Is it a matter of ignorance, self absorption or just plain I don’t care?
I’ve already been warned that I would lose friends and votes if I wrote about this matter but since I have never traded what I believe is right for votes why start now. Most of my friends are patriots and they will understand and agree.
Last year at graduation I was disgusted by the lack of respect shown by many during the presentation of the colors and playing of the National Anthem. This week I attended a graduation ceremony in Franklin and found much the same attitude of disrespect for our nation and its people. I wish I could say it was only younger people that continued to keep their caps on and yak on the phone and to each other during the National Anthem, but sadly group included people old enough to know better but chose not to do better.
Now, I come to the saddest part Observance of Memorial Day. While I believe that our military Veterans should be honored and respected every day Memorial Day is not about Veterans but those who have died, both military and civilians, in the service of our nation. A Memorial Service is in honor of the dead and the conduct should be appropriate to the dead. Can you imagine the uproar that would be created if politicians stood at the doors of Carr and Erwin or Giles County Funeral Home or any place else where a funeral was being conducted and were actively campaigning for election? The behavior of some candidates at the Memorial Service Monday on the Recreation Center grounds is deplorable. I’m not talking about candidates that were there to simply take part in the services but those who were passing out literature for their campaign. Equally bad is a county executive that sits with her husband away from the crowd and watches the interaction with other who might be friendly to her opposition.
Does the Flag, The National Anthem and remembrance of the dead who sacrificed so much no longer matter, are those things that symbolize our freedom now so insignificant that they n longer matter? I have a hard time believing that they are insignificant to the woman whose eyes still fill with tears at the thought of her husband, brother or child who died in the snows and mud of Europe, the steaming heat of a Pacific island, the bitter cold of Korea, the jungles of Viet Nam or deserts in the Middle East or a thousand other places where our defenders have laid down their lives. I find it inconceivable that these things have become insignificant to the guy who stares into the reflection of “The Wall” and cries like a baby as he remembers a Brother that died in his arms. We have not taught our children well the lessons of freedom nor have we remembered the sacrifices that gave life to those freedoms.
Refusing to stand and respectfully behave during the playing of the National Anthem is disrespectful to the entire nation of citizens and to disrespect Memorial Services is to disrespect every single person who made that ultimate sacrifice.
posted by Allen Barrett | 9:07 AM
107 Comments:
But you just had to take another shot at Mrs. Vanzant. I thought you were dead set against anyone presuming the thoughts and intents of others. If you want to know why Mrs. Vanzant sat where she did, why don't you just man up and call her instead of trying another cheap shot? Shame on you once again.
I’ve often wondered what has happen to people’s manners today.
I’ve been to things where during the sermon people around me laughed and talked so I couldn’t hear the speaker. I just wished for a cattle prod to poke them with.
As for passing out their political cards, I can understand if it’s before or after the services, but if it during the service I wouldn’t vote for anyone with such bad manners.
I agree, 10:53. It's the same with funeral processions. People act like they don't know they are supposed to pull over when one is passing.
Votes?
What votes?
Since when do you need any stinking votes?
My brother and his family attended the Veteran's Day Memorial Service Monday morning. I was not personally there due to making a living, so all I have to go on is what he told me and what he showed me. He had no reason to make this up. There was no candidate present at that service passing out campaign cards or any other political paraphernalia with the exception of one, Julie Phillips,who was passing out fans that had been purchased using Liter grant (taxpayers money). NOW, I have a big problem with that. I saw my brother's fan. It was County Highway dept. Litter Grant fan. If a county emploee is using handouts purchased by taxpayer's money to gain votes or favors for political gain then that is not only unethical, it is unlawful. But most of all it was disrespectful to our veterans and their families. She should be turned over to the state authorties.
3:19
Are you serious? I mean, you have got to be joking to suggest turning the candidate over to the authorities. Have you ever heard of leftovers from grant money?
3:19
Are you serious? I mean, you have got to be joking to suggest turning the candidate over to the authorities. Have you ever heard of leftovers from grant money?
Doesn't matter, bottom line is its taxpayers money and IF there were any leftovers, it should have been sent back. This merchandise definitely should not to be used by a county employee to promote his/her agenda. And make no mistake about it, you can rest assure that all the grant money was used to buy litter education products/giveaways. And yes, this should be reported.
9:52
Then you need to go to the police station and demand that the lady be arrested. What a laugh they will get....at YOUR expense.
Oh it want be to the locals.
Sounds like theft to me. If that is true, she should be turned in. She has no right to take government funded money and use it for her campaign or anything else personal.
I would like to address comments in reference to the Memorial Day program Monday. My name is Lisa Butler and my sister in law is Julie Butler Phillips, who has been mentioned in this blog, unfairly I might add. I also attended the Memorial Day program Monday but I have to question if we were at the same program because I did not witness the same things Mr. Barrett did.
First off, yes Mr. Barrett there are many that do not have the respect for those that served in the war, for our pledge, or for the National Anthem. If you get right down to it many don’t respect our town or our country.
However, I have to disagree with your comment that the behavior of some of the candidates at the service was deplorable. I am not sure what your comment referring to where Janet Vanzant sat meant because at the program I was at she was sitting on the stage with the other speakers. And the crowd was scattered in many areas around the stage, mostly under the shade trees. So not sure what you meant about anyone sitting away from the crowd.
I did not see any candidate passing out literature for their campaign. I did see Julie Phillips passing out hand fans that have a picture of the Court House on one side and information about the Giles County Litter Grant program that is through the Giles County Highway Department. She was not campaigning to anyone while handing these fans out. Nor did anything on the fan mention that she was running for office. She did not have on her campaign shirt, button or anything that said her name or that she was a candidate for office. All I heard her asking as she went through the crowd was “would you like a fan?” She was just trying to be thoughtful.
