny people scared of the Christian Faith. I don’t understand you would think that someone was holding a gun to their head. Christians are not scary.

;I am sick and tired of a few people ruling this country. It’s time the majority past a constitutional amendment to sold this problem and the few that don’t agree can go someplace else. Without God where would we be, any of us?

I think it is a waste of time that the schools even brought this up. I am all for it and if the football team doesn’t have a problem with it then it should stay. If you are offended then don’t go to the game. It is time that the minority stops telling the majority what they can and can’t do. The Supreme Court is a joke when it comes to these issues since they seem to have forgotten what this country was founded on. I say leave the students alone and worry about a real issue like school safety.

Stop the nonsense now. We as Christians have as much right as anyone else to display banners with Scripture anywhere we want. If one person can stop this and hundreds in Fort Oglethorpe want it, whre is freedom of speech. I don’t like what ABC,NBC, CBS, MSNBC say. But do I petition to stop it, NO, they have a right to their ideas. But we have a right to ours also.

Religion and faith are part of life, YES, the cheerleaders should be able to their display banners. We in the USA say we are the peace keepers, and keepers of Democracy, what shall we legislate and ban next?

Why doesn’t the majority rule anymore? One person complains and everyone jumps?This was a 10 year tradition. It is a banner…..a few seconds and it is gone. There is NO actual separation of church and state in our consitiution. They were not forcing anyone to pray to a certain God. I think we need to have some common sense. It is not that big a deal.

Yes, the cheerleaders should be able to
do what they have been doing the last 10 years. I am begining to wonder what kind of evil is out there?
Ours kids today especially need a basis
to live by no matter what religion you are.
Please people we do have freedom so far, let’s not take it all away!!!!!!!!!!

The school cannot ban their “Freedom of Speech.” The girls should contact Rutherford Institute in Virginia to defend their rights.

Absolutely! If there were an encouraging message on the sign from Ghandi nothing would have been said. This was student made. Not a statue paid for by the city. Why do these kids not have equal rights?

sad world we can’t use in God We Trust on the football field or anywhere else.I thought we had freedom of speach. sick people out there.

YES, YES, please YES. If we had more young people encouraging one another with a Bible verse, this America, founded on the principles of God, would be a safer, kinder, better place. We are one nation under GOD.

Everyone seems to have freedom of speech until it comes to Christian’s sharing their beliefs; then it becomes offensive or unconstitutional. What gives??

I have no problem with the banners, because I’m sure they would be equally welcoming of verses from the Qur’an, the Torah, and the Wiccan scriptures. Oh, they wouldn’t?

You are talking about the BIBLE BELT. Seems it has been going on for years so now all of a sudden it cannot be shown. To some there it’s as sacred as the Rebel Flag..My hometown is about 25 miles south.

As long as the students are doing the work, there is nothing illegal about it. If you don’t like it, take your child out of that school. As long as there is testing and physical activities in the schools, there will be God. Who hasn’t prayed in some form when they were in school?

If the majority of the students at this school share a religious belief that makes these bible quotes meaningful to them, then they should be allowed the ‘freedom of religion’ to express those beliefs. Those that do not agree don’t have to agree, but they do not have the right to prevent the others from expressing their beliefs.
Freedom of religion is guaranteed in our constitution, not freedom FROM religion.

I live here and will be at the game with my own poster and my favorite BIBLE verse…it is my country, my faith, my school and my right.

What’s wrong with the supt. One person makes a comment and the whole community suffers. Let’s get real here people. We as a country are going downhill rapidly. Tradition keeps people together. Then we wonder why are country’s falling apart.

We are a democratic society in every area except religion. If I have to deal non-faithbased traditions and be tolerant of their secular ideologies, they can do the same of societies that are faithbased. It is nonAmerican to remove religion for the sake of a few when the majority want it.

Where is all the “tolerance” about “diversity” of opinion???? Or does that just go one way???? What about the student’s right to freedom of speech? This is not being done by the administration??? Open your minds people!

It seems the majority of Americans believe it okay and even necessary to have such religious people in the USA. It is Christianity that this country was founded on. It is founded on the principles put forth by the Bible. It is yet another example of mankind rejecting the Gospel of Christ because of the innate rebellious nature we each have. It is amazing Good News that Christ came to this earth and died on the cross to pay for our breaking of His law. The appropriate response is only Repentance and Faith. Trust Him Today!!

I am confused. If ONE person can get the signs removed, then why can’t everyone else join together to get them back… especially if it is important to the children.

Maybe we should change the law

I was in the marine corp and it was god country&corps what the heck is going on in america when the few rule for many?

i wonder what abraham lincoln would think. in one of his early speeches as president, he envolked the name of God 171 times.what a time we live in.

As long as our legal tender reads “IN GOD WE TRUST” we can’t take God out of our daily lives and doings.

The constitution of the United States of America exists to protect the minority from the abuse and mistreatment of the majority. The founders of this great nation wisely understood that people with power are apt to abuse it. They crafted the constitution so that one person would not be harassed or demeaned, beaten, enslaved, or mistreated. If you did not have that explained in social studies class you clearly need to go back to school.

It’s their tradition. If the students, parents, and community are okay with it, where is it anyone elses’ business? God bless them for standing up for their “freedon of speech”!!

This is rediculious, how childish is this. Can we not find something else to go after like robberies, people committing crimes. How petty is this, who is it harming. I believe is freedom of speech. Get a life

Everyday our moral values are chipped away a little more. Had the banner contained another religions saying there would have been a lawsuit to allow it. T I hope the country wakes up before it is too late. If this is a tradition and the majority wanted it, what is the big deal?

As a former football player I must say that to stop these kids from coming together as a group is a complete disgrace. The parent that complained should hope that nothing happens to their child while playing sports, for the first thing that all do is pray for the athlete that has come into harm.

They should absolutley should be able to display their signs. Why is it that one person can question it so they have to stop while hundreds liked the idea and are disappointed including the principal and superintendant.

Yes they should! This country was founded on God and we DO HAVE the freedom of speach just as well as those who have the freedom to plug thier ears and shut thier eyes.

absolutely YES
THERE’S FREEDOM OF RELIGION WHY CAN’T THEY BE ALLOWED TO EXPRESS THEIRS

I think it’s ridculous that one person always has to ruin something. It is a way to pump up the football team! That one person should close their eyes if it is that big of a deal. There is always that one person ruining it for everyone just like my graduation. One person complained about having graduation in a Church and now everyone in the area gets to graduate outside rain or shine!

they SHOULD be allowed to have those on the banners. this is whats wrong with our country today. the reason the United States of America is such a damn mess with all this crime, and greed is because of the lack in Christianity and morals.

It’s freedom OF religion not freedom FROM religion. Censorship works both ways – if those kids wish to use a bible verse at their football game no one has the RIGHT to stop them.

Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:10

Yes, they should definitely. Perhaps if everyone looked to God for guidance, our country would not be in the shape it’s in. Maybe the one mother who complained should stay at home.

I think it is good that they are making signs and encourageing the players with bible verses. They have a freedom of religion and speech.

Yes, The cheerleaders should be able to display religious banners. Can you say “freedom of speech” and “freedom of religion”. This country was founded on God and the Bible. The first schools in America were mandated to have the Bible as a required book.
Cheerleaders are to lift the spirits of the football, basketball… teams if these banners are doing so, then really what is the harm?

The Constitution says separation of church and stare. Even Texas has to pay attention to that. They haven’t seceded from the Union yet, have they? Does God care who wins high school football games anyway. Seems there are way bigger problems for God to work on.

The Women of the Student that complained about the Banners should get a Life. If this is what the group wants to do as a whole why should one Stupid Person be able to stop it ! It makes me FURIOUS…..that these People can take something away by making one phone call.
BOO BOO BOO to the
Mother who
Complained.

Whatever happened to freedom of speech and freedom of religon ? Let the kids have their banners. Nothing is wrong with it at all. Larry

Of course they shouldn’t be able to do this. This is a public school, and it doesn’t matter if they bring their own supplies. Do they think God’s going to help them win? What about the other team? What religion would you pick to have at a public school? Support for this comes from the same people who say Obama isn’t the “right” kind of Christian.

Yes – the majority should be able to
determine how they live, and not
be intimidated by a minority.

Are you crazy? We wouldn’t even be here without the God of Heaven and Earth. God Bless America!!!!! Heaven’s Yes! I am so proud of these kids…If the adults took after these kids maybe we wouldn’t have so much crime going on.

God was there before we where and he should be honored.Our country was founded on this. Because we have not our country has been going down from what it use to be.

Everyone is trying to keep God politically correct … I hope He’s
not doing the same. The world is messed-up enough now.

Schools use inspirational quotes often. Why not?

I laughed when I heard the newcaster say that the people against the banner said “it’s unconstitutional”. When was the last time they read the Constitution of the U.S.?? It was founded on Christian principles!!! They have every right to display the banner!!

Why is it that whenever there are “right and positive” displays concerning God a problem arrises. Our children have enough negative things to relate to in their lives, lets allow them to express themselves in a Godly and positive way. There is always a spoil sport in everything.

Christ SHOULD be included in all things, evem in our government buildings and especially in our schools. One nation under GOD!

Majority rules in elections, board meetings, commitee and etc. why do the student, that are following there own hearts. Have to follow the wishs of one. If you let the weak wimping lead the rest, then we a a nation will fall to everyone and everything around us.

Absolutely, yes.
If these students believe in God, the state has no right to deny them free expression of their faith.

Kids running through a Christian banner does not make other religions second class. We have freedom of speech and freedom of religion here, and all religions should be tolerated, even Christianity.

YES, they should be allowed to have Bible verses! This IS still America! Why should a whole community stop because ONE guy didn’t like like it? What happened to majority rule? What happened to freedom of religion and freedom of speech??? It doesn’t HURT anyone to see scripture or to hear a prayer!! Faith is not wicked. ‘Jesus’ and ‘God’ are not dirty words. What kind of crazy mixed up country have we become? It’s time for the majority to stand up. It’s time for Christians to let their voices be heard.

Are you freaking kidding me? This country was founded upon certain principles, religion included, that has become completely lost. With the one lady complaining and winning the argument, we have now gone from “We, the people” to “I, the lone minority” once again. This is what is wrong with our beliefs, principles, and patriotism. WE ARE HEADED IN THE WRONG DIRECTION.

Schools have no business of getting into the business of religion. It is often a way of prosthetizing for Christianity by waving banners like Oglethorp Cheerleaders were doing. God couldn’t care less who wins a silly football game. Let’s try to include all the people in all the fun. Why ostracise anyone from a game? NO, the school needs to become a part of the world community and respect ideas that are different and open their minds to understanding that we all do not worship in the same way.

One person should not be able to change policy. If that person does not like what is going on at school or any place else for that matter,they should take their child out and home school. This country is run by majority not the single person, that is called a dictatorship!

maybe they can’t afford it private schools.

They should be allowed, if people would just read the whole amendment, “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof…” The cheerleaders are not establishing a religion, but the school is prohibiting the free exercise of religion.

I see nothing wrong with the students at the school expressing themselves in such a respectful manner. Outrageous behaviour is more the norm at football games these days. Not to mention, if we are supposed to have separation of church and state then can anyone please tell me why schools in Maryland were just closed for Yom Kippur. If I am not mistaken, that is a religious holiday and violates the church and state creed as well.

this nation was built on freedom of speech and religion. Sad 200 years later it will fail due to what it was built on. America needs to take a stand and support what america was before.

The game is a public school-sponsored event. They should not be allowed to display banners at the game. However, if they have an unofficial pep rally that is not sponsored or abetted, attendance optional (including for cheerleaders) by the school on the lawn before the game, that might be OK. The difference is that it is not sponsored in any way by the school. No one stops anyone from praying privately. It just cannot and should not be sponsored or promoted by the school.

Hell No!!!

As I listened to the report on the TV about the cheerleaders versus my thoughts went back to 09/11 when everyone was asking GOD to bless America. Churches were filled but now we no longer want GOD’s blessing on America. We no longer want his Words written or spoken. Will He be there for us to turn to in the next American disaster?

The schools have a right to religion. Let these students be. Be glad that they’re into religion and not drugs or alcohol. There are much worse things out there that they could be doing. If you take this away from them, what do they have?

Students should be allowed to display banners with moral messages, regardless of the source.

Come on people! Here it is again! ONE person complaining about it and that ONE person gets their way!?! What is wrong with you people? If all the rest of the students, parents and community support it, then they should be able to do it! It’s called MAJORITY RULES! I believe that when we vote on things whether it be the Presidency of the United States or something as small as school board members, the person with the MAJORITY of votes wins! GOD BLESS AMERICA!!!

Was our country not built on the right of religious freedom? I understand that not everyone believes in God and feel they do not have to read banners or whatever but I DO believe in God and I have just as much right to be able to see the scriptures on a banner or anywhere else!!! What is wrong with these United States?? Where did it begin giving one set of people their rights and take mine away. I AM a Christian and I have rights too!!

Isn’t God better than guns, knives, and condom’s. Take God out and look what schools have become.

So many people are without religion these days, we should be thankful that these kids are religious. As long as the messages are positive, what is the big deal? If the cheerleaders aren’t allowed to hold signs on the field, maybe the fans should hold them.

I believe this is America and we are to have freedom of speech,It is ok with me and with God. So give this back to these people,we are all Americans.

YES!! YES!! YES!!
Haven’t we learned yet, we need God back in our schools.
There has been nothing but violence in
our school systems we allowed prayers and the mention of GOD in the school.

I commend the mother who had the courage to challenge this tradition. It IS important to respect our personal rights of free speech and the constitutional statues of separation of church and state. In our social climate, it is taboo to speak up against religious propaganda. It has no place in schools, government, or on a sports field. What people often fail to consider in situations like this is the position that the non-religous are put in everyday to adhere to religious thought and lifestyle. We are not anti-religous, amoral, constitution-undermining people. We simply want to be able to live in a world that respects our right to believe in science and reason as much as the rights of the religious population. This should be a victory for everyone who wants equal rights for everyone. These kids are welcome to continue the sign tradition, just leave personal religous bias out of it.

