Blog: Prayer In School And The ACLU
August 28, 2008
The ACLU filed suit Wednesday in federal court over prayer in Santa Rosa County Schools. The group has requested records concerning graduation and baccalaureate services at schools in Escambia County. You can read that story here.
The debate on prayer in school has raged on for years, and I suppose it will continue for some time to come. The courts have upheld a moment of silence in our public schools; the Escambia School District calls it a “moment of quiet reflection” in the Student’s Rights And Responsibilities Handbook (you did read that cover to cover when your child brought it home last week, right?).
I won’t get started on prayer in school per se. I’ll save that for another blog. But I will point out a few things in the ACLU lawsuit…
The ACLU complains that baccalaureate services were religious. Duh. That’s what a baccalaureate service is. The tradition started at Oxford University in 1432, according to the Wikipedia. Legally, the whole separation of church and state thing prevents the school from becoming overly involved in the service. At our Northview High School, the graduating seniors vote for the pastor or speaker they wish to have at their service.
If a student or parent does not like a pastor or a Christian message at a baccalaureate service, they have every right not to attend.
If a student or parent does not like a prayer at a graduation service, they have every right not to attend. The diploma is just as good picked up in the school office the following day as it is picked up at a graduation service.
If a student or parent does not like a school holding school events at a church building, they have every right not to attend.
The ACLU says it pushes for rights for the citizens of this country. They should understand that students have the right not to take part in events like baccalaureate and perhaps exercise their right to sit out those events..
If my child, or your child, or your grandchild wants to pray at school the ACLU wants them to be told no. Your child has fewer rights than Muslim prisoners of war.
Let’s jump to Camp Delta, Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. There are arrows painted across floors, pointing to the Muslim holy city of Mecca. There’s a call to prayer that sounds in this federal detention facility, so that prisoners can pray to Allah.
Those prisoners have more religious rights than our children.
Our children get a “moment of quiet reflection” each morning at our North Escambia Schools. The ACLU does not want them to offer a prayer at school, at school events or at graduation as they begin a new phase of their lives.
Terrorists. Threats to our national security. Murderers. The worst of the worst in federal custody at a detention camp gets organized prayer time, and they get the direction to face painted on the floor of their prison cell.
(See the arrows for yourself by clicking here. Notice when you get there that you are on the US Department of Defense Official website.)
If we can have arrows pointing toward Mecca in a federal prison, why can’t a teacher at our local elementary school hang a cross on her wall?
The American Civil Liberties Union. That’s why.
I leave you with this little story that was emailed to me last week:
After being interviewed by the school administration, the teaching
prospect said, “Let me see if I’ve got this right: You want me to go
into that room with all those kids, correct their disruptive behavior,
observe them for signs of abuse, monitor their dress habits, censor
their T-shirt messages, and instill in them a love for learning. You
want me to check their backpacks for weapons, wage war on drugs and
sexually transmitted diseases, and raise their sense of self esteem
and personal pride.You want me to teach them patriotism and good citizenship,
sportsmanship and fair play, and how to register to vote, balance a
checkbook, and apply for a job. You want me to check their heads for
lice, recognize signs of antisocial be behavior, and make sure that
they all pass the state exams.You want me to provide them with an equal education regardless of
their handicaps, and communicate regularly with their parents by
letter, telephone, newsletter, and report card.You want me to do all this with a piece of chalk, a blackboard, a
bulletin board, a few books, a big smile, and a starting salary that
qualifies me for food stamps.You want me to do all this, and then you tell me……………..I CAN’T PRAY?
Walker Returning To ECUA District 5
August 27, 2008
At the end of the night Tuesday, Emerald Coast Utilities Authority incumbent Larry Walker had the most votes in his race, and perhaps the most pies of any other candidate.
Walker defeated challenger Barry Tweedie to return to his District 4 seat on the ECUA, 7,445 votes (76.1%) to 2,337 (23.9%).
“I am very pleased, very proud of the vote” Walker said.
Walker had nothing but good words for his opponent. “Barry Tweedie did it right, the way every race should be done. We ran a clean race. I wish they all could be that way.”
As for the pie thing…Walker and his 92 supporters celebrated with a campaign gathering at the Village Inn on Nine Mile Road in Pensacola. Those 92 supporters down a total of 21 Village Inn pies during the night, Walker said.
Pictured above: Larry Walker was reelected to the Emerald Coast Utilities Authority Tuesday.
Close Race: Barnett Beats Hartman; Not So Close Race: White Wins Republican Nod For Commission District 5
August 27, 2008
In Escambia County’s closest race Tuesday, Jim Barnett won the Democratic nod for the Escambia County Commission District 5 seat by just 96 votes over his opponent John Hartman. Barnett will face Republican incumbent Kevin White in November.
