What is it with Ohio and Free Speech?

University suspends staffer over views on homosexuality

Toledo, Ohio -- The University of Toledo quickly suspended an administrator for expressing  her view in a local newspaper  that  homosexual behavior is not the same as being black or handicapped! The administrator, who is the AVP of Human Resources at the school,  wrote that  she "took great umbrage at the notion  . . . [read full article here]

Pro life or Anti Free Speech  . . . more from Toledo

High school seniors feel sting of another self-righteous school district - AWHS students: "We were punished for wearing pro-life shirts"

May their Tribe Increase

Day of Silence a bust in Washington school thanks to Good Shepherd

Redmond ,Washington -- Pastor Ken Hutcherson of Antioch Bible Church  almost singlehandedly in one day turned back the homosexual assault on a local public high school. Hutcherson, who is our nominee for Minuteman of the Month,  and his wife purchased a half-page ad in the local newspaper urging concerned parents and Christians to join them in protest of the event. "Then the word went out," he explains. "It went out  . . . [read story here] 

"Where the battle rages, there the loyalty of the soldier is proved. . . . . . . "

                                                                           Martin Luther

Costs Mounting in Fishing Expedition

Public school has now hired a third party administrator to assist in the John Freshwater treasure hunt. Constitutional issue still on back burner.

MOUNT VERNON —Ohio - While Mount Vernon schoolteacher John Freshwater continues to remain tight lipped in defense of his First Amendment rights the Mount Vernon City School Administrators have decided to be proactive and have hired a third party administrator who "is experienced in doing investigation into employee issues and misconduct.” According to David Millstone, attorney for the Mount Vernon City Schools, an official . . . [ read more here]

"Education is simply the soul of a society as it passes from one generation to another."

Bible Bashing

Mt. Vernon, Ohio - Well over a hundred people attended a "meeting on the square" this past Sunday in support of Christian teacher John Freshwater who has recently been under attack by his employer for carrying his Bible to work (details here). Although many in the crowd expected more local pastors and students to attend, those in attendance, including two area pastors, supplied more than enough in spirit to make up for anything they may have lacked in numbers.

After a quick message and prayer by Mt. Vernon pastor Roger Tickle, Pastor Bill Dunfee, whose church has students in the Mt. Vernon School district, apologized for the delay in the clergy's response to the school district's attack on Mr. Freshwater. Pastor Dunfee proceeded to encourage both students and parents in attendance and provided the children with several positive suggestions and creative ways to support their Christian teacher. One of his suggestions for the students was to bring their Bibles to school daily. Another was to consider circulating petitions among the community showing support for Mr. Freshwater.

During the meeting a powerful testimony was given by teacher Norm Emmets of Columbus,Ohio who, together with another teacher, was unsuccessfully sued by the ACLU in the late 90's for praying with his football team. Norm was encouraged by the number of supporters for John. He told the crowd that when he was fighting the same anti-Christian assault 10 years ago not one pastor, indeed no-one in the community, stood up with him. Norm sees the possibility of this issue going "all the the way up to the Supreme Court" and foresees a victorious outcome for John Freshwater.

Jim Harrison, Director of Minutemen United, attended the rally and expressed hope that justice delayed was not justice denied. Although he was encouraged by the show of support for Mr. Freshwater, he cautioned that "it has been two weeks since the school has leveled accusations against John Freshwater and there appears to be little response to the charges. John is likely being advised by his lawyer to remain low key, but why aren't more community churches openly coming to the defense of Mr. Freshwater?"

Perhaps the sign on a local business on Rt 36 just outside of Mt. Vernon says it all --- "As goes the Bible so goes the Mt Vernon school board" And to that we say . . . Amen

Science 101 - For High School Superintendents

Science experiment gone wrong not likely to have burned Mt. Vernon student

MOUNT VERNON, Ohio — Little information regarding allegations against Mount Vernon Middle School science teacher John Freshwater is being divulged by school officials or Freshwater. In an effort to further understand how a student of Freshwater’s could be burned during a science experiment, the News met with Dr. Terry Klopcic, director of laboratories at Kenyon College, to discuss Tesla coils [read here]