I am a junior in high school, and I find this new rule ridiculous. After taking A.P. American history, I learned again that this country was founded on free speech, and religion had a huge impact on this country!!!! We should be able to write bible verses anywhere, I am even starting my own christian club. I want people to accept this christian faith. Its not effecting people, so whats the big deal? Take a step back and look at the big picture, why are we making such a big deal about this when we are in an economic crisis and need to focus our attention other things. I hope my generation can turn things around, it makes me so sad that we can’t even say God in the pledge of allegiance. They made a huge mistake in doing this! Not everyone shares the same views on religion, but cant we just learn to accept it and move on. Please think of the children and how it effect us before you do something like this again!!!!!!!!
Sincerely,
A dissapointed High-Schooler

It shouldn’t be an issue.I guess it would be okay if it was a sign full of profanity

There is a reason that church and state are separate, our founders didn’t want the same type of religious dogma in their government that Europe embraced.
Doesn’t freedom of religion also mean freedom FROM religion? Why indoctrinate the most impressionable (our youth) with mythology and dogma that has caused so much grief in the world.
In the end, why infringe on other’s rights with “My god is better than your god”? Isn’t that like a playground fight — “My dad can beat up your dad”? It’s juvenile and childish. But, then again, so is religion.

Why is it offensive? We have to see and hear other people express their beliefs and we are not allowed to disagree because that is considered hate agression or politically incorrect. This country was founded on christian/judean principals. If you will look back at what has happened to the violence in schools and the US since prayer and scripture was taken out of schools, maybe we should rethink the law.

Why should ONE person have rights over the many? There are far worse words used in public than God based views. They should be allowed to conform to the values of the community which seems to be faith based. We of the Faith based majority ought to have some rights also. Fly the Banners!!!!!!

The whole idea of seperation between church and state was so that the government could not force or endorse a SPECIFIC religion on the people (i.e Baptists, Catholic, etc.). We are a christian nation and we all have the right to worship as we choose. I don’t think that because you see something differently, you have to take that person’s rights away. These kids are not endorsing or promoting a particular religion. After seeing SOME of the kids and what they are being exposed to these days, parents should be glad that they are thinking of something positive.

WHAT!!!you’ve got to be kidding i guess
the constution runs everything. We GOD need more today to protect our children, take a look at all the crimes taking place in our schools & colleges.. YOU NEED TO TAKE A SECOND LOOK… Do you think you wake up everyday on your own????

Yes, if they want to display Bible verses they should be allowed. We are a democracy. If the majority of the people want it, why should one persons wishes outway the majority? We have freedom of religion not freedom from religion. No one is forcing anything on anybody.

Why does one mother have the right to change everyone’s tradition………If she doesn’t believe in God, that’s her problem ….not all of the students beliefs that are involved with this. Somehow we’ve all forgot how and why our country was founded! What a travesty of “Freedom of Speech, Freedom of Religion”, etc

Wake up America…Why do we continually allow one or two people change the very foundation that America was built on. I doubt that it really bothered them…They are just trying to make a name for themselves be making waves. The school district should allow the practice to continue and we Americans should remove any judge that rules against anything moral and right!!! It’s time to turn America around and take our country back!!!!!

yes they should be allowed to fly their banner. to many of our freedoms have been taken away. let the complainers stay home if they don’t like it

Yes, because it is what the people want. Why is one woman’s comment canceling out a whole school’s desire. It seems to me freedom speech is being violated.

This just proves that schools are of the Humanistist religion and will not tolerate Christian teachings. Private scools are increasing because of such irreligious action as this. God bless America.

The day we took God out of our schools is the day we also took God out of our country. The very country that was founded under God. Our forefathers must be turning over in their graves and we will whether you accept it or not, we will ALL stand before God. And then what will America people say? What happened to Free Speech? It is everybody accept those of us who are Christians. Stand up Christians and be counted!!! You go girls! Do it! We support you!

I don’t mind children crashing through a banner with a bible verse on it. It didn’t provoke any hate crime did it?Did any of the students feel offended or intimidated? If so the sign should be changed. BTW if the bible verse wasn’t printed on the bottom of the banner would you know it came from the bible?

Absolutely, the cheerleaders should be able to display their banners. Everyone else in this country has the freedom to express themselves…….that is unless you want to bring God into it. Well, I say, bring God back!! People act like God is a four letter word, well, it isn’t!!! If you don’t like it, don’t read the banner !!!!!

I think that its sad that the nation is starting to silence the Christians. Is it so bad that one person cannot stand to see religous words at a football game? they should suck it up. All of us who are christians have to put up with your messages, seeing as they are all that you can find on tv shows, in music, and in homes. Its our turn to speak out, at one school, in one state. give us a chance to pratice one of the rights that our forefathers fought for and one that our military should be fighting to keep right now.

I am not a religious person per say I was raised in a good christian home I am 72 years old and think that we should get rid of all the surpreme Court Judges and start over based on what this country was founded on we came here because of not having freedom of religion why is it a few can tell the majority how to live

the constitution was designed for freedom for religion not freedom from religion. They should have every right to express their beliefs. Everyone else seems to – even marching on washington doesn’t seemed to be stopped no matter what the cause.

I absolutely think the cheerleaders should be allowed to continue having the posters on the football field. Why is it OK to offend so many who think the tradition should continue and make the change just because one person thinks it should be changed?

This is absurd!! Yes, yes, yes, they most certainly should be able to continue this tradition. If there are people who don’t like it, they don’t have to go to the football game!

YES – they should be allowed to show the banners. This is a democratic country, why don’t they take a town vote? Let the majority rule. It sounds like everyone was enjoying the tradition and only ONE WOMAN caused the uproar – so why are the majority silenced and the one upheld??

THIS IS EASY…ANYONE WITH ANY SENSE KNOWS THAT RELIGION, INCLUDING CHRISTIANITY, SHOULD NOT BE ALLOWED ON ANY PUBLIC SCHOOL CAMPUS…. IN THE FIRST PLACE IT IS ILLEGAL AND SECOND… ITS A PERSONAL ISSUE AND SHOULD BE IMPOSED ON ANY STUDENT, WILLING OR UNWILLING, IN A PUBLIC SCHOOL…. ITS ALWAYS AMAZING HOW PEOPLE CAN BE SO STUPID TO THINK OTHERWISE.

I have never been a sad person but the world is falling apart. Religion has never hurt anyone and in some cases it has helped. when did it get to be where the minority laws, When I went to school we were taught the majority rules. Get over it and go live your life. If you know you do not believe in God then what does a poster hurt. Think about it.

Yes, they should be allowed to display these banners. We are fast becoming a country that is led by the few instead of the many and it is sickening to see. We allow the few to have the say and make the rules that the rest of us seem to follow. America, please wake up, stand up and say that is enough. If a football team running through a religious banner causes problems for someone, they can stay home but don’t bring the problem to the public. These are the values this country was built on and we are slowly allowing others to take them away because they “might be offensive” to someone else. Give me a break!!!!!

As long as the students are the ones initiating the religious affiliation, the state and/or the school don’t have the right to do anything about it. If they try to stop it, it denies the students the right to freedom of religion. If the teachers are initiating it, then there is a case against separation of church and state. Why can’t we let kids be kids and enjoy sports in this manner? At least they aren’t throwing a keg party before the game.

NO! It’s the law. If we disobey the law, what do we have left? If you want to change the laws be my guest, but until then, we should follow it. In addition, I am sure there are some people in the town that do not like the banners, but are too few and too intimidated to say anything. If these people are offended by the banners, that is why the laws were written in the first place. Not everyone shares the same religious beliefs.

They could always put them in Latin, then no one would be the wiser.

If the majority of the children and parents want this in their school, what is the harm? I remember when we had prayer in school! Wow, Radical! The schools were a lot safer, the kids more respectful and we didn’t have to worry about kids killing kids. There was a MORAL BASE and that is what is missing now. We have lost our moral compass. One woman got prayer out of school – Madelyn Murray O’Hare and now one woman gets a scripture message taken off the football field. I thought the majority ruled in this country?

YES! Everyone should have their religious freedom! NOBODY is being FORCED to do anything! If you don’t like it IGNORE IT!

Of course. If we restrict them from writing on signs next we’ll restrict what they are wearing. If it was anything else would we be asking this silly question?
PS when ABC said to go to this web stie to vote I was expecting a place to say yes or no.

Yes, why does one person saying something rule over the majority? We use majority rule to decide our votes, so why can one person speaking up and complaining change something that has worked for a long time and the majority of people support? The person who spoke up is infringing on the rights of the students. But, America continues to abandon the freedom to practice the faith this country was established on. So…the ACLU must be thrilled!

Yes, Please let the cheerleaders post their banners. Jesus is Lord! How else can one be saved without Jesus. He created us and this world!!!!! Remember For God so loved the world thathe gave his only Son for us to be saved from sin!

I believe they should be able to write whatever they want on the sign. I’m a junior in high school and the other day, we came together as a student body in our gym and had a speaker talk to us about making the right decisions. The whole thing was sponsered by FCA (Fellowship of Christian Athletes). Why are we making such a big deal out of something that is making a GOOD statement? They aren’t writing mean or inappropriate things on the sign, it’s a Bible verse. If the cheerleaders and football players are inspired by that, then why is someone able to take that away from them?

What a shame, this is a wonderful tradition and the cheerleaders should be able to continue. The messages they display are uplifting and positive….why fight this?

This is so sad that the minority has such influence in our country and the fear of being sued is so prevalent. It’s a shame when tradition and actually doing something good has to be questioned.

This country was based on religion founded by our forefather’s. Yes, I believe that the ten commandments and religious belief’s can and should be aloud in school’s, court house. What has happened to society? Why should it be keep just for church, religous schools and at home? Also, what happened to free speech?

How can Americans possibly be concerned with this issue? Of course, religion should stay out of sports. What are these people doing, asking Jesus to help them stomp the other guys (who are probably just as religious)? Doesn’t should very Christian to me. I think a higher being has bigger concerns than a high school football game.

It is a public school and funded by the government which is separate from church. The one thing that government doesn’t do is endorse any religion. But, the school can display banners of faith if the want to lose government funding and become a private school. Then they can do anything they want. If it is funded by the government (public tax payers whose religions are diverse and may not subscribe to Christianity)it is against the law to endorse any religion at any school sponsored event and is in jeopardy to lose funding.

Anyone that needs religion with their education or sports should go to a religous school. This opinion is also shared with professional sports arenas. I really don’t care to hear people talk to themselves ie. ‘pray’ at any sports venue.

Even though I am an atheist we live in a country based on Christian-Judeo princples. If the community as a whole wants to display these banners and it promotes good will let it be!!There are more important things going on today don’t argue over a peaceful saying! Worry about all the kids not at the game doing all sorts oif wsho nows what!

This country was founded on Christian foundation. This was a majority view. One person can change what a majority view is beyond belief. ACLU CAN GO FLY A KITE

What is culture? Culture is history, heritages, art, song and dance, values, traditions, etc.. and another part is religion. Those that wish to sweep away Christian prayer, Bible verses, beliefs and sometimes the word Christmas are only sweeping away a part of culture that has been here for a very long time.
If atheists wish to do so, if ultra-libs wish to do so, they should remember what they are doing is not just getting their way but erasing a big part of culture.
Inclusiveness and multi-culturalism should not mean that the traditions of a county, a district or an entire country should be swept away.

People sure need the Lord and there is nothing wrong with those posters encouraging the players,because God should be the center of their lives any way

As long as the message is encouraging I support it.

I thought we were a democracy based on Biblical principles. How can one person in the town rule the town? Stand up for what you believe.

I don’t know why people always scream “this country was founded by people seeking religious freedom” what that means is they were seeking a place where they could practice their religion freely. Pick up a history book and actually read it and you may see they were christians and founded this country on christian values. Like it or not that’s the truth and I’m sick of people trying to rewrite it.

No religous banners. Keep separate church and state. Not with my Tax dollars you don’t.

What I heard in this report is that the school endorses this, the parents are behind this, and more importantly the kids want these signs. That sounds like a majority vote. Since when does this country allow a minority opinion outway the wants of the majority. These signs are not hurting anyone – they are helping the kids. I also heard on the report that the way the football team is being run – including these signs, the kids are doing well on and off the field. Why would anyone want to stop that? Why would anyone want to stop something that is helping the children? When are adults going to stop thinking of themselves and their personal agendas, and start thinking about what we can to for ALL the children.

Yes. I think our forefathers reason for seperation of church and state was not to have the heads of state also be heads of the church, and vice versa. Having prayer or other religious aspects as a part of any activity, including those in schools and governments in America, should not be a violation of anyones rights.

I think it is a shame when today’s teenagers are stopped from doing something good for the community and their school. More students could use God in their lives and we would have alot less problems with our teens. I say let the cheerleaders continue to inspire the football team with their inspirational bible verses. It is encouraging to see teenagers with such high morals in today’s society.

Yes. It’s unconstitutional to forbid the students the freedom to exercise their rights to practice their faith.

Why is ok for all religions of the world be taught in public school except christianity. Muslums get time out to pray, christians can’t.
What is it about the word “Jesus Christ” is everybody afraid of?

As far as I am concerned those banners are FREE SPEECH!!! Would you prefer these young people to be out on the streets with guns in their hands instead of respectful banners?!

it’s little things like this, that are the beginning of the end for fredom of anything.If the kids enjoy doing this, leave them the hell alone.The government should go and worry about more important things, it seems people are not aloud to do anything, there are always some people that it bothers, if it bothers you so much, don’t watch it, and I am not a religion freak,….Tom

The article stated that “one woman” questioned the tradition of the banners. So what? Since when does one person make a majority decision over an entire town/school district? We live in a democracy, remember? Freedom of religion and speech, right? Who is one person to buck tradition & throw everybody’s freedoms to the curb?
Amy from Missouri

TThe intent of our Founding Fathers was to prevent the State Sponsored enforced religion upon the people. They never intended to separate the State from God.
There is nothing unconstitutional with these banners. I suppose nothing would be said if these banners contained sexual inuendos or political biases.
As a nation we have sown to the wind and are now reaping the whirlwind.
God help us. (Whoops, another religious endorsement!)

I don’t understand how one person can change a tradition that has been going on for years. Whatever happened to majority rules? It sounds like the majority would like to keep this tradition. What is that person afraid off?

