Giles Free Speech Zone

The purpose of the "Giles Free Speech Zone" is to identify problems of concern to the people of Giles County, to discuss them in a gentlemanly and civil manner, while referring to the facts and giving evidence to back up whatever claims are made, making logical arguments that avoid any use of fallacy, and, hopefully, to come together in agreement, and find a positive solution to the problem at hand. Help make a difference! Email "mcpeters@usit.net" to suggest topics or make private comments.

Thursday, December 25, 2014

Merry Christmas To Everyone

Because of my sensitivity to the importance of being politically correct I decided earlier this year not to say Merry Christmas having realized that simple term evokes so many emotions, thoughts and actions.  

So Merry Happy Birthday To Jesus The Christ, Through Whom the Salvation of God Was Offered To All Mankind. 

May this day be filled with the happiness of celebrations, feasting, remembrances and family. May all your life be filled with the full joy of Christ's birth in you  

50 Comments:

Anonymous Anonymous said...

And a very happy Christmas to you and your family, Mr. Barrett, and a big Thank You for all you do for the citizens of Giles County.

Thursday, December 25, 2014 9:34:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

There are very many people in our city, county and nation who have other religious views. Although I somewhat agree with your post, it is selfish to not consider other's. We live in a very diverse world!

Friday, December 26, 2014 10:28:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

10:28 We do indeed live in a very diverse world - except in Giles County! You cannot fault WAB for at least making some effort, unlike the rest of us.

Friday, December 26, 2014 6:09:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

If anyone doesn't like the way we do things in America, get out. Don't come over here and try to change things.

10.28 What made you think WAB didn't consider the other religion. You just don't like WAB. Try and have a good rest of Christmas, CG.

Friday, December 26, 2014 10:53:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

10:53 The remark you made in your first sentence is what gives us a bad name with the surrounding counties. Cant we even have Christmas without sarcasm.

Saturday, December 27, 2014 8:40:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

8:40 I agree that sounded like Cg telling WAB to leave Giles County if he don't like the way things are done here. Giles county is laughed at by other counties.

Saturday, December 27, 2014 9:25:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

8:40 Do you not see a little sarcasm in 10:28's post? Must of been yours.

Saturday, December 27, 2014 9:40:00 AM  
Blogger Allen Barrett said...

It seems some think my post about, “Merry Happy Birthday To Jesus The Christ, Through Whom the Salvation of God Was Offered To All Mankind”, was offensive to some other religions.

I have never heard an actual member of another religion state they were actually offended by someone saying Merry Christmas. It seems all the complaints comes from one of three groups, atheist, muslims and those liberals who feel it necessary to voice offense for somebody else.

I have had the fortune over the years to have many friends who were Jewish, Buddhist, and yes even Islamist and not one expressed offense at Christmas, most even participated in Christmas activities. I have been in homes during observance of Hanukkah and Passover and was never offended.

So we come to the three groups I identified as the usual suspects offended by Christmas. the atheist, the muslim and the liberal. The atheist sees man as god and they worship him so of course they have no joy in Christ Birth because they are buried in the hopelessness of man as god. The liberal may have a relationship with God but it usually it isn’t a big priority that’s why they so strongly support killing human babies and saving baby seals, helping people in other countries and ignoring close neighbors, relying on the government to take from others and redistribute it instead of personally voluntarily giving to help. Islam is not a religion but a political movement. It started as a political movement to empower a murderous child rapist and it’s worst adherents continue their barbaric destruction and oppressions. Are there atheist, muslims and liberals that are not so severe in their beliefs of course and they are seldom seen whining about what others are doing in celebration of their religious observances. I am not offended by those who wish to celebrate Ramadan or even Kwanzaa, but don’t expect me to participate in either as both were the creation of evil murderous men looking to empower themselves.

For those who will seek to label me as judgmental, of course I am judgmental just as everyone must judge between things. I judge chocolate cake to be better than angel food cake, I judge a paved Interstate highway a better road to drive on than a dirt road full of holes. We all are judgmental of things and people. Don't you judge some people as more likable than other? The one thing we are not allowed to judge is the heart of another as to their eternal relationship with God.
So there you have it and a very Merry Happy Birthday To Jesus The Christ, Through Whom the Salvation of God Was Offered To All Mankind, or basically Merry Christmas to all and a very Happy New Year in Christ.

Saturday, December 27, 2014 10:51:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I wrote the 10:28 post on December 26. I don't see anywhere where I judged or called anyone anything. I was just making a point that other's viewpoints should be considered. To do otherwise is behind the times.
The anger and the name calling is quite humorous.