. . . . . and then there is this

New Jersey student accuses school of Christian bias?? - High school student finds conservative bias in his American Government textbook

New Jersey - Throughout my life, my teachers have told me that school is a neutral environment where my classmates and I can count on teachers and textbooks to provide us with the factual and unbiased information that will equip us for life. However, in my junior year of high school in New Jersey, my U.S. history teacher used the first week of class to preach his religious beliefs. He told students, among other things, that they "belong in hell" if they reject Jesus as their savior, that evolution and the Big Bang are ridiculous and unscientific theories, and [read story here]

Day of Prayer - May 1, 2008

Ten Commandment's Judge Roy Moore pipes in about the tradition of encouraging a day of prayer, a day when our government follows a long tradition of encouraging the people of the United States to pray for our nation. Though the day was first made official by President Harry S Truman in 1952, [ read here]

Proclamation 5018 -

"Of the many influences that have shaped the United States of America into a distinctive nation and people, none may be said to be more fundamental and enduring than the Bible.” Deep religious beliefs stemming from the Old and New Testaments of the Bible inspired many of the early settlers of our country. [read here] about United States President Ronald Reagan's Year of the Bible proclamation.

Part of the process

As you read the following excerpt from our good friends at 40 Days for Life keep in mind that it is the goal of Minutemen United to get the entire church on the same page as we believe God will honor our unity. Prayer is critically important to our cause and a great place to start , yet it is just one part of our Lord's will. We intend to regularly post upcoming activities of 40 days as part of our Clearing House Activities for Christian men.

Over the last eight months, two nationally coordinated campaigns conducted by 40 days for Life [read here] managed to mobilize people of faith in 139 cities across 43 states. During these unified efforts, over 150,000 believers have joined together in a historic display of Christian unity to pray and fast for an end to abortion and the preservation of this great nation- one nation under god.

Noteworthy

"For advantages so numerous and highly important it is our duty to unite in grateful acknowledgments to that Omnipotent Being from whom they are derived, and in unceasing prayer that He will endow us with virtue and strength to maintain and hand them down in their utmost purity to our latest posterity."

Public Domain - Bibles OUT -Pornography IN

Library to vote on porn access with blessing of ACLU - ACLU says restrictions would be unconstitutional

Sacramento, California - The American Civil Liberties Union maintained the position that restricting public access to pornography in libraries would be unconstitutional. Opposing attorneys from the Pacific Justice Institute disagreed, saying that the issue boils down to protecting kids and using public resources responsibly." "Inviting sexual predators into libraries by providing free access to pornography has proven tragic . . . [ read here]

54 Reasons to out your children from schools

. . . . . . .As if you needed any more

Government run schools grab your children before they start thinking, teach them that life has no meaning, morals are relative, and the State is their daddy. After a decade of this indoctrination you and your spouse wake up and suddenly realize that you have no idea who is living in your house. If that isn't enough reason for you to consider home schooling, then perhaps author Joe Turtel can fill in the blanks [read here]

Texan Hold em

Many of the kids kidnapped by Texas Rangers from the Yearning for Zion ranch are being scattered across the state to far-flung group homes and shelters. In the land of the free and home of the brave, hundreds of children can be rounded up and and removed from their families based on a hunch or a hoax. No hue and cry will ensue........ [read story here]

School Board/ Superintendent skirt issue

Decide to attack Christian teacher's character instead of addressing First Amendment issue- quickly hire investigator to assist in game plan

Mt Vernon, Ohio - For those of you who have ever done battle with government schools you know that you should always wear your head gear, pads - and a cup. Public schools are not familiar with losing and have a reputation of doing whatever it takes to continue their dominance over your child's life. Case in point - the Mount Vernon School District located in Ohio.

The best defense is always a good offense

Instead of addressing the supposed church state separation issue with regard to a public school teacher's right to bring his Bible to school the Mt. Vernon School Board -in a time honored tradition - have chosen instead to attack the teacher’s character. School officials claim that teacher John Freshwater has a long history of power abuse and have hired a private . . [read story here]

Deja Vu

Local coach shares his experience while praying with his football team

London, Ohio - 1999 - Hey , what is it with Ohio and the first amendment anyway?