Yes the cheerleaders should be allowed to post the sign. What is wrong with our country? It was found on religious freedom, the choice to practice. Those who don’t want to be exposed to God should arrive late or go buy some coffee. I can’t understand how someone who doesn’t believe in God would care about the signs. Freedom of speech goes both ways. Ever wonder why our country is in such a mess? Seperation of church and state, isn’t being interpreted correctly in our times. A whole lot of people need to go back to school and learn what our founding fathers meant!

ABC should post a poll. I say YES, let them have thier banner.

Ok why can’t the school keep on having the banner and the football team running through it? One women has ruined a great thing for this school and I can’t believe the superintendent would let ONE person ruin this. I would rather see these student quoting the bible than writing obscenities on the banner. I think the community and school should protest this decision. Majority should rule. Fight for you right.

I find it highly offensive for any religious propaganda to be allowed in our public schools. We don’t send our children to public schools to be taught beliefs. We send them to be taught facts and truth.

I’d just like to say,keep pushing him out. With all that’s going on in the world today,the next time you need to get on your knees,he’ll STILL be there for you!!!

This is not the United States of America that I was raised in…..What is happening to our country…..take out all that is good and you are left with evil…feel sorry for that parent’s child.

People do not realize that this is why the world is in serious trouble and everything is going down hill WE ARE TAKING THE GOOD LORD OUT OF EVERYTHING !!!!!!!! Our poor childeren have no chance until we start looking on GOD to start running this country again.

It is a sad this when a country founded on the basis of God turns away from its origins. If the students wanted to ut a quote up from Ghandi it would stand, if it was a quote from Buddah it would stand, but because the quote is from the bible it is unconstitutional? What happened to freedom of speech? What happened to our great nations theme “One nation under God, indivisible?” If this school system does not think it is constitutional let them not be paid for their work, for the money this country prints says IN GOD WE TRUST.

Every one needs to just get a life n leave this topic alone.. if the girls want to put up a banner then let them.. yall act like yall dont have any thing else to write about!!! Leave that school Be..

Nascar says a prayer every race why can’t high school kids get to have their banners?Is Nascar going to be sued .I hope not .The kids should have their tradition.It hasn’t hurt anyone in all this time.

This is a local issue and does not warrant national attention. I want national and international news when I tune in to World News. You do not offer enough ‘world’ news.

Yes, it’s our right to the freedom of speech, and the constitution of this country gives us this freedom. Also, this country was founded on the belief of God.

Religious or not, I am not sure why we would break a bunch of kids hearts and a school’s tradition. Does everything have to be political these days?

The law had better start to know God,he is the reason we are here on this earth.We should praise God daily and so should our children.

hey “Teacher”, no one is forcing it upon anyone.. it is a tradition crated by those kids.. it is WRONG however to force them not to do it bcs others don’t follow Jesus and don’t have anything better to do than make a scene when all the kids are doing is enjoying their time

Sure they should by allowed. Let the people that live in the area do as they see fit. If the community feels it’s ok to post bible sayings let this be the standard for the community. One size does not fit all.

No. No. No.
Period.
End of discussion.
Case closed.
That’s final.
NO.

Attaining some sort of education is mandated by the government. If the education provided promotes religious views, it is essentially indoctrinating our children with religion. No thanks, keep religion/superstition out of the public school system.

there isn’t anything wrong for someone expressing their religious belief, having prayer or supporting a team in the way they want,, if the unbelievers don’t want to hear or read it,, cover your ears and eyes,, this is the land of the free,,when prayer was taken out of school and other places,, usa has gone downhill in the worst way,, WAKE UP AMERICANS,,,before it is too late,,,,

This is a local issue and does not warrant national attention. I want national and international news when I tune in to World News. You do not offer enough ‘world’ news.

If they don’t like the banners, stay at home. This is what is wrong with our kids today, they try to do what they think is right and they get it shoved down their throats by adults. Wonder if this school has to go thru metal detector like a lot of schools.

There is NO separation of church and state in any official government document. The idea came from a letter that Thomas Jefferson wrote to a church in Massachusetts. In that letter, he said that state should not interfere with church business issues. Therefore, the school should have the right to display the Bible verses and is not an endorsment of religion. It is clear that the majority of both students, parents and teachers are okay with it. Government stay out!

People need to read and study the history of the united states which is founded on christianity,founded on The word of God.Reguardless of what is said America is a christian nation.You go team,keep believing.I bless all of you.

Disgusting … once again we let ONE person decide what is right for the majority. The same thing happened when we took prayer out of our schools years ago and look where that has gotten us – school shootings, bombs, etc. Put it to a vote. It sounded to me as if the kids were all for it … why should 99.99% of the population suffer at the hands of the less than 1% who just want a little attention? My opinion – this is America – if you dont like what America has to offer and the religious values our country was founded on, then go somewhere else. We have come so far from what was originally intended by our founding fathers.

YES, YES, YES, They should be allowed. The majority of the people still rule and you will find in the south, they are more students in the schools who will stand up for God, than there are those who do not believe. Majority rules….or use to. TO GOD BE THE GLORY, GREAT THINGS HE HAS DONE….AND WILL CONTINUE TO DO..

yes they should be able to have free speech. just as everyone else does.a football game is not school.it is a game…
i say go for it. let them display their sign. if it was something against religion and someone didn’t like it. they would sue to be able to use it. free speech is free speech. that is the problem now, God has been removed from everything public.

Yes, the signs should be allowed. This country was founded on freedom of religion and freedom of speech. If you don’t like it, make your own signs or better yet…..don’t go to the games.

The first amendment gives us the right to express our selves, whether it is with bible verses or other forms of speech. It says specifically that no law nor Congress shall make laws supressing our freedoms. Read it people. Let the kids be – only non-believers want to eradicate our religious freedom. Remeber – our country was founded on the principle and desire for religious freedom, as was most of our universities. Let it be………..words of wisdom.

WE WERE FOUNDED AS A CHRISTIAN NATION,LET US BE FREE TO DISPLAY OUR FAITH. LET GOD ARISE AND HIS ENEMIES BE SCATTERED.

I hate that the American forefathers fought so hard to make this nation a nation based on religious rights and here we are removing all our rights for religious freedom so that the less than 2 percent minority do not have the mere mention, or visual or impression of a higher power invade their lives. Why should their rights supersede our practice of freedom? No one is forcing them to practice anything. How is it that their presence in the room or in the vicinity and watch us practice our freedom of religion a violation of their rights? There is no balance when we are deprived of practicing our religion at the moment we choose and where we want quietly and discreetly so that we do not expose them and see that as a violation of their rights.

You know it amazes me at how we will takes the rights of a whole group of people away because one person takes offense. If the entire community likes what is going on, then one person should not be able to mess with it because they don’t like it. It is freedom OF religion- not freedom FROM religion. What are you afrraid of? This country was founded as a God-fearing country. Look at all of our beloved documents that gave us our freedom: they all mention God. If a community wants to have the team run through a banner like that, and the sports team wants it, the cheerleaders want it, and the parents and suppporters want it, then let them. Why should one or a few persons change what just about everyone else has been doing for years. What are you afraid of?

No No No to religion at Public School, this country is being manipulated by big banking and we all worry about writing on paper signs. WOW we are doomed.

If this school system has pictures of witches and jack o lanterns and sings songs that are originated from mythological characters and traditions, then this must also stop! These are from other religious forms and should not be allowed, we shouldn’t allow christmas trees, paper hearts, Irish pots of gold, and Leprechans…
Come on people we are a nation of diversity and we are suppose to be inclusive and have “freedom” of expression.

The U.S Constitution guarentees us the right to freedom OF religion not freedom FROM religion. The Athiosts of this world are in their own rights a religious group and they do not have the right to squash the religious expression of others!!!!

I don’t get it. Why & how does praying and the word “God” offend or hurt people who don’t believe in God? Saying the word or praying isn’t about them nor is it directed at them, so why are they always complaining about it? They must be so miserable that they need to make others miserable also. Wow….what a life!

Just one more thing ABC probably won’t post a pole because they are afraid of what the results would show.

Why should “one” person get to make that decision? And why is it these days that our right to speak is being taken away from us? If this is a school tradition, they should have the right to continue it. And if that lady has a problem with it, she should stop going to their football games.

The mosques, the temples, the Hindus, muslims and sikhs are all laughing at us make such a fuss and do away with our culture and traditions. Keep it up folks.

I would just like to say that I thought that we all still had the freedom of speech. I think we need to try to encourage our children that religion is a great thing not something to be embarassed about. I personally wouldn’t care if someone from another religion wrote something on a banner as long as it was a positive thing. I believe that we all need to return to religion and praying. I feel like all of our rights are being taken away. You can’t sing Christmas carols in school. You can’t say the plegde of alligance anymore in school with the word God in it. I think that if that bothers you that much don’t watch the beginning of the game where they come out if you don’t want to see kids running through banners with religious sayings on them. What else would you like to take away from us?

We let Madelyn O’Hara take prayer away from our children. We let our lack of morals steal their youth. We are so correct in our language we can not even teach truth to our children. We stole the meaning of Christmas and Easter from our children. With our divorce rate and same sex marriage we have stolen the meaning of family. We steal their lives through abortion. Now are we going to let one mother steal our children’s right to say a sentence even though it came from the God of the Universe? I am sure our founding fathers would grieve for the path this country has come…as am I. If we act this way, how can any one ask God to Bless America? Watch His blessings leave us.

i think they should…if it is incouraging the football players then they should…and just because on parent has a problem with it doesnt me mean that the rest of the school should suffer because of her own oppinion…and thats just it it is just an opinion…we have freedom of speech and freedom of religion…if a student chooses to believe in God because of the banners and the way the school presents him then thats their choice….the school should join together and strike…and parents should support their kids and get involved….im 17 and i deal with this everyday at my school and i know what its like

What has happened to Freedom of Speech. Why shouldn’t they be allowed to have their say in what they want to say. These are not obscene statements. Where are their rights. How is this hurting anyone. I really don’t believe that this is correct. If someone does not like what they are doing why are they going there. These people (young men and women) should be able to have their say in what they can do. Don’t punish the children, they are still growing and need to be able to have their say as to what is going on in their school.

The fact that our laws and constitution in this country are based on the ten commandmants is one good reason that this should be allowed. The majority of Americans think it is wrong that a very few big mouth people are actually able to overturn what has been accepted in this country since it’s birth, why don’t they start letting these jerks know how most of us really feel!

I think the real reason so many are so vocal against the Bible is because it hits them between the eyes. You know the old saying, “The hit dog is the one that yelps.” Anyway, I am totally for the Bible verses. Sorry that offends some of you out there, but I have rights too. I believe the Bible is the only Word of God and frankly we’d all do well to see what He has to say.

This is not a stupid thing to be batteling. When Christ and prayer was taken out of public schools in the 60′s, this was the time that this nation started deteriorating and has gone to H— in a hand basket because the minority are trying to remove all facets of religion from this country. This country was founded upon Christian principles, not any other religion. All faiths should be respected though.

The players and cheerleaders should just go on strike and refuse to play until they can display the banners again.

Yes.Our founding fathers established this country on those biblical teachings. I had five childred graduate from this school.If this country had more schools with this kind of character than I dont think it would be in the shape it is in.

Absolutely not. The constitution guarantees freedom from religion as well as freedom of religion. Our tax supported public schools are just that, not vehicles for promotion of religion of any sort.

I think Jesus and God are much more positive than not to the kids no matter what religion you are or not. Wouldn’t you rather have your kids seeing positive bible verses than the horrible things they see and hear everyday? Get over it and let the kids do what they want to do. I think if more schools would do things like that it would be a better place!!!!

Kids wanting to believe in something. No one is forced to believe what is written. You can’t sing Christmas Carols in school. You can’t read the bible in school. These schools are public – what does public mean? Does public mean that they have to be politically correct all the time? No student should be presented with a thought that they find different? No, public means that students can do things and write things and other students can follow or disagree. Public does not mean that everyone has to walk down one line. Period.

They should be allowed to display
religous banners.If people don’t
like to see the banners stay away from
trhe games.

Yes. they should have their banner.
How can people do this to these young
people who has the right to express their feelings. If we are christians. we should be able to express our faith.
That is freedom of speach.
These young people are wonderful. I am proud of all of them.

this is student led and there personal freedoms do not end when they enter school property.

Keep up this trend (based on one person) and our children will be afraid to voice their own opinions about ANYTHING.

I was under the impression that the majority always rule. How can one person be allowed to have all this control? Furthermore, there may be more than one religion, but there is only one true and living God.

It is not a violation of civil rights. .They have the right of freedom of speech. Get a life

What happened to America, the home of the FREE? Why should these anti-religious people be permitted to push their views on everybody, and at the same time, people of faith, that this country was founded on, cannot view their beliefs?

Of course they should be able to run through the banners. I’m positive that the constitution reads freedom “of” religion not freedom from religion. Our founding fathers were inspired by christian values and beliefs.

These people should be thankful that they live under the laws of a Constitution which forbids the State to force a religion upon them. They are free to worship and proselytize in their homes and tax-exempt churches. They should not presume to impose their own religion in a taxpayer-supported venue.

Yes, let the children praise God. We should listen to the children. They are much wiser than the adults who have screwed up their lives denying God Bless the children.

People have not been taught much about American history anymore. And to know this country’s history, you need to know about England. England had (has?) a church that people were forced to believe in. They were killed/tortured, you name it, because it was the church even the King had to be in.
Now, when people came here, they came to escape a forced religion, wanting to believe and preach about God in how they believed, not as they were forced.
The “Separation of Church and State” letter written, was to make sure that no single church was to be made the “official” church of this country. It had nothing to do with keeping God out of schools, courthouses, the Senate or any other Federal or State building.
This country was “founded” on beliefs (not just “a” belief) of God. It has nothing to do with anyone forcing “a” religion on anyone. If one doesn’t want to, that’s up to them. But why should those of us who do, be forced to hide, to be forced out of sight and earshot, and lose our own freedom of expression and speech about God, and our many different kinds of beliefs.

To even suggest that such antics are acceptable makes one wonder what planet they have been living on.

Where does this stop…
when one person can in effect over rule the majority who wish to display the banner.

I am very upset that one mother can say that we cannot have religion in schools when our constitution was based with religion. No wonder our country is going down the tubes. It’s because of people (a very small minority of athiests and non Christians)that our country is having so much problems. Maybe if we let God back IN the schools and in our lives maybe our country can make it like our founding fathers had planned. I strongly feel that if the kids what to have the banners with scriptures on them then let them have them. And if you people don’t like it then don’t go to the game. Don’t let one or two selfish people get in the way of the rest of us who believe in our beloved Heavenly Father. Put Christ and God back in schools, please. Thank you.