White defeated Republican challengers Packy Mitchell, Chris Washler and Randall E. McCrackin. White received 3,654 votes (57.5%), Mitchell 1,668 (26.3%), Washler 541 (8.5%) and McCrackin 491 (7.7%).
But the race was much, much closer for the Democrats. Barnett received 1,668 votes (51.5%), while Hartman was close behind with 1,593 votes (48.5%).
“It was close,” Barnett said Tuesday night, admitting that stopped watching the results for a little bit toward the end before checking NorthEscambia.com. At one point, just six votes separated the two Democratic candidates.
“We’ll just go on from here and see happens next,” Barnett said of the November race against White. “A lot of people are dissatisfied with Kevin (White). The Democratic vote will increase in November, and we will see a change.”
Barnett, who spent nearly the entire day greeting voters at the Molino precinct at Barrieneau Park School, said that Hartman was a formidable opponent that ran a good race.
“I was outspent 10 to one in this race,” Barnett said. “But the voters spoke. I still consider him (Hartman) my friend.”
On the Republican side, incumbent White said of his win simply “I am humbled”.
“The voters in District 5 gave me another chance. That just humbles me,” he said. “I want to thank the voters, and ask that they give me another chance in District 5 with their vote in November.”
NorthEscambia.com was unable to reach Hartman for comment late Tuesday night.
Pictured above: Kevin White (left) and Jim Barnett.
Gindl Out; Harrell To Face Slayton In November For School Board
August 27, 2008
After 24 years on the Escambia County School Board, Pete Gindl, Sr. will not be returning to that office. Gindl finished third in the District 5 School Board race Tuesday, behind Bill Slayton and Tom Harrell. Slayton and Harrell will face each other on the November ballot.
Slayton received 3,682 votes (35.2%), Harrell 3,225 (30.8%), Gindl 2,486 (23.8%) and Robert Tegenkamp 1,063 (10.2%). Because neither candidate received 50 percent or more of the vote, Slayton and Harrell will be back on the ballot November 4.
“We are pleased with the results,” Slayton told NorthEscambia.com Tuesday night. “We expect a larger turnout in November. It will be a totally different race.”
“I want to serve the people,” Harrell said Tuesday night. “Naturally, I would like to have won tonight, but I’m happy to be in the runoff.”
Both Slayton and Harrell took the time to applaud Gindl for his years of service to the Escambia County School District, both an a board member and as long time educator.
“What a great job he did as a school board member,” Slayton said of Gindl and his legacy. “He was great to me in the seventies as a teacher, and great to me as a band director at Tate High School. But the voters have decided that it is time to move on to new leadership.”
“I commend him for his many years of service,” Harrell said. “I just called him and left him a message thanking him for what he has done. He has had a remarkable level of service.”
“I got defeated,” Gindl told NorthEscambia.com late Tuesday night. “I hope the one that wins is able to do the job that needs to be done on the school board for the children. It’s about the children.”
Pictured above: Pete Gindl at last week’s meeting of the Escambia County School Board. NorthEscambia.com file photo.
McNesby’s Out; Morgan or Scapecchi Will Be New Escambia Sheriff
August 27, 2008
Republican challenger David Morgan beat incumbent Escambia County Sheriff Ron McNesby Tuesday by over three thousand votes. Morgan will face Democratic challenger Larry Scapecchi in November. Scapecchi beat Samuel Lucas on the Democratic ticket Tuesday.
McNesby raised nearly a quarter of a million dollars for his campaign warchest in his bid to keep the county’s top cop job. Morgan raised just over $59,000. But in the end, Morgan said the race did not come down to money, but to Escambia voters ready for a change.
“I am very humbled,” Morgan told NorthEscambia.com Tuesday night. “This was positive proof that it was time for a change at the Escambia County Sheriff’ Department.”
“Money did not make the difference,” he said. “We talked directly to over 12,500 households during this race, and we developed our plan based upon what the people of this county wanted.”
“Money did not buy this election,” Morgan said. “Offices are no longer for sale in Escambia County.”
On the Democratic side, “Scapecchi said he was pleased with the turnout and the results.
“We are excited,” Scapecchi said. “The voters have decided that they are looking for a change in Escambia County. We are ready to be that change.”
NorthEscambia.com called McNesby’s campaign headquarters Tuesday night, be we were told that he was not available for comment by the person answering the phone.
Morgan received 13,550 (56.7%) of the vote. McNesby received 10,343 (43.3%) of the vote.
