Home Depot fires worker for supporting God, Country

[nihilus]

An employee at Home Depot, who apparently won six performance (Homer) awards for excellent service, was fired simply for wearing a button that read "One Nation, Under God."

The terminated employee, Trevor Keezer, says he wore the button as a means of supporting US troops and demonstrating pride in his Christian faith.

It appears the massive corporate chain took exception to the idea of associating God with country. . .


Then, last month, when he started bringing his Bible to work, Keezer says his manager confronted him about the button.

"That's when I was told it had to come off, or I would be sent home. So they sent me home for six straight days without pay. And then today they terminated me," he said.
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.
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Keezer said he preferred to wear his button because, "You can't have country without God. Every pin they showed me had no 'God' on it or anything."

http://www.wptv.com/mostpopular/story/Okeechobee-One-nation-under-God-button-Home-Depot/VOULD3LI5UeAoL0dU4jd_w.cspx

Time for a boycott?

[HeyJude]

An employee at Home Depot, who apparently won six performance (Homer) awards for excellent service, was fired simply for wearing a button that read "One Nation, Under God."

The terminated employee, Trevor Keezer, says he wore the button as a means of supporting US troops and demonstrating pride in his Christian faith.

It appears the massive corporate chain took exception to the idea of associating God with country. . .



Time for a boycott?


Great story! Thanks! Trevor Keezer is a HERO, and a GREAT AMERICAN!! I hope Sean can get Trevor on his show. Hey, this is great.:D

[misterblue]

An employee at Home Depot, who apparently won six performance (Homer) awards for excellent service, was fired simply for wearing a button that read "One Nation, Under God."

The terminated employee, Trevor Keezer, says he wore the button as a means of supporting US troops and demonstrating pride in his Christian faith.

It appears the massive corporate chain took exception to the idea of associating God with country. . .



Time for a boycott?

No more shopping there for me. They can build their stores in Cuba

[jelake]

He violated their dress code policy. Apparently he was given several warnings. He deserved to be terminated.

[HeyJude]

He violated their dress code policy. Apparently he was given several warnings. He deserved to be terminated.

They allow patriotic buttons, so no, he didn't break the dress code.

[Shamrck]

Tell them how you feel...

Home Depot contact page:


http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ContentView?pn=About_Our_Stores&langId=-1&storeId=10051&catalogId=1

[SchwartzOne]

I will vote with my $, no Home Depot for me. I intend to tell my family and friends too...those that aren't lib. (My family ...North and South no moderates)

[Finality]

As a money-grubbing capitalist, I will continue to shop at wherever the best deals may be had. :mrgreen:

[RickRhetoric]

He violated their dress code policy. Apparently he was given several warnings. He deserved to be terminated.

Also Home Depot has a strict policy of not allowing anyone to wear or display any kind of personal message decals, buttons, etc. And employees are regularly reminded of that policy. If such things were permitted there would most likely be more Muslim and La Raza symbols displayed than Christian symbols. Thus the Home Depot policy, unlike that recent fire department policy is fair to everyone. At that fire department in question, the chief allowed a Muslim to post a decal on his locker, but no one could display an American flag decal.

[notluzn]

I think it was a mamgament thing more than anything. My dad worked for Home Depot and people had all kinds of pins and buttons on their clothes. Not sure if this is a true story or not.

[notluzn]

EEO will have a field day with this one. DISCRIMINATION if true

[Stantz]

I guess it depends on their policy (which i have no idea about)
If the policy is - no one gets to wear any type of button, make any statement whatsoever that is outside of their regular uniform - then yea they do have the right to fire him.

If however they do allow this type of stuff, and somehow specifically focused on the guy for the content even though it complied with their rules - then they are in the wrong

[WorldWatcher]

They allow patriotic buttons, so no, he didn't break the dress code.
I guess it depends on their policy (which i have no idea about)
If the policy is - no one gets to wear any type of button, make any statement whatsoever that is outside of their regular uniform - then yea they do have the right to fire him.

If however they do allow this type of stuff, and somehow specifically focused on the guy for the content even though it complied with their rules - then they are in the wrong



Home Depot spokesman Craig Fishel said he could not comment specifically on Keezer's termination but said, “The company’s dress code policy states that we do not allow non-company buttons, regardless of their message or content.” Fox News Link (http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,569635,00.html)



>>>>

[Lie Sniper]

Home Depot spokesman Craig Fishel said he could not comment specifically on Keezer's termination but said, “The company’s dress code policy states that we do not allow non-company buttons, regardless of their message or content.” Fox News Link (http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,569635,00.html)



>>>>

Sounds like he broke the rules........

[Stantz]

Home Depot spokesman Craig Fishel said he could not comment specifically on Keezer's termination but said, “The company’s dress code policy states that we do not allow non-company buttons, regardless of their message or content.” Fox News Link (http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,569635,00.html)


>>>>
If that's the policy, he broke the rules

[Theranna]

Another rule breaker hiding behind the flag and religion.... Nice.

[CID_0687]

If that's the policy, he broke the rules
Yep, that's what it sounds like to me...and because of what the pin said he's wanting a little publicity off of this...gotta love those that wanna make themselves into martyrs.

[Poptart]

Yep, that's what it sounds like to me...and because of what the pin said he's wanting a little publicity off of this...gotta love those that wanna make themselves into martyrs.

But look how easily swayed some people are. Mention god and country and people are ready to boycott, write letters, etc without even verifying the information.

[noelle12]

Based on what I heard about this story, I am not prepared to boycott Home Depot. From what I understand, there is a policy that prohibits non-sanctioned pins and buttons. There is a patriotic button that is sanctioned. It says "United We Stand." The buttons and pins that employees wear are provided by suppliers, and advertises products. I don't have a problem with that.

[lwdc]

Yep, that's what it sounds like to me...+1

I don't have an issue with him wearing the button. But the person who gave him a job and writes his paycheck should at least be able to expect him to follow the rules.

[HeyJude]

Yep, that's what it sounds like to me...and because of what the pin said he's wanting a little publicity off of this...gotta love those that wanna make themselves into martyrs.

