JAMES MADISON QUOTE - 1822

"A popular government without popular information, or the means of acquiring it, is but a Prologue to a Farce or a Tragedy; or, perhaps both. Knowledge will forever govern ignorance; and a people who mean to be their own governors must arm themselves with the power knowledge gives."

SCOTTSBORO WEATHER - SUN & MOON RISE

Friday, August 29, 2014

Jackson County Courthouse - 150 Year Old Courthouse Maple Tree to Face Saw?

   Update: Sep. 5, 2014 - Jackson county commission Meeting. The Old Maple Tree gets a reprieve for now, until experts can be consulted as to the tree's life cycle and condition.

Scottsboro, Alabama August 28, 2014 - A 150 year old Maple tree in front of the Jackson County Courthouse is scheduled to be cut down on September 5, 2014 if the County Commission has their way.

A local area forester has stated the historical old tree is at the end of its life expectancy. Some folks want to save the tree.There has been no public written report from the Extension Service or Auburn University on this historic tree's life cycle or status.

The historic tree has stood through 2 courthouse fires, hangings, Jim Crow injustice, two world wars, and the many politicians of Jackson County.

The current commission is attempting to erect a monument to the Ten Commandments by utilizing a false reflection of history to accomplish erecting the monument; now the commission moves to destroy a true symbol of Jackson County History - the 150 year old Courthouse Maple. 

UPDATE - THE PRICE OF BURLY MAPLE - THIS IS A BURLY OLE TREE 
 $100 for a 12--14 inch diameter 2 inch slab to $3000+ for a 10 foot by 3 1/2 foot board. Calls (2) to the Jackson County Commission which were made on Thursday, August 28, 2014 have not been returned as of this update which is 4:30PM Friday August 29, 2014. The price of Maple at Keim Lumber - http://www.keimlumber.com/maplehardsoft


WAFF STORY on the COURTHOUSE MAPLE - http://www.waff.com/story/26397902/150-year-old-scottsboro-courthouse-tree-at-risk-of-being-removed

                    OLD COURTHOUSE PHOTOS WITH THE TREE 
Fair use license for photo, non-profit use for education and news, unknown photographer.
Fair use license for photo, non-profit use for education and news, unknown photographer.


Tuesday, August 26, 2014

Scottsboro City Elections August 26, 2014

                      Oct 7, 2014 Scottsboro City elections runoff.  

Place 3 - Tony Wallingsford, 47%, Carol McCrary, 33%

Place 5 - Gary Stewart and Greg Mashburn were separated by 50 votes

School Board - Julie Gentry, and Greg Bell were separated by 50 votes.

Place 4 -  Keith Smith won with 59% over Blake Burns, the only race with no runoff.

Jackson County Commission, Regular Session August 25, 2014, Ten Commandments-Historical Documents Issue, Skyline Flooding Issue, Citizen Home Damage as a Result of Water Diversion

Jackson County Courthouse North Side, photo (Fair Use, Face Book by Judge J. Holt)

AGENDA
Item # 5 CR25 issue, motion to approve $14,000 to fix drainage problem in front of Skyline School.  The issue is not listed on the agenda as published nor was it added to the agenda when a call for additions or changes was requested.



Ten Commandments Issue, separate blog post, including Cease and Desist Letter concerning alleged violation of the Establishment Clause of the U.S. Constitution.  http://arklite.blogspot.com/2014/08/jackson-county-commission-regular_26.html 

It is my opinion that the commission's conduct concerning the Jackson County Alabama 10 Commandments Issue is: 1) Deceptive or an indication of gross ignorance which has resulted in negligent actions - the attempt to classify the Ten Commandments as historical documents relative to this nations founding is not valid. 2) This has the potential to cost the citizens of Jackson County, Alabama hundreds of thousands of dollars or more in legal expenses. This type of legal action would surely create a serious budget dilemma and may result in the curtailment of crucial services if the commandments case was adjudicated in the Federal Courts. 3) The insistence by the commissioner instituting this action that it will cost the county no money, in the case of a legal action against Jackson County in Federal Court, is ridiculous and borne out of ignorance or intentional deceit.