Why does everyone EXCEPT Christians have a right to an opinion . As a Chistian I am denyed my rights Lets put a stop to this

America is becoming more and more secular and dismissing God from daily activity and thought. As this happens, we may see ourselves in poorer and poorer conditions. It is said that righteousness exalts a nation and not anything else. Please, don’t take my word for it. Look it up in Proverbs and 2 Timothy chapter 3. If you do not prefer the Bible, do understand that every historical content is accounted for and every prophecy has come true to date. You cannot say that about any other “religious” text. It’s worth a shot!

All too often the world is weighed down with mind-boggling news about murders, bombings, children missing. Friday nights are a getaway from the hectic world into one that is based on hope. Cheering for the player that is running the ball for 60 yards. Lifting up the quarterback when all of his passes are being intercepted. Making signs for them and the audience to see that remind us to be humble, stay strong, have faith. Not one of them is asking for someone to convert over to Christianity. In fact, many of the Christian principles are also seen in Muslim cultures too. I say Merry Christmas because that is the holiday I celebrate. If you wanna say Happy Kwanzaa or Happy Hannukah then do it! If you don’t celebrate the holidays then just thank us for your days off from work! LFO isn’t trying to rear Christians and make their school be known as solely for Christian kids, parents, fans, etc. But they ARE reaching for inspiration in a time that many people have to look for it rather than it finding them

I think popular opinion is trumping the law in this case. We all have the right as Americans to challenge any law that we believe to be unfair. If the religious right would like to challenge the First Ammendment again let them take their fight to the supreme court instead of the nightly news.

YES THEY SHOULD. I AM A 71 YEAR OLD MAN AND I AM ASHAMED OF WHAT OUR COUNTRY HAS BECOME. ONE PERSON DECIDES IT IS WRONG FOR THE CHEERLEADERS AND WE ALL GIVE IN. WHAT HAPPEN TO THE MAJORITY OF RULE? I HEARD 85% OF AMERICANS BELIEVE IN GOD. WHY DO WE LET THE 15% RULE?

If the school as a whole wants to do it
The one that does not want do not attend
the game or school.

there is no religion being endorsed, the bible is ONE, God is ONE.. this is a free country. if you don’t want your kids around it, home school them! it’s just like saying you don’t want the swine flu in your kids school.. well thats too bad! it’s there and people will be around it!

i agree with separation of church & state..if i want biblical motivation, i’ll go to church! this should have never been allowed to become a custom. shame on those school administrators.

The very idea of seperation of church and state is a lie foisted on the public by repeatedly saying so by a few atheists and fellow travelers.The fact is, the constitution guarantees the freedom of religion, not against it.

Let the Banners be on the field. Don’t crush their spirits. Let the kids alone.

It is a tradition they have been doing for years. So why now does someone have to say something about it. This is a good thing that the kids are doing. Leave them alone and let them continue. This is the USA freedom of speech. For people who have a problem come after the players have come through the signs. Or don’t come at all.

You are all forgetting the premises upon which this country was founded! Perhaps that is why this country is so stinkin’ screwed up. While you are banning these “awful” religious banners, try to remember that many things are a religion – money, drugs, sex, and alcohol – all things that are extremely prevalent in public schools today. Why can’t you be grateful that these kids are focusing on something positive and try banning teen drug abuse and pregnancy instead? Get your priorities straight people!

Religious Freedom should be paracticed
where the people desire, as it was
before the dumb ACLU raised their ugly
head.
BH

Of course, they should be able to display Bible verses. If they tried to prevent them from displaying the words from a Michal Jackson song or a Madonna song…. Oh me oh my… they would call that censorship. So come on, it does not take a genius to see that the word in the Bible are the only exception to censorship. It is sad, because people oppose the Bible because they do not understand it.

one does not have to be a genius to witness what taking God, morals, and disciplining authority out of schools has done to “improve” quality of citizenship,education and character of our students.

This is a violation of MY CIVAL RIGHTS TO HAVE GOD IN MY LIFE AT SCHOOL! If you don’t like it…DON’T COME TO THE GAME!!!!
I agree with Deby!!!!!!

Absolutely not! Jefferson made his intent to build a wall of separation between Church & State clear in his 1802 address to the Danbury Baptist Assembly. If fundamentalist theocrats wish to live in a nation that imposes their religion on everyone by force of law, they should pay closer attention to the atrocities being committed in Iran.

Learn to spell: C I V I L. As in civil rights. There are no cival rights and this by the way is NOT one of them. No wonder our educational system in this country is in the toilet.

No church and state should be seperate. Religion should NOT be allowed in school. The religious right needs to stop making a mountain of a mole hill. The religious right always finds back doors and loop holes to force their religious points of views on to others, weather they want it or not.
What stupid right wing fundalmetalist christians don’t get is that if they do get their way and have the state teach the religion and allow them to have it at football games eventually.
As our population gets more diverse, other non-christian religions may insist that their particular religion be displayed and taught at public schools and if denied.
They could file a lawsuit or take it all the way to the supreme court if they have to to make it fair that their religion weather Islam, Buddism etc be taught at schools and words from the Koran be displayed pubicly at school functions, crying discrimination.
Religon does not ever need to be at public schools or school activities.
If the religious right has a problem with that then they should take their kids to a private christian school or home school them or let them learn about God at home and at church. We get enough of God being shoved down our throats by the religious right everwhere we go. Please keep church and state seperate!!

There is only one answer,YES

I served better than 20 years in the military for the right of everyone to be able to express their beliefs. Expressing ones belief does not force another to accept it. It does not make any difference if its on school property, public property or private property. If you don’t believe in God, that’s fine. You should be able to express that too.

Just for the record…75% of the Koran is derrived from the bible…I feel that it is because of people like this that our nation is on the state that it is today. I pray that peoples eyes and hearts be open!

i see this as a positive event. when students are involved as a whole in an effort to build each other up in a good way with a positive message where is the problem? when i was in school our run through signs said things like “scalp the warriors” or “hang the cowboys”. i dunno folks, that seems mighty violent to me now that i think about it.

Have all registered students hold a vote and let majority rule! Publish the vote result. Isn’t that how a democracy works? Those who don’t like the result can find another school. It is likely to expose that a very few are trying to enforce their view on the many.

What is wrong with AMERICA if we don’t keep GOD in school and our lives we are all going to be sorry.When they took discipline and teaching of GOD out you see what the schools have gone to.

Since it is a public school they should not have religious bible verses on their banners because it ostracizes children of all other faiths, or children of no faith. By embracing the bible, they are endorsing one faith over all the rest. So if they want to place biblical verses on the banners, they should also include verses from the Koran, the Talmud, or any other faith that could be represented at the school. Maybe even a teaching of Darwin. It seems absurd to have such political incorrectness still occurring in the modern public school.

“The fool says in his heart ‘There is no God’” (Psalm 14:1)

If memory serves me correctly, there were particular wash areas installed in the schools in New York to appease the Somolian population attending the school so they could say their prayers at a public school. This school flying banners prior to football games with a bible verse on it is encouraging to those of who profess our faith in Christ. It is not endorsing a “religion” as one poster stated. It is purely the right thing to do and there’s not enough people with boldness to do so. I applaud the students. Nobody said being a Christian is a walk in the park.

What is wrong with us showing our love for God. He is the one that created us!! If that one person does not like it they don’t have to read it!!!!! It is not like a sermon being preached over the load speaker!!!!!!!!

As so much fails us in this world, it is good to see our younger generation holding on strongly to the one thing that cannot be taken from them, their faith. Afterall, IN GOD WE TRUST.

This message is to the woman who complained to the Superintendent. Shame, shame, shame on you. You may be in control of what your children, if you have any, do or don’t do, but you DO NOT have the right to impose your beliefs on others.

I agree 100% with TheMom1951. Who has the right to take our freedom of speech and freedom of religion away from the MAJORITY of the people in our great country? No one!!! The minority needs to shut up and put up with it!!!
Something I have to ask: what is so offensive to the sight of a cross? the Star of David? the 10 commandments? a simple and plain verse out of the bible? If you really think any of these are offensive, you really need to get that head of yours checked!!!

Yes!!!! They should be able to continue making the signs as they have always done!! Shame on the people involved in making those kids stop. The kids could have been doing so many other horrible things with their classmates. They were safe and happy!!!

YES! It is their religous freedom!
The first Admendment says “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.”
It does not say separation of church and state. It says Congress can not make a law to establish a religion. It also says Congress can not prohibit the people from freely practicing their religion. Wake up people are religous freedom is at stake.

This is a Christian founded nation. When people immigrate here if they don’t know it that is their problem. If they don’t like it, then go back to the great nation you came from. We don’t stop anyone from worshiping a different religion and to take that right from us is as un-American as it gets!
Wake up! It is time to end this insanity! It’s time for the ACLU to be sent to Afghanistan along with the Supreme Court Justices that do not know the Constitution!

Our country’s constitution was formed on Christian principles and our money has ‘In God We Trust’ inscribed on it. We have always been a Christian nation but now those very principles are eroding right before our eyes.
Yes, I believe the cheerleaders and all our public schools should be allowed to honor God in all that they do and our laws should uphold that right!

Wake up America, all the school violence started when the movement to ban God from our schools started. If these football players and cheerleaders want this at their games then let them continue the tradition. May God Bless them for standing up for their rights.

If this is not allowed What about the dollar bill “In God We Trust”, should this be banned, The dollar bill and any coins with this phrase these people want to be ommitted from what we know as the basis of the fight we fight for Peace and freedom of speech, this very positive action in life and mind of people tired of the negative forces that corrrupt human life in this world be overidden with these people negative way of thought, that the forces of negativity overpower the world and take the positive way of life into a very extended fight that it is already has been for thousands of years and maybe longer, what happenned to the purpose of the longtime wars and the thousands of deaths of the people that have decided that this kind of thought only promotes more wars and negativity in this world.

Yes they should be allowed to post their banners. Its their tradition and their beliefs. Why should one person tell them what they can or cannot do. This country was formed on religion and just because a few people don’t beleive in God, then thats to bad. They can always leave this country. No ones forcing them to stay. It was a sorry day when they took religion out of the schools. The coutry has been going down hill since then!!!!

Yes, they should be able to display the scriptures. How can one person deny the majority? Something is wrong with this picture.
It is strange how the community is called upon to pray for our schools when there is trouble but when the student body wants to do something uplifting for their team, they are threatened with a lawsuit. Go figure that one!!

Absolutely these cheerleaders should continue this very appropiate way of beginning any athletic event as well as opening their school day. Our forefathers started this country with God and this is the way we should continue. This is not promoting any particular religion it is just simply back to the basics… God!

has common sense completly eluded this nation.review what our founding fathers did concerning the exersice of religon and lean from them.

Once again the minority wins!! One person can ruin it for all!!! If the majority of the school is okay with the banners why not leave them alone. Like others have said – if you don’t like it don’t go to the game!! Our LAW may say it’s not right to have GOD in our schools but look at the condition of our country today. Maybe it’s time to bring HIM back into schools and into our lives

The law says that if the students are the leaders of the religious act that it is leagal let the kids do what the.y belive is right

Public or Christian School….we as Americans have a right to Freedom of Speech in America..if you don’t believe in God or religion, it is ok…if the kids do ok. You say you don’t, they say they do, it is ok. You respect me and I will respect you.

What is wrong with everyone. I ask that all Christians stand up and fight for our rights. This country is going to hell in a heart beat. If I were one of the Christian parents of this school, I would organize a group to make a banner with a Christian verse and display it proudly at the games in the bleachers… Just let the courts try and stop us. If we stand up for our rights, we can change the laws in our favor!

i am sick to death of non christians infrindging on my rights. know your history people-america was founded on Christian ideals. Read the primary documents dr ron-even jefferson and madison were christians. the sign is not hurting any non-christian groups

Get it together people. If anyone is offended by the
teachings of God then either turn off your TV or don’t
watch the game until it actually starts. Just because
you have the right to protest against God does not
mean you have the right to take away the rest of us
to celebrate God. Get over yourselves and stop being
such arrogant, self-important people. We ALL have
rights. The young women/men in northwest Georgia
have a RIGHT to their wishes as do you athiests. You, the athiests are not more important than we.

I find it hard to understand that the majority of people support an activity and one person speaks out against it, and everyone else bows to that person’s feelings. There is no discussion, etc.
Our nation was founded on Judeo-Christian principles. Yet we bend over backward to accommodate those who want to differ with those principles.

Public Schools should be a safe haven for all. Allowing the majority to impose their religious beliefs on the minority is coercion. Our founders knew too well the tyaranny of state sponsored religion. The courts followed by saying there needs to be a high wall between religion and state. Lets not bridge that wall.

Making them stop is unconstitutional. What about freedom of speech? Government and beurocracy are trying to control everthing. The majority of the people want to continue so it should. I am so tired of hurting the majority because of the complaint of a few. If that person does not like it they are free to leave during that time of the game and come back later- go get a snack.
Why punish the majority and make them stop What has happened to America. We use to have freedom. Sad to say that is not true now. Seperation of church and state was to keep the State out of christian affairs – so they just need to leave them alone.

Since this is a democratic nation—let the people vote on whether to have the banners . This a nation by the people,for the people.

Excuse me that was Jefferson’s letter to the Danbury Baptists, who were concerned that the Congregational Church would be the official State Church, not Madison.

It is sooo refreshing to see that the majority of those commenting recognize the difference between freedom of speech and freedom of Religion! One’s choice to recognize, praise, and promote verses supporting their religion is a PERSONAL, not a PUBLIC right! Please do not attempt to impose your religious beliefs and support on me in a public forum. I resent it and detest your audacity and belief that you have that right! Save that for your place of worship. One of the most significant problems with those who would post material such as this and be offended when others objected is that these people believe they have the right to impose their religious beliefs on everyone else. Big mistake. All should worship as they please in a private, not PUBLIC way.

These kids are trying to motivate the team with a positive message. Would you rather see words like kill slaughter, massacre, stomp. The kids are to be applauded in this day of violence and declining moral standards. I wish schools all across the nation would choose to do the same thing. God bless them all.