I doubt it. Okeechobee is a fishing town, and is cattle country. The main mode of transportation is air boats, riding through swamps. A 20 yr. old kid, probably a country boy who doesn't have 2 nickels to rub together, wants to wear a pin that has the word "God" in it, and he loses his job because of it. End of story. God Bless America, oh yeah.:(

[CID_0687]

I doubt it. Okeechobee is a fishing town, and is cattle country. The main mode of transportation is air boats, riding through swamps. A 20 yr. old kid, probably a country boy who doesn't have 2 nickels to rub together, wants to wear a pin that has the word "God" in it, and he loses his job because of it. End of story. God Bless America, oh yeah.:(
I'm sure that before they fired him they asked him to take it off because he was out of dress code.

[HeyJude]

Another rule breaker hiding behind the flag and religion.... Nice.


Uh Huh, yeah, about those rule breakers. Those who dared to sit at a lunch counter where it was not allowed, those who sat in the wrong seat on a bus, oh yeah, rule breakers.:rolleyes: God Bless the "rule breakers", who have the courage to stand up against oppression. "One Nation, Under God" is a direct quote from The Pledge Of Allegiance To The United States Of America, and as such, is something EVERY American has a right to profess anywhere and everywhere they wish to express it.

[HeyJude]

I'm sure that before they fired him they asked him to take it off because he was out of dress code.

He wore the pin for 19 months, and his manager told him she liked it.

[Lie Sniper]

Uh Huh, yeah, about those rule breakers. Those who dared to sit at a lunch counter where it was not allowed, those who sat in the wrong seat on a bus, oh yeah, rule breakers.:rolleyes: God Bless the "rule breakers", who have the courage to stand up against oppression. "One Nation, Under God" is a direct quote from The Pledge Of Allegiance To The United States Of America, and as such, is something EVERY American has a right to profess anywhere and everywhere they wish to express it.

Apparently not at Home Depot....:whistle:

[terri910]

Uh Huh, yeah, about those rule breakers. Those who dared to sit at a lunch counter where it was not allowed, those who sat in the wrong seat on a bus, oh yeah, rule breakers.:rolleyes: God Bless the "rule breakers", who have the courage to stand up against oppression. "One Nation, Under God" is a direct quote from The Pledge Of Allegiance To The United States Of America, and as such, is something EVERY American has a right to profess anywhere and everywhere they wish to express it.
The "rule breakers" you cite were not employed by the bus company or the drug stores where the lunch counter was located. Not exactly apples to apples.

The young man certainly has the right to wear that pin whenever and wherever he wishes. However, along with that right does come the responsibility to accept the consequences if personal pins are against a company policy.

[CID_0687]

If the guy would have been wearing a pin that said "Have a Nice Day" with a :) on it...Or "I brake for brunettes." or "Mean People Suck" nobody would have heard anything about him being fired. Bottom line, is he broke dress code when he decided to wear a pin that was not pre-approved, and his refusal to take off said pin got him fired. It has nothing to do with him loving God or his country, it has to do with him breaking the rules.

But there are those that will make him a martyr because of this, and he'll get his 15 minutes of fame. Joy. :rolleyes:

[HeyJude]

The "rule breakers" you cite were not employed by the bus company or the drug stores where the lunch counter was located. Not exactly apples to apples.



And if they had been employed by the bus company/drug store, then what? They would not, as employee's, not had a right to stand up for what they believe? So if Rosa Parks had been a bus Co. employee, she should have gone to the back of the bus, because she was an employee?



The young man certainly has the right to wear that pin whenever and wherever he wishes. However, along with that right does come the responsibility to accept the consequences if personal pins are against a company policy.

A company that restricts a persons ability to recite The Pledge has gone way beyond what any employer has any right to do.

[HeyJude]

If the guy would have been wearing a pin that said "Have a Nice Day" with a :) on it...Or "I brake for brunettes." or "Mean People Suck" nobody would have heard anything about him being fired. Bottom line, is he broke dress code when he decided to wear a pin that was not pre-approved, and his refusal to take off said pin got him fired. It has nothing to do with him loving God or his country, it has to do with him breaking the rules.

But there are those that will make him a martyr because of this, and he'll get his 15 minutes of fame. Joy. :rolleyes:

"Keezer says for 19 months, ever since he started working as a cashier at The Home Depot in Okeechobee, he's worn a button with an American flag on it that reads: "One nation under God, indivisible."

"For over a year, Keezer says none of his managers mentioned the button on his Home Depot apron, except one supervisor who commented she liked it."

"She actually wanted to wear it," Keezer said.

Then, last month, when he started bringing his Bible to work, Keezer says his manager confronted him about the button.

"That's when I was told it had to come off, or I would be sent home."

[Lie Sniper]

"Keezer says for 19 months, ever since he started working as a cashier at The Home Depot in Okeechobee, he's worn a button with an American flag on it that reads: "One nation under God, indivisible."

"For over a year, Keezer says none of his managers mentioned the button on his Home Depot apron, except one supervisor who commented she liked it."

"She actually wanted to wear it," Keezer said.

Then, last month, when he started bringing his Bible to work, Keezer says his manager confronted him about the button.

"That's when I was told it had to come off, or I would be sent home."

Sounds like he had warning.
He can still wear the button, just not while employed at Home Depot.

[HeyJude]

This is the pin he wore:

http://www.wptv.com/media/lib/90/0/a/1/0a15ff31-3bed-44da-b363-cc0ffda09288/Story.jpg

[CID_0687]

"Keezer says for 19 months, ever since he started working as a cashier at The Home Depot in Okeechobee, he's worn a button with an American flag on it that reads: "One nation under God, indivisible."

"For over a year, Keezer says none of his managers mentioned the button on his Home Depot apron, except one supervisor who commented she liked it."

"She actually wanted to wear it," Keezer said.

Then, last month, when he started bringing his Bible to work, Keezer says his manager confronted him about the button.

"That's when I was told it had to come off, or I would be sent home."
This is his side of the story, and only his side...and as you have shown here...he was told to take it off or go home. He obviously didn't take it off.

Like I said...he's trying to make himself a martyr.

[HeyJude]

This is his side of the story, and only his side...and as you have shown here...he was told to take it off or go home. He obviously didn't take it off.

Like I said...he's trying to make himself a martyr.


And I guess Rosa Parks was just trying to make herself a martyr.

[Lie Sniper]

This is the pin he wore:

http://www.wptv.com/media/lib/90/0/a/1/0a15ff31-3bed-44da-b363-cc0ffda09288/Story.jpg


Do you believe in the right of a business to have a dress code?