Mr. Guffey insists that the county Ten Commandments issue has nothing to do with the Republican Party, I find that hard to believe since it is a specific Alabama GOP platform item to move the Ten Commandments issue through the legislature.  http://blog.al.com/wire/2014/02/things_i_learned_during_the_al.html  and  http://arklite.blogspot.com/2014/08/jackson-county-courthouse-scottsboro.html

Regular Session, Full Video

Jackson County Commission Regular Session, Historical documents - 10 Commandments Issue



A continuation of the 10 Commandments Issue. Previous stories on this blog:
http://arklite.blogspot.com/2014/08/jackson-county-courthouse-scottsboro.html
http://arklite.blogspot.com/2014/08/jackson-county-commission-regular.html

WAFF story - Jackson Co. commissioners to form Ten Commandments committee:  http://www.waff.com/story/26363427/jackson-co-commissioners-vote-on-ten-commandments-installation

WAAY story - Plan to put 10 Commandments on courthouse property now in taxpayers' hands  http://www.waaytv.com/appnews/plan-to-put-commandments-on-courthouse-property-now-in-taxpayers/article_4e0eb64a-2cc7-11e4-b7e3-001a4bcf6878.html

MSNBC story "...to argue that a Biblical list of commandments that begins, “I am the Lord thy God, thou shalt have no other gods before me” is not religious seems a little silly.    http://www.msnbc.com/rachel-maddow-show/week-god-82314

Freedom From Religion Foundation - Cease and Desist Letter, Alleges Violation of Establishment Clause 
http://ffrf.org/images/JacksonCoAL.pdf  


















































Recent article from the American Bar Association Journal on this legal issue: “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion.”  http://www.abajournal.com/magazine/article/the_establishment_clause_is_still_a_contentious_battle_among_the_justices/

Cornell Law School discussion of the issue:   http://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/establishment_clause

There are three versions of the Ten Commandments in the Hebrew Scriptures (Old Testament). They are at Exodus 20:2-17, Exodus 34:12-26, and Deuteronomy 5:6-21.
http://www.religioustolerance.org/chr_10c4.htm

Discussion about government and the Commandments at Romans 13:1-10 King James Version (New Testament)  https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+13%3A1-10&version=KJV


Friday, August 22, 2014

TVA Decreases Current Debt but Proposes Future Debt Increase - TVA Board of Director's Report 3rd Qtr. 2014 - Energy Efficiency Slashed in Budget by 25%


Big News: TVA decreases its overall debt by $1.05 billion dollars for FY 2014,  but the board approved a $3 billion increase in Power Bond sales - 2015 budget, $1 billion in nuclear power debt; a rate increase was approved at 1.5% ; energy efficiency budget slashed by 25%.

KEY PRESENTATION POINTS - TVA BOARD APPROVED:
1) a $10.7 billion budget for fiscal 2015; 2)  a rate increase was approved at 1.5%; 3) increase debt by $3 billion-power bond sales; 4) TVA will spend $3.5 billion on new projects in fiscal 2015 -- the highest capital budget in TVA's history. 5) $1 billion approved for 2015 nuclear expansion; 6) TVA's debt increase by $1 billion next year, this will  increase TVA's total debt obligations above $28 billion. TVA has a $30 billion statutory debt limit. 7) TVA will have eliminated 2000 jobs by September of 2014. 8) Reduce energy efficiency measures by 25%. This resulted in a comment from board member Dr. Marilyn Brown, an Energy Efficiency Expert from Georgia Tech. She said: "TVA Energy efficiency provides a significant benefit to TVA and its customers and I believe this cut is a reflection of a false economy, it is penny wise and pound foolish...co-generation and combined heat to power is an untapped asset." 

Dr, Marilyn Brown


Although Dr. Brown raised questions, there was no stand for what is right. Justifying bad decisions with a speech does not provide confidence in the TVA Board. It is not Dr. Browns fault, at least she spoke up, all bare responsibility. Folks, slashing that which saves money for rate payers in order to make TVA Executives feel good is ridiculous and a dangerous precedent for those who are suppose to govern the TVA. This confirms the notion of "rubber stamp decision making," all has been discussed and approved before hand.

ENERGY EFFICIENCY GETS THE AX!

Why do leaders on this board, who should know better, vote for that which benefits executives instead of the people whom they serve. Did the CEO or any executive agree to cut their pay and bonuses by 25%???