In the Democratic primary, Scapecchi was the favorite two to one over his opponent. Scapecchi had 10,754 (65.4%) of the vote to 5,679 (34.6%) votes for Lucas.
Morgan and Scapecchi will face each other on the November 4 ballot for the job of Escambia County Sheriff.
Pictured above: Larry Scapecchi (left) and David Morgan at different appearances at the Walnut Hill Ruritan Club. NorthEscambia.com file photos.
Flomaton JV Beats Escambia County Middle 22-12
August 27, 2008
Flomaton High School held “Meet the Canes” Tuesday night. This event is held every year to introduce the football and volleyball players, cheerleaders and band members to the fans.
The Canes JV football team had a game against Escambia County Middle School of Atmore. The Canes had another victory, winning by a score of 22-12, in this preseason game. The regular football season opens up this Friday night at home against Calhoun. The JV open up there regular season September 2 at home against Georgiana at 6:30.
Pictured above and below: Scenes from the Flomaton JV 22-12 victory Tuesday night against Atmore’s Escambia County Middle School. Photos courtesy Mike Newton Photography for NorthEscambia.com.
One Person Injured In Pine Barren Creek Bridge Accident
August 27, 2008
One person was injured in a close call with a North Escambia bridge late Tuesday afternoon.
A female was transported to the hospital from the scene of the one vehicle accident on Highway 168. The driver of the vehicle struck the guardrail and concrete side of the Pine Barren Creek Bridge on Highway 168, near the intersection of Pine Barren Road. The vehicle came to a stop several hundred feet west of the bridge. The accident happened at 6:00 p.m.
The accident is under investigation by the Florida Highway Patrol. The female’s injuries were not believed to be life threatening.
The Walnut Hill Volunteer Fire Department, Escambia County Sheriff’s Department, Atmore Ambulance and the Florida Highway Patrol all responded to the accident.
Pictured above and below: A one vehicle accident Tuesday afternoon on Highway 168 at Pine Barren Creek. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Whitehead Slammed By Robertson
August 27, 2008
Former District 5 Commissioner Wilson Robertson may be headed back to the Escambia County Commission, this time in District 1. Robertson crushed incumbent Mike Whitehead in Tuesday’s Republican primary. Robertson will face Democrat Stephen Davidson on the November 4 ballot
In the county’s biggest upset Tuesday, Robertson received a commanding 80.8 percent of the votes cast in the Republican District 1 Commission race. Robertson, who’s campaign slogan was “bring back the sanity”, received 4,744 votes to Whitehead’s 1,126.
School Superintendent: Brown-Curry To Face Thomas In November
August 27, 2008
Democrat Claudia Brown-Curry will face Republican Malcolm Thomas in November for the job of Escambia County School Superintendent.
Brown-Curry, a current school board member, won the Democratic primary Tuesday with 9,242 (54.8%) of the vote. Cary Stidam received 4,738 (28.1%) of the vote, and Myra Simmons received 2,878 (17.1%).
Thomas did not have a Republican challenger Tuesday, so he automatically advanced to the November 4 ballot.
Current Superintendent Jim Paul dropped out of the race after being arrested on a drunk driving charge in Pinellas County, Florida.
Baptist Purchase Of West Florida Gets Go Ahead
August 27, 2008
The Federal Trade Commission has given the go ahead to Baptist Health Care in their planned purchase of West Florida Hospital.
After announcing plans to acquire West Florida Hospital in June, Baptist Health Care filed notice of the transaction with the FTC on July 25, as required by the Hart-Scott-Rodino (HSR) Act. BHC has worked closely with the FTC to provide it with the information required to conduct its review. The passing of 30 days since the HSR filing with no further action by the FTC means that BHC has been cleared to proceed with plans to acquire West Florida Hospital.
“We are pleased that, after thorough investigations, the FTC has cleared Baptist’s plans to acquire West Florida Hospital,” stated Al Stubblefield, president and CEO of Baptist Health Care. “We are currently performing due diligence reviews and developing plans for the transition and consolidation of West Florida Hospital, anticipated to be completed before the end of 2008.”
Stubblefield continued, “From the time we close, we anticipate it will take 12 – 18 months to fully implement the consolidation of the two hospitals. Throughout the process, we will continue to outline and communicate milestones along the way to keep you informed.”
Closer to North Escambia, Baptist operates Atmore Community Hospital, Jay Hospital, Century Family Practice and Lakeview Center in Century.
Pictured above: Artist rendering of the new cancer center to be located at the new locations of Baptist Hospital on Davis Highway.