If the majority want the banners, they should be allowed. Isn’t that what our country is about?

What’s happening out there, when you can’t even mention God or quote a script from the bible. I remember when prayer was allowed in school and you know what, it was not bad at all. It was not crazy back then like the way it is now. Our kids need a solid foundation, because life is not so easy now. Who was that mother that complained?

Yes, the students and people in the stands should be able to display the Bible verses if they wan to. After all, they are the school’s students, and the citizens who are paying the taxes for that school. If they were carrying signs that told people what religion they should follow, they would be out of line. But that’s not what they were doing. Trying to increase school spirit is not against the law. They should be left alone.

People who don’t follow the bible? These people need to learn that Judaism believed Jesus was a Prophet. Islam also acknowledges Jesus existed, but he wasn’t the messiah, Christians believe he’s the son of God, what’s ironic these main denominations believe in the Old Testament. As for the eastern religions, they also believe in a surpreme being and idols – these too are gods to them. We have bigger problems to solve and maybe some prayer time, to whoever or whatever you believe in would lead to enlightenment in how to make our world a better place with less greed. All true faiths are all about love for each other. Too bad our kids see this, but the adults have to be so immature.

Read the constitution folks – it simply says that the STATE shall not establish a church/religion. There is no mention of “separation.” Why are only christian values objected to while hateful subversive topics are “tolerated”?

It is a shame that this even has to be questioned. This is supposed to me “one nation under GOD”

I applaude the young people and encourage them to keep up their practice and God will bless them richly!
I think they should be allowed to have the banners, this country was founded on religious freedom, and if we keep taking God out of everything he will take our country away from us.
Keep up the Banners! God Bless!!

When did we forget that our country was founded on christian beliefs? How can one person spoil the students tradition? How can this harm anyone? We are bombarded by all kinds of things in the media -and I am appauled at them. Yet, I have no control over what the media puts out for our country to digest. If I complained would it stop? I don’t think so. How can this football tradition be a national news event? Shame on ABC for instigating controversy for the conservatives and people of christian faith.

I’m a beleiver in Jesus Christ and our lives started back in Genesis. Yes the cheer leaders should be able to keep diplaying their god giving talent for the whole world can see. The ones that say no should look into the BIBLE. Peace and in GOD SPEED

We are not forcing people into religion. They have options if they are offended. Put on their I-pods or just come in a few minutes later.
Makes you wonder what our wonderful country would be like if prayers had not been force out of schools and other social places. Makes me ask what our founding fathers would think of all this.

seriously people? you want me to miss out on my sons football game becuase of this stupid banner? You want me to ignore it when it blatantly infringes upon my rights as a US citizen? I have freedom of religion, and therefore have the freedom from being surrounded by religious pressure in public. No one can, and should EVER, be able to force me to observe another religion just becuase I make a public appearance.
I’m glad they had these banners removed. If the cheerleaders want to pray, or display them elsewhere for motivation, then fine. But don’t shove it in my face when I am trying to enjoy a public event, and don expect me to just sit tight and ignore it.

Yes! This is obviously a long-standing tradition of the school. Government should have less say in a school’s extracurricular activities. They already have too much say in what is taught and how it should be taught. Since public schools are paid for by tax payers, these local taxpayers should decide how it is spent. All American public schools should not be should not be dictated by a polital faction.

Religion, rather faith, is for everywhere, not to be hidden. The cheerleaders and players do not have a problem with it and the school and community did not until now. If you don’t want to see it, don’t look. If you want to be democratic about it, put it up for a vote at the school and let them choose.

If you see a cross hanging around someone’s neck, do you tell them that offends you and stand there until they take it off? Same with the Star of David, or any necklace of any religion. The banner is a tradition for these kids, cheerleaders and football team…a long time tradition. Why is okay for the minority to tell the majority what can be done or not done. Our country was built on our faith in God. If you come to our country, do your own thing, but dont change our ways. God is my light and my love and I am proud of it.

Jesus is for all of us . They should keep doing what they always did.
What happened to Love thy neighbor. If they are doing good, Why can’t they continue to do good!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
It helps the team!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I am disappointed that we are such pushovers! We are a nation founded on our beliefs. History is always written be the winners. Stand up and fight for your beliefs! You have it all wrong go live someplace else! We need to stop patriotonizing the world.

There is no way that religious banners should be displayed at any public function. Additionally, if we are truly religious, we will recognize that religion involves loving our fellow man and loving our fellow man involves tolerance of other belief systems which, in turn, involves not shoving our beliefs down their throats. Church and state are separate in this country for very good reasons.

A quotation is NOT a religion. Are you telling me students can quote Tennyson but not the Apostle Paul? This amounts to book burning. The Bible is full of inspirational thoughts and ideas, regardless of your religious beliefs. We are sending a shockingly un-American message when we tell young people that they cannot voluntarily invoke such messages at an extra-curricular activity. Land of the free, my eye. Unbelievable.

There is a difference between “freedom of religion” and “freedom from religion.” Our religious freedom is tragically being stripped away – one of the most basic freedoms that inspired the conception of our nation! Even the most casual, honest observer must admit that Christianity is the only religion in this nation that cannot be freely practiced. Where is the justice in that?

This country is so hypersensitive.

no
public school is not the place for religion

I agree with Jim…how does one person have that much power over the majority?
This nation was based on freedom and freedom to worship as someone believed without persecution. Posting banners with scriptures or praying in public (football game, graduation etc) is not worshipping but freedom of expression and freedom of speech. Maybe if more of these “offended” people considered a higher power other than themselves, we’d all be able to live in harmony.

People in these comments keep saying that these banners are forcing religion upon someone…How is cheerleaders carrying a banner with a bible verse on it forcing anything???? Get real people. How can one person complaining change a decade long tradition? No one is forcing anyone to convert. The fact of the matter is this, WE HAVE FREEDOM OF RELIGION!!!!!!!!! WE DO NOT HAVE FREEDOM FROM RELIGION!!!!!!!!

The banners should only be cheering on their team. Period. Leave God out of sports and public schools.
I’ll bet the supplies to make the signs come out of the school’s budget. Go cheer for God at church.

Apparently, the supreme court and many Americans have no idea WHAT the Constituion says. Perhaps it is because we don’t teach it any more. It DOESN’T say anything about “separation of Church and state”. Those words were written in a letter, NOT the Constitution. The founding Fathers DID believe in THE GOD OF THE BIBLE. Why do you think there are verses of Scripture carved in stone all over Washington D.C. By the way, I have not heard anyone complain about Muslums wearing their dress or making their employers set aside a room for them to pray. So, let the school continue what they (the majority) want.

In regards to forpetesake22′s comment- I guess I just don’t understand why the minority gets what they want when the majority suffers. Why does the one person who objects to the Pledge, prayer, or other religious material always win out against the majority. Obviously in this community the majority of the attendees and participants do not have an objection to the religious banners. Why do their feelings and beliefs not matter?

I think it is repulsive for anyone to judge what this school does!!!! It has been their tradition for 10 years and all of the students and the community, except for 1 person, want these signs. It doesn’t matter that it is a public school, it isn’t hurting any of us. If this wasn’t on tv, we would’ve never known about it. That 1 person should just ignore it or move to another school.

For as going to christian school, why not put your kids in other schools?

I raise a religious banner and saying every time I reach in my wallet to purchase something with the good old green back …. IN GOD I TRUST ….

This is what is wrong with America. This country was founded on God.
My heart breaks at the thought of what is happening in America “THE LAND OF THE FREE AND FREEDOM OF SPEACH.
lET THE KIDS BE KIDS AND HAVE THEIR BANNERS, THIS IS THE BEST TIME OF THEIR LIVES.
MARY, FROM GEORGIA

I think they should be allowed to display whatever they want. This is the US – we all have the freedom of religion at least for today. This country is slowly taking all our rights away just because someone might get offended and their feelings hurt. I say waah.

It seems as though the majority at the school and the residents do not have a problem with it, therefore it should be allowed. They were not forcing their religion down anyone throats. They were merely using scripture as a source of affirmation.

What if the Jewish kids asked that the next week’s banner have a selected reading from the Torah? Would that be okay?
Why do the public school’s cheerleader’s banners for use at the public school’s football games always have to be emblazoned with a message from the christian bible?
It’s not a private christian school so why can’t the Jewish kids or the Muslim kids and the Buddhist kids have a turn for their faith to be featured on a banner?
From what I’ve seen, it’s because for self-proclaimed Christians it’s not about being compassionate, inclusive, and considerate of others, it’s about being right – their version of right. And all the rest of us are told to deal with it, put up with it or we can leave. Except we have no where to go – wait, yes we do, it’s called public school. Where, by design, all faiths, all religions, and all creeds are supposed to be welcome without one religion being promoted, encouraged and exalted above others.
SO, if Christians don’t like that – please leave. The rest of us would like to get on with what’s important – namely making school about getting an education, not promoting any one religion.

The cheerleaders should be able to have their religious banners. The constitution does not prohibit the display of religious banners. The Supreme Court might pass a decision to limit the use of religious banners but that is just another way of catering to the minority and not the majority. Put it on the ballet and see who wins.

PEOPLE PEOPLE…Nothing was said about Christ. Read the news account. Know your facts. When you all see a story about a bible verse you automatically think “Christianity”. The verse was from Psalms..the “old testament” written in the Middle East by a Jew.
Please do not comment if you don’t know what you are talking about…You are entitled to your opinion..but the opinion should be based on knowledge and facts.

Yes, Yes, Yes, God is to important to take out of our childrens lives. Keep God ALIVE!!

Why should one lady be able to change a good thing? All the kids agree it is something good, it is not like they are doing something bad. The kids need faith and love rather than drug and guns.

I believe that the first amendment to the Constitution of the United States says, “It prohibits congress from making laws respecting the establishment of religion or FROM PROHIBITING THE FREE EXCERCISE OF RELIGION. Whatever happened to the second part of this paragraph?

Sad, how people are trying to take God out of everything. If they keep on taking God out of America, America will perish.
Everything else is accepted in school except God. Our country is doomed when God is removed.
Marilyn

Stand with majority’s decision.Most of the American believe in God and wants in their life.

Whatever you believe in,God or no God we live in a free country, America. And if these young people get powered up by the signs, so be it.Let them have the signs.

Call it freedom of speach or freedom of religion. The cheerleaders, or anyone else should be able to express their religious feelings.

Where’s our freedom of speach?

I object to the practice for a different reason. I feel it is disrespectful to Christianity and Scripture to have football players breaking through a banner with Scripture on it. If someone tour a page from a Bible and ground it into shreds with their shoe, religious people would be appalled. I also object to their using Scripture to promote or affirm a form of entertainment, especially one that is basically violent.

“The establishment clause of the first amendment applies”
This is an incorrect statement. The first amendment says “ Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof”
The government must remain neutral! The government does not establish a religion but, unfortunately, it does PROHIBIT the free exercise of our religion. In doing so the government is turning atheistic.
In this case the majority should rule because the majority is paying the taxes to support the school so if the majority want the scriptures then it should happen.

I cannot believe our country was developed with the stength of God to help us. No wonder this country is going haywire. If you can’t pray when you want to where is our rights. If it offends you go to east!

I applaud the superintendent’s stand on this issue. There should be no more discussion because the school system was clearly breaking the law. I hope she will expand her ban to include all illegal religious activities in the system before we taxpayers have to pay for the mistake of not doing so. The religious right apparently thinks taxpayers should finance their agenda.

When the founding fathers wrote the Bill of Rights, this was not what they wanted. Separation of church and state was meant so that the state could not interfere with what the church does. Why does it offend people to see a banner with a bible verse on it? Hey people wake up, God will not be mocked!!

If everyone in that school wants it, why interfere. It’s their right.

If this has been going on for 10 years and the school and the students agree with it, then PRAISE THE LORD! Freedom of religion is also a right and if you have a child on the football field, then I would think that you would want a higher power watching over them to keep them safe. Why is one persons voice more important that the majority. If this is what the school and the students and the community want, THEN LEAVE THEM ALONE.

This is what the kids in the United States
needs now more than ever. There should more prayers and bible reading in school. Forget the Supreme Court. Good Luck on the football field and God Bless you all.

YES!! They should be allowed to have the religious banners. I think that is wonderful that those children want to do that. I think they should tell those who object to it, to move out of their town.

yes YES and YES!!! i am tired of our govt. and a few radicals making up my life for me. I love GOD and want him in everything I do. And no govt. or a few should never have the say over me or the majority. is this the USA or a country run by a tyrant?????????????

It seems to me that more and more ONE or TWO individuals are dictating the norm for thousands. We forget that WE are the government and WE THE PEOPLE are the law. If the community wants this type of banner shown before a football game, NO ONE should be allowed to interfere. If this person is offended by this, perhaps she should not attend the games or carry her own banner advocating Satan or whomever she wants. WE NEED TO START STANDING UP FOR OUR RIGHTS AND STOP THE FEW FROM RULING THE MANY.

We have a government of laws and for a public school to promote any particular religion is against the law. An individual, student or otherwise, is entitled to express a religious belief (as long as they don’t disrupt the educational process) but a school sponsored group cannot. This law protects everyone entitled to a public education from having any particular religion imposed on them. How would the folks in Oglethorpe feel if a system of beliefs other than their own were being promoted by the school? Allah akbar, rah rah rah.

Definitely it should be allowed. It’s san age old tradition that all but 1 measly person enjoyed. Let that 1 person remain the minority. The majority should be able to keep their banners. If more schools would adopt this enthusiam, there would be more joy, less hate.

In Hosea chapter 4 verse 6 “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee. that tous shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children.” You hear radio host and everyone else ask what is wrong with our country and our children, well according to this verse, we in America have forgotten all about God and taken Him out of everthing, (school prayer,players praying before a game, out of our government etc.) God said that since you have forgotten me I will also forget your children!!! We are reaping what we have sown in this Country when it concerns God.

Of course they should be allowed to continue the tradition. Why should one woman be allowed to spoil it for what appears to be the vast majority? Has someone considered introducing her to tar and feathers?

That is why our schools have gotten so bad ,like carry guns to school. GOD IS LOVE

If these kids are carrying out a tradition as was reported, then I think they should still have that right. What is wrong with recognizing God regardless of what religion you practice? The atheists don’t like it, but so what!