                                          TVA CEO


 2015 PRIORITIES as expresed by TVA's CEO/President Bill Johnson
(CLICK ON IMAGES BELOW FOR AN EXPANDED VIEW)

OLD STORY FOR TVA
TVA rate increases were a primary reason for the closing of the Revere Copper Brass and Aluminum facility in Scottsboro, Alabama and the subsequent Scottsboro Aluminum. TVA refused to negotiate with the company, they closed their doors.

""Charles Chapman, group manager of energy and reliability at the Dalton, Ga. -based Shaw Industries, said TVA rates are higher for Shaw than those of Southern Co. or Duke. Shaw operates about 50 plants nationwide, including more than 30 in the Southeast. Three years ago, Shaw moved a plant three miles to relocate from TVA to Southern's territory to save more than 25 percent on its energy costs.In the past, TVA had more competitive rates, but we've seen a substantial ebb up over the past eight or nine years," Chapman said. "Bill Johnson has done a great job, but we'd like to see more.""  http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2014/aug/22/tva-cuts-staff-spending-but-boost-rates-15/

                                             TVA FINANCES

From the Chattanooga Times Free Press (link above)
 By the numbers - TVA 2015 Budget

* $10.7 billion - Budget for fiscal 2015, down from the $11.2 billion budget in the current fiscal year when cold winter pushed up sales

* $199 million - Increase from 2 percent wholesale rate increase (1.5 percent at the retail level)
* $3.5 billion - Capital budget, the highest in TVA history
* $1.02 billion - Increase in TVA debt
* $500 million - Amount of annual operating expenses cut from TVA's budget compared with three years ago
*$594 million - Projected net income
Source: Tennessee Valley Authority



Outstanding - the $634 million excess in the cash flow was utilized to pay down the debt.

TVA PENSION WOES

ENERGY ASSET BREAKDOWN

TVA "nuclear dog" is the cause of TVA's debt. TVA plans for additional nuclear expansion by borrowing $1 billion in power bond sales.

TVA BOARD MEETING August 21, 2014
Power Point slides link: Presentation

VIDEO OF CITIZEN PRESENTATIONS AND BOARD MEETING

BREDL/BEST/MATRR Member Sandy Kurtz Presentation

Thursday, August 21, 2014

Scottsboro City Council Work Session


Mayor Potter discusses airport runway grant and cable franchise agreement.


AGENDA

VIDEO

Saturday, August 16, 2014

Shh, We Have Secrets, and if you discuss them we will censor you and ban you from further posting.

 
Censorship of Scottsboro historical information by Scottsboro Face Book Groups, where the name of Scottsboro is utilized and information concerning race relations and questions about public involvement have been posted, then censored, along with the removal of participation in the groups.
 
Pupose of my involvement on the Scottsboro Face Book sites described: 1) To determine the site's purpose and affect on the City of Scottsboro and assess racial attitudes toward minorities, people of color and the poor in Scottsboro, Alabama. 2) To determine the purpose of the Revive Scottsboro site and discover if the City of Scottsboro is involved, who is involved and exactly what are they attempting to revive in Scottsboro.
 
The following stories of historical facts were posted, the end result was censorship and banning of the writer, me, from two sites which pertain to Scottsboro, Alabama and where the political entity's name is utilized.
 
"You know you are from the 'boro, If you remember..."Hugh Otis shooting people because of the color of their skin.  
 
The "two sides of the track" - White Wash Story.
 
Scottsboro Boys Museum opening.
 
Head knocked off of "Old Hickory" on the square by drunk woman, discovered statue made from cement and chicken wire .
 
The study of history and learning from its mistakes.
 
 While posting the above articles I was massively, verbally attacked by site members in what can be called a mob mentality of delusion and hatred, in my opinion as a Department of Defense Race Relation Equal Opportunity Specialist, Retired. 
 
The Story: Censors of local history close ranks and public input on Face Book (FB) Scottsboro History site. Examples: "You know you are from the 'boro, If you remember..." 1) August 16, 2014 Pat Patterson -group administrator - "If you're from Scottsboro, here's a place to see who remembers what... from back in the day. This is intended to be a nostalgic page to allow folks to reminisce. Please, keep it light. No advertising of any kind, no political or religious discussion. Not looking for controversy or debate. Basically, just play nice. This is not intended to be a "historical" account or record. Enjoy!" 2) Pat Patterson, group administrator changed the groups privacy settings from Public to Closed. The group header contains a picture of the old Scottsboro Freight Depot.