Mr. Barrett, maybe you were the one being disrespectful. It seems as though you spent your time at the Memorial event watching what our County Executive was doing instead of honoring those that were represented that day.
Now to Anonymous post on May 27 at 3:19, yes those fans had been purchased with Litter Grant money but they were not being used for her political gain. For those who are not aware of it, Julie is over the Giles County Litter program and does an excellent job. Yes, she spends the grant money allotted for the Litter program on educational and promotional items. If she doesn’t spend it, the county looses it. She uses these items when she goes and speaks on how to have a Litter Free County and how to recycle items instead of throwing things away. She speaks to the school kids, to Sunday school classes and many other groups. She donates bags of items to the radio auction & many other benefits. She organizes the Great American Clean Up in Giles County every year. She does an outstanding job with this program.
Exactly what did your brother tell you that gave you the idea that Julie was using the fans to gain votes or favors for political gain? Did anything on that fan mention Julie running for office or ask for a vote? Was she running around saying “Vote for me.” No she was not. Like I said she didn’t even have on anything with her name on it, she was wearing a red, white, & blue t-shirt. I am sure that some people there didn’t even know who Julie was. She was just somebody handing out fans.
Apparently you do not personally know Julie or you would not be accusing her of being unethical. She did not do anything unethical, unlawful and definitely not disrespectful. What she did do was be generous and thoughtful by going out of her way to stop at the Highway Department and grab some fans to offer to those in attendance to help them stay a bit cooler. What about the lady, wearing the Janice Curtis button, handing out the Color Guard promotional item, was she being unethical too?
However, I do believe you are being unethical and disrespectful with your comments and hiding behind “Anonymous.”
Lisa,
Excellent post. I don't personally know Julie, but she just got my vote.
Anonymous post 4:20, there was no theft. She didn't use any government money for her personal use. I am Julie's campaign treasurer and I can show you that anything that has being purchased for her campaign has been done by the Friends of Julie Phillips account. That is the thing that is wrong with blogs like this. People can make untrue statements with out knowing all the facts and harm someones reputation. Julie would never do anything unethical. Why don't you ask Sheriff Helton if she did anything wrong? He was at the program too.
Thank you anonymous post 5:12. Julie is a wonderful person and doesn't deserve these comments. Anyone that would like to meet Julie and discuss this matter, her work with the Litter Grant program & how you can help by recycling, or discuss her candidacy for Trustee please attend the "Meet the Candidate" program on Friday June 13th being hosted by the Chamber of Commerce.
Ms. Butler, I appreciate your response and that you took responsibility for it by using your name, so many simply use the opportunity of free speech to snipe and attack from a safe but cowardly position of anonymity. I do believe your reaction is somewhat misdirected with your criticism of my post topic. If you will re-read my topic, without the offense of some of the anonymous comments, I bel;ieve you would see that it was about a need for a greater respect for such things as the National Anthem, Veterans and especially those warriors who have died in their efforts to provide and protect the freedoms many now take so lightly.
At no time did I criticize Mrs. Phillips, whom I find not only among the more capable county employees but also a friendly, respectful and likable personality. My criticism was not about handing out fans so much as “Vote for Me” cards and the wearing of campaign buttons etc. To me a Memorial Service should be like other funeral services where the behavior of attendees reflects a mood of remembrance.
It seems that we are in agreement that more respect should be shown and I’m not sure you actually disagree with me about it being disrespectful to be actively campaigning during a Memorial Service.
As for the situation with the County Executive perhaps I wasn’t as clear as I should have been. My point was centered around the actions of her meeting up with her husband behind the doctor’s office and then leaving her husband there to observe the activities. I was not at the Memorial Service and simply reported the actions of the County Executive as relayed to me. I apologize that I did not make that more clear. Disrespect is not just a matter of talking during the National Anthem or refusing to stand for the Pledge of Allegiance it is also abusing the people of this nation with abusive and unequal treatment, lying to those you represent, etc. I will not apologize for the way I unashamedly honor our fallen heroes or still living veterans and I will not apologize for pointing out the disrespect when observed in the behavior of those around me. I earned the privilege to stand and salute the flag, the Pledge, the National Anthem and the heroes that have provided me that privilege, just as I earned the responsibility to call out those who would disrespect the nation and its people. .
If there was a woman there who lost a child in the snow of Europe or the heat of a Pacific island, then we all missed an opportunity to meet an incredible example of longevity.
Why create such an obvious fiction to make your point? You lost all credibility with me with that tall tale.
I read Mr. Barrett's example of the woman as just that: an example. Does it matter if there were grandchildren or cousins or whatever relatives there instead of mothers? Respect for the men and women who gave their lives for us was the point of the topic. I see no fiction in that.
Ray
Mr. Barrett I would like to start by letting you know that I re-read your post at least 5 times before my original reply. And I have now re-read it 2 more times and I still disagree with many comments you made. And again I agree that there is a need for a greater respect for our Pledge, the National Anthem, our military and so much more.
Mr. Barrett you commented about the uproar that would be caused if politicians stood outside the funeral homes actively campaigning. You also commented that at the program that there were candidates passing out literature for their campaign. I saw no one actively campaigning at the program nor did I see anyone passing out campaign literature of any kind. Could you please be more specific as to who did that? My cell number is 309-6998 and you can call me to let me know who was campaigning if you choose not to state a name on here. Although it doesn't seem to bother you to mention names.
The only handouts that I saw was the hand fans that were from the Litter Grant program and cards with information about the Color Guard playing at military funerals for free. Yes that lady happened to be wearing a Janice button and I had on my Julie visor. I saw nothing wrong with either thing. I grabbed the visor as I headed out the door because I knew it was going to be sunny out. Would I have worn it had I went to the funeral home, no I wouldn't have but I wouldn't have wore my shorts and tank top either.
