Posted on 01/09/2003 12:24:39 PM PST by Behind Liberal Lines
GENEVA — Councilor-at-Large Gary Baxter is questioning City Attorney A. Clark Cannon’s decision about God’s place at the Public Safety Building.
At last night’s City Council meeting, Baxter, a retired police officer, asked that the state Attorney General’s Office review Cannon’s opinion that a “Remember, We work for God,” sign on police Lt. John Cataline’s door violates the First Amendment regarding separation of church and state.
“In my opinion, it oversteps the line,” said Cannon, who will forward the matter to the state office at Baxter’s request.
“Remember, We work for God,” was a statement made by Lt. Cmdr. Vernon J. Gerberth of the New York Police Department, and the bumper-sticker-size sign was on the window in the door to Cataline’s office.
Cannon declined to say who brought the matter to his attention. He gave his opinion to City Manger Richard Rising this week, and Rising forwarded it to Police Chief Frank Pane, who then told Cataline the reference was deemed inappropriate in the work place.
“It’s hard for me to swallow,” Baxter said, adding that City Council meets in the courtroom of the Public Safety Building where the words “In God We Trust” are prominently displayed.
Cataline, who had covered the word “God” on the sign with black masking tape last night and removed it entirely this morning, declined to comment.
Second Ward Councilor Bill Krueger and 3rd Ward Councilor Kay Cocola said this morning that the matter was an administrative one and not something that should have been brought before the Council.
Sixth Ward Councilor John Greco said this morning that Cataline should have been able to keep the sign up.
“I don’t understand why it bothers some people,” said Greco. “Everyone is entitled to their own beliefs.”
Don't worry, that will be next. Sigh....
The First Amendment mentions no such thing.
“I don’t understand why it bothers some people,” said Greco. “Everyone USED TO BE entitled to their own beliefs.”
Why not just pencil in some dots.....
Remember, we work for G.o.d.
Then let people interpret the sign as they wish:
"...we work for God our divine."
"...we work for Goofy obscene democrats."
etc....
Actually, we're entitled to express our own beliefs under the First Amendment. Aren't we?
And you thought you had it bad in Ithaca.
At least in Geneva, some of the council members realize this for the nonsense it is.
In Ithaca, the cop probably would have been fired.
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