Is the city manager, a graduate of Liberty University, founded by the Jerry Falwell family, influenced to lean towards the evangelical movement? There’s a lurid background to this family. The founder is also the architect of the Christo-Fascist movement in this country—ie. Christian Nationalism. Just sayin.
It can be confusing but the City Manager is a graduate of West Liberty University which is a public university in Wheeling, West Virginia and not associated with Jerry Falwell. However, the Mayor is a graduate of Liberty University which was founded by Jerry Falwell in Lynchburg, Virginia.
Thanks for clarifying who’s who. Moreover, thanks for your reporting on city matters and for bringing clarity to the issues affecting folks in 29 and the MB.
Thank you for bringing attention to this issue. I do believe that the lines get blurred and have often been made uncomfortable by blatantly Christian invocations at City sponsored events. In my book, nonsecular prayer is welcome, as is a simple moment of silence to honor whatever faith partipants do, or do not, hold.
I couldn't agree more. When I read about the prayer breakfasts and Easter Sunday Service I had the same thoughts. I'm a Nature worshiping Pagan and a 29Palms community member and as such I felt that the City was excluding me and promoting one faith over all others. I jokingly told my husband that I was going to show up at the prayer breakfast and ask to present a Pagan prayer and see how THAT went over. If they aren't careful they may just end up on the news... fighting a Baphomet statue on the City Hall lawn or an After School Satan Club at the middle school. 😉😆 But in all seriousness... its a problem in my opinion and they should definately have some guidelines to follow as it appears they lack either the good judgment required or the understanding/respect of a Democracy to keep Church and State separated.
Hello Pastor Mike, thanks for the invite. However, I have no real desire to participate in a prayer breakfast with the Mayor... mainly because I do not think the Mayor should be having one at all. The Mayor (like everyone in the US) has the right to follow any faith they like (or none at all) and also to enjoy breakfast.... heck, they can even do both at the same time! Go USA!
BUT, slapping a city seal on it is (in my opinion) inappropriate and shows either poor judgment and/or a lack of respect for others that live in this city, but do not share the same faith. A moment of silence at the start of meetings, etc... to allow ALL involved to either pray (or not) in whatever way they see fit is as far as that should be taken in a government setting (in my opinion.)
I went to Shadow Mountain Church one time and they handed me a book of Right-wing talking points like "Cancel culture" and "Socialism". It was quite frankly enraging that they are actually usurping Christian tenants with the tenants of "In Trump we Trust" and pushing manufactured issues geared towards division. Totally agree there should be a separation of church and state, and further, since this church in particular is operating as a political entity, they should lose their non-profit status.
Perhaps the meetings should begin with local stories of Love and Courage!
How about the story of Carlota? (the love of Willie Boy's life). She was murdered by a white posse after her courageous efforts to avoid capture and remain with the person she loved. Carlota is buried in the Chemehuevi Cemetary in Twenty-Nine.
I agree this post is inappropriate, as was that recent invocation. Stories about Jesus have no place in government meetings. I would also love to see the "under god" line removed from the pledge; I cringe every time I hear that.
As a practicing Catholic, I detest nothing more than the so called "Christians", shoving their religion down our throats. That indicates intolerance of other legitimate religions, many which started well before Christianity. The birth of Christ is estimated at between 4BC and 6BC, quite a long estimate IMO, as no one really knows, and no one has proven He existed yet. The Resurrection took care of that; smart choice. Tolerance of other religions indicates tolerance of other razes and beliefs. Governments, whether Federal, State or City, have NO RIGHT to impose their beliefs on others, especially tax payers that elected them to office. Even our priest during his sermon preaches tolerance of others' regardless of their religious choice. Try going to confession, that will humble anyone. VOTE HIM OUT next term.
This is hypocritical coming from a group that calls themselves "29 PALMS NEIGHBORS" as if they represent everyone. Could you please change your name to "SOME 29 PALMS NEIGHBORS" so that the rest of us does not feel like you are taking our voices away?
The names of the writers are on the article: Cindy Bernard, Jonathan Hume, Heidi Heard, Natalie Zuk and Kat Talley-Jones. Btw - there is a stated policy regarding anonymous comments above the comment button "Please note that we do not allow anonymous comments. Please be sure your name is on your profile prior to commenting. Anonymous comments will be deleted." If you do not update your substack profile with your name within 24 hours, your comment will be deleted.