Mr. Barrett I do not see where it is yours, mine or anyone else's business where Janet Vanzant meets up with her husband. Did you consider that behind the doctor's office is where many people, including Julie, had to park? I actually had to park on the side of the road. And again what is it any of our business or concern where Mr. Vanzant sit to listen to the program. Did it occur to you that he possible was ill and needed to stay close to the car? Maybe he didn't bring a chair and chose to sit there. At least he was in attendance. Again what is it your concern. Does that make a difference in how Janet Vanzant performs her office? Explain to me Mr. Barrett what is the importance of the comments you made concerning them.
Mr. Barrett please let me make a suggestion to you. If you are going to write these blogs and reports what happens at functions in Giles County then I suggest you either attend them so you can see what actually takes place. If you are going to write a blog based on what someone else relays to you then you might find someone that is more reliable at reporting to you what actually occurs. Mr. Barrett I do believe that you were misinformed about many things that happened. And by doing so Mr. Barrett, Julie Phillips has had some wrongful accusations made.
Again, my number is 309-6998 and I will be glad to discuss any thing that you feel I misread.
And to all those who post "Anonymous", if you find it important enough to comment on then why not include your name. When choosing an identity I don't think "Anonymous" should even be an option. If you are not going to hide your opinion then don't hide your identity.
8:17 you need to learn how to read he put a whole list of places where husbands, brothers and children died. You just looking for something to attack barrett over.
Lisa
I applaud your making the needed corrections and pointing out to Mr. Barrett that he was wrong. Oh, how that must hurt his ego.
And you are so right about blogs such as this one. They are a constant source of trouble.
Best of luck to Julie. As I said, she got my vote and I will do all I can to help her in the community.
Did I read this right? Mr. Barrett is criticizing the county executive for attending a memorial event and "watching" her competition, while Mr. Barrett didn't even take the time to get off his couch and attend this sacred event?
Interesting.
Ms. Butler your feed back is appreciated as always. Let me ask, since it's obvious that you were able to clear up some misunderstandings about the Memorial Service. Which do you believe was better that I posted the topic and gave people an opportunity to clear up the perception or would it have been better to ignore the situation and allow the rumors to go unchallenged? I will not reveal the name of the person as my post was more about making corrections than placing blame.
6:38 No you did not read the situation correctly, what you did was, as usual, look for an opportunity to attack me.
I happened to not be in town but did attend a very moving ceremony at the "Healing Field" in Murfreesboro. There you have the opportunity to simply walk through a field of some 800 flags. It's a very moving experience as there is almost complete silence except from the road noises. Dozens and dozens of people of all ages walking silently through the flags with their memories, thoughts and dreams of what if.
A moving ceremony of posting the colors, Pledge of Allegiance and National Anthem sung with great power and respect. The solemn reading of all the names of Tennesseans who have died in the war on terrorism followed by a 21 gun salute and "Taps".
No 6:38, I was not on the couch I was remembering my Dad who received three Purple Hearts as he came up from North Africa through Italy and then across Europe on a three year tour. I was thinking about my uncle Edmund who made the jumps at Salerno and Normandy with the 82nd. I was thinking of my own twenty years as a soldier and the brothers lost and the hardships endured. Thoughts that are seldom very far from my heart. I know who I am and could care less what you think of me but don’t ever think I would disrespect the memory of fallen warriors.
Perhaps, given the errors noted in your characterization of this event, you will refrain from "reporting" on events you do not attend in the future.
Mr. Barrett I am glad that I was able to clear up the misunderstanding that you and others had about the actions that occurred at the Memorial Day service. I do hope that those that posted on May 27th at 3:19 & 9:52 and then on May 28th at 8:20 & 4:20have read my post so they know that there was no wrong doing on Julie's part.
However, to answer your question on what would have been better I will break it down for you. It would have been better prior to your description in your original post of what occurred that day, to acknowledge that you were not able to attend so therefore what you were stating was hearsay or rumors. It would have been better if you had talked with more than one person in attendance about what they saw occur. It would have been better if you had just left the whole description referring to the County Excutive and her husband out of your post, as it had no relevance to your topic of disrespect. I do hope that your posts along with mine help those who were misinformed to know exactly what really took place at the Memorial Day service.
What I do know though Mr. Barrett, is that someone near and dear to me was hurt very deeply because of your incorrect information that had been relayed to you. She has been wrongfully accused and anyone that knows Julie knows that she would never do anything unethical, unlawful or disrespectful. Anyone that does not know Julie needs to meet her before passing judgement. When will people learn that just because one person says something don't assume it to be the factual truth.
SMACK! How does that jaw feel, Barrett?
To everyone always wanting to see proof of where Barrett lied, search no more.
Ms. Butler,
Wait a minute and back up a bit. First I did not report anything that was not true plain and simple and I stand behind what I wrote 100% as factual. There were people handing out campaign cards and the Vanzants did exactly what I described. There were people behaving disrespectfully during the ceremony.
I never said or even implied that Mrs. Phillips was the one who passed out campaign cards or had done anything that was not above question. So, please don't confuse what I write with what someone else writes. You are the one who identified Mrs. Phillips and what she was doing. I did speak with more than one person, as is my custom, and had my information confirmed. The bulk of my comment was not about the campaigning but the general disrespect shown when the National Anthem is played and the Colors are posted. At no point did I state that Mrs. Phillips had done anything wrong and I agreed with you that not only did she seem to be a very nice lady she was also one of the better county employees. You avoided the question about having the opportunity to set the record straight and surely are aware that questions were already raised prior to my topic posting.
