Posted on 08/25/2005 7:00:59 AM PDT by 300magnum
GREER, S.C. -- An internal investigation has cleared a reserve officer with the Greer Police Department of any wrongdoing in connection with a traffic stop that sparked a religious controversy.
Tony Stewart has been a volunteer officer with the department for 14 years.
In June, Stewart cited motorist Tony Gainey for driving with a suspended license, not having proper license plates or proof of insurance.
Gainey and his wife, D.J., said they're convinced Stewart pulled them over because of the bumper stickers on their car. One of the stickers read, "It's a druid thing."
The Gaineys said they believe in druidism -- a nature-focused religion.
Stewart said the bumper sticker was not the reason for the traffic stop.
"I didn't know what the druids were. Maybe as a Baptist deacon I should know what the druids were. I know now," Stewart said.
Stewart said D.J. Gainey gave him permission to send her a letter inviting the couple to visit his church.
"If I had not wrote the letter inviting them to the church, then God would have something to say to me. He reached out to that family. They pushed and slapped his hand away. That hurts my heart," Stewart said.
The Gaineys said the letter, which "called them to listen to the words from the Baptists," was a religious threat and a violation of their constitutional rights.
Stewart said he has sent dozens of similar letters over the years to people he's met.
"Most of the time they never responded, but I've had a few that it changed their lives," he said.
The American Civil Liberties Union is demanding that the city of Greer drop all charges and apologize to the Gaineys.
Ok from now on I'm going to ignore all rules regarding license plates, insurance etc. As soon as I run out and get an "I worship Satan" bumper sticker, I should be scot-free.
Who paid for the officer's court costs? Hopefully not the volunteer officer. One thing about a law suit, lawyers aren't free, unless you being represented by the ACLU, and they get their share.
Boy, Tony just can't stay out of trouble.
WE MUST STOP PROFILING DRUIDS!.........
Call me anti-religious if you like, but I don't think this guy has any business sending out letters to people he's interacted with in a professional capacity to come and visit his church. I mean, he wouldn't have had their name and address to send the letter to if he hadn't stopped them, right? You can see where that might make them think that he stopped them just so he could proselytize (sp?) to these heathens. Maybe he only decided to do that after he had stopped them, but then does he send out such letters to everyone he pulls over for expired tags, etc?
Precisely. That's the part that makes me think that there may be something to this complaint.
Oh well ... I hope that he realizes it now. If not, the city can certainly do without his "help".
I agree. Write them a ticket and then leave them alone. I'd hate to have some lib cop sending me gun control pamphlets.
I agree - BUT... He did ask and receive permission to send them a letter. If a Mormon or Catholic LEO asked if he could send me a letter about his religion I would politely thank him for his offer, tell him I am quite happy as a Southern Baptist and not interested in his offer.
Inappropriate because he sent them an invitation to church? What if he sent them an invitation to a super bowl party, would it have been inappropriate then?
"Call me anti-religious if you like, but I don't think this guy has any business sending out letters to people he's interacted with in a professional capacity to come and visit his church."
He is bound by his service to Christ to spread the gospel. This is his chosen method of reaching out to people. Plus his actions are protected by the 1st Amendment which prohibits the Government from interferring with his religion or the way he practices it.
If people don't like the letters, toss 'em, just that simple. They haven't lost a thing except a few moment of time.
Tony, rocks! I'm glad he finds time for police work. Pulling over speeders, no less :-)
Yes and yes, also. Would you not think it inappropriate for him to be asking females he stopped for "dates"?
What if he were a Muslim, and suggested that they attend his mosque with him? [Grrrrr ....]
The issue here is his inappropriate mixing of public duties with his own private agenda. The stupidity is evidenced by his not realizing that.
.....seen this-un yet?.....
You have a very clear understanding of why Muslims want to kill infidels.
He is bound by his service to Allah to spread the Koran. This is his chosen method of reaching out to people. Plus his actions are protected by the 1st Amendment which prohibits the Government from interferring with his religion or the way he practices it.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.