[terri910]

And if they had been employed by the bus company/drug store, then what? They would not, as employee's, not had a right to stand up for what they believe? So if Rosa Parks had been a bus Co. employee, she should have gone to the back of the bus, because she was an employee?
If her job was to be at the back of the bus, you betcha. As a private citizen riding the bus? Different story. Same with the lunch counter fellows. If their job was to be elsewhere, then while they were working, they should have stayed elsewhere. Once off work, different story. The point is, in the OP story, the young man was at work.

A company that restricts a persons ability to recite The Pledge has gone way beyond what any employer has any right to do.
#1) The guy was wearing a pin, right? Not standing around pledging his allegiance, right?
#2) A company should be able to restrict a person from saying certain things while on the job. If I'm at Home Depot, I want the employees to help me find the right screw or washer, not recite the pledge of allegiance to me nor preach to me.

Now, I wouldn't have complained about the guy's pin, but I'm not the company with the policy to enforce.

[HeyJude]

Do you believe in the right of a business to have a dress code?

I happen to be a business woman. I would never prevent an employee from wearing a small button that expresses his patriotism for this great country, especially a button that recites The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
And while any company should have a right to a dress code, that dress code should not interfere with a citizens right to proclaim their allegiance to their country.

[Lie Sniper]

I happen to be a business woman. I would never prevent an employee from wearing a small button that expresses his patriotism for this great country, especially a button that recites The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.

Right, but you are in favor of other businesses not having the freedom to control how their employees present themselves to the public, correct?

[CID_0687]

And I guess Rosa Parks was just trying to make herself a martyr.
Oh good God, really? :rolleyes:


Newsflash!! Americans already have Religious Freedom!! This can't be compared to Civil Rights.

The company has a policy that any pins that they wear on their uniforms must be furnished by the company, he was wearing an unapproved pin, they told him to take it off, he had a tantrum. End of story.

[terri910]

I happen to be a business woman. I would never prevent an employee from wearing a small button that expresses his patriotism for this great country, especially a button that recites The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
And while any company should have a right to a dress code, that dress code should not interfere with a citizens right to proclaim their allegiance to their country.
Why? Let's say I am the owner of a business. I would like for you to give me the legal argument for not allowing me to have a dress code that excludes ANY personal clothing or pins.

Remember, the only time the employee's right to proclaim their allegiance to their country is prevented is during their work hours.

[Lie Sniper]

Why? Let's say I am the owner of a business. I would like for you to give me the legal argument for not allowing me to have a dress code that excludes ANY personal clothing or pins.

Remember, the only time the employee's right to proclaim their allegiance to their country is during their work hours.

I think people tend to forget that having a job is not a right, but not having to work at Home Depot is the right of every citizen of this great land. If you don't like thier rules, you don't have to work there. (To quote Cid) "End of story".

[HeyJude]

Oh good God, really? :rolleyes:


Newsflash!! Americans already have Religious Freedom!! This can't be compared to Civil Rights.

The company has a policy that any pins that they wear on their uniforms must be furnished by the company, he was wearing an unapproved pin, they told him to take it off, he had a tantrum. End of story.

Very good, CID. Enjoy your religious freedom, while it lasts.

You have unfairly judged this young man, when you know nothing about him. You have falsely accuse him of wanting "fame". That's a load of crap. I know the people of Okeechobee, some of them are my kinfolk, some of them work for me. They are nothing like you portray them to be. They are hard working Americans, God fearing Americans, and they are innocent as to worldly ways. They are the salt of the earth. and I take offense at your comments and your rolly eyes.

[terri910]

Very good, CID. Enjoy your religious freedom, while it lasts.

You have unfairly judged this young man, when you know nothing about him. You have falsely accuse him of wanting "fame". That's a load of crap. I know the people of Okeechobee, some of them are my kinfolk, some of them work for me. They are nothing like you portray them to be. They are hard working Americans, God fearing Americans, and they are innocent as to worldly ways. They are the salt of the earth. and I take offense at your comments and your rolly eyes.
I gotta tell you....if I was from Okeechobee, I'd take offense at your characterization of them as being innocent as to worldly ways. Do they have access to books, magazines, newspapers and television?

Unless you personally know the specific young man in this story, CID's speculation is as good as yours.

[HeyJude]

I think people tend to forget that having a job is not a right, but not having to work at Home Depot is the right of every citizen of this great land. If you don't like thier rules, you don't have to work there. (To quote Cid) "End of story".

I think employers tend to forget they don't have the right to trample on their employee's right to just be a free American.

And I'm sure Trevor has since recieved a good job somewhere else. All the local businesses are supporting him, so I'm sure one of them have hired him.

[terri910]

I think employers tend to forget they don't have the right to trample on their employee's right to just be a free American.
Exactly how free? So free that they can wear whatever they want? How about so free that they can decline to wear anything at all?

Meh. I'm not certain that even trying to make the point by taking the argument to absurdity will work.

And I'm sure Trevor has since recieved a good job somewhere else. All the local businesses are supporting him, so I'm sure one of them have hired him.That's a good thing -- I wish him well.

But I don't think Home Depot did anything wrong with requiring him to comply with their dress code policy.

[HeyJude]

I gotta tell you....if I was from Okeechobee, I'd take offense at your characterization of them as being innocent as to worldly ways. Do they have access to books, magazines, newspapers and television?


That's not what I meant, and I don't appreciate you putting words in my mouth.

I am learning a lot about the members here, so keep talking. It's nice to know who you really are.

[Lie Sniper]

Very good, CID. Enjoy your religious freedom, while it lasts.

...........<Snip>..............

So Home Depot is taking away our religious freedom? The guy can still wear the button anywhere he wants. He can even wear it while shopping at Home Depot.

[HeyJude]

Exactly how free? So free that they can wear whatever they want? How about so free that they can decline to wear anything at all?

That's a good thing -- I wish him well.

But I don't think Home Depot did anything wrong with requiring him to comply with their dress code policy.

Just so you know, I'm putting you on ignore, and won't be reading you replies anymore.

[HeyJude]

So Home Depot is taking away our religious freedom?

That's not what I said, and you know it.

[terri910]

That's not what I meant, and I don't appreciate you putting words in my mouth.

I am learning a lot about the members here, so keep talking. It's nice to know who you really are.
Excuse me? Putting words into your mouth? Weren't those the EXACT words you used? :confused:

All I did was tell you that I, personally, would be offended if you described me in that way. The other parts? Salt of the earth, etc., all good. "Innocent as to worldly ways," not so much (and those were your EXACT words).

Who I really am is someone that disagrees with you on this issue. I do not believe I have been the least bit disrespectful.