I recall the pledge of Alligance as going ” One Nation Under God”. I understand some principles and values protected by law, are based on the 10 Commandments. Thou shall not steal for one. It is confusing to only use religion when it “suits us”. Does God exists or not? Do we only call and speak of him when it works for us?
Our constitutions as you say, was written by men who believed in God and for what religion stood for: equality, justice and liberty. But the corporate America, prefers to use religion only when it fits… Whether you believe in “a God” or not, the facts are that our country was based and built on religious principles and values. Had corporate America followed those principles, we may not be indebted due to greed and selfishness.
So yes, use God in school, let those who don’t believe, look away, and let those who believe, enjoy the comfort God brings us and the guidance knowing him brings……..and for those of us who believe and practice understand we are the ones who are honest and doing the right thing!!! We are not going to harm you………God Bless You

America was founded by our forefathers who prayed and believed in asking God for His wisdom and guidance. When the Constitution of the United States was written, I believe that the framers of this great document never intended for our nation to be so fearful of offending others by publicly mentioning God. Yes, I believe in freedom from religious persecution. And I believe in the freedom to express a love for and faith in God in public settings such as sports events like the one in Catoosa County. The school did not purchase or supply funding to purchase the banners. Once again, our nation cowers to the will of a few people who scream the loudest or threaten to sue. Maybe ABC News should do a special on Faith Held Hostage. Please feel free to interview me on this subject.

Yes, Yes, and a thousand times yes!
Whatever happened to Freedom of Speech? I’m so tired of one person’s opinion negating what the majority want! If it is offensive to that person – stay home, close your eyes, come late to the game, or move to a country where freedom of religion is banned! If every single thing was changed because one person objected to it – the game and the “game of life” would end in utter chaos!

Our constitution gives us the right to place the writings of Buddha, Mohamed, Hindu, Christian, or Atheist (which is a religion, an Atheist must have faith there is no God) or any writings we choose anywhere we choose. THERE IS NO LAW AGAINST IT. READ THE CONSTITUTION FOR YOURSELF…………..HERE IT IS,…..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.

This country was founded on…IN GOD WE TRUST!!! Whatever happened to freedom of religion, freedom of speech? What happened to majority rules? What about the idea of…if you don’t like the way this country is…then find another one. Because one parent complained the kids had to give up a LONG STANDING tradition? People wake up…look around, this world is slowly being destroyed by the “wrong doers.” God said, if you deny me, I will deny you before my Father. What will you do come judgement day….still say there is no God? How terribly sad!!

We should recognize that religious belief is, to a great extent, a matter of brainwashing. It begins at a very early age. If we are inculcated with certain religious beliefs we rarely change them as we age. We should avoid putting social pressure on individuals and allow each to think independently. Banners at football games are social pressure.

I agree that banners with Bible verses written on them should not be allowed at a high school football game. I believe that the school system did what the law requires. Faith should be personal.

As a missionary working in Eastern Europe and the Soviet Union under Communism, oppression of this nature was common place. It is disappointing to see this in my own country! Whatever happened to freedom of speech and religion in America?

these “passages” were being used for inspiration. at no point in this story did i see anyone say to another person that they had to get down on their knees and pray to god. i also find it interesting that the one mother who did complain was not interviewed or did not come forward once the spot light was on her story.

I have just read through some of the responses to this issue of Bible verses on a banner at a public school, and I am amazed at the attitude of people against the use of the Holy Bible. We are in real trouble in this country if we disregard the Bible and disrespect the God of this Bible. We will be judged at some time and the generation that is still alive then will realize they were duly warned. And what kind of influence does this anti-Biblical attitude have on our young people. We will answer for it.

Come on people! This country was founded on freedom of religion or have you forgotten. So what if a scripture is posted befoe a game. If this offends you, go to a country that tells you who and what you can worship and see how you like that. Yes, they should be allowed to run through a banner with a scripture on it and there should be prayer allowed before the game to pray for the safety of the players. If this offends you, plug up your ears or don’t come to the game. Prayer should be allowed in schools also, after all this is the USA —– HOME of the FREE!!!!!!!!!

Don’t we live in a democracy? Don’t we have freedom of speech? Why should their freedom of speech be silenced because ONE person is offended? That ONE offended person could look the other way when the team is running through the poster. The people who support the cheerleaders and the long standing tradition of encouraging the team by quoting from a best selling book, should speak up! “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” – Galatians 6:9

What is our nation coming to, we say were Americans but anything related to God or referring to him our government wants to stop. Youth is looking for something to look up to and this school believes this tradition helps their team they could be holding up a satanic banner or something else as bad. Praise God for students that look up to God for their help since incidents like Columbine ! I’ve worked for school systems and I understand that its hard for students to even find a place just to read a morning bible verse. we’re carrying separation between church and state a little too far.

If the kids want this how is it any different than freedom of speech?

YES!

If this is the law we need to change it11111111

If you don’t like it, all 5 of you could go to the coffee shop and let the rest enjoy the tradition……

Yeah! Where is the poll, ABC? Afraid to post it because of what the results might show?

Yes the cheerleaders should be alowed to display their banners with bible verses. The person that complained should be ashamed of themself.

I think it’s ridiculous that anyone but an athiest would object to them having their banners. The only one who was against it was the superintendent, and it was after the fact! As others have said, this country was founded and is based on the freedom of religion. If they don’t like it, LEAVE!! Our country is waking up and the Spirit of The Lord is speaking to them to stand up! I believe we will see more of this, and I think we will see the courts reversing decisions, and the religious beliefs restored to our people. Those who don’t like it need to leave the US and go where they can have their way, as if they could… No where else on this earth will let anyone say what the believe, but enough is enough… Get back to what the USA really was founded on, and the way things were meant to be!
When religion was taken out of the schools, and the pledge of allegiance, this country went way down hill… It’s time to get back to what this country was founded on, and deport the ones who deny us that right!

This country was founded by people looking for religious freedom.
Like Jim Said.
If you don’t like it get out of America and go back to where you came from.
And on your way out give back all the government grants and money you got when you came to America.
The person who called this in must hate America.
GOD BLESS AMERICA.

The separation of Church and State was written to keep the Government out of the Church, not the Church out of the Government. If the majority of the people want to quote scripture at school, then so be it. If those that don’t like it, turn your heads. It’s freedom of speech. People can say what they want to. That is why we have the first Amendment.

Tolerance has been a buzzword for a while now, and it seems we are being tolerant of everything except religion. Whether you’re religious or not, our founding fathers based our country on their religious views, so claiming these banners are unconstitutional doesn’t fly with me. Many even came here seeking religious freedom!
In this case it’s sad how the voice of one parent holds more weight than the many in the community who support the banners. It’s a small act, but once again we are restricting the very liberties this country was founded on and for which thousands have sacrificed their lives.

It is very sad to see some of the opinions of these people. It shows just how sick this country has become. People are just looking for a reason to bash god and whats worse is it pulls all the people who don,t know anything about the church down with the rest of the modern thinkers. Oh how they,ll regret this when they actually meet their jugement day.

Yes, I definitely think they should be allowed to do it. Why can one person’s opinion overrule everyone else?

IT IS NOW TIME TO END THIS FIASCO. TWO PEOPLE RAISE THEIR VOICE THAT THEY DON’T LIKE RELIGIOUS SAYINGS AND THE MAJORITY OF PEOPLE GO ALONG WITH THIS. NO MORE…..WE HAVE PUT UP WITH THE MINORITY WAGGING THE TAIL OF THE MAJORITY FOR FAR TOO LONG…….THE LAW OF THE LAND ACCORDING TO THE FOUNDERS WOULD BE THE MAJORITY RULES…WAKE UP AMERICA……….THANK YOU

The US was established as a Christian country. Little by little that is changing. What happened to majority rules? Is the country a better place now? Maybe a little mention of God is a good thing.
Take politics out of the school if determined to strip the schools of personality. No more Obama songs or teachers indoctrinating our kids.
The country is losing its idenity bit by bit. God help us.

Well, Let’s see… All of us Americans should look at the dollar bills in our wallets. IN GOD WE TRUST… I Think that sums up what our country’s founder’s believed and put their trust. Jesus was either LORD LIAR or Lunatic. Because he claimed to be GOD in human form. I suggest everybody read “More Than a Carpenter” by Josh McDowell. I don’t understand why all of us human beings want to earn our way to heaven or to be god ourselves. God gave us an easy way .. and we are to stupid to see it.
Let the Cheerleaders have their signs.

No religion should be left at home and at church. Not forced on to everyones kids at public schools.

I think situations like this is why
the world is in such a terrible mess,
READ THE HOLY BIBLE and see if their
is any conviction. If the person that
does not like it,they are plenty of
places they can go to avoid it.

This is what is wrong with the society now. These kids need to know the bible and there would be less violence, hatred and crimes that are occuring among our teenagers that later lead to prison/jails. Compare the children that have the faith to the children that don’t – see who comes out ahead!!!!
No ones arms are being twisted to go to the game. If you don’t like it…stay home!

What happened to the whole separation of church and state, freedom of speech, religion and media? It’s not the choice of one person. Ever heard of majority vote and minority rights? It’s the majority of the people that want it on the field, it’s been a tradition in their community for a long time, however, keeping the minority rights in mind, but that could also include the individual in a right to not attend the social event, or even ignore it. Someone does not have to participate in something they don’t want to. One person should not be able to decide on something against what everyone else wants.

We are ONE NATION UNDER GOD! If we as a Nation don’t stop and realize that….. including our Political Leaders, God is going to turn his back on us and let Satan rule. Yes, the Cheerleaders should be allowed to carry the banners! We are a CHRISTIAN nation.

What if a banner with an equally-inspiring scripture from the Koran or the Torah were held up for the players to run through? Can you imagine the outrage of something like that? But really, what’s the difference?

I’m glad those kids are still meeting outside the stadium with their posters. Way to go kids – stick to your beliefs!

I’ve been teaching about the Constitution and the founding Fathers. They quoted Scripture, prayed and spoke about God in their meetings, writings, and in organized type of schools. If they meant not to speak any Scripture or the word “God” so as to keep government seperate, they would be the example. One person complained and the whole of the people were forced to bow.

you know our kids are hooked on drugs and sex, and nobody seems to care. maybe we do need religon in our schools, nothing else is working.

my opinion is in my day of growing up there was prayer in classrooms, before games and at the begining of school with the pledge.what is happening to americans?to the lady that started all this you should be proud that the children want to voice this on paper proud to be who they are and what they believe.prayer and the choice of religion seems to be a problem in this day and time were not long ago it was not and there seemed to be alot more peace and less stress in our lifes.bottom line i guess some folks just have nothing better to do but just to cause havick.good luck to the students!

Another afterthought: most people who respond are simply stating their religious convictions: “I like Christians” or “I don’t like Christians”. Let’s throw a quote on the poster from the Koran or from the Bhagavad-Gita or by Aldous Huxley or Charles Darwin. Then what would you say? We also have to take into account that people have freedom to express themselves so long as it does not harm others, and not allowing them to do so would be a serious infringement of our natural rights.

ABSOLUTELY YES!! God IS the creator of this world and he belongs in everything we do. with these banners,their simply being a witness for Christ.Now so many people don’t know the Lord as their savior{the ones that are lost},and neither I nor them can even come close to comprehending eternity in hell,but thats where the lost will go after death. Only the ones that have experienced salvation,know the joy
and happiness,and will live with Christ in heaven.

We live in a democratic society. If the majority of the community approves of the banners then they should be allowed. Discontinuing this tradition based on the objection of one person contradicts the very principles of our Contitutional Republic and the democratic values we hold so dearly. Trampling the rights of all citizens in order to spare the “feelings” of a few is a disturbing trend arising in our nation and is utterly un-American!

put it to a vote. What happened to majority rules.

Should not and the ignorant or poorly educated parents that lie to their children saying that there is a God are are the only responsible for the situation.

There is always a place for God

People only need read the writings of our founding fathers to know that this country was founded on beliefs in God and religious freedom.

They should ABSOLUTELY be able to fly their banners!

Yes, yes, yes . . . the cheerleaders should be able to hold up the banners. What about the cheerleaders and football players freedom of speech. Why can ONE parent change something that everyone else seems to want? Let the one mother who did not approve stay home . . . .

My granddaughter goes to this school and in ROTC. The children’s extra curricular activities have been disrupted due to this dung. The Constitution addresses separation of church and state – not church and children who should be able to express THEMSELVES as they wish (ahem *free speech*). The school isn’t posting religious banners.

I think they should be able to use there banners after all we live in America which is susposed to be the land of the free. Our country was founded on God and Country. They better go back to it before it is too late.

WoW! Here we go again….athiest scared to death of their own personal Demons. The big picture is whether or not there is a COMMON good (YES), secondly.. is there peace,love,and happiness around, (YES), and third,what is the MORAL concept of it all? Remember,where did real goodness come from….I mean “REAL” goodness?? And on the other note,..where did “REAL” badness come from?? hmmm… think about that for a moment. Now tell me, is it the bible verse you’re scared of; or something deep down inside yourself…

YES! Just remember “Everyone”.
Like it or not, If we don’t praise Him the Rocks are going to cry out and One day “EVERY” Knee Shall Bow and “EVERY” Tongue Confess that “JESUS CHRIST IS LORD”!
Yes, Everyone means “YOU” believer or NOT!

This country was founded on the belief in God…In God we Trust..Just keep taking God out of everything and look what has happened to our country. Remove the Ten Commandments? Gee, how about removing more? What you have left is what this world is coming to anyway….if you read the Bible, you would know where all this is headed ..it’s unfolding right before our eyes…but since I know what is happening, this is no surprise to those of us who know Jesus..He said,”I am the Way, the Truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. John 14:6

The students should be able to do whatever they want as people and if others don’t belive that then oh well they don’t have to come to the games. If they didn’t like it they should have stoped it before it ever began. A tradition is a tradition its not that big of a deal. Its like some people who don’t believe in celebrating some holidays (they dont like it so they don’t celebrate it). It shows that the students are proud of who they are and if others don’t like it then they can get over it. Some people actually care enough to show there faith and stand up for what they believe in. Others are just mad because they don’t have as much faith in Jesus (A TRUE SAVIOR) as those students do!!!!!