Saturday, December 27, 2014 12:21:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

You have to realize that those who criticize are themselves very, very, very small minded. Chances they are "native Giles County" and have little to no experience outside Giles County, Tennessee much less the US. They have no clue regarding other regions and countries. That is their loss. They revert to hate, fear, name calling because anyone with more experience and knowledge is a danger to their self-perceived life.

Thank GOD there are many who live in Giles County that do have experiences elsewhere. More and more people "not from here" are moving here. The way I see it; time will dilute is ignorance and especially the apathy.

Saturday, December 27, 2014 3:08:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Best post on this thread was made by Thursday, December 25, 2014 9:34:00 AM.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to everyone.

Saturday, December 27, 2014 4:10:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Merry Christmas will be said in The United States now and forever. Happy Birthday Jesus will be said in the United States now and forever. So get out your history books, Bibles, Koran, Buddha and what ever else you believe in other than God and Jesus Christ and Merry Christmas and find you a ride out to the countries that don't believe. Don't try to change us go where you belong just like I belong here. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Happy Easter and 4th of July. God Bless America and Happy Trails to you.....

Sunday, December 28, 2014 9:48:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

9:48 Well said!

Sunday, December 28, 2014 11:53:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Unfortunately, 9:48, you are already losing the battle. Although "Merry Christmas" will always be said, most of the population is sensitive to other's beliefs. Your way of bullying and thinking is in the past! It's time to grow up.

Monday, December 29, 2014 11:19:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Merry Christmas to you and your family. There is only one God and one way to God that is through the Son Jesus Christ it that is the only truth if it offends you then so be it but that will not stop us from believing in God nor will it stop us from sharing the truth to others it is our commission to do so . Someday all eyes will see Him And EVERY KNEE WILL KNEEL BEFORE HIM.GOD BLESS

Monday, December 29, 2014 2:09:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

That is what you were taught, and I respect that!

Monday, December 29, 2014 3:59:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I think that is what Mr. Barrett was trying to say 3:59 that we can respect not only each others beliefs but also each other as long as we respectfully treat each other the same. Part of what's happening now is that many Christians feel they are being required to give more than they are getting in the respect department.

Monday, December 29, 2014 10:29:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Merry Christmas 11:19. Now you can say what holiday you believe in and I want condemn you. You have a right to talk about what you believe and I have a right to say Merry Christmas. You seem to be the one wanting to change our way of life.

Tuesday, December 30, 2014 8:43:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

The first recorded date of Christmas being celebrated on December 25th was in 336AD, during the time of the Roman Emperor Constantine (he was the first Christian Roman Emperor). A few years later, Pope Julius I officially declared that the birth of Jesus would be celebrated on the 25th December.
There are many different traditions and theories as to why Christmas is celebrated on December 25th. A very early Christian tradition said that the day when Mary was told that she would have a very special baby, Jesus (called the Annunciation) was on March 25th - and it's still celebrated today on the 25th March. Nine months after the 25th March is the 25th December! March 25th was also the day some early Christians thought the world had been made, and also the day that Jesus died on when he was an adult.
December 25th might have also been chosen because the Winter Solstice and the ancient pagan Roman midwinter festivals called 'Saturnalia' and 'Dies Natalis Solis Invicti' took place in December around this date - so it was a time when people already celebrated things.
Many Orthodox and Coptic Churches still use the Julian Calendar and so celebrate Christmas on the 7th January (which is when December 25th would have been on the Julian calendar). And the Armenian Apostolic Church celebrates it on the 6th January! In some part of the UK, January 6th is still called 'Old Christmas' as this would have been the day that Christmas would have celebrated on, if the calendar hadn't been changed. Some people didn't want to use the new calendar as they thought it 'cheated' them out of 11 days!
Christians believe that Jesus is the light of the world, so the early Christians thought that this was the right time to celebrate the birth of Jesus. They also took over some of the customs from the Winter Solstice and gave them Christian meanings.

So, in summary, no one really knows when Jesus was born. At birth Jesus was a Hebrew. Over the centuries man has changed Jesus' s birthdate to suit whatever belief they had. Regardless Jesus was a great profit and we all (regardless of our religious belief) can be better if we follow his teachings.

Tuesday, December 30, 2014 9:00:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Happy New Year to all Giles County!

Wednesday, December 31, 2014 8:57:00 PM  
Anonymous Mary White said...

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to every one.

Wednesday, December 31, 2014 9:46:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Why is Mr. Barrett so quick to post negative things that people he does not support do, but still hasn't posted about what was reported on WKSR and by the newspaper about those he has so openly supported?

Tuesday, January 06, 2015 7:36:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Like what are you talking about dude?

Tuesday, January 06, 2015 11:23:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Quite right 7:36. How dare he post Merry Christmas wishes to everyone. The audacity of the man. But I digress; I mainly made this post to let you know what a dumbass you are. Mission accomplished dumbass.