Mr. Barrett, you do have a hard time admitting you are wrong. What you wrote was far from 100% factual. First of all your comments about the Vanzants were way off base & irrelevant. During the program the County Executive sat on the stage with the other speakers. You can verify this with Police Chief Bart Butler, as he was the guest speaker and either sat right beside her or there might have been one chair in between. And before or after the program she had the right to be anywhere she wanted. I ask you again Mr. Barrett what is the relevancy of where the Vanzant's were to being disrespectful to the anthem, pledge or anyone connected to the program? I'm sure if she had been in the middle of the crowd then you would have been accusing her of campaigning.
Second, you are mistaken again because you just stated I was the one to identify Mrs. Phillips and that too is incorrect. The post by Anonymous May 27 3:19 is who identified Julie. You cannot even get your facts straight when it is in black and white.
Again, I nor any of the people that I have talked with saw any candidates campaigning. If someone handed out any cards it was very minimal.
As far as anyone acting disrespectful, I'm sure there were some there. Though I was quiet surprised that the children that sit in the area I was in behaved very well considering this was an outdoor event and it was hot. However, I saw no candidates being disrespectful.
And I did not avoid answering your question. I answered your question in the second paragraph. Maybe you should reread my post.
I will say again I would like to know who all your sources were or who they said was campaigning. It amazes me Mr. Barrett that you do not mind specifying Janet Vanzant in reference to something but yet when you state that your comments are 100% factual you cannot back it up with a name. You do not have to put the name on here like I said you are more than welcome to call me at 309-6998. I would like to talk to the individual(s) that report to you.
Mr. Barrett, maybe you should be the one to back up a bit and realize that you have blown something way out of proportion. If you wanted to talk about disrespect to the anthem, the pledge and those who fought for our freedom then you have my full support. However, when you bring actions in that have no bearing on the topic then the support stops there.
Perhaps, cg, as many times as you've been proven to be mistaken about things you "knew for a fact", you might consider not posting as well.
yOU CAN SAY OR BELIEVE ANYTHING you want to about Vanzant but she sends her husband to every meeting, full county court and any where ever she goes. He sets and listens to what everyone says and then he reports back to her. This aint fact Jack, its the real thing. Some one needs to tell him that him listening to what is said is not going to get her any more votes. You folks keep putting her up on a pestal and if she is elected we will all be applying for food stamps. You can mark that down in your book.
Mr. Barrett
I did not make the post at 6:38, so you falsely accused me (CG) of attacking you. And I could care less where you were during the ceremony in Pulaski. You mentioned a moving ceremony in Murfreesboro. I just wish you would have a "moving" ceremony to Murfreesboro and not come back. What about that?
Just look at the trouble and hurt you have caused by this thread. And you don't think it fair that anyone refer to you as a troublemaker? That's what you are.
As for Mrs. Vanzant, your taking a cheap shot at her was, as Lisa Butler tried to explain to you, way off base and tasteless.
I agree with Lisa that you can't even get your facts straight. And you want to be a commissioner? Not a chance, and you know it.
Looks like you've made a few more enemies.
Mary
Where do you get your information that we will all be on food stamps if Mrs. Vanzant is re-elected? I was told that the smut and smear campaign against her would really get ugly before August. I'll bet you haven't heard a word about that, have you? People like you frighten me. That's why I vow to work even harder to see Mrs. Vanzant re-elected. Oh, and that's my right.
I've been told there is three sides to every story: your side, my side and the right side.
I see the trouble making enabler is up early whining and lying this morning. I personally wish the enabler would take its own advice and have a moving ceremony of its own. Any where but here. Giles County would be a much better place.
Ms. Butler, I believe that I apologized for posting a somewhat confusing comment, which is an admission of error. I also apologize for including the remarks about the Vanzants’, in hindsight that should have been a separate topic. I do not believe those comments were off base or irrelevant only misplaced to the wrong thread. The reason they were not off base is because they are a part of the pattern she has established over the twelve years of her tenure, a pattern of deception, vindictiveness and lawlessness. I never said she was not on the dais, only referred to her being in the parking area with her “super sleuth” husband. Verifying something that was never in question isn’t even an issue. Where she was after the ceremony was also never an issue.
My comments were addressed to you and written as though we were in a conversation thus when I referred to you as the one who identified Mrs. Phillips I was referencing the actions of you and me. Yes, her name was mentioned by anonymous posters but to me there is very little credibility in a post by someone unwilling to take responsibility for their words. I stated rather clearly, “I never said or even implied that Mrs. Phillips was the one who passed out campaign cards or had done anything that was not above question. So, please don't confuse what I write with what someone else writes. You are the one who identified Mrs. Phillips and what she was doing”, so yes it was you who identified Mrs. Phillips and what she was doing.
Again you attempt to redirect my comments to fit your conclusions as I never claimed any candidates were acting “disrespectfully” other than handing out campaign literature. Small children do what their parents allow them to do, my criticism was the behavior of young adults and others who were continuing conversations on the phone and with those present. You agreed that happened when you stated, “As far as anyone acting disrespectful, I'm sure there were some there”.
Your claim that you answered my question simply is not supported by the facts. My question was, “Which do you believe was better that I posted the topic and gave people an opportunity to clear up the perception or would it have been better to ignore the situation and allow the rumors to go unchallenged?
You responded with, “However, to answer your question on what would have been better I will break it down for you. It would have been better prior to your description in your original post of what occurred that day, to acknowledge that you were not able to attend so therefore what you were stating was hearsay or rumors. It would have been better if you had talked with more than one person in attendance about what they saw occur”.
While you have every right to make suggestions and speculate those speculations and suggestions do not necessarily answer the question. If a teacher gave a test with a multiple choice question, “A Ford Fusion has how many tires? (3), (4), (5) or (6). You answer it with, it would be a better car if it had nine tires. Do you think you would get a correct mark on that question? Perhaps the suggestion that nine tires would make it a better car but that was not the question.
