Klamath Falls, Ore. – The Klamath County Commissioners vote to display ‘In God we trust’ on the back wall of their hearing room.
The question of displaying ‘In God we trust’ sparked strong testimony Tuesday.
“If you believe in God as I do, then stand with God!” Stated David Warren.
38 of the 44 people that spoke were in favor of the display.
“I’d like to see at least ‘In God we trust’ on the wall.” Said Bishop Robert Baker of St. Mark’s Anglican Church. “And I’d like to see another sign, Commissioner – ‘God bless America.”
Bernice House testified: “I’d like to see it everywhere I go.”
“I see it as a group of citizens who want to express their patriotism and love of the United States.” Noted Rev. Troy Rife of the United Evangelical Free Church.
But not everyone agreed.
Kenneth Johnston protested by putting up a sign honoring a Native American deity…
“Respecting Gmookumps – the Klamath Indian God that actually has precedence over the jurisdiction of this area, having been respected here since time immemorial.”
The issue of separation of church and state was also raised.
“You degrade this office, and this building, paid for by all citizens of Klamath County.” Trish Seiler testified. “The people you are supposed to represent.”
In the end, the commissioners voted unanimously to display the national motto.
A larger design is in the works and will be posted at a later date.
The sticker calling for respect of the Native American deity was removed following a motion by the Commissioners, on the grounds that posting the sticker had not gone through proper procedure.
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