[Lie Sniper]

I think employers tend to forget they don't have the right to trample on their employee's right to just be a free American.

And I'm sure Trevor has since recieved a good job somewhere else. All the local businesses are supporting him, so I'm sure one of them have hired him.


That's wonderful! If his next employer is OK with him wearing the button, then he will have found a good fit. Isn't it nice that businesses in this country have the right to dictate how they are presenting themselves to the public?

[terri910]

somebody quote me. :mrgreen:

[Lie Sniper]

Just so you know, I'm putting you on ignore, and won't be reading you replies anymore.

What fun is that?

We're all just talking here....

[Lie Sniper]

That's not what I said, and you know it.

My sentence ended with a "?".

[Lie Sniper]

Excuse me? Putting words into your mouth? Weren't those the EXACT words you used? :confused:

All I did was tell you that I, personally, would be offended if you described me in that way. The other parts? Salt of the earth, etc., all good. "Innocent as to worldly ways," not so much (and those were your EXACT words).

Who I really am is someone that disagrees with you on this issue. I do not believe I have been the least bit disrespectful.

What did you say Terri?

[WorldWatcher]

somebody quote me. :mrgreen:


OK.


You're quoted.


:mrgreen:


>>>>

[Lie Sniper]

somebody quote me. :mrgreen:

Like this?:mrgreen:

[terri910]

What fun is that?

We're all just talking here....
You know, I've never used the forum's "ignore" function. When I want to ignore someone I usually just.....ignore them. I call it my God-given "Ignore Function."

It's one of the few ways I purposely challenge my will power.

[Lie Sniper]

You know, I've never used the forum's "ignore" function. When I want to ignore someone I usually just.....ignore them. I call it my God-given "Ignore Function."

It's one of the few ways I purposely challenge my will power.

I'm not reading your posts either...:mrgreen:

[terri910]

Like this?:mrgreen:
No, silly, like you did before! *L*

The thing is.....I honestly believe that we DO need to be diligent and make sure that our freedoms are not eroded. But since I do not believe forcing Home Depot to let "this" personal pin be worn while "that" one is not, is not an erosion of our freedoms, I think this is wasted energy....a tempest in a teapot.

[terri910]

I'm not reading your posts either...:mrgreen:
You're just quoting them willy-nilly....*LOL*

[WorldWatcher]

I think employers tend to forget they don't have the right to trample on their employee's right to just be a free American.


I agree, the employer doesn't have the right to trample on an employee's right to be a free American.

However, the employer gave him six chances to comply with the policy. He didn't accept it.

As a free American he is free to seek a paycheck from another employer.


>>>>

[Lie Sniper]

No, silly, like you did before! *L*

The thing is.....I honestly believe that we DO need to be diligent and make sure that our freedoms are not eroded. But since I do not believe forcing Home Depot to let "this" personal pin be worn while "that" one is not, is not an erosion of our freedoms, I think this is wasted energy....a tempest in a teapot.

I agree.

[Lie Sniper]

I agree, the employer doesn't have the right to trample on an employee's right to be a free American.

However, the employer gave him six chances to comply with the policy. He didn't accept it.

As a free American he is free to seek a paycheck from another employer.


>>>>

Exactly!

[CID_0687]

Very good, CID. Enjoy your religious freedom, while it lasts.

You have unfairly judged this young man, when you know nothing about him. You have falsely accuse him of wanting "fame". That's a load of crap. I know the people of Okeechobee, some of them are my kinfolk, some of them work for me. They are nothing like you portray them to be. They are hard working Americans, God fearing Americans, and they are innocent as to worldly ways. They are the salt of the earth. and I take offense at your comments and your rolly eyes.
:))

You know everyone of them? Do you know this kid personally?

[Lie Sniper]

You know, I've never used the forum's "ignore" function. When I want to ignore someone I usually just.....ignore them. I call it my God-given "Ignore Function."

It's one of the few ways I purposely challenge my will power.

There's a slight possibility that we both may have been nominated to someones ignore list..:naughty:

[Lie Sniper]

That's not what I meant, and I don't appreciate you putting words in my mouth.

I am learning a lot about the members here, so keep talking. It's nice to know who you really are.

You hear good things??:D

[HeyJude]

:))

You know everyone of them? Do you know this kid personally?


I'm so sorry I got to know you outside of the RF.

[HeyJude]

There's a slight possibility that we both may have been nominated to someones ignore list..:naughty:

I don't know you.
I thought I knew Terri.
I thought I knew CID.
I know neither of them.
Such is the Internet.

[Meriweather]

I'm so sorry I got to know you outside of the RF.

Might I suggest you just keep calmly defending your own position? There is certainly nothing wrong with it. A good thing to understand about the Religion Forum is that we know we're not always going to agree with each other--but we have fun anyway, even when we choose up opposite sides--perhaps especially when we choose up opposite sides, because we can have more lively discussions.

Think of it as just playing--and enjoy the game. You have a strong position. Stay with it.

[CID_0687]

I'm so sorry I got to know you outside of the RF.
:eh:

It was a legitimate question. And honestly, this thread has very little to do with religion, if anything at all.

It's simply an issue that you and I don't agree on. What's wrong with that?

[CID_0687]

I don't know you.
I thought I knew Terri.
I thought I knew CID.
I know neither of them.
Such is the Internet.
I'm a what you see is what you get kinda guy, Jude...

Sorry we don't agree on this issue, but I have seen others where we do.

[terri910]

It's simply an issue that you and I don't agree on. What's wrong with that?
That's pretty much how I feel about it.

I feel bad that HeyJude is upset. But I don't know what I did wrong, other than to disagree, give my own viewpoint, and ask some questions.

[Lie Sniper]

I don't know you.
I thought I knew Terri.
I thought I knew CID.
I know neither of them.
Such is the Internet.

A few days ago Terri and I were arguing about an issue, today we agree.

Happens all the time among friends.

[CID_0687]

That's pretty much how I feel about it.

I feel bad that HeyJude is upset. But I don't know what I did wrong, other than to disagree, give my own viewpoint, and ask some questions.
That's what I thought I was doing as well.

(Quoting this so Jude can see that you feel bad)

[khigh]

Home Depot can do whatever they want. Heck, at the store I work for, I can wear my Palin 2012 shirt, but one of the groomers can't wear their Obama shirt. Free country for both the employee and the employer. The employer sets the rules and the employee can either follow them or get out.