 UPDATE - At 12:30 PM August 16, 2014 I have been censored and blocked from the FB "You know you are from the 'boro, If you remember..." Mr. Pat Patterson, site administrator, has been given an opportunity for a press interview, he has declined. Since I have been censored, I take it my postings have also been censored-removed.



These events began with the questioning of the purpose of the "Revive Scottsboro" site and remembering of incidents concerning racial discrimination, murder and the head of Andy Jackson being knocked off by a drunk on the square; which includes the subsequent report that the statuary was intended to be constructed of stone, but it was discovered that it was concrete and chicken wire when Old Hickory was decapitated. Mrs. Ann Chambliss did not agree with the report that "Ole Hickory" was supposed to be made of stone and stated, "... the Historical Association commissioned the Chicken Wire and Cement statue as we could not afford the stone one." Others attempted to "goad" me as to my source, which I would not reveal, except to say, "they are very reliable and have posted on this site."
 
At approximately 2:30 PM today, August 16, 2014 - the site administrator of the "You know you are from the 'boro, If you remember..."  has stated he intends on closing the site. After I asked of him if my postings had been removed as I was removed from posting on the site. He said, "it takes a considerable amount of time to delete 2800 members, one at a time."

 The postings of the "Old Hickory" decapitation event, and the postings regarding historical incidents of racial discrimination and other postings relating to history which did not conform to the Face Book site members idea of history, resulted in numerous personal attacks pointed personally at me and now includes censorship and banning from the site for discussion of historical facts and asking questions about purpose of the sites.

This is not the first time personal attacks have occurred, to include threats of murder, harassing communications and terrorist threats pointed at the Scottsboro Boys Museum, stating - "We will burn it down when you get it built." These threats originated on the anonymous Al.Com Scottsboro Forum. Police reports were filed to include a visit to the District Attorney's office but no action was taken to correct the obvious criminal activity.

The problem are groups utilizing the Scottsboro name and pretending to be either a history site, or a site to "Revive Scottsboro." I was removed from the "Revive Scottsboro" site when I questioned why the city was not involved, why problem solving was not implemented for improvements, and why the group was not inclusive of all citizens. Mrs. Ann Chambliss removed me from that site after she warned, "if there was one more negative comment, you will be removed." There was also a reminder that questioning the group leadership or comments about the "Revive Scottsboro" site would not be tolerated.  The so called negative comment was, why wasn't the city of Scottsboro involved and all of the citizens, since the site involves the revival of the downtown Scottsboro area. 
 

Friday, August 15, 2014

We've Opened the Gates of Hell - from Environmental News Sources

The lie - the cover-up by the multinational nuclear industry and puppet regulators. They said a nuclear detonation could never occur in a nuclear reactor, it did at Fukushima Daiichi Reactor #3

We are witnessing Cesium 137 (Cs137) and Antimony 125 (Sb125) in rainwater at Scottsboro, Al., along with other reactor fission products and Radon progenies.

The nuclear industry and regulators worldwide, including the U.S., are lying to citizens. 
  1. Gov’t Report: Criticality suspected to have occurred in Fukushima fuel pool — Nuclear chain reaction after massive explosion at Unit 3 compressed fuel together? Concerned about ‘substantial damage’ to fuel (VIDEO) July 4, 2014
  2. Engineer: 6 experts say nuclear explosion at reactor is possible — NRC: Fukushima Unit 3 explosion had 3 loud bangs, much larger than Unit 1 blast — Tokyo professor’s presentation adds question mark: “Hydrogen explosion of Reactor #3?” (VIDEO) December 28, 2013
  3. Nuclear Engineer: Pyrophoric fire may have already occurred at Fukushima Unit 4 spent fuel pool — Explosion possibly due to rods not being covered with water (AUDIO) October 21, 2013
  4. Reactor Designer: “It was a nuclear explosion” at Fukushima Unit 3; Plutonium scattered after blast — ABC: “There’s willful denial and lying going on here, even at the highest levels” (AUDIO) November 5, 2013
  5. Tepco Adviser: Fuel is damaged in two Fukushima pools — 150 billion Bq/m³ of Cesium-137 at Unit 3, possible second explosion after 3/11 — “Certainly appears something of significance occurred” December 3, 2013

Preface: we’ve written thousands of articles on Fukushima and radiation. But this post will spotlight recent articles from EneNews … with which we have no affiliation of any nature whatsoever.
The American media hasn't covered Fukushima for a long time. But that doesn't mean there hasn't been any news. It just means that the  U.S. and Japanese governments have worked hard to cover it up.
Here’s a roundup of recent news (links to EneNews; click through to see original source material ... that's how the web WORKS):
Radiation
Coincidental Wildlife Death and Injury?
Impacts On Human Health?