On FB this article is posted by 29 Palms Neighbors. Would it be ok, in the future, if these highly biased and incorrect articles are posted by the individual/s themselves? And not as if they are representative of the whole community?
Thank you for adding your last name Anja. We aren't on Facebook here, are we? And have you tried googling 29 Palms Neighbors? You will find the founder's names if you do. Members of 29 Palms Neighbors have been very public -- we wrote several letters to the editors of the local paper prior to founding Desert Trumpet. We have also spoken at Council meetings, submitted letters to Council and even submitted redistricting maps. And as was mentioned, this is a clearly labeled opinion piece, so of course it is "opinionated." We are exercising our first amendment rights of free speech -- the same amendment that refers to the separation of church and state that we feel is being violated by our City. That is our opinion and we are free to express it. You are free to disagree.
I value respectful debate - of course you can say anything you want. When you include a call for action , a reader might assume your piece has been researched for accuracy. All your pieces are highly opinionated and one-sided. It just feels like a small group of people are hiding behind a "big" name. Neighbors implies everyone and a neighborly message - neither of which applies to the group. For example, on your STR stance, I (as a neighbor) have repeatedly asked why the dilapidated and abandoned and ugly shacks in town will not be addressed. It is a legit question that many people ask themselves yet it is completely ignored with "just call code enforcement". Your group won't take it on. Obviously, you don't have to but that is what I mean by one-sided.
Long standing Christian here. Religion is always a separate issue from State, for good reason. Stop the prayers and maintain a minute of silence to respect all faiths.
I support this very long-standing issue being addressed., and I applaud the courage of those who are speaking out. I've lived here many years and have visited many churches here. It's been my experience that the conservative agenda and alliance is so ingrained in this community that it's automatically assumed that if you live here, you are both Christian and conservative. In my opinion that assumption along with anti Democrat rhetoric promotes exclusion and division. As far as the comments made by A.W. it seems she exemplifies this exclusionary attitude. Basically, one of (if you don't agree with me or the majority you can't call yourself a neighbor).
Is the city manager, a graduate of Liberty University, founded by the Jerry Falwell family, influenced to lean towards the evangelical movement? There’s a lurid background to this family. The founder is also the architect of the Christo-Fascist movement in this country—ie. Christian Nationalism. Just sayin.
It can be confusing but the City Manager is a graduate of West Liberty University which is a public university in Wheeling, West Virginia and not associated with Jerry Falwell. However, the Mayor is a graduate of Liberty University which was founded by Jerry Falwell in Lynchburg, Virginia.
Thanks for clarifying who’s who. Moreover, thanks for your reporting on city matters and for bringing clarity to the issues affecting folks in 29 and the MB.
Thank you for bringing attention to this issue. I do believe that the lines get blurred and have often been made uncomfortable by blatantly Christian invocations at City sponsored events. In my book, nonsecular prayer is welcome, as is a simple moment of silence to honor whatever faith partipants do, or do not, hold.
I couldn't agree more. When I read about the prayer breakfasts and Easter Sunday Service I had the same thoughts. I'm a Nature worshiping Pagan and a 29Palms community member and as such I felt that the City was excluding me and promoting one faith over all others. I jokingly told my husband that I was going to show up at the prayer breakfast and ask to present a Pagan prayer and see how THAT went over. If they aren't careful they may just end up on the news... fighting a Baphomet statue on the City Hall lawn or an After School Satan Club at the middle school. 😉😆 But in all seriousness... its a problem in my opinion and they should definately have some guidelines to follow as it appears they lack either the good judgment required or the understanding/respect of a Democracy to keep Church and State separated.
You are most welcome to come and participate. Call me Pastor Mike 8057485500
Hello Pastor Mike, thanks for the invite. However, I have no real desire to participate in a prayer breakfast with the Mayor... mainly because I do not think the Mayor should be having one at all. The Mayor (like everyone in the US) has the right to follow any faith they like (or none at all) and also to enjoy breakfast.... heck, they can even do both at the same time! Go USA!
BUT, slapping a city seal on it is (in my opinion) inappropriate and shows either poor judgment and/or a lack of respect for others that live in this city, but do not share the same faith. A moment of silence at the start of meetings, etc... to allow ALL involved to either pray (or not) in whatever way they see fit is as far as that should be taken in a government setting (in my opinion.)
