Posted on 07/17/2002 8:00:26 PM PDT by vikingchick
RIPON -- More than a dozen people shared their ideas Tuesday night about what phrase should be painted on the 175-foot-tall water tower at Jack Tone Road and Highway 99.
After nearly an hour of debate, the City Council voted unanimously to leave it blank.
In the past few weeks, residents have wrangled over whether "God Bless America," "One Nation Under God," or "In God We Trust" should be emblazoned on the water tower. "I would hate to see that tower become a billboard," said Councilman Mike Restuccia. "I don't think it shows anymore than a reaction to something that has happened."
Councilman Don Moyer proposed making the water tower a patriotic display in light of the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals decision that says the phrase "under God" in the pledge of allegiance is unconstitutional and the anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks.
Although he cast his vote with the rest of the council, Moyer stood by his original notion that Ripon should express its patriotism and faith.
"As a community, we do trust in God when the going gets tough," he said.
But the other council members and several citizens said they did not agree that the water tower is an appropriate place to make that statement, especially since City Attorney Thomas Terpstra acknowledged that the city could be sued for painting the word "God" on public property.
"I don't think that we as public officials have the right to force our beliefs on anyone else," said Mayor Dan Prince.
Those who spoke out were divided.
Some said the water tower presented an opportunity to send a message, and that the city should not be concerned with "some crackpot" filing a lawsuit.
One resident read his Bible at the podium to make his point.
Les Haveman cheered him on. "If the city does not go along with this, one would have to question their loyalty to the national motto, 'In God We Trust,'" he said.
Others felt the water tower should not be used as a pulpit, and a religious message could alienate some residents in a time when people should be united.
Many suggested nonreligious patriotic statements, like "We hold these truths to be self-evident" from the Declaration of Independence, to avoid imposing faith on others.
"It really does offend me when I see God's name up in public places," said Gaynl Stouffer-Trotter. "It trivializes it."
The council also scrapped the idea of putting a flag on top of the water tower because of the logistical problems with maintaining it -- and the fact that it would cost about $35,000 to install.
"It's too oddball of an idea," said John Lawton. "And I think it's dangerous."
Some residents said they are patriotic, but think the water tower is the wrong place for a flag.
"I'd like to see the water tower blend into the environment," said Harry Dedini. "With the flag, we might have to stick a beacon up there."
They agreed to look into putting a flag next to the Ripon welcome sign at southbound Highway 99 and Jack Tone Road, and creating a flag display at the proposed sports complex.
Bee staff writer Molly Dugan can be reached at 239-2152 or mdugan@modbee.com
The ACLU wins.
Yes, I belive that's who they were referring to in the above statement.
Gee Gaynl Stouffer-Trouter. I wonder if God Jesus Christ-Holy Spirit feels the same as you?
To think of him as Trivial anyplace is indeed Trivial.
Stop trying to pretend your defending him it makes you look cheap! Then again?
Yeah but its ok to force your tax policies on everyone.
If they are going to take up so much room that it interferes with boys' exercise of their fundamental right to use of the water tower then one could argue that it would be un-American.
ACLU: Anti-Constitution League of Un-Americans
"putting a flag on top of the water tower "
Put, not paint. Put.
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