Now, about my sources, I can assure you they were reliable and crosschecked before I wrote a single word. I will not reveal those sources and expose them to the retribution of an abusive county executive or her friends. It is not a question of your integrity in protecting those people but simply a matter of my integrity in having given my word to keep them unidentified.
I appreciate that I have your full support on the matter of the subject, “Disrespect for the Flag, Anthem and those who died in defense of both”, I again apologize cluttering up the main topic with a subtopic that should have been posted separately.
Hold his feet to the fire Lisa! He may not lie but he can't tell the whole truth and twist the truth to benefit himself! Way to go Lisa!
How long has the Litter grant program been going on? Answer is years. And has Julie Phillips ever been to a Veteran's Day Memorial day event passing out fans before? I dont think so for I've been to every single one in years past and have never seen her or anyone passing out the fans. Ms. Butler you can sugar coat this all day long but if it walks and quakes like a duck, it's a duck and the opportunity to get her name out there that day was too strong for her to resist. It's not the end of the world for her to do what she did but I think it was in bad taste. I saw many people who had tears in their eyes and they were there in honor of veterans who gave their lives for our country, not to figure out who they would be voting for. Never ever forget that.
I'm with Mr Barrett this was a Memorial Service and I think this whole thing was a set up just to get Julie Philips some publicity and elected. What the hell does fans have to do with a litter program anyway I bet most of them became litter before the night was over. If this is the way the highway department spend money we sure as hell don't need to give them more just get somebody in there that can spend smarter. Hang in there Mr. Barrett don't let the ba----ds run you down, we need people like you to stand up and speak out for us who can't.
The crap is starting to get deep around here. Barrett has a couple morons such as himself trying to save him here. Not gonna work. Back him in a corner with his lies and this is what you get. Enjoy last place in the race again you idiot.
Barrett
Mrs. Vanzant ought to take your sorry rear end to court and make you prove that she is deceptive, vindictive, and lawless. Would you settle out of court again? You are a real piece of work. And who do you think you are to call Mr. Vanzant such a name? What would you say if someone called your wife a name?
Mr. Barrett, I have not confused anything that you wrote with anyone else's post. As far as your reference of this being a conversation between you and me, I see it very differently. I look at this blog topic and all the posts made to it the same as if we were all sitting in a circle discussing this topic. I might be addressing you directly with most of my comments but others are participating in this conversation as a whole, so I stand by my statement that no I did not identify Mrs. Phillips. Not that it really matters because as I explained she did nothing wrong. I also never stated that you said or implied Mrs. Phillips was the one passing out campaign card.
I have not attempted to redirect your comments to fit my conclusion. I stated that I nor anyone I have talked with saw any candidates actively campaigning. And I did not say that you said the candidates did anything disrespectful other than campaigning. In your original post when discussing the Memorial Day event you made the reference of imagining the uproar if politicians stood outside the funeral home while funerals were being conducted, actively campaigning. And that the behavior of some of the candidates were deplorable. Then you referenced refusing to stand & respectfully behave during the playing of the National Anthem. However, now you are stating that your criticism was the behavior of young adults and others who were continuing conversations on the phone and with each other. In your original post this is what you observed at graduation not what was relayed to you concerning the Memorial Day program. Your focus on describing the actions at the Memorial Day service was on the candidates action & those not standing duing the appropriate times. And as far as me agreeing that people were on the phone, maybe I should have used the word suspect and said "As far as anyone acting disrespectful, I suspect there were some there." Because Mr. Barrett I did not witness anyone being disrespectful.
And I commend you for keeping your word that you would not reveal their identity. However, in my opinion (and I do have a right to my opnion) if your sources are so reliable then they would post what they saw themselves with they name attached to it.
Mr. Barrett, I suggest that we agree to disagree because we will never see eye to eye on everything someone else reported to you.
Anonymous 12:13 yes the Litter Grant program has been around for several years and Mrs. Phillips is over that program. As far as what all events Mrs. Phillips has attended with the fans I do not have an exact list but I do know that she has attended many functions and given out the fans along with other promotional items. I assure you I have not sugar coated anything. It amazes me how some can take a simple gesture and turn it into something completely different. I talked with a young man today that also attended the Memorial Day service. I asked him if he saw any candidates passing out campaign literature. His answer was not any campaign stuff & that all he saw was some woman passing out fans. I asked him if the fan referenced anything concerning Julie Phillips for Trustee and he said no that he really didn't pay much attention to what it said, that he just fanned with it. And then he asked was that Julie that passed it out. So I ask you how was her gesture going to help get her name out there if many of those that received a fan didn't even know who gave it to them. And I would hope no one would decide to vote for someone simply because she gave them a fan to use, especially for an office as important as Trustee. And I assure you that I have the upmost respect for those that we honored that day.
Anonymouse 4:12 there was no set up to make anyone look good. As I just referenced above, how could it get her publicity & elected if she didn't have anything on identifying who she was and many didn't know her. Let me explain a little about the Litter Grant Program since you seem uneducated on it. The Litter Grant program is funded by the State of Tennessee not the Highway Dept. So money designated for the program could not be spent on anything else. And while the fans may not be directly pertaining to Litter, it is one of many promotional item to remind the citizens of the Litter Program. Mrs. Phillips is over the Litter Program in Giles County and attends many functions and speaks to many different groups, such as the schools, church groups, various club & organizations, educating them on ways to help keep Giles County Litter free and on ways to recycle. And I would be more apt to bet that you will find many of those fans in many of the peoples cars that attended the program, where they will be handy for the next outdoor event they attend. And your reference to me or anyone else speaking against Mr. Barret as ba----ds is uncalled for and childish.