Wednesday, August 13, 2014

Jackson County Commission, Regular Session & Work Session - Ten Commandments Issue & Censorship of Ten Commandment Issue Video and News Reports on Al.Com

Jackson County Commission - left to right: Commissioner Venable, Commissioner Ledwell, Chairman Matthew Hodges, Commissioner Guffey, Commissioner Miller

The Jackson County Education Retirees Association Make an Informational Presentation to the Jackson County Commission
                                       
Members of the retirees education group volunteer their time and expertise in Jackson County. They keep track of their time which equaled $72,816.46. Kudos to this volunteer group. 

                                   
Ten Commandments Issue

REGULAR SESSION
Agenda

VIDEO



WORK SESSION
Agenda

VIDEOS

Agenda item 4 - Historical Documents Issue, Ten Commandments


Local and state media censors commentary related to disagreements with Republican Party practices and other political actions on  media forums and in local newspapers.

The above video and postings have been censored on Al.Com's Scottsboro Forum. The posting was made by friends of this blog on 4 different occasions. http://www.al.com/forums/scottsboro/index.ssf?initial=true

UPDATE: More Censorship September 4, 2014 Al.Com
Al.com posting Scottsboro Forum

9272. The ten commandments
by ScottsboroConfidential, 09/04/14 6:40 PM

So, the commission is giving up on job growth, overcoming the deficit, etc in favor of a lightning rod of an issue that will ultimately cost the county both future jobs and a lawsuit?

No one wants to locate here anyway. Let's throw this issue into the fire and what it blow.

If pursued, this will cost the county money. Why, why are they going down this road?

Answer by EagleN4457  9272.1 The Alabama Republican Party is only interested in divisionary, radical political ideology. by EagleN4457, 09/04/14 8:13 PM


Purpose, to gain support from religious right wing fanatics which hate our Democrat black President. They will do anything to create political wedge issues which they think will benefit the party and its political elected officials. It does not matter if the issue will damage the area, county finances or make the rest of the world think we are fanatics, just so the Republican politician gets noticed and places forth their radical right wing ideology of a religious-political government.


Here is the posting:  9264. Republican Party of Alabama and the Ten Commandments
by EagleN4457, 08/13/14 9:50 AM
Al.com article on "Things I learned during the Alabama Legislature's Ten Commandments debate today - Should Alabamians be able to hang the Ten Commandments in public buildings, including schools and courthouses?" http://blog.al.com/wire/2014/02/things_i_learned_during_the_al.html

WAFF coverage: http://www.waff.com/story/26262680/jackson-co-seeks-input-on-ten-commandments-installation-at-courthouse

Local issue in Jackson County-Historical Documents Display Ten Commandments, Declaration of Independence, Constitution - I guess folks failed to realize that the Bill of Rights to the Constitution are outside of Courtroom #1 on the wall under glass and have been there for years. Some are saying this is an issue to rally citizens to support the GOP for the purpose of defeating the Affordable Care Act: http://youtu.be/15x9rYdO0R4

Monday, August 11, 2014

Jackson County Courthouse , Scottsboro, Alabama Jackson County Commission Work Session August 11, 2014 - GOP Strategy, Ten Commandments to be Displayed, or Are the Taxpayers Seen as a Money Tree?

(Story last updated 10AM, Aug 13, 2014) Regular Session and the rest of the Work Session videos and agenda will be posted soon.

GOP Strategy at work in Jackson County Alabama - Politics do not equal religious values, freedom and liberty as outlined in our Constitution. How do you rally people to oppose the Affordable Care Act? "The promise of the Ten Commandments, is how you get a person without healthcare to vote for the party whose platform is based on repealing the Affordable Care Act."  


