Christians, Jews, Muslims, Hindu. People of faith and atheist.
They all filled the Fresno City Council chambers on Thursday (May 11) night to tell them all their thoughts on God. And the council responded with a unanimous vote to place the phrase “In God We Trust” on the wall behind the council dais.
Some were positive, like the comments by former Mayor Alan Autry. “Right now, I happen to think our country is the most divided it has been in my lifetime. You have an opportunity right now to fall in line with that great linage of making the statement ‘In God We Trust’ not as a divisive thing, but as a unifying thing.”
Some were not, such as critic Shannon Kurtz. “Bredefeld is the human equivalent of an internet troll. He introduced this to deepen the rift in an already divided community, a community he has sworn to serve” Kurtz said. “This makes him a danger to the community, deeply immoral and unfit to serve.” But she relented, “out of respect, I don’t think you’re incompetent.”
As council listened to the nearly 45 speakers over two hours, they heard religious, philosophical and legal arguments why they should or shouldn’t place Nation’s Motto on the wall behind council.
Councilman Paul Carpioglio mentioned the legal pitfalls, and offered to place the motto elsewhere in chambers. He suggested either on the first floor with some other historic documents, or in the area above the second floor lobby with the George Washington exhibit.
The ordinance’s author, Garry Bredefeld, soundly rejected the idea, demanding it go behind the dais.
In the end, it was a unanimous vote. Bredefeld moved through a constant line of hugs and handshakes.
“It feels wonderful. Now, Fresno is now the largest city in the state of California that has adopted our national motto in the council chamber,” he said. “It is just a wonderful feeling. ‘In God We Trust’ is about faith, values and patriotism.”
The former mayor also celebrated. “In Fresno, it’s a great day that it passed. But it’s also a great day for…I think it can be the start of something even bigger in terms of a discourse,” Autry told GV Wire afterward.
Also:
Councilman Steve Brandau’s emotional speech:
What are your thoughts? Leave your comments below.
Curiosity drives David Taub.
The award-winning journalist might be shy, but feels mighty with a recorder in his hand. He doesn't see it his job to "hold public officials accountable," but does see it to provide readers (and voters) the information needed to make intelligent choices.
Taub has been honored with several writing awards from the California News Publishers Association. He's just happy to have his stories read.
Joining GV Wire in 2016, Taub covers politics, government and elections, mainly in the Fresno/Clovis area. He also writes columns about local eateries (Appetite for Fresno), pro wrestling (Off the Bottom Rope), and media (Media Man).
Prior to joining the online news source, Taub worked as a radio producer for KMJ and PowerTalk 96.7 in Fresno. He also worked as an assignment editor for KCOY-TV in Santa Maria, California, and KSEE-TV in Fresno. He has also worked behind the scenes for several sports broadcasts, including the NCAA basketball tournament, and the Super Bowl.
When not spending time with his family, Taub loves to officially score Fresno Grizzlies games.
Growing up in the San Francisco Bay Area, Taub is a die-hard Giants and 49ers fan. He graduated from the University of Michigan with dual degrees in communications and political science. Go Blue!
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