Do you remember the Ohio football coach who was sued in 1999 by the ACLU for praying with his football team? His name is Dave Daubenmire and he was the head football coach for the London , Ohio Red Raiders.

We had a recent interview with Coach Dave, who in the late 90's was accused of the horrible crime of praying with his football team before ball games. Dave related an eerily similar scenario to the one that John Freshwater is currently experiencing in his Ohio school district.

According to Coach Daubenmire the first thing the school did was to pile on when the ACLU came to town. The school quickly surfaced allegations that he "had sold performance enhancing drugs and encouraged students to do so as a fundraiser, engaged in aggressive religious activities on school time without the permission or support of parents and that he operated outside of administrative expectations and policies. There were also rumors that he (Dave) and members of his coaching staff were preaching to players, speaking in tongues, laying on of hands for healing and generally pushing their religious philosophies on the kids." [listen here]

If you haven’t read the Columbus Dispatch article before read it now and tell us that this doesn't sound familiar.

A call to all American teachers and students:

Bring Bibles to class --

Author recommends doing so immediately -- by the millions

In response to the recent persecution of an Ohio teacher for a Bible on his desk, Bob Pawson, National Coordinator, Scriptures in Schools Project, says we need to start exposing our Christianity and summon a little righteous indignation while we’re at it.[read here]

Minutemen United

Give up, show up, and shut up

Student warned of 'failing grade' if absent from 'Day of Silence'

When it comes to the Day of Silence, silence is not an option," said Mathew D. Staver, founder of Liberty Counsel and dean of Liberty University's School of Law.

In one school district a principal told a father if his son was not at school on the "Day of Silence" the student would be given a failing grade for the year. In Indiana parents were told by public school officials it was "against the law" for them to cancel the program or excuse absences that day. In Iowa . . . [read article here]

Government School: "Thou shalt not bow thy head"

In 2005, officials at East Brunswick High School adopted a policy prohibiting representatives of the school district from participating in student-initiated prayer. The school concluded while it could not infringe on the students' constitutionally protected right to pray, they could limit the actions of coaches, who [read here]

Jesus thrown out but demons welcomed

A court in Wisconsin has been asked to suspend immediately a policy in the Tomah Area School District that bans Christian symbols in students' art work while allowing Hindu, Buddhist and satanic representations. According to lawyers for the student, the school "permits some religious expreession so long as it isn't Christian religious expression." [read full story here]

Speaking of "expelled"

The movie "Expelled" [see here] which we highly recommend everyone interested in the origins of life see, has a most interesting spin on the matter. Perhaps the movie's director and star Ben Stein has answered the question as to why The Ohio State University as well as other public institutes of higher learning are "all in" when it comes to evolution.

Minutemen United:
. . . . . . . . . sharing the love and word of Christ regardless the consequences

In support of their much respected teacher students have decided to bring their own Bibles to an Ohio school today

Mt. Vernon , Ohio - Students in the Mount Vernon school district have been bringing their own Bibles and wearing Christian theme shirts to school these days. Their hope is to honor God as well as show support for teacher John Freshwater whose superiors have choosen to "crack down" on his First Amendment rights.[story here]

Many of the students are expected to proudly display their Bibles on their desks as well. No word yet on the school's reaction to this obvious display of faith and what many pray to be an historic civics lesson.

Note to teachers: Leave your Christianity at the door

Mount Vernon, Ohio exhibits zero tolerance for Bibles

Mt. Vernon, Ohio - John Freshwater, a middle school science teacher and 20 year veteran of the Mount Vernon School District was told earlier this week that he could no longer keep his Bible within sight of his students. School district managers told him that his Bible and a copy of the 10 commandments that appears as a historical document in a school display must go . . . or else.

Although John agreed to remove the 10 commandments from the display, he questions the school’s right to banish his Bible. According to John, the onus is on Mount Vernon City Schools to demonstrate to him how they can remove the Bible from his desk without infringing on his God-given and First Amendment right to free exercise of religion.

Several national ministries have expressed interest in John's plight, including Pass the Salt Ministries in Hebron, Ohio and Columbus, Ohio based Minutemen United. Jim Harrison, National Director of Minutemen United, is hopeful that the community churches will lead the way in support and encouragement for John's cause.