The above video with historical information about the Republican Party in Alabama regarding the 10 Commandments issue has been censored, thus far, 3 times on al.com's Scottsboro Forum. The item is currently up as posted by friends of this blog on Aug. 13, 2014 at 9:50AM. http://www.al.com/forums/scottsboro/index.ssf

This is the censored posting: 
9264. Republican Party of Alabama and the Ten Commandments by EagleN4457, 08/13/14 9:50 AM
Al.com article on "Things I learned during the Alabama Legislature's Ten Commandments debate today - Should Alabamians be able to hang the Ten Commandments in public buildings, including schools and courthouses?" http://blog.al.com/wire/2014/02/things_i_learned_during_the_al.html

WAFF coverage: http://www.waff.com/story/26262680/jackson-co-seeks-input-on-ten-commandments-installation-at-courthouse

Local issue in Jackson County-Historical Documents Display Ten Commandments, Declaration of Independence, Constitution - I guess folks failed to realize that the Declaration and the Constitution are outside of Courtroom #1 on the wall under glass and has been there for years. Some are saying this is an issue to rally citizens to support the GOP for the purpose of defeating the Affordable Care Act: http://youtu.be/15x9rYdO0R4 

Item 4 on the Work Session Agenda: Jackson County Commission to decide on display of 10 Commandments along with Declaration of Independence and U.S. Constitution as Historical Documents related to the founding of our nation. Commissioner Tim Guffey brought forth the discussion. It was stated by the Chairman if costs for the displays could be acquired, the issue could be voted on at next Monday's meeting. Has the budget problem suddenly disappeared, can the citizens of Jackson County now enjoy this type of expenditure?

WAFF NEWS Report by Steve McLamb on issue with video
4:30PM WAFF news report by Steven McLamb: Mr. Tim Guffey has stated no county funds will be utilized for this display. Further news updates will follow.

6PM WAFF by Steve McLamb: "He believes the country is moving away from the foundation it was formed upon, and feels those documents collectively would serve as a public reminder...Guffey hopes this starts a grassroots movement and hopefully encourages other counties to do the same. He hopes to take the rest of the month getting input from residents before introducing the resolution for a vote." http://www.waff.com/story/26262680/jackson-co-seeks-input-on-ten-commandments-installation-at-courthouse  4:30PM WAFF news report by Steven McLamb: Mr. Tim Guffey has stated no county funds will be utilized for this display. Further news updates will follow.

I'm wondering if folks realize that outside of Court Room 1 in the Jackson County Courthouse, a copy of the Bill of Rights of the U.S. Constitution are posted under glass on the wall, been there for years.

RIGHT WING POLITICAL-RELIGOUS HYPOCRICY
Alabama GOP/Tea Party Issue - "According to the Pew Research Center, Alabama is the second most religious state in the nation with 74 percent of residents saying religion is very important in their lives. Number one is Mississippi. It is a pitiful irony that those states that are most religious are also states with the most individual suffering. More than 30 percent of the children in these two states suffer extreme poverty. In both states, the primary reason for abject poverty is that more than a third of children have parents who lack secure employment, decent wages, and healthcare... these poor saps vote for the party that rejects Medicaid expansion, opposes early education expansion, legislates larger cuts to education, and slashes food stamps to make room for oil and agriculture subsidies on top of tax cuts and loopholes for corporations and the wealthy."

POLITICS DOES NOT EQUAL HISTORICAL FACT NOR MAKE A CHRISTIAN
In the last session of the state legislature, the Alabama Senate attempted to legislate for the display of Ten Commandments in public buildings, such as courthouses and schools.
State Sen. Trip Pittman (R-AL),  "We talk about the constitutionality of them, but we have to understand the purpose of these is the laws of God," he said. "And we think they may have passed irrelevance because of the constitutional question, but beyond that, which is the most important, it's also about behavior and conduct through the ages."
State Rep. DuWayne Bridges (R-AL) declared, “School shootings, patricide and matricide are due to the Ten Commandments not being displayed in schools and other government buildings.” Bridges also said, "The Tenth Amendment [sic] was adopted before the people of Israel crossed the Red Sea because Moses didn't get to cross the Red Sea.”  