Anonymous 12:13 and 4:12, I will commend Mr. Barrett on using his name with his post. As Mr. Barrett pointed out that "there is very little credibility in a post by someone unwilling to take responsibility for their words." And as I stated previously if you are not going to hide your opnion then don't hide your identity.
11:47
I wouldn't be too quick to commend Allen Barrett for signing his name, although I feel certain that he occasionally posts anonymously. Most narcissistic people love attention and the spotlight shining on them.
If Julie gets elected let me guess who she will hire to assist her.First will be her husband who works with her at the highway dept now.lisa will get hired to a good job in the court house and any other family member that wants ajob.This is the problem at the court house now.everyone up there is kin to someone there.I say no to Julie phillips we do not need a family run court house.
Mr. Barrett, I agree with your original post with one exception, what difference does it make where Mrs. Vanzant sat?
6:37
So you already know the thoughts and intents of Julie's heart? I thought you guys were against that?
It's comments like yours that keep people at one another's throats in this county. Why can't you just try to get along rather than stir up unwanted and unnecessary trouble?
Anonymous 6:37 you might want to verify your facts before you posts lies on here. Mrs. Phillips husband has not worked at the Highway Dept. for quiet some time. He has a job and I imagine has no desire to work at the courthouse as he does prefers outdoor work. And NO I will not be hired for several reasons, the main being that I have a full time job and 3 part time jobs that I love very much. The second reason is that I know it is not good practice for family members to work together full time. Although whoever is elected has the choice as to who to hire so don't be too quick to pass judgement on Julie. All the other 6 candidates have relatives too. I wouldn't have even replied to your COWARDLY NO NAME posts but I did not want others to believe more lies.
9:01 what a terrible name Barrett called Mr. Vanzant "super sleuth" has to be one of the worse filthy names ever used on this blog, do you even know what it means? Still laughing here.
6:34 what a laugh you criticize someone for making comments and putting their name on it but you do it from your coward's closet.
6:34 So now you are saying Lisa Phillips is a narcissistic and loves attention and the spotlight shining on her. Way to go cg got your crack at WAB and didn't think it would hit Lisa.
Why did Julie Phillips not go to the Finance Department? Someone asked me that and I didn't know what they were talking about. Just wondering what it was about, I'm A new comer to Giles County.
Lisa has got all the answers, why dont she answer this last question.
Lisa
I think you can see what this blog is all about. It's basically nothing more than an attack forum for Mr. Barrett and those who think like he does...those who defend his actions no matter what he says or does.
8:40/8:53/9:10
It just occurred to me that you are going to get an ulcer or suffer even worse mental issues unless you lighten up and stop hating people who don't share your views.
Of course the name, "super sleuth" is not nasty such as calling people the filthy names I've seen on this blog...those same filthy names that are tolerated for the sake of "Free speech".
Are you so simple-minded that you missed the point about the narcissist? It was in no way directed at Mrs. Phillips, but you knew that, didn't you? By the way, someone like Allen Barrett earns every ounce of criticism that is directed at him. But you really know that as well, don't you? And you don't think Allen Barrett is a narcissist who loves the preeminence?
Interesting word "preeminence" and that you used it to describe Barrett.
Preeminence means superiority so your comment expresses your belief that Barrett is a superior person to you. While I have never seen any signs of excessive narcissism in him, certainly he loves himself or else he could not love others, I completely agree with you that he is a superior person to you. He is superior to you in character, intelligence, bravery, responsibility and willingness to serve his fellow citizens among other things.
I've often thought and posted that you had an envy of Barrett and the strength of character he shows and your 5:48 comment makes that envy very clear. Yes, Barrett earns the criticism because he uses his name with his comments but you earn criticism for your cowardice and whining.
Are any principals going to be moved as the teachers were transferred last week? I heard yesterday that the principals and the central office staff are going on a mandated retreat to Alabama on the tax payers dime. Has anyone else heard this? How can there not be money and yet take a retreat at tax payers cost?
See cg made the first post on another thread this morning. LOL
11:15
While you are so busy laughing and, ironically, spewing hatred at the same time, please allow me to say that this morning is the first I've been on this blog in three or four days. Stop laughing. It makes you look so foolish.
7:17 You must have a twin then. I just read the first post on another thread and thought it was you to.
You spew hatred also is why the post was thought to be you. You are a great one to tell anyone they look foolish. Now can you see why people attack you. Should of left last sentence off, but just can't help yourself can you.
Once again, cg demonstrates that he doesn't know fact from fiction. All he had to do was look at an earlier comment on this thread to know it has only been 2 days since posting. He is very consistent in his lies and exaggerations at least. When caught at his game, he usually says something about "semantics" instead of just admitting that he made something up (lied). How pitiful a person this cg is.
Has it been 4 days since this post?
Sunday, June 01, 2014 5:48:00 AM
9:52 Do you think cg could know what day this is?
There are many cg's that post on here.
3:22 You mean many people posting claiming to be Christian Gentlemen? Then some need to clean up their act.
I've often thought the cg post was Mr. and Mrs.
Hey 12:31, I've said for awhile now that cg appears to be losing his grip. I guess the pressure of denying his enabling nature is just too much for him.
I have just figured out who CJ is. I bet the first name is Chris.
If you're right, we won't see him on here anymore. He is terrified of someone finding out who he is.
Is Chris related to Mrs. Vanzant?
Whatever floats y'all's boat.
But for me I would rather read about county events. And I particularly give greater weight to a writer covering an event he or she actually attended.
So 9:01 you have a problem with those on TV news programs reporting the news that other people actually covered or do you think every story is actually covered by the person on TV telling about it?
Good post Allen. You forgot to mention out local media though. I guess 9:01 never reads the paper or listens to WKSR. Do you reckon he or she actually thinks most of their stories are written from a first-hand point of view? Hardly. The radio as well as the newspaper get their information, by and large, from other sources. It is asinine to think that every story is covered by the institution that is reporting it. I guess if 9:01 wants an eyes-on report, they had better get their dumbass out there and cover it.
