Ten Commandments Supporters Jailed: A Personal Account

The Rev. Daniel J. Sparks, OAC ^ | October 9, 2003 | The Rev. Daniel J. Sparks, OAC

[gunnedah]

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[xzins]

So, it is illegal to hold a sign saying "10 Commandments," but it is ok to hold a sign in front of our troops that says, "baby killers?"

We truly live in strange times.

Come quickly, Lord Jesus.

[rdf]

What was the excuse/position of law enforcement regarding these events?

Do you have links to news coverage?

This needs careful but tough minded publicity, and folks must not make stupid mistakes that make the members of the 10 Commandments Movement look foolish.

Please keep the information flowing.

Keep Faith,

Richard F.

[Gargantua]

When we are reported to the authorities and persecuted and jailed for our proclaiming the Holy Word of God, and His Son Christ Jesus, we must rejoice, for the day draws near!

This was one of the signs (all of which are now coming to pass) that Jesus told His followers to watch for, signifying the End Times, and the nearness of His Glorious Appearing.

Other signs we were told to watch for were the re-emergence of the Roman Empire (EU) and the re-established borders of the Nation State of Israel.

It was predicted over 2,000 years ago, and it's all happening NOW! Let those who have eyes, see. Let those who have ears, hear.

Can I get an AMEN?

[Blzbba]

They were told to not hold the sign inside the police line. The Rev. Mahoney was even taken off the grounds once for violation of this, without being arrested. Since he continued to violate this rule, he was arrested.

Whackos like this who worship the false idols of two pillars of stone should be incarcerated. One of the Commandments itself forbids worship of false idols. This guy and his followers are lawbreakers and I'm glad they were arrested.

Noone holding a sign outside the lines was arrested.

[rwfromkansas]

Interesting nick and it shows you to be a disruptor.

[xzins]

The restoration of Israel is clear.

The restoration of the Roman Empire is a good probable interpretation. However, the EU being that empire is a speculation.

The Roman Empire proper was: Italy, Spain, France, Germany, Greece, Balkans, Turkey, Syria, Iraq, Iran, Egypt, Libya, Morocco, Algeria, Israel, Lebanon, Jordan, Saudi Arabia.

I've probably left a few out. It struck me that it's power stemmed from its total control of the Mediterranean basin. It really didn't extend north of the Rhine River.

[xzins]

So, what you're saying is that there should be public areas that are "non-free speech zones." Do I have that correct?

Do you support the zones of "non-free speech" around abortion clinics?

[MissAmericanPie]

Good on you

[freeeee]

Well well well. It seems my "I told you" post is coming a lot sooner than expected.

I'll leave it to y'all to explain to the FReepers on this thread why these people should be arrested for holding signs and protesting where the government says they can't. Have fun! Don't much like the taste of your own medicine do you?

For the uninformed, the people I pinged argued on this thread that anti-Bush protesters should be removed from a street near a presidential motorcade by the SS because of the content of the signs they held.

And in this case, we have Ten Commandments supporters being arrested for holding protest signs near the Supremes.

[freeeee]

An "I told you so" post. Gotta love it!

[Labyrinthos]

Interesting nick and it shows you to be a disruptor.

Wait, wait, wait, wait. A "disrupter" simply because he refuses to walk lock step with the Bible Thumpers? I've been to several Freeps over the years, including the WTO Freep in NYC, and the number one rule is show respect for LEO. If they ask you to move, then move, and if they ask you not to do something, then don't it. These people were looking for trouble just like the leftist wackos at the WTO protests, and they were given plenty of oppurtunity to avoid arrest, but chose arrest to make a point. They got exactly what they asked for and deserved no less.

[stuartcr]

Why is it wrong to support the 10 Commandments here in this country, yet it's ok for the govt. to spend millions re-building mosques in Iraq?

[Cicero]

I have mixed views on this.

Law enforcement has a right to politely set up police lines when public events are taking place or anticipated disorder is being prevented.

Going into a church or too close to a church where a service is taking place carrying a political poster, even if that message consists of the Ten Commandments, is an infringement on the right of people to practice religion.

I agree that the law is unevenly and stupidly applied against Christians, pro-lifers, and conservatives; but the remedy to that is not to disobey the law. Or if you do disobey the law for what you consider to be a good reason, you have to expect to pay the penalty. That's an elementary aspect of civil disobedience.

[AppyPappy]

I see no difference between this and union pickets. I wouldn't want someone waving a sign in my face with a fear of violence overhead.

[freeeee]

I wouldn't want someone waving a sign in my face with a fear of violence overhead.

That is the victim mentality. A percieved 'victim' who doesn't like what someone's sign says to a policeman, "He scares me.". The 'victim's' perceptions whether legitimate or not are then used as justification for prior restraint against free speech for anyone with an objectionable message. This effectivly repeals the First Amendment.

Example:
Million Moron Marcher: "Guns are violent. That man with the 2nd Amendment sign, he scares me. Tell him to put that sign down. If he doesn't have him arrested."

Policeman: "As you wish, mam."

[AppyPappy]

You are being purposefully ambiguous in order to avoid debating the real issue. Everytime someone gets close to defeating your argument, you retreat to another position.

The problem is not the sign; it's the proximity to the intended target.

[EternalVigilance]

In most areas that involve security concerns, objects that can be used as weapons are NOT allowed. This includes signs on sticks or poles. Normally, signs without sticks or poles are not a problem whatsoever.

I have a hunch that this was the case here.