Shrewd political strategy - for the promise of tax cuts for the rich is hardly an effective platform for rallying the Republican Party base in a midterm election year. The promise of the Ten Commandments, however, is how you get a person without healthcare to vote for the party whose platform is based on repealing the Affordable Care Act.  Read More at: http://www.alternet.org/tea-party-and-right/how-hyper-religious-political-stunts-republicans-keeps-their-voters-captive

Supreme Court of the United States Symbols Displayed
Representations of symbols in the Supreme Court and their official descriptions may be found here, this includes the descriptions of the "Law Givers:" Confucius, Mohammed and Moses, among others, are displayed.   http://www.supremecourt.gov/search.aspx?Search=Courtroom+Friezes&type=Site

The American Center for Law and Justice has this to say:  "The Public Display of the Ten Commandments on Government Property May be Constitutional if Done Properly. While the Court decides these issues on a case by case basis, it seems that the display of the Ten Commandments in courthouses and capital buildings does not violate the Court’s view of the First Amendment when there is a secular purpose for the display, the display is paid for by private parties, and the display includes other equally prominent foundational documents."  http://aclj.org/church-state/ten-commandments

Applicable articles questioning whether the Ten Commandments should be displayed.
"The idea that the United States could be a “Christian nation” is theologically problematic.  The only “Christian nation” which the New Testament envisions is the Kingdom of God, which transcends national, cultural, and ethnic boundaries.  Were the United States to be a “Christian nation,” she would have to do more than celebrate Christmas as a federal holiday and display the Ten Commandments in her courthouses.  If she were held to the same standards to which the New Testament holds the Christian community, the United States would have to embody Christian principles, including the mandate to love one’s enemy, eschew power, put away the sword, give freely without any expectation of repayment, and – because she is very rich – sell all her material possessions, donate the proceeds to the poor, then take up a cross of discipleship.  The consumerism and materialism which characterize so much of the American ethos – Jefferson’s “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness” was a modification of John Locke’s “life, liberty, and the pursuit of property,” and indeed most versions of the American Dream equate property with happiness – seem to be at odds with most versions of core Christian values.  In short, the United States is not a “Christian nation,” and simply displaying representations of the Ten Commandments in public locations does not change this reality." http://www.stateofformation.org/2011/01/five-reasons-why-i-a-christian-oppose-the-public-display-of-the-ten-commandments-part-i/

RECENT NEW MEXICO CASE "Peter Simonson, ACLU of New Mexico's executive director, praised the ruling, calling it “a victory for the First Amendment's protections against government endorsed religion...We firmly support the right of individuals, religious groups and community associations to publicly display religious monuments, but the government should not be in the business of picking which sets of religious beliefs belong at city hall...”"
http://www.daily-times.com/four_corners-news/ci_26296273/federal-judge-rules-ten-commandments-monument-front-bloomfield  AP report on case: http://www.heraldstandard.com/united_states_ap/judge-rules-ten-commandments-monument-must-go/article_e27ec7cb-5329-5bdc-bb39-4b5a5ffb5778.html

SUPREME COURT OF THE U.S - MCCREARY COUNTY vs ACLU, 2004 - Discussion -  "The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) sued three Kentucky counties in federal district court for displaying framed copies of the Ten Commandments in courthouses and public schools. The ACLU argued the displays violated the First Amendment's establishment clause, which prohibits the government from passing laws "respecting an establishment of religion." The district court and the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled the displays violated the establishment clause."

Decision - "In a 5-4 opinion delivered by Justice David Souter, the majority held that the displays violated the establishment clause because their purpose had been to advance religion. In the case of each of the displays, the Court held, an observer would have concluded that the government was endorsing religion. The first display for presenting the Ten Commandments in isolation; the second for showing the Commandments along with other religious passages; the third for presenting the Commandments in a presentation of the "Foundations of American Law," an exhibit in which the county reached "for any way to keep a religious document on the walls of courthouses."  http://www.oyez.org/cases/2000-2009/2004/2004_03_1693#argument



The Tax Payers are not "money trees."

If the Ten Commandments, The Declaration of Independence and the Constitution are an issue which demands immediate attention for a display, then I would suggest that public funds not be expended for any of the display. A non-profit organization should be founded and they raise the money for the displays. The county commissioners may decide where the historical documents may be displayed.

(Updates - 9AM, 5PM, 6:15PM Aug 12, 2014)