[HeyJude]

Might I suggest you just keep calmly defending your own position? There is certainly nothing wrong with it. A good thing to understand about the Religion Forum is that we know we're not always going to agree with each other--but we have fun anyway, even when we choose up opposite sides--perhaps especially when we choose up opposite sides, because we can have more lively discussions.

Think of it as just playing--and enjoy the game. You have a strong position. Stay with it.

Thanks Meriweather, I appreciate that, but I am mostly done with this thread. The people in Okeechobee are supporting Trevor, so I'm sure he has a new job by now. And that's the main thing.

[CID_0687]

Home Depot can do whatever they want. Heck, at the store I work for, I can wear my Palin 2012 shirt, but one of the groomers can't wear their Obama shirt. Free country for both the employee and the employer. The employer sets the rules and the employee can either follow them or get out.
Yep. I've worked for companies before where I wasn't allowed to have facial hair. I prefer having a beard, but if I want to keep the job I have to shave. Private companies can do what they feel is best when it comes to their employees' appearance.

[Meriweather]

Thanks Meriweather, I appreciate that, but I am mostly done with this thread. The people in Okeechobee are supporting Trevor, so I'm sure he has a new job by now. And that's the main thing.

That's good news about Trevor. I am happy to hear that.

[HeyJude]

:eh:

It was a legitimate question. And honestly, this thread has very little to do with religion, if anything at all.



It has everything to do with an American citizen's right to use the word "God". In any setting, in any place. I'm sorry that is not important to you. It is important to me.

[khigh]

It has everything to do with an American citizen's right to use the word "God". In any setting, in any place. I'm sorry that is not important to you. It is important to me.


So, you would not be offended if you walked into a store and I was "flaunting" my gods? Will you give a Muslim the same right to praise Allah at work? Or is it only for the God of Abraham?

Sorry, but I go to HD to buy lumber and power tools, not look at some buttons with religious messages.

[CID_0687]

It has everything to do with an American citizen's right to use the word "God". In any setting, in any place. I'm sorry that is not important to you. It is important to me.
That is important to me. But, I don't see this particular issue in the same respect that you do. I see a guy who failed to follow company policy and was terminated.

He was asked to not wear it on more than one occasion, was he not?

[HeyJude]

So, you would not be offended if you walked into a store and I was "flaunting" my gods? Will you give a Muslim the same right to praise Allah at work? Or is it only for the God of Abraham?


An American citizen should have the right to recite The Pledge Of Allegiance To The United States Of America, even if it is only the small part that says "One Nation, Under God".


Sorry, but I go to HD to buy lumber and power tools, not look at some buttons with religious messages.

Then I'm sure you won't notice or care what someone's button says.

[khigh]

An American citizen should have the right to recite The Pledge Of Allegiance To The United States Of America, even if it is only the small part that says "One Nation, Under God".



Then I'm sure you won't notice or care what someone's button says.


What if it just said "One Nation...Indivisible" and left out the Under God part? Is it about the pledge for you or about God? I am perfectly fine with patriotic buttons, but not religious ones. We can all agree that we love the US of A, but not that we all care for a particular god or religion.

[terri910]

It has everything to do with an American citizen's right to use the word "God". In any setting, in any place. I'm sorry that is not important to you. It is important to me.
But I do not believe that is the case.....is it? I'm not a lawyer, so I could be totally wrong on this, but I think that if you are a guest in my home, I would have the right to ask you to leave if you used words I did not want said in my home. Or, perhaps a better example would be this very website. It is privately owned, and as such the speech here is only as "free" as the moderators -- at the behest of the owner -- allow. Employers have a great many things they are required to do, and a great many things they are not allowed to do. But I think that having a standard dress code falls somewhere in there as one of the things an employer can set policy on and enforce (although they probably have to enforce it uniformly).

And....although freedom to worship as we choose is VERY important to me, I just don't see this as an erosion of that freedom. I think there are things we DO need to concern ourselves with, that affect our freedoms while on our own time.

[HeyJude]

That is important to me. But, I don't see this particular issue in the same respect that you do. I see a guy who failed to follow company policy and was terminated.

He was asked to not wear it on more than one occasion, was he not?

Yes, and he was devoted to his faith enough to know it was not right that he be required to delete God's name.

[terri910]

Yes, and he was devoted to his faith enough to know it was not right that he be required to delete God's name.
Then the result was the right thing for him, although I still don't see this as an attempt to delete God's name OR patriotism, but strictly a dress code issue.

[HeyJude]

What if it just said "One Nation...Indivisible" and left out the Under God part?.........


And that is exactly what the ungodly want, to leave out anything that gives God any glory.

[terri910]

And that is exactly what the ungodly want, to leave out anything that gives God any glory.
It may be what the ungodly want. But do you believe that every business person that decides their employee should wear only the company's uniform and no other "message" or "personal" adornment is "ungodly"?

It is always interesting to try and turn the issue inside-out. What about an employer that would require employees to wear pins like the young man in the OP article wore? (I don't know what the reasoning would be for this...let's say the business is a Christian supplies store) Would you think that the employer should make an exception for those employees that are atheists? Or do you think that an atheist, knowing the company policy up-front should comply or expect termination?

When I do turn the issue inside-out like that, at least I see that I am consistent. HeyJude may be consistent, as well....but I may never know, since she has me on ignore. :cry:

[CID_0687]

Yes, and he was devoted to his faith enough to know it was not right that he be required to delete God's name.
And if that's truly how he felt, then good for him. But they weren't infringing on his rights, not IMO. If a company's dress code says all employees must wear red shirts and Jimmy shows up everyday in a green shirt, because he likes the color better, then Jimmy is going to get fired, and he needs to go to a company that let's you wear green shirts.

The policy is about uniformity...I've had jobs where we've had to wear buttons...My first job in high school was waiting tables at Shoney's. Every week we would wear two buttons on our aprons one was for our weekly special, the other for our monthly special...Everybody wore the same pin, on the same black apron, over the same black pants, and white shirts.

Like I said earlier, if this would have been a button that said "Mean People Suck" or some other phrase, and he had been asked repeatedly to remove it, and repeatedly refused, the outcome would have been the same...the difference though, is that it wouldn't have made national or even local news.

[CID_0687]

And that is exactly what the ungodly want, to leave out anything that gives God any glory.
Or it could be the truly patriotic that want that...since "Under God" wasn't even in the Pledge of Allegiance until the 1950s.

As long as I've been saying the Pledge it's been "Under God", but I know some very godly and very patriotic people that wish it was still "One nation, indivisible...."