Reading these comments I am appalled at the lack of knowledge of the Constitution and what it says. It does NOT say freedom of or from religion. The exact wording is: “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof”. That means, for those unable to decipher it, that Congress shall neither establish or prevent any religion or display thereof. Banning religious displays by students that take it upon themselves to create them is unconstitutional. If the school resources are involved it could be unconstitutional but if the cheerleaders do it on their own, anyplace, it is constitutional.

I first thought the mother who brought up the complaint should be deported, but now it looks like we’ll need a whole plane to get rid of these idiots!

Someone wrote this a public schoool…and who manages public schools? Why it’s the government…imagine that! So anytime you mention the government you cannot udder the words of Jesus or His father GOD. God is not welcomed in our public schools, and neither is His words! So, as His word says, “For God so loved the world that he gave His only begotten son that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life”. If you don’t understand theses words now believe me someday you will!

I thought we were a country ruled by the majority. It doesn’t make any difference whether it is religion, language, race or whatever. How is it that the minority always seems to get their way. I would not be surprised if the student body didn’t try to teach that to the objectors. Let the objectors carry their own banner. Maybe no one would pay any attention to them but they would have their way. They would probably complain about that also.

If all the cheerleaders are in agreement to have these banners then yes they should be allowed. They are not forcing their beliefs on anyone. They are just showing everyone what they believe in. And aren’t we still allowed to do that in America.

Its America and its a free Country! And we should be able to express our opions. That is why our ansestors came here in the first place. Freedom of religion. Or did that lady forget that. My son is fighting for our freedoms. And unfortunatly also this people who want to seperate religion and government. It makes me sad that they took out prayer from our games in Texas. We always prayed at our games in Laredo when I was young. Those were the good old days

Way to go children. Finally our future leaders are posting something positive.
Why don’t the we hear more about doing something about all the thugs that paint gang signs and trash on our buildings,trains, and private property.let’s see what can be done about that and let those beautiful cheerleaders and student body along.they are doing something good.
joycee

uh hello. first amendment offense? isnt it more second amendment offense? thereis something called freedom of speech. it is not the school (govt. body) but, cheerleaders (students) who do not have the right to vote or oppress. think about it for a minute

America was founded on religious freedom. If we take that away, we’ll be just like the other countries people are trying to get away from.

Yes, I feel like they should be able to keep the banner. It hasn’t been a problem for the past 10 years and now all the sudden we have a woman that wants to raise questions. She is just one what about all the other people that want this to remain the way it was. Why does what she say win over. ( Lawsuit) Majority not minority should rule. For the people that want it taken out of the schools your day will come when you will need God and call on his name and he will turn his back on you too. Just the way you have done him.

My only comment is: I’m saddened to see ,after all the reasons our fore fathers had to bring this country togeather, are being lost with the times and the legal systems. Our Morals are no longer of importance. Is this still the UNITED STATES of AMERICA, I sometimes begin to wonder !!

allah isn’t God! religion is merely a lable that characterizes the groups of people with beliefs for only parts of the bible that are “convenient” to them.. there is only ONE God and ONE holy bible.. so the scripture isn’t forcing a religion on anyone. the students were sharing pieces of the word of God..

The people that are complaining are infringing on the rights of others

The more we remove positive motivation, the more negative behavior dominates our youth. Don’t take this from them in the name of separation of Church and school. The “tradition” as they call it makes them feel like one, and not individual “me’s”. Leave them alone.

The Bible is full of wisdom, knowledge and encouragement, and it is a source of inspiration. What harm is that to anybody? I am for using these Bible verses.

When we could say God bless you in our schools and just have God mentioned publically in our lives, life seemed to be much better. Look what has happened and is happening since then; if you think life is going to get better taking God out of our lives. You really should rethink what you are doing.
God Bless all of you that believe in him. The rest of you know where you can go.

has anybody really read and understood the Bill of Rights it states ” Congress shall make No law respecting an establishment of religion or prohibiting the FREE exercise thereof. Now just where does it say America can’t display ( exercise) a bible verse, I think it beats veiwing some of the seductive stuff I’ve seen cheerleaders do as a cheer to motivate the football players. I don’t want to argue with anybody but come on America needs to trun back to IN God we Trust

They should be allowed to do it. Since when is holding a banner for the players to run through forcing anything on anyone? The constitution says Freedom of Religion, not Freedom from Religion. Besides, the Supreme Court hands down an OPINION, but that does not make it LAW. They have no authority to enforce anything.
If “majority rules” is no longer in effect, then why do we vote? When did it become a majority of one?

This should not be a source of so much negative energy and fighting among ourselves. Freedom of speech allows this on public and private property, within restrictions such as not being offensive, obscene, etc. If Christian-based words are offensive to someone, such as a non-Christian, then we open the door that someone may find Muslim-based dress offensive; would that mean a Muslim can no longer wear clothing found to be “offensive”?
I am not intending to make a conclusive argument, and I realize that the separation of church and state, combined with the emotional nature of religion create a certain opportunity for controversy. However, it seems that democracy and tolerance should permit free non-offensive expression, and the opportunity to express differing views.
Maybe it’s just too darn boring to all just get along, respect and care about each other…we’d rather fuss and fight. And that is a waste in so many ways.

Absolutly! This is what this country was founded on “One Nation Under God” Our constitution was written on the laws of this very scripture. This is what oiur founding fathers fled to this nation and so many died for so we would not be under tyranny! Why do you think this nation has been so blessed! You take that away and we are in going down! Which is what has been happening slowly over the years because of one person here or there trying to take that away! Why don’t you ask our troops overseas how they feel about this subject!

I understand the student body is going to gather outside the stadium with banners they create themselves in protest of not allowing the banner to welcome the team to the field. I wonder how long will it take till their freedom of speech and expression is removed by the one or two who don’t agree with that expression. I find it amazing we tout seperation of church and state so vehemently, but forget all about freedom of speech when someone doesn’t like what someone wants to say or express about their own beliefs. Since the cheerleader’s are not employeed by the school, I see no reason they should not be able to display it.

As I understand it, for the time being, this is a democratic nation. This was a long standing practice, accepted by the community, which was changed because it was questioned by one person. That is not democracy, and in no way right. If you are offended by a Bible verse, do not move to the “Bible Belt”. The beliefs of our forefathers that fought and died for our (your) freedom and to create this great nation are being whittled away one chip at a time until there will be nothing recognizable Welcome to the United States of the Offended.

This country was founded on religion “In God we trust”. We are all Gods children; its sad some have forgotten.

The tax money collected to operate the schools does state “In God We Trust”. Do we have a double standard–we can collect the tax money from taxpayers with the backing of “In God We Trust” but then we cannot allow our students to voice their trust and faith in God in the same public institution in which this money supports. Why then do the schools also place on their calendars and close for “Christmas Vacation” and “Easter Break”? These are truly religious holidays and then should not be observed by any agency who operates with tax dollars. Clearly a screwed up mess and it would certainly be in the best interest of all if everyone in the U.S. of A. would realize that “God is in control.”
If we do have freedom of speech then why don’t those who don’t believe also prepare banners to hold at the public school events, etc. after all that is your right, also.

Bible verses should not be on display in a public school. The right decision was made.

America has separation of church and state to protect the minority. There are those who may want to enjoy school programs without feeling like they are at a religious event – one that is not their religion! Why can’t the cheerleaders use other inspirational messages to welcome the team on to the field, that’s how they did it at my high school. This is about Freedom of Religion. Schools are not churches.

They should absolutley be allowed to display their banners just as they have been doing.
and by thr way, their is nothing in the constitution foorbidding such action! That is a myth and a lie so often repeated that the masses believe it. READ YOUR CONSTITUTION!!!

Have we forgotten why we live in this country? I think it’s marvelous what these kids want to do. I am sad they have been denied. Most of the time the media only tells of the bad, this was a positive thing that honored who put us here to begin with.

religion at any public event should be restricted.Otherwise, we have these thoughts imposed upon us and we really want our freedom to think for ourselves.No religious symbols or broadcasts should be alowed.

People, leave it alone. Are they going into the stands asking people to join their church or commit to their doctrine? I think not.
With all the negative concerns we hear
about teenagers,ie, sex, drugs, etc….thank GOD they have a positive focus in their young lives!!!! I say AMEN

Yes they should!
This country is going down hill fast. Young people are being attacked by atheists and socialists to only beleive as the do. Oh I forgot the muslims.
Look at the polls on current government policies.
Do the people still have any real influence in government?

They have done it for years now someone says something and it has to stop. Why does the majority give in to the minority. If you don’t like don’t read it. Be glad you live in a country where you can say something right or wrong.

Please remember that God(and Abraham)
is the Father of the three major religions in this country. We’d better
start honoring him if we want this earth
to stay in one piece. The cheerleaders
are doing no wrong!

School spirit is very important, this bring the students & community together. This is a tradition, why stop it because of one or two peoples opinion. I really don’t get it, there are some people, small percentage, that have something against GOD & religion, when they open there mouths the one that do believe are afraid of lawsuits.Let these students continue doing what thay have be doing, The school district should not give these people the power to stop this tradition.

They should let the kids keep doing this, it is their tradition and it is what they want. We give in to self promoting attention getters too easy for the sake of a law suite.
Everyone suffers as our freedom erode.

Look up Equal Access law from 1984. Unless the school is paying for the materials to make the sign and the cheerleader’s uniforms, then this “club” should be able to do this. But just make sure they get the correct reference. The sign says PROVERBS 16:13. It should be 16:3!!

If the cheerleaders and the foot ball team really want to continue this tradition, i think they should fight it until they win! they should be allowed to express themselves! If they want results, i think they should go on strike from the foot ball games! this should stir up some fire in the community!!!! STAND UP FOR WHAT YOU BELIEVE IN GIRLS AND GUYS!!!!!

This country is really messed up! We want a closet God. Tell our kids to not live their faith. Then have a 911 and ask everyone to take our closet God out and pray.

It is my tax dollars as well as yours that are paying for these kids to go to public school. I am a Christian and I believe that if we had not taken God out of everything to begin with, we wouldn’t have near the problems in society that we are having right now. Show some love for other people instead of so much hatred.

Yes, they should be able to have scriptures allowed before, during and even after their football game if it is in their heart to do so.
It saddens me deeply that people are forgetting that there is only one True God who’s name is Jesus Christ. He is the Savior of the World and not just here in America. One day every knee will bow to worship Him and Him alone.
I pray that whoever stopped this freedom of religion will come to meet Jesus herself! I also pray that all Christians will start raising their banners high for the Lord! And for others, I hope they will start reading the Bible to find out who they really are (made in the image of God) and where they are going to spend eternity.

I know one thing,that the peoples of the United States and our leadership of our school board have there priorities in the wrong place , we as a people need to learn to put GOD first, in our lives. To love GOD with all of our heart,and with all our soul,with all our mind,those cheerleaders and players, you all are bless by GOD and those of you that dont like it GOD will deal with you!

This country from the very beginning was founded so that we could worship the ONE and ONLY GOD -YOU KNOW THE ONE THE CREATED ALL THINGS THAT WAS CREATED!!!!! This school and these kids are being denied the right to freely express how they feel about GOD and GODS WORD. Yet other kinds of “religion” can speak out without fear of anyone stopping them. Eternity is a long time to be wrong about WHO GOD IS. CHRISTIANS– STAND UP AND BE COUNTED. GOD BLESS YOU KIDS!!!!!!!!!!!!

Why do people think that GOD even cares who wins the football game or any other sport? Children in Iraq & Afganistan are being killed or having limbs blown apart–there are people dying every day because they can’t get enough to eat-get real people–GOD has enough problems without worrying about your game!!!

It is completely inappropriate to having religious anything at a public institution. I’m pretty sure that there are kids at that school who are not christian…therefore, one religion should not be displayed for all. It’s against our law. And by the way…it’s funny to me when people say that our founding fathers based this country on christian beliefs when some of them were actually atheists. Thomas Jefferson was an atheist. Learn some history people.

this is one more time where we are worried about what a few think instead of what is right if everyone wants it why stop it this country was founded on Christian beliefs and now we have a few people who don’t believe will that is ok I will pray for them but that does not mean that the rest of us don’t
I AM OFFENDED THAT WE CANT DO IT ITS NOT THAT ITS A CHOICE I AM BEING TOLD I CAN NOT BELIEVE THE WAY I CHOOSE BUT IT IS OK FOR SOME ONE ELSE TO AND SINCE THEY BELIVE ONE WAY I AM STOPPED FROM MINE
Someone said earlier about Atheists and Muslims but no one is stopping them or saying anything about it just Christians and I find that offensive

Religion should not be brought into public schools,during any school function no matter what, and if they refuse they should suspended forth rest of the year.

People make STUPID laws in this country.

they should be able to post their banner – they one of the few still following the foundations laid down by this nation’s founding father. history backs this up – if you don’t think so, look it up – wallbuilders.com is a great history resource.

Yes. They should be allowed to use the banners. I think the group that will have banners near the stadium should take them to the field. I think the cheerleaders, football players, and fans should also wear scriptures if they want.

You NO voters should get on a ship and find yourself a country that thinks like you. This is AMERICA, In God We Trust! Don’t like it, get the h— out.
I say yes, let the banners fly.

If it were a private school I would say “Go for it” but is not. In a public system there needs to be rules to protect everyone from those who would impose their personal beliefs on others. And there were more than a few of our founding father that were secularists.

After seeing the clip on the news is seems to me this is very important to the players, cheerleaders and students. I get a feeling the banners and their messages are a bonding thing with those who are using them. I also feel there is a “minority” of people who are trying to desensitize our young people by taking away something that brings them together. The children and the “majority” should fight this to the end and expose the very few who are chiseling away at our freedoms. I think the students will create a movement that will be unprecedented. I really wonder who would want to take away something that gives us so much strength and belief in oneself.

Its obvious by these comments that the liberals need their own country with Obama in charge. The rest of us need to see Texas secede and offer home swaps for all liberals to leave and all conservatives to come.

Yes, let the cheerleaders use the banners and don’t let a very small minority rule the majority. GO Team, Go School, Go Community making your statement. Don’t let those that don’t believe in God put a damper on your spirit. We Christians have got to make a stand for our God or our country is going to continue to fall at an alarming rate. This country was founded on Christian values. I feel so sorry for some of these people and their unbelief. Fort Oglethorpe, Georgia stand stong for our Lord and count on my prayers!!!