Wednesday, January 07, 2015 11:00:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Tell the school board members that un announced, out of town meetings at the river are not legal!

Wednesday, January 07, 2015 5:37:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

The county commission is now stacked with teachers or teacher family members and they hold as many secret meetings as the school board. Keep electing the same dumb people you get the same dumb government.

Wednesday, January 07, 2015 9:05:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Another meeting and I didn't get invited waaaa waaa

Wednesday, January 07, 2015 9:36:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Why have you not "reported" on Mr. Smith acting in violation of the law and giving teacher bonuses to people who have missed 70 days or more from their job? The local paper has.

Friday, January 09, 2015 7:59:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

And while your at it can you report on Colby Baddour and how he is holding up city business while he tries to convince the rest of the board to violate state law? Maybe expand on WKSR's coverage?

Friday, January 09, 2015 11:13:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

What ever happened with the E911 harassment claims? Anything or more sweeping under the rug?

Friday, January 09, 2015 11:16:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

7:59 AM Why did Mr. Smith take the brunt of the criticism for the proposed budget amendments when he would have presented the changes through the school board who KNOW what the rules are? Mr. Smith works for the board who should have gone through the proper channels. After all, there is a recent county commissioner now on the school board and he of all people knows the procedures or was that done deliberately?

Friday, January 09, 2015 12:23:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

12:23 I think that is the problem. Mr. Smith spent the money in violation of state law and without board knowledge. The board then had to ask the county for the resources to fix the problem.

Friday, January 09, 2015 2:12:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Baddour is representing the City on the EDC and he does not believe in State Laws!!! What fun are we about to have.

Friday, January 09, 2015 4:01:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Your understanding of Colby Baddour is non existent. Colby is willing to challenge the status quo, which is more than I can say for most commissioners and aldermen.
He represents his constituents well!

Friday, January 09, 2015 7:15:00 PM  
Blogger Allen Barrett said...

I'm sorry that I haven't taken the time from my family over the holidays to keep you informed, I guess I'll just miss those paychecks.
On the brighter side I had a great and busy time during Christmas, special church services, three funerals one a very special aunt for which I presided over her service, conducted one wedding for my grandson and his new bride who were visiting from Alaska, Family and friends from Ohio to Minnesota and now preparing for our 50th wedding anniversary. So you can see there are a few more important things than keeping people informed about things they are to lazy to dig up for themselves or could care less about as long as it doesn't interfere with their comfort zone. Perhaps I will feel differently later but for now I'm just tired.

Friday, January 09, 2015 7:36:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Guess WAB told you. Why don't everyone that wants to know check it out yourself? I think you just wanted to criticize WAB about something.

Friday, January 09, 2015 10:52:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

So since you support J.B. you aren't going to call him out on his lawbreaking ways. Kinda makes YOU an "Enabler" now doesn't it.

Saturday, January 10, 2015 7:49:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Most people that want to know, or ask WAB to figure something out, are those few in his corner.

Saturday, January 10, 2015 9:20:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

9:20 Are you saying 7:49 is in WAB's corner? Sounds to much like the Christian Gentleman.

Saturday, January 10, 2015 11:02:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I didn't see where 7:49 asked WAB to do any research for him??

Sunday, January 11, 2015 3:18:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I thought the enabler had died, but looks like he's at it again.
Keep posting the blog was about to die. Couldn't stand not posting could you.

Sunday, January 11, 2015 6:22:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Your post should have been aborted.

Monday, January 12, 2015 3:20:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Someone got their tail feathers in a wad?

Tuesday, January 13, 2015 3:49:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

When someone don't post in a while you wonder or they sick or did they die. Even I was wondering about the one some call CG and some call him enabler. I've always said if he would stop posting the blog would die. It did have a dry spell.

Tuesday, January 13, 2015 4:21:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

When the CG was exposed as Jerry Byrant he stopped commenting.

Tuesday, January 13, 2015 9:20:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

What difference does it make?

Wednesday, January 14, 2015 8:34:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Must make a difference to some people, just not 8:34. Makes me wonder does anything make a difference to her/him.

9:20 I remember Cg saying look for a tall man with lots of hair. Does that fit Jerry Bryant? (I don't know him.)

Wednesday, January 14, 2015 7:55:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

How can you draw that conclusion from the 8:34 post? One could drive themselves batty trying to figure out who and decipher what people mean with their posts on this blog.

Wednesday, January 14, 2015 9:27:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

7:55 If CG said that, then no, it does not fit Jerry Bryant (not tall although he has hair), but it does fit Dan Watson???????

Thursday, January 15, 2015 8:50:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

7:55 I couldn't figure out your post so you must be 8:34.

Thursday, January 15, 2015 8:51:00 PM  

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