[Stantz]

And that is exactly what the ungodly want, to leave out anything that gives God any glory.

Well if this ungodly person was in charge of a business, instituted company policy that allowed no buttons or stickers attached to a unfirom with the exception of a single approved button.
If i saw you wearing an unauthorized button, warned you SIX TIMES about it, i would finally fire you.

Well I'm affraid you will have to look for employment somewhere else perhaps somewhere that would let you wear this specific button.

No employer has an obligation to let you express religious beliefs on your clothing or for that matter atheist ideas, communist philosophy, capitalist slogans, etc etc etc.

You want to wear your button? Well maybe you can stop working at "Stantz's Home Electronics Store" and go work at "Joe's Electronic Store" across the street where they might allow it.

[Asfc1967]

Uh Huh, yeah, about those rule breakers. Those who dared to sit at a lunch counter where it was not allowed, those who sat in the wrong seat on a bus, oh yeah, rule breakers.:rolleyes: God Bless the "rule breakers", who have the courage to stand up against oppression. "One Nation, Under God" is a direct quote from The Pledge Of Allegiance To The United States Of America, and as such, is something EVERY American has a right to profess anywhere and everywhere they wish to express it.

Oh please, I am glad this happened. I say take godd out of EVERYTHING.

So don't shop there.

[HeyJude]

Like I said earlier, if this would have been a button that said "Mean People Suck" or some other phrase, and he had been asked repeatedly to remove it, and repeatedly refused, the outcome would have been the same...the difference though, is that it wouldn't have made national or even local news.

"Mean People Suck" is not a part of the Pledge Of Allegiance To The Flag.

[Stantz]

"Mean People Suck" is not a part of the Pledge Of Allegiance To The Flag.
Your employer does not have to allow you to wear any portion of the Pledge of Allegiance OR The Flag, or The Constitution or The Magna Carta as part of your unfirom

[CID_0687]

"Mean People Suck" is not a part of the Pledge Of Allegiance To The Flag.
Would it be as much of an "outrage" if it had said "Liberty and Justice for All"?

He would have still been out of dress code, he would have still been asked to remove it, and fired if he didn't.

[HeyJude]

Oh please, I am glad this happened. I say take godd out of EVERYTHING.

So don't shop there.

Yes, and most Christians here agree with you. You should be happy about that.:D

[terri910]

Yes, and most Christians here agree with you. You should be happy about that.:D
:naughty: Now THAT is putting words into others' mouths.

[CID_0687]

Yes, and most Christians here agree with you. You should be happy about that.:D
Can you back up this claim? Where have any Christians said that God should be taken out of anything?

People that have responded to this thread have looked at it from both sides, and see that this employee was in fact the one in error...he was going against company policy by wearing something on his uniform that was not approved by the company. What's hard to understand about that?

[HeyJude]

Would it be as much of an "outrage" if it had said "Liberty and Justice for All"?

He would have still been out of dress code, he would have still been asked to remove it, and fired if he didn't.

I have my own company, CID, so no one "owns" me. Maybe if I were owned I would better understand what you are saying.

[khigh]

And that is exactly what the ungodly want, to leave out anything that gives God any glory.


I don't say Under God (capitalized in the Pledge=proper name) because it promotes the God of Abraham, a God that I don't believe in. What if it said god (lower case-not a name) or Allah or even Lord Krishna? Would you say then that it was ungodly to take out?

I'm not ungodly, unless you think that only Christians can be godly. I just believe in other gods than you.

[terri910]

Oh please, I am glad this happened. I say take godd out of EVERYTHING.

So don't shop there.
But, you can't without taking away my life.

[HeyJude]

Can you back up this claim? Where have any Christians said that God should be taken out of anything?

People that have responded to this thread have looked at it from both sides, and see that this employee was in fact the one in error...he was going against company policy by wearing something on his uniform that was not approved by the company. What's hard to understand about that?

China comes to mind.

[CID_0687]

I have my own company, CID, so no one "owns" me. Maybe if I were owned I would better understand what you are saying.
As a business owner do you not have rules and policies that your employees must follow? Maybe you don't have a dress code, but most retail shops do, and the employees are expected to follow that dress code.

[CID_0687]

China comes to mind.
Huh?

[Asfc1967]

It has everything to do with an American citizen's right to use the word "God". In any setting, in any place. I'm sorry that is not important to you. It is important to me.


Nope, I also have freedom from religion. If I owned a business I could make that rule, make it a stipulation upon employment, and if the rule was broken then termination is authorized.

[Asfc1967]

And that is exactly what the ungodly want, to leave out anything that gives God any glory.


Exactly. People like you make me a militant Athiest.

[HeyJude]

I don't say Under God (capitalized in the Pledge=proper name) because it promotes the God of Abraham, a God that I don't believe in. What if it said god (lower case-not a name) or Allah or even Lord Krishna? Would you say then that it was ungodly to take out?

I'm not ungodly, unless you think that only Christians can be godly. I just believe in other gods than you.

I prayed for your ex-byfriend who lost his parents, with no regard as to who he believes God might be. And I hope you didn't mind that I prayed for him, even though we don't believe in the same God.

The Pledge Of Allegiance says "Under God", and I'm so glad it does. It is an admission of submission to a power greater than the Fed. Gov., a power greater than men who rule. I would think that you could appreciate a country that admits we are not all knowing, that only God is all knowing, and that we are mere humans.

[HeyJude]

Exactly. People like you make me a militant Athiest.

Sweety-pie, if you are atheist, it is of your own choice. God gave you power and authority over your own mind. And that power and freedom is one of the greatest things God has given us. It is up to you what you decide to do with it.

[Asfc1967]

Sweety-pie, if you are atheist, it is of your own choice. God gave you power and authority over your own mind. And that power and freedom is one of the greatest things God has given us. It is up to you what you decide to do with it.

That is hilarious. I say I am an Athiest, and you claim that god gave me this power.

[HeyJude]

That is hilarious. I say I am an Athiest, and you claim that god gave me this power.

We can all be atheist if we choose to be. Faith is a choice, just like atheism is a choice.

[Stantz]

I prayed for your ex-byfriend who lost his parents, with no regard as to who he believes God might be. And I hope you didn't mind that I prayed for him, even though we don't believe in the same God.