I applaud the cheerleaders, school, and people of the community. We are a nation founded by religious freedom. We need to take back what we have always done, (Pray in schools,games,etc.) Allowing minority groups to stop us from our rights, is totally wrong.

So someone’s mother was offended… sounds a little like history repeating itself. Anyone remember Madalyn Murray O’Hair? One woman who changed the course of our schools and the course of America. Look at the problems in our schools today… teenage pregnancy, violence, gangs, drugs, murder, etc. Back before dear Madalyn had her way the biggest problems in our schools were chewing gum, passing notes, talking, etc. Get the picture? We allow one person their ‘rights’ but what about the majority? When do we get our rights?

Yes they should,if a person dont belive in god then why would his words on a banner offend you,that banner falls under freedom of speech,you should focus on takeing vilonce out of the schools and not words of wisdom which are kids need today

NOW THIS IS REALLY GOING A LITTLE OUT THERE! ONE PERSON IS UPSET AND MANY SUFFER THE CONSEQUENCES. WHAT HAPPENED TO DEMOCRACY? WHAT HAPPENED TO THE ABILITY TO PRAY ? WHAT IS SO DIFFERENT ABOUT A BANNER MADE BY MINORS AND BARELY LEGALS COMPARED TO A PRAYER?
WE STATE WE LIVE IN AMERICA, HOME OF THE BRAVE AND FREEDOM AND RIGHTS GUARANTEED! IS THIS A SOURCE OF HAPPINESS FOR THE TOWN, TEAM, PLAYERS OR TOWN? IS THIS FREE SPEECH. NO VERBAL STRENGTH WAS GIVEN TO THIS AND IT IS A BANNER…PRINTED WORDS….READ IF YOU WANT!
AS FAR AS THE TEACHER WHO ARROGANTLY STATED “THERE IS NO QUESTION…”, GO BACK TO SCHOOL AND STUDY SOMETHING REAL LIKE FUNDAMENTALS OF LAW OR JUST BEING HUMAN! YOU ARE A VERY POOR MODEL TO CONDEMN THE RIGHTS OF OTHERS AND THE FEELINGS OF OTHERS! i THOUGH TEACHERS WERE TO WORK TOWARDS PROMOTING SUCCESS.
IT HAS BEEN SAID IN THE PAST…”IF MAN DID NOT HAVE A GOD, THEN HE WOULD CRETE ONE!” SORRY, THE VOICE OF ONE MORTAL SHOULD NOT DOMINATE OVER A DEMOCRACY OF MANY!
DESTRUCTIVE AND NEGATIVE PEOPLE ….I HAVE THREE WORDS FOR YA….”GET A LIFE!”
SCHOOLS MAY BE FUNDED BUT THE LAW STATED FREEDOM OF SPEECH, AND THE RIGHT TO PURSUE HAPPINESS. I REMEMBER NOTHING ABOUT THE INABILITY TO VOICE OPINIONS!
i AM NOT A BIBLE THUMPER BUT THERE ARE THREE WORDS OF MAN THAT SHOULD DOMINATE!
THOSE WORDS ARE “WE THE PEOPLE….”
NOW THAT’S THE LAW…CONSTITUTION SAYS NOTHING ABOUT ONES INTERFERING WITH INDIVIDUAL OR GROUP RIGHTS! KIND OF LIKE A TRADITION, IE; FLAG, SALUTE, PRESIDENT, SENATE, CONGRESS, PASSING BAD LAWS AND SUPPORTING THEM AGAINST THE MANY!

Yes! The school, players and community all want it – so why should one person be able to negate that?! I’m tired of one person ruining it for everyone else. Whatever happened to Freedom of Speech? If someone finds this offensive: close your eyes or come late to the game – or just stay home! Imagine the chaos that would prevail at a game, or the “game of life” if every single thing that ONE person objected to was implemented!

People have become so consumed with trying to stiffle other people from expressing themselves because they might offend others that the fun is being taken out of activities. This was a tradition for this school and these students. The cheerleaders are well within their right and freedom to display encouragements for their team. The team and those attending expressed that they enjoyed the tradition as well. The one that complained and maybe others who do not believe, they don’t care what the sign says anyway….so who was it hurting. People quit taking everything so personally and just enjoy life in whatever way you believe.

You may not be a religious person now, but when you or a loved one is facing death or tragedy, who will you pray to?

Any religious community should be able to display religious information in their community for any purpose. Any atheist living in that community has the right to move to an atheist community. These types of things should be voted at by the community at the next regular scheduled elections and the vote should stand until the following elections. THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AND SUPREME COURT SHOULD STAY OUT OF LOCAL AFFAIRS.

If this is a public school receiving public funding, then they should not be allowed to have religious banners at any function. If this were a Christian school, then it’s a whole different ballgame (pardon the pun).

I think it is rediculous that one such person has so much control over what is done or said. I would like to know what her child thinks about all of this. It is so sad that our freedom is being taken away one person at a time no matter what the topic is. Those people are taking over and we don’t even see it coming. If you don’t like it, nobody is forcing you to go to the game and watch. Stay home.

Have the 1 child turn his head or close her eyes or better still stay home. what if the ball players stayed home?

GOD IS MISSING IN OUR SCHOOLS TODAY. HAS ANYONE THOUGHT; HEY, THAT’S WHAT OUR PROBLEM IS. I WAS RAISED WITH A PRAYER AND A PLEDGE TO OUR FLAG EVERY DAY IN SCHOOL. I HAVE CONTINUED TO BE A LAW ABIDING, GOD LOVING AND FLAG WAVING AMERICAN. THANK YOU FOR THIS CHANCE TO FINALY SPEAK MY MIND.

I received an email today with this information–”Did you know that Patrick Henry the patriot and one of the Founding Fathers of our courtry said: “It cannot be emphasized too strongly or too often that this great nation was founded not by religionists but by Christians, not on religions but on the Gospel of Jesus Christ.”? – “Did you know that Thomas Jefferson worried that the Courts would overstep their authority and instead of interpereting the law would begin making law an oligarchy(the rule of few over many)?” How far we’ve sunk in 220 years. We need men and women with the backbone of our founding fathers to take a stand for their faith these days. It’s the STUDENTS choice and they have the right to continue their tradition.

I am from the next county where this occurred. I applaud the parent that questioned this practice. Just because it is “tradition” doesn’t make it legal. This detracts from the reason these kids are in school, to learn, not be be inundated with religious material that may not coincide with their particular beliefs. Some people say, if they don’t like it, don’t look, but that shouldn’t be a choice these students or the parents and fans at these games should have to make. This sort of controversy is exactly the reason it is illegal to promote any religion in public schools. How many of those kids in that school have learned anything this week and how many have done nothing but focus on this controversy? I send my kids to a public school to learn appropriate school subjects, not to be taught religion. Teaching them about religion and God is my job, not the school systems.
Leigh Ane from LaFayette, GA

I’m getting real tired of people forcing their views on other people. The problem with this country is we don’t have enough religion in this country.Maybe if we did the things that happen in this country would not happen. remember the child that said to GOD after the killings in his school, how could you let this happen,? GOD said to him “I’m not allowed in your school,if I was matbe I could have prevented it.

we,re having to give up our rights,rights that this country was built on ,this country is blessed because of God,and wether you want to except it or not your(our) lives and this country is being effected by taking God out of schools ,our jobs, and our homes.And you none believers and you that just don ,t care,just stop and look around and you can see the more you take Him out, the more, and faster this great country and our homelives are going down and in a hurry.

As United States citizens we either have unalienable rights under law or we have no fixed rights. There is no middle ground. While for some years a recent invention of justices on the Supreme Court wherein was lifted from a Jefferson letter the term ‘separation of church and state’, the notion does not exist in the Constitution, and therefore ‘under law’ does not exist. Either, equally under law, all citizens are free to speak, write and otherwise express themselves with few exceptions…shouting fire when there is none in a crowded auditorium, etc.
Further, the Congress (government) is forbidden power to make any law that hinders religious expression or forbids free practice of religion. That is a constitutional principle restricting governmental power, which includes the Supreme Court. Either were are a representative republic under law, or we are under whatever rule seems convenient to the ruling regime…the rule of men and not law.
There is nothing constitutionally to empower the forbidding of religious expression or to hinder free speech, therefore the notion that religious signs at football games are somehow illegal or unconstitutional, is patently foolish.
Now, if someone were to claim that in this era of the tyranny labeled political correctness, there are bent feathers, well, that is probably true.

Yesssssssssssssss!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : )
Why not? The banners are uplifting and encouraging not just to the players but also to the fans. We still live in a free country but I fear for not much longer. So lets keep it up for as long as we can.

Religion was on this earth, because of the ONE who created it and everything in it. It’s AGAINST my rights as an American and as a Christian to be forced NOT to display scripture at any sports event. NASCAR still has PRAYER before their races, we can still be thankful for that.

This is so disheartening. It seems to be happening everywhere…whatever happened to majority rules and freedom of speech. This country was founded on God and Christianity. We must stand up for what is right and speak out against those who oppose God in schools. We are the majority..and with God’s help we can do it!

This was a school tradition. It seems most of the people in the school and the community want to do it. Why stop just because one person complained? And why do people feel offended by anything that has to do with Christianity? It is part of the fiber of our country. To try to rip it out completely will be the unraveling of this great nation.

For those who need to understand the EXACT language guaranteeing our RIGHT to freely express our religion, etc: First Amendment – Establishment Clause, Free Exercise Clause; freedom of speech, of the press, Freedom of Religion, and of assembly; right to petition,
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.
This is an issue of freedom of expression. If it is the expression of INDIVIDUALS and not of the school itself let it be!!! We all benefit. Do not be deceived- the amendment guarantees that the government may not abridge the right to freely express one’s religion!

As the son of a Pentecostal preacher and now proud Atheist it just shows how brain-washed these kids are. If there parents what them to be all about God then send the to a private Christian school. But I will be damned if I let any of my tax money go to support one religion of another or none at all. I did serve as a Marine to let right wing nut jobs control this country.

All I’ll say is it seems the more we remove God from our society,the more”unraveled” it becomes.

God forbid we should change our money too because it says “In God we trust”. The funny thing is everybody use that dollar, does anybody complain about it? No because we all benefit from it. By the way i am not even from this country but i don’t try to change things to make it my way because if i want it that way i should have stayed home. Quit your complaining people.

Americans have allowed a ruling from 1947 to change the fabric of America. The words “separation of church and state” were taken out of context from a letter written to Thomas Jefferson from the Danbury Baptist in 1802 about European laws forcing a one religion society and Jefferson promised it wouldn’t happen in the Americas.The comment he made was to tell them they would have religious freedoms not obliterate it. Study the 1947, Everson vs.board of education. We allowed one individual to change our society and the supreme court justice took the words out of context. Just like this event, we are allowing one individual to define us. We’ve forgotten what democracy really means. “a form of government where the supreme power is vested in the people” No where does it say change because of one person. This country was founded on a Christian moral foundation. For those of you commenting on the separation, you need to do your homework on American history and it’s founding fathers.

WE NEED TO START STANDING UP FOR WHAT WE BELEIVE AS A MAJORITY, IT SEEMS LIKE THE MINORITY ALWAYS GETS THEIR WAY. START MAKING A STAND! GOD IS GREAT!!!!!!!!!!!

I don’t understand what people don’t get about “separation of church and state.” Why is this always such an issue? What people don’t seem to understand is that such a separation is a protection afforded by the Constitution. Just because it doesn’t work in the favor of a bunch of high school kids doesn’t mean it should be ignored or scrapped. So, these kids are unhappy about it. WHO CARES? That’s life. The lack of a distinct line between government and religion is still proving distressing for many, many people in this world.

?Separation of Church & State? I missed that…where is that specifically stated in the Constitution. I read the intent that religion shall be free from the state (regulations)… the State shall on infringe on religion. Whoever twists this thought to mean religion shall not infringe on the State has got it backwards!!

abc should post a yes or no poll on this great subject.I pray for those young americans,i.e.,cheerleaders,players,parents who realize that with Christ,everything good is possible. Without Christ,nothing is possible. Keep your heads lifted high and keep on praying young Americans at Ft. Ogelthorp H.S..

The majority of this area is Christian? If the people do not like it, they do not have to come to the games?
That sounds like you are discriminating against other peoples faith or religion and those how do not believe in what you believe in. That is just wrong, what are you going to do next, tell them to sit at the back of the bus?
No, religion needs to stay where it belongs, in your church and not in public school.

If an individual does not agree with the customs of any institution they are free to search for another. It is really sad that we allow the court system to side with those who enjoy dismantling the foundation of this great country. They will not be satisfied until we follow the path of the Roman Empire.

My question is, and I ask it sincerely, are people of other religions asked to keep theirs a secret or are they “allowed” to practice in public without persecution? I feel like Christians are being targeted and I haven’t a clue what we did to deserve it. Except maybe practicing our right to a FREEDOM OF RELIGION. We might as well get rid of the the Bill of Rights because if it’s not going to be across the board, then it doesn’t need to be at all.
To the cheeleaders of that football team, I say band together and don’t back down. Prove a point that your rights will NOT be stolen! If someone’s offended, they need to turn their head; that’s what we as Christians are expected to do, is it not?
Who’s telling the atheist to SHUT UP because it might offend a Christian?

It IS NOT UNCONSTITUTIONAL!, you just want it to be. It’s what America was and is founded upon. Anyone who hates God can move to a godless country and leave us alone…please

Woah! Such negativity. We (the USA) is a nation created UNDER GOD. Having the freedom of speech and religion is included in a PUBLIC school. If these students are making the choice to stand up for what they believe in, even while making a public statement, why should anyone stop them? Who is it hurting? How is it forcing anything on anyone else? Together they unite as an athletic organization as well as believing in Christianity, and if that brings them closer together and stronger as a team, what is the harm? Choose your battles wisely!

with the state our world is in a little scripture should be welcomed. we tolorate the half clad girls parading at a football game, how could a scripture hurt?

The banner is very overt. I would feel alienated by the sign if I was a student there. “Commit to the lord whatever you do and your plans will succeed.” It’s very preachy for a public school. There are many other verses you could choose that are more universal, that anybody could appreciate. “Lord” implies Christ, and being Christian. What if one year you have a player on your team that isn’t Christian.

This is whats wrong with our country now. We have let all the athiest govern what we can and cann’t do. When we take god out of our country we will end up like the poor countrys of Africa