According to Jim, "John Freshwater has sounded the alarm and we have hope that his cause will not die for a lack of a second from the church leadership in Mount Vernon. This is an incredible opportunity to right some historical misconceptions about the church and state relationship in our great nation."

Coach Dave Daubenmire of Pass the Salt Ministries - a former high school teacher and coach who was unsuccessfully sued by the ACLU for praying with his football team - stated that he "has a deep appreciation and understanding for what John is doing and will definitely be there to assist him."

At the time of his posting Mr. Freshwater has scheduled a press conference at the Public Square in Mount Vernon for 4:30 today (4/16) to further elaborate on his position and answer any questions the pubic may have about this critical issue.

Ride Sally, ride . . . . . . . . or not

Oklahoma filly bucks homosexual attempts to corral her!

National homosexual groups saw an opportunity to make an example of Oklahoma State Legislator Sally Kern when her comments about homosexuality drew national attention. Activists flooded her office with over 30,000 vulgar, explicit, hate filled e-mails , pressured financial supporters to withdraw their support, and even [read article here]

Picture this

Christian photographers fined for refusing same-sex ceremony - State hits couple with $6,600 penalty for violating anti-discrimination law

The state of New Mexico has ordered a family owned photography company to pay more than $6,600 for declining a demand to take pictures at a same-sex ceremony, and a lawyer who is working on an appeal says it is an example of how "non-discrimination" or "hate" laws . . [read here]

Spring Break

Minutemen attend "Diversity Weekend" in the Ozarks - Assist locals after 15 years of homosexual influence in the community

Minutemen United paid a visit to Eureka Springs April 4th weekend to share the love and word of Christ with local residents and several other visitors during what homosexuals billed as a "Diversity Weekend".

Eureka Springs is a beautiful European style village tucked back in the Ozark Mountains. The architecture and layout of the city are magnificent. It is also home to a 100 foot statue of Jesus and a famous outdoor "Passion" play. Amazingly, the city council has been overrun by homosexuals and now the downtown area is almost completely in support of homosexuality. There were many tourists in the area who were caught by surprise by the diversity weekend and many locals not too happy about it.

This takeover has apparently been gradually occurring over the past 15 years, but is very boldly being flaunted throughout the city now. The Diversity Weekend schedule proudly posted in the local newspaper revealed Drag Queens, Public Display of Affection, Domestic Partnership Licensing, and other disturbing events, a reflection of that boldness.

After a quick Friday night dinner, men from Minutemen United, Operation Save America, Jericho Riders, and New Beginnings Ministries hit the streets proclaiming the gospel. They started at the courthouse and then moved to the park located in the center of Eureka Springs at which point people began coming out onto their balconies of the hotel next to the park. The Minutemen then moved to a local Baptist church to pray over and ended up split up into two groups catching a few witnessing opportunities along the way. One group proceeded to the church while the other group began a prayer walk through the streets, leading to contact with a young man named who made a decision for Christ and ended up spending a good bit of time with the group.

Saturday morning the Minuteman Group headed down to the courthouse to set up for the opening of the Domestic Partnership Registration (DPR) Licensing office. During an informative conversation with one of the local policemen it was disclosed that there wasn't much going on in the way of DPR's.

The group then moved on to the city park to get set up prior to the Public Display of Affection which seemed to be one of the main draws for the diversity weekend. Incidentally, the entire "display of affection" lasted less than 40 minutes and consisted of a group of celebrants putting on their pink hats in what looked more like a photo op rather than a public statement. Some engaged in dialogue, some unsuccessfully tried to make a scene, others were content just to talk to a few of the Minutemen in attendance.

Although there were several notable encounters with both residents and visitors, perhaps the most striking was the conversation that occurred with a young lady who related her story about having had to have an abortion at age 15, contemplating suicide, fighting depression, and other common side effects that you don't get informed of when signing up to get an abortion. After she had a recent, serious car accident she cried out to God, repented for her sin and was completely healed of her guilt. She is now married and desiring to have children, but like other abortion victims, has been told by medical professionals that she cannot. We ask that you please continue to keep them in your prayers as well as the Minutemen who took the red-eye express back to their respective communities.