The Pledge Of Allegiance says "Under God", and I'm so glad it does. It is an admission of submission to a power greater than the Fed. Gov., a power greater than men who rule. I would think that you could appreciate a country that admits we are not all knowing, that only God is all knowing, and that we are mere humans.
apparently it took until the 1950s to submit :)
Since thats when the phrase "under god" was added to the pledge, mostly to set us apart from the percieved "godless" Russians.
In anycase, what is your point ? that any place of employment MUST allow proffesions of faith, and/or patriotism as part of their work uniform?

[Asfc1967]

We can all be atheist if we choose to be. Faith is a choice, just like atheism is a choice.


Yes, but this right wasn't given to me by a fictitious diety.

[HeyJude]

Huh?

You use a lot of words about uniforms. China is real big on uniforms.

[Asfc1967]

You use a lot of words about uniforms. China is real big on uniforms.


So is the United States Military, Catholic Schools, and the NFL.

[HeyJude]

apparently it took until the 1950s to submit :)
Since thats when the phrase "under god" was added to the pledge, mostly to set us apart from the percieved "godless" Russians.
In anycase, what is your point ? that any place of employment MUST allow proffesions of faith, and/or patriotism as part of their work uniform?

My point is that the American people shouldn't be penalized when they quote the Pledge To The Flag.

[CID_0687]

You use a lot of words about uniforms. China is real big on uniforms.
So is the U.S. military.......

So are sports teams...........

It shows unity....

[HeyJude]

So is the United States Military, Catholic Schools, and the NFL.

Those are all organizations which one is freely allowed to join or not. Not so with China.

[CID_0687]

My point is that the American people shouldn't be penalized when they quote the Pledge To The Flag.
But that's not what this is about...sure, that's what some want this to be about...but it's really just a simple case of failure to comply to company policy.

[HeyJude]

But that's not what this is about...sure, that's what some want this to be about...but it's really just a simple case of failure to comply to company policy.

And that company policy restricts a man's right to use the word "God".

I am very very surprised you agree with this CID, hence my shock that I don't have a clue who you really are. However, this is the Internet, and so I really shouldn't be so shocked.:)

[CID_0687]

And that company policy restricts a man's right to use the word "God".

I am very very surprised you agree with this CID, hence my shock that I don't have a clue who you really are. However, this is the Internet, and so I really shouldn't be so shocked.:)
No, your perception of what I am saying is wrong.

The company policy is that employees can't wear something on their uniform that is Not approved by the company. It's not saying anything about God...that's why I said earlier if he had been wearing a button that said "Mean People Suck" the consequences would have been the same.

As big a company as Home Depot is, if they were really infringing on people's freedom of religion, there would have been an EEO claim filed on them long ago.

[HeyJude]

Yes, but this right wasn't given to me by a fictitious diety.

It is a right you were born with, no matter how you think you came by it. Man would love to rob you of that right, God does not.

[CID_0687]

Those are all organizations which one is freely allowed to join or not. Not so with China.
And Home Depot is an organization one is freely allowed to join, or not. :)

[HeyJude]

.............

As big a company as Home Depot is, if they were really infringing on people's freedom of religion, there would have been an EEO claim filed on them long ago.

It's not an infringment on religion, it's an infringment on quoting The Pledge To The Flag. It would be similar to preventing someone from quoting the Constitution.

[HeyJude]

And Home Depot is an organization one is freely allowed to join, or not. :)

Yes, but this is not China. A company shouldn't be allowed to deny a man the right to quote The Pledge To The Flag.

[CID_0687]

It's not an infringment on religion, it's an infringment on quoting The Pledge To The Flag. It would be similar to preventing someone from quoting the Constitution.
There was no infringement of any kind...there was no victim...part of the problem with today's society is that nobody wants to admit they're at fault. I've gotten fired before, and when I did I admitted I was wrong, told my boss I understood, shook his hand, got up walked out, and didn't look back. Sure, I was upset, but I wasn't looking for a reason to get even...Personally, if I was a business owner, and this kid came in asking me for work, I'd send him down the street. Not because of what his button said, but because he can't follow a simple rule, like what not to wear...and then if I had to fire him, I may end up being on the 6 o'clock news with claims of me being Unchristian and Unpatriotic, simply because he couldn't follow rules.

We need less victims and more real people that aren't afraid to admit when they make a mistake.

[Theranna]

Thank you CID. I manage a store for a huge company and we have a dress code. If an employee isn't dressed for work, I can escalate disciplinary measures until it comes to dismissal.

If they wanna wear the cross or the star of David or any religious symbol as jewelry, cool. But any kind of button on their uniform, that's a no-no and it could result in dismissal. I don't care what your beliefs are, they don't belong on the uniform I loan you for work, that's it, that's all.

[EnchantedFrog]

Does Home Depot have a problem accepting money that says

"In God We Trust" ???? :razz:

[WorldWatcher]

It's not an infringment on religion, it's an infringment on quoting The Pledge To The Flag. It would be similar to preventing someone from quoting the Constitution.
Yes, but this is not China. A company shouldn't be allowed to deny a man the right to quote The Pledge To The Flag.


Anyone wanna bet this would have been a whole different discussion if the button had said...


Gay Marriage

"With Liberty and Justice for All"



>>>>

[beaker]

I think what needs to be realized is who actually owns the job that this man lost.


I'll give you a hint....

















Home Depot.

[Snagglepuss]

Just so you know, I'm putting you on ignore, and won't be reading you replies anymore.That is your loss, not hers. Terri has alwasy been a very thoughtful and respectful poster. Unfortunately for you, you've allowed your emotions to cloud your judgement in this area. If the company has a policy that prohibits the wearing of non-approved apparel or accessories (and it sounds like they do), then this guy broke the rules. Doesn't matter what the button said.

[Snagglepuss]

I agree, the employer doesn't have the right to trample on an employee's right to be a free American.

However, the employer gave him six chances to comply with the policy. He didn't accept it.

As a free American he is free to seek a paycheck from another employer.


>>>>^This

[Snagglepuss]

Those are all organizations which one is freely allowed to join or not. Not so with China.When did the topic of this thread become China? Is Home Depot not a place of employment where people are freely allowed to apply for work to, or not?
Are people now indentured servants there? You've lost me completely.

[Snagglepuss]

Anyone wanna bet this would have been a whole different discussion if the button had said...


Gay Marriage

"With Liberty and Justice for All"



>>>>Nope...I don't take sucker bets....

