Some people just cannot stand the thought that someone might believe or act in a way that is contrary to their own way of life.
Today’s example of that resides in Harris County, Georgia, which is located near the state line with Alabama. And the person in question just so happens to be the Harris County Sheriff, Mike Jolley. Seems that Jolley thought it a good idea to pay $533 out of his own money and have signs made that state:
“WARNING: Harris County is politically incorrect. We say: Merry Christmas, God Bless America and In God We Trust. We salute our troops and our flag. If this offends you…LEAVE!”
What prompted Sheriff Jolley to put the sign up? He is only too happy to explain:
“I believe it’s time for the silent majority to speak their minds.”
The silent majority? Isn’t that what Richard Nixon called people who voted for him? Not exactly the kind of person you try to emulate if you have a smidgen of sense in your head.
Sheriff Jolley says that overall the response to the sign has been “overwhelmingly, humbling positive,” and claiming that people from as far away as Hawaii have called to encourage him. Yes, he adds, some folks don’t like it, but he has already sent his message to them on the sign:
“There are some people who don’t like it, and I respect that. That’s why I put on the sign that if you don’t like it, leave.”
Love it or leave it, huh? Sounds kinda like Archie Bunker, doesn’t it? Pretty sure he voted for Nixon, too.
Annie Laurie Gaylor, co-president of the nonprofit group Freedom from Religion Foundation, said the sign is not exactly appropriate for an official county office:
“It reminds me of the ‘don’t get caught in this town after sundown’ signs that used to go up in segregated America.”
The ACLU is also considering filing a lawsuit to have the sign removed, and Jolley says he will move the sign to private property if ordered to by a court:
“If a judge tells me to take it down, I’ll move it to private property. I’m not here to cost the county any money.”
Of course not, Sheriff. You’re far too busy attempting to force your beliefs on others to be bothered with that kind of thing.