New Stations report stories that their own reporters go out and cover.
Barrett is a sack of shit that will listen to anyone that bitches about Janet. I don't believe a word that comes out of the mans mouth. Apparently most of Giles County citizens don't either.
That's cause you are a fool 7:26 and a bigger fool if you think news stations don't rely on people that don't work for them. How the hell do you think wksr talks about things happening in Nashville or the TV in Huntsville talks about things in Russia or Iran do you think they send somebody from Huntsville to those places to get a two minute story. You ain't just a fool you are stupid to.
You talk about what a liar Barrett is but you never show any proof of it so that makes you a stupid lying fool.
some do and some cover stories reported by other stations' reporters. I have seen WKSR post reports in the past that were copied from Nashville and Huntsville stations. It even stated as reported by the original station.
And since you post nonsense or are just in the habit of posting false statements I can only believe your post about Barrett to be as much nonsense.
Just because you support wasteful spending and higher taxes through Vanzant does not mean everyone else does. A lot of the citizens in the county are waking up to Janet and her politics. Tell a person what they want to hear to their face and then do the exact opposite.
It's quite obvious that the dumbass at 7:26 has never heard of the Associated Press. Radio and tv stations across the country pass along news stories they get from the AP without having a reporter physically verify the facts. I guess admitting that would not fit in with their vendetta. Poor shumck.
I've heard things on Lawrenceburg station about Giles County days before WKSR gets it. Does WKSR have reports that go out and get the news.
Even news stations get the wrong information sometimes. Everything they report isn't always form one of their reports eye witnessing.
Of course it's not 9:28. You just have some ignorant people like 7:26 who insist on taking digs at Barrett even though he is one of the few who try and let us know what is going on in the county and city. I'm sure 7:26 has never covered anything but his face in shame.
9:36 Yea! Good post.
No, a smile covers my face every time I read this blog because of the stupidity of the majority who post on here. This isn't news. It is a biased opinion and pack of lies (in some cases) by an envious old man that can't get elected to political office. If he would stop the first part it might help him with the second.
8:33 CG. When will you grow up?
People laugh at your post and say, "and he claims to be a christian?"
So cg, are you claiming the 7:26 post?
If it's a pack of lies cg why haven't you proven any of them to be lies. So far I haven't seen one single thing Barrett has put on here that you have proved to be a lie so that makes you the liar cg.
8:33
Excellent post. You are absolutely right. Perhaps he will go away when he is defeated for a third time this August. esopar rearing
More lies and gossip from cg and it's clones. Prove Barrett is wrong about something and maybe I'll change my mind but till then you have proved yourself a loose mouth liar and gossip.
Two things Barrett has proven beyond a doubt is that he is no quitter and you are an enabling fool.
Charlie G..
Looks like you are "all in" with what goes on here. I am the one you guys like to criticize for being a Christian and a gentleman, but that's ok. I don't need your approval.
One of your colleagues suggested that there may be many "CGs" on this blog. I hope there are billions of Christians out there. Were there more on this blog, I believe its very nature would change from one of hatred and envy to one of love and compassion for our fellow man. Would you agree with that?
I went to the trouble of checking back over this entire thread and found that I posted on June 3 and again on June 13 to share my agreement with the Jun1e 11 post at 8:33. That's it.
You are such a liar and exaggerator cg. No one has criticized you for being a Christian only for hiding behind the label and acting like the devil. No one could really be a Christian example and hate and gossip the way you do.
The only difference more cg's of the caliber ours has would make is that there would never be any relevant discussions about the topics. It would be a constant snipe fest with every comment either bashing Barrett or people of like minds. Thank the good Lord we have only one.
No one criticizes you for being a Christian. They cretize you for claiming to be one and not acting like one.
10:01/11:41
You people are some of the most hate-filled individuals I have ever encountered in my entire life. I sometimes wish Giles County would just give your candidates the jobs they want so all this would stop. But I know that's not in the best interests of Giles County. Therefore, my hope is that the voters of Giles County continue to exercise good judgment at the voting booth.
Christian is NOT a label I flippantly use. I'm proud to be one. Granted, I'm not perfect, but your real problem with me is that I oppose you guys. That's still my right, isn't it?Ostrav relating
If I were you I'd be less concerned with why people are criticizing you than why you are opposing God by your actions. Didn't Jesus say if you love me you will act like me?
cg is once rationalizing to himself the reasons why everyone on here is against him. He says it's because of his differing views, but we know that's not the truth. It's his "everybody else is wrong;I'm right" attitude. You would think even a dumbass enabler like him would realize that the problem does not lie with the rest of the world but with him. Oh well, what do you expect from a 69 yr old has been like himself.
7:13/11:25
You know what? I wasn't going to come back here anymore, but a friend told me of the horrible things being said on here, and I decided to check it out. My friend was right.
Thank God, people like you are not my judge. That's pretty important, wouldn't you say?
Let me ask you again. Exactly why am I an enabler? You promote that lie simply because I don't see things as you do. Last time I checked, it's still my right to disagree and to have my own opinion about things. The problem you have with me is that I disagree with you and with Mr. Barrett and his followers and am brazen enough to say so. Such audacity!
A 69 year old? Laughable, yet pretty serious at the same time. I just hope God spares me til I'm 69.
What horrible things did your friend tell you in the 2 or 3 days you were absent from here? You always say things like that but you can never back your statements up with specifics. What was said that brought you back? Let me go ahead and answer for you. Nothing, you just couldn't stand not spreading your poison in whatever forum you can anonymously. You are lower than low and it WILL come back to you.
1:31 you ask, "Exactly why am I an enabler?"
Well, let me be as specific as possible.