I went to Shadow Mountain Church one time and they handed me a book of Right-wing talking points like "Cancel culture" and "Socialism". It was quite frankly enraging that they are actually usurping Christian tenants with the tenants of "In Trump we Trust" and pushing manufactured issues geared towards division. Totally agree there should be a separation of church and state, and further, since this church in particular is operating as a political entity, they should lose their non-profit status.
Yikes, that is very sad and scary to hear.
I would love to know the title of that book.
Perhaps the meetings should begin with local stories of Love and Courage!
How about the story of Carlota? (the love of Willie Boy's life). She was murdered by a white posse after her courageous efforts to avoid capture and remain with the person she loved. Carlota is buried in the Chemehuevi Cemetary in Twenty-Nine.
I agree this post is inappropriate, as was that recent invocation. Stories about Jesus have no place in government meetings. I would also love to see the "under god" line removed from the pledge; I cringe every time I hear that.
As a practicing Catholic, I detest nothing more than the so called "Christians", shoving their religion down our throats. That indicates intolerance of other legitimate religions, many which started well before Christianity. The birth of Christ is estimated at between 4BC and 6BC, quite a long estimate IMO, as no one really knows, and no one has proven He existed yet. The Resurrection took care of that; smart choice. Tolerance of other religions indicates tolerance of other razes and beliefs. Governments, whether Federal, State or City, have NO RIGHT to impose their beliefs on others, especially tax payers that elected them to office. Even our priest during his sermon preaches tolerance of others' regardless of their religious choice. Try going to confession, that will humble anyone. VOTE HIM OUT next term.
This is hypocritical coming from a group that calls themselves "29 PALMS NEIGHBORS" as if they represent everyone. Could you please change your name to "SOME 29 PALMS NEIGHBORS" so that the rest of us does not feel like you are taking our voices away?
You did see this is an opinion , it seems you are overreacting
I know its a "bunch of nonsense" opinion but this group keeps posting stuff on various issues, calling themselves 29 Palms Neighbors.
The names of the writers are on the article: Cindy Bernard, Jonathan Hume, Heidi Heard, Natalie Zuk and Kat Talley-Jones. Btw - there is a stated policy regarding anonymous comments above the comment button "Please note that we do not allow anonymous comments. Please be sure your name is on your profile prior to commenting. Anonymous comments will be deleted." If you do not update your substack profile with your name within 24 hours, your comment will be deleted.
On FB this article is posted by 29 Palms Neighbors. Would it be ok, in the future, if these highly biased and incorrect articles are posted by the individual/s themselves? And not as if they are representative of the whole community?
Thank you for adding your last name Anja. We aren't on Facebook here, are we? And have you tried googling 29 Palms Neighbors? You will find the founder's names if you do. Members of 29 Palms Neighbors have been very public -- we wrote several letters to the editors of the local paper prior to founding Desert Trumpet. We have also spoken at Council meetings, submitted letters to Council and even submitted redistricting maps. And as was mentioned, this is a clearly labeled opinion piece, so of course it is "opinionated." We are exercising our first amendment rights of free speech -- the same amendment that refers to the separation of church and state that we feel is being violated by our City. That is our opinion and we are free to express it. You are free to disagree.
I value respectful debate - of course you can say anything you want. When you include a call for action , a reader might assume your piece has been researched for accuracy. All your pieces are highly opinionated and one-sided. It just feels like a small group of people are hiding behind a "big" name. Neighbors implies everyone and a neighborly message - neither of which applies to the group. For example, on your STR stance, I (as a neighbor) have repeatedly asked why the dilapidated and abandoned and ugly shacks in town will not be addressed. It is a legit question that many people ask themselves yet it is completely ignored with "just call code enforcement". Your group won't take it on. Obviously, you don't have to but that is what I mean by one-sided.
Long standing Christian here. Religion is always a separate issue from State, for good reason. Stop the prayers and maintain a minute of silence to respect all faiths.
Are you saying they are breaking the law?
I support this very long-standing issue being addressed., and I applaud the courage of those who are speaking out. I've lived here many years and have visited many churches here. It's been my experience that the conservative agenda and alliance is so ingrained in this community that it's automatically assumed that if you live here, you are both Christian and conservative. In my opinion that assumption along with anti Democrat rhetoric promotes exclusion and division. As far as the comments made by A.W. it seems she exemplifies this exclusionary attitude. Basically, one of (if you don't agree with me or the majority you can't call yourself a neighbor).
Thank you Jeannine for your support.