Ten Commandments Posted In Kentucky Capitol On Eve Of Election

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Posted: 6:14 AM Nov 6, 2007
Last Updated: 6:14 AM Nov 6, 2007

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FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) - Republican Gov. Ernie Fletcher ordered the
Ten Commandments displayed in the state Capitol on Monday, hitting
on one of his re-election campaign themes the day before Kentucky's
general election.

The Ten Commandments, along with other historical documents
mounted on gold-colored easels, went on display in the Rotunda
following a ruling from a federal judge earlier Monday. U.S.
District Judge Joseph M. Hood ruled that a previous injunction that
prohibited a different monument displaying the Biblical directives
did not apply.

Kentucky's race for governor culminates Tuesday, when voters
decide whether Fletcher or Democrat Steve Beshear will guide
Kentucky over the next four years. Recent media polls have shown
Fletcher trailing Beshear by 15 to 23 percentage points.

Throughout the campaign, Fletcher and other Republicans have
criticized Beshear for an opinion he wrote as Kentucky attorney
general in 1981 - following a U.S. Supreme Court ruling - that
advised public schools to remove the Ten Commandments from
classroom walls.

Monday's executive order from Fletcher, an ordained Baptist
minister, directed the Ten Commandments be displayed as part of a
"Foundations of American Law and Government Display" that
includes the Magna Carta, Mayflower Compact and the Declaration of
Independence.

Larry Sabato, director of the Center for Politics at the
University of Virginia, said Fletcher was playing to his political
base of social conservatives.

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Posted by: Barry Location: floyd county on Nov 6, 2007 at 06:51 PM
why could'nt the Ten Commandments have been posted all year? this was a PATHETIC attempt by the soon to be former governor to try to win a few votes! Maybe next time Ernie!

Posted by: Bill on Nov 6, 2007 at 05:58 PM
What difference does it make as a reason to post our Lords laws.They were posted,thats what counts.Just be happy.

Posted by: David on Nov 6, 2007 at 02:12 PM
Red state, red herring, I suppose. There is a lot of wiggle room in the Constitutional amendment that states "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof..." While affirming one's faith is indeed admirable, the governor is elected to represent all of us. Like it or not, there are those who do not practice the dominant religion in this country. And there are even those within Christianity that do not believe a government building is the best place for a religious display.

Posted by: Jeff Location: Hazard, KY on Nov 6, 2007 at 01:21 PM
This was a pretty cheap move on Fletcher's part, the last act of a desperate man. This is another move to make Brashear look like the bad guy when he has to take the 10 Commandments down and they will have to come down, just like he tried to make it seem like it was Brashear's idea alone to take them down in 1981 all through the election. If you are living by them, why do you have to have them displayed?

Posted by: Mike Location: California on Nov 6, 2007 at 01:17 PM
While I've lived in Ca. for 10 years, I will always be a Kentuckian. So allow me to assert my humble opinion here. Those arguing for the Ten Cmdmts. being placed there should consider the following. Would you want the 10 Satanic Cmdmnts (they have them), the 5 steps to Enlightenments (Hindus)? Buddhists? Most are saying NO, but the fact is if you push for religion outside religious institutions, then you may get those very things as well. Keep religion in the church and take your kids there. The last time bible thumpers mixed faith and government, they burned young girls alive as witches. Jeez!!

Posted by: Linda Location: Knox county KY on Nov 6, 2007 at 12:00 PM
I believe it is about time for our government to stand up for what is right, and not just listen to the people who like to argue. "I say go for it Governor Fletcher." Which the governor should have stood up for what is right, when he first got elected.

Posted by: VB Location: Kentucky on Nov 6, 2007 at 10:41 AM
Let's hope that whoever wins today will actually govern by the guidelines that the 10 Commandments and the Bible set forth...rather than just by politics as usual. People I know in Frankfort still say that it is more political in Frankfort than ever, making it hard for those who truly want to do what is in the best interest of the citizens, to actually do their jobs. It's been going on for decades, in spite of the merit system, but it is time for a change. Again, I mean this regardless of who wins....

Posted by: Concerned Location: Kentucky on Nov 6, 2007 at 09:24 AM
In response to: Ten Commandments displayed in the state Capitol on Monday, hitting "on one of his re-election campaign themes the day before Kentucky's general election." "Monday's executive order from Fletcher, an ordained Baptist minister, directed the Ten Commandments be displayed as part of a "Foundations of American Law and Government Display" that includes the Magna Carta, Mayflower Compact and the Declaration of Independence." Ordained minister? wow! IF the ten commandments could be posted the night before election, they could have been posted 4 years ago Mr. Minister. It is ashame that one would use the good Lord for political gain. THat is shame! I would vote for no man that use the Lord for their gain. Shame on you!

Posted by: Gary Location: hindman ky on Nov 6, 2007 at 08:11 AM
i have followed kentucky politics for along time and i think it is said that we are bringing in religiion to try and help when an election.I think Governor Fletcher should have had the Ten Commandments posted way before the election day. But its a way to get the religious voters to come out and vote for him. My question is this should he win is the ten commandments going to go back in the closet for another politician to get out next election to run off of ?

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