You supported Tee Jackson after the "FACTS" revealed that he was an untruthful, abusive, wasteful manipulator who was destroying the school system. Your support, and that of others, helped keep him in his position thus enabling him to continue his unacceptable behavior.
You continued to support Mrs Garner long after the "FACTS" revealed that she was incompetent as head of the Financial Department. That support helped enable her to remain in that position and continue her unacceptable behavior.
You have continued to support Mrs. Vanzant long after the "FACTS" revealed her as an untruthful, vindictive, incompetent manipulator who has led this county backward to near bankruptcy. That support has helped enable her to continue her unacceptable , behavior.
There are many more specifics that I could list but based on your attention span it would be a waste of time.
I'm sure you are correct about the enabler's attention span Allen. He reads posts with formulating replies in mind, not to absorb the content. I must, however, add to your list. He also supported harwell's physical and verbal abuse against a private citizen by saying,"I would have done much worse." He has attempted to backpedal on several occasions, but the truth is on here for all to read.
Mr. Barrett...
Stop lying! What on earth is your problem? You need to get over your jealousy and envy and try to get along with people. Do you ever wonder why so many absolutely can't stand you? Don't deny that; I have heard several people say it. Doesn't that bother you? I wouldn't be able to sleep at night if I felt like so many people despised me.
Now let me address your misunderstandings and deceit once again. I always liked Tee Jackson and supported him up until it occurred to me that he was not the man I thought he was. And you want to criticize me for that? When I found out that he was probably involved in some "wrongdoing", I quickly acknowledged it and mentioned it right here on your so-called "free speech" blog. The very fact that I did acknowledge this proves that I do not condone nor go along with something I believe to be wrong. That makes you a liar for saying I do.
Oh, and I still support Mrs. Garner. I believe she had to take the fall, and that wasn't right. Stop lying!
As for Mrs. Vanzant, I think we both know why you hate her so much, but that's another story for another time, right? And you can bet your bottom dollar I am in support of Mrs. Vanzant. People like you make me want to go out and work even harder for her, and I will. While I'm at it, I will do what I can to get Mrs. Goolsby, Mr. Harwell, and Mrs. Coleman elected in 7th District. I do not believe that people like you should ever be in Giles County government. That's because I find YOUR behavior unacceptable. My opinion.
11:02
I never supported Mr. Harwell's choice of words at the cook-off. That's a lie. I have even made the point here on this blog that I didn't go along with that. However, I understand enough about human nature to know that ANYOONE can be provoked beyond sound judgment. Do you realize that any one of us can be pushed to the point of doing dastardly things? If not, you are delusional to think otherwise.
I stand by what I said about rallying to my wife's defense and without question. That's my duty as her husband, and, right or wrong, I'd protect her from anything and anyone I perceived to be a threat. Wouldn't you?
6:35 Do you sleep good of a night? I've heard several people say they despise you.
I will take up for you posting you found out Jackson wasn't the man you thought he was. I read that.
I find it strange you think Mrs. Garner had to take the fall, because I've heard she took the fall for Mrs. Vanzant. Mrs. Vanzant knew she was using the hospital money without asking the commissioners.
I would still like to know about the missing money that wasn't missing. Lots of people thought it would come out, but just like they think things on Dr. Webb will come out, bet they don't.
How about the teachers insurance money not getting paid under Garner? Doesn't the buck stop with the head leader because they are in charge. A lot of things happening falls on Mrs. Vanzant because she is the mayor of the county, but she wasn't necessarily the one did the wrong.
Me think CG crawled back in his cave.
8:25 Pray he stays there, with his "I laughed out loud."
cg, you keep saying the harwells were provoked. How in the hell were they provoked? They were in public and Mr. Hughes had every right to video and ask questions. By the way, he didn't even get to ask a question before HE was attacked, yet you still defend the fat-assed commissioner who assaulted him. Oh yes, you are indeed an enabler despite your epistles stating otherwise.
Mr. Barrett
The 7:32 post is just another example of the smut and trash that you allow on this blog. You do know better, don't you? You will give an account for this one day.
Exactly which part of my post do you refute? You've seen harwell, perhaps nude, does he not have a fat ass? Careful now, don't accident fall out of the closet.
6:35, in that particular situation,all things considered, I believe I would tell her to stop being so arrogant with a private citizen. Now if Bob had threatened her physically or even verbally, it would have been a different matter entirely. He did neither. As a matter of fact, he was not even speaking to her to begin with. He was conversing with a bystander when she spouted off that she had a permit, which was a lie in itself. When Bob started to reply, she pointed her trained attack ass of an "I'm a commissioner, what are you going to do about it?" husband at him and turned him loose. How can you, in your wildest dreams, even begin to say she was provoked? Then you have the unmitigated gall to call me delusional? Seek help soldier. You have problems so serious that they are going to cause you real problems one day. Pray to God no one finds out your true identity as I fear you will have to leave town, slinking away with your tail between your legs. By the way, the Malone boys say to tell you hi.
Mr. Barrett...
What about the smut posted at 7:32 and at 10:12?
Do you call this responsible journalism? It's filth.
The 10:12 post is almost as bad as the one that suggested a sexual deviancy on your part sometime back. It was quickly deleted? Why not this one? Just asking.
Would you like some cheese with that whine, dumbass? Your posts lack logic. Did you not see the one where someone said "F you Barrett?" He left that one up and it was directed at him. When are you going to realize that just because you believe yourself right don't make it so?
cg sure does protest a lot. I believe he has seen harwell's nude ass.
9:13
Then he should have deleted that post for sure. That's filthy language.
He just can't win with you, can he cg? If he had deleted it, you would have said he did it because it was directed at him. Pick a position and try to stand by it. Oh wait, I guess if "fool" is a position then you've already done that.
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