[Marleysdaddy]

"One Nation, Under God" is a direct quote from The Pledge Of Allegiance To The United States Of America,

In 1945 it wasn't :think:

And one technicality...it isn't the "The Pledge Of Allegiance To The United States Of America"...the Pledge is to the Flag of the United States of America :flag:

[Marleysdaddy]

And while any company should have a right to a dress code, that dress code should not interfere with a citizens right to proclaim their allegiance to their country.

And if you are the owner of the company, you can enact a dress code like that.

[Marleysdaddy]

You know, I've never used the forum's "ignore" function. When I want to ignore someone I usually just.....ignore them. I call it my God-given "Ignore Function."

Right there with you Terri...except I'm not sure it's "God-given" :razz:

[Marleysdaddy]

Yes, and he was devoted to his faith enough to know it was not right that he be required to delete God's name.

1) "God" is not that deity's name.

2) "God" wasn't in the Pledge in the first place, so maybe Home Depot just likes the original Pledge of Allegiance better.

[Marleysdaddy]

but I know some very godly and very patriotic people that wish it was still "One nation, indivisible...."

<raises hand>


though some would hesitate to call me "very godly" ;)

[RayMan]

<raises hand>


though some would hesitate to call me "very godly" ;)

Yeah, "kinda," "sorta," "sometimes" godly might be a better description. :mrgreen:

[terri910]

That is hilarious. I say I am an Athiest, and you claim that god gave me this power.
Because it is HeyJude's claim and not yours. What is so hilarious about that? :confused:

[Asfc1967]

Because it is HeyJude's claim and not yours. What is so hilarious about that? :confused:


The irony of the statement.

[Marleysdaddy]

"Mean People Suck" is not a part of the Pledge Of Allegiance To The Flag.

When my parents were born, "Under God" wasn't either...

[Marleysdaddy]

We can all be atheist if we choose to be. Faith is a choice, just like atheism is a choice.

But one is a choice to believe in the seen, and one is a choice to believe in the unseen.

Epistemologically speaking, the two are quite different sorts of choices.

[Marleysdaddy]

And that company policy restricts a man's right to use the word "God".


No, it doesn't.

The company's policy restricts a person's ability to wear buttons which are not part of his work uniform.
MANY employers do this.

The guy could use the word 'god', he could pray at work, he may have even been able to read the Bible on his lunch break.
What he couldn't do was wear a button (ANY button) because doing so violated the dress code.

And it's probably a good thing that is included in the dress code - I imagine you wouldn't want to walk into Home Depot and see an employee wearing a button that said

"Get Real, like Jesus would ever own a gun and vote Republican"

[Marleysdaddy]

Yes, but this is not China. A company shouldn't be allowed to deny a man the right to quote The Pledge To The Flag.

Yikes!

If you start deciding what a private company "shouldn't be allowed" to do, it won't be long before this IS China :think:

I thought you would be opposed to Communism

[Doc Holliday]

If you don't want to say, "under god" then don't, you have that freedom. So long as you pledge to your country, under what entity has no bearing. You are not swearing to god. If you want it taken out of the pledge, you will need to have Congress do it, because they put it in there.

[terri910]

The irony of the statement.
Do you mean the juxtaposition of two separate beliefs? Oh.

I like that your hilarity threshold is low! It's good to laugh and smile!

[CID_0687]

Thank you CID. I manage a store for a huge company and we have a dress code. If an employee isn't dressed for work, I can escalate disciplinary measures until it comes to dismissal.

If they wanna wear the cross or the star of David or any religious symbol as jewelry, cool. But any kind of button on their uniform, that's a no-no and it could result in dismissal. I don't care what your beliefs are, they don't belong on the uniform I loan you for work, that's it, that's all.
Exactly. I was in the grocery business long enough to know how serious dress code is. I got sent home one day because I was was wearing khaki jeans instead of dress pants...explained that I wore them because all my dress pants were dirty...my manager said to go home, wash a pair of pants, and then come back...I lost 2.5 hours pay, but I never wore jeans again, on a day it wasn't acceptable.

[Dancer]

I have a good friend who used to work for Home Depot and was allowed to wear her cross necklace at work (which I am not allowed to do as it is not part of my uniform..no necklaces allowed, one ring on each hand, round earrings in the color of the uniform...nothing to distract from the 'branding'). The subject came up when I was telling her about the dress code at work. Literally, I believe that the problem is with the employee who could not wear the proper uniform.

You are told about the company dress code when you are hired. If you decide you can't abide by the rules, that would be the time to go look for a job where you CAN follow the rules of the company.

That said...I would be upset if I was working somewhere and knew that the company policy was that no one could wear personal buttons and because of local store management, some people got away with wearing the buttons and others didn't because the manager agreed with some buttons, but not others. I imagine that one way some people think that they could get the bad manager fired is by taking their case to court.

Let the case go to court and let those who hear the ENTIRE story make the decision.

[Lie Sniper]

Yikes!

If you start deciding what a private company "shouldn't be allowed" to do, it won't be long before this IS China :think:

I thought you would be opposed to Communism

There must good Communism and bad Communism. The good Communism is presumably the kind where everyone has to do whatever I say. :think:

I guess that wouldn't be too bad, at least according to me.;)

[BillBrown]

Home Depot has a right to enforce a dress code.
We have a right to boycott, if we don't like it.
I think I will. There is a Lowe's near my local Home Depot and I can use them just as easily.

A good healthy boycott will get this dress code amended.

[HeyJude]

Yikes!

If you start deciding what a private company "shouldn't be allowed" to do, it won't be long before this IS China :think:




Oh, so the government doesn't interfere with the employee/employer relationship? That's a new one. I guess that means I can take down my comp. poster?

[BillBrown]

Yikes!

If you start deciding what a private company "shouldn't be allowed" to do, it won't be long before this IS China :think:

I thought you would be opposed to Communism

I agree it's none of the government's business.
It is Home Depot's business.
It is, also, my business what I like and where I spend my money.

[WorldWatcher]

I agree it's none of the government's business.
It is Home Depot's business.
It is, also, my business what I like and where I spend my money.


Now that's a reasonable position.


>>>>

[HeyJude]

There was no infringement of any kind...there was no victim...part of the problem with today's society is that nobody wants to admit they're at fault. I've gotten fired before, and when I did I admitted I was wrong, told my boss I understood, shook his hand, got up walked out, and didn't look back. Sure, I was upset, but I wasn't looking for a reason to get even...Personally, if I was a business owner, and this kid came in asking me for work, I'd send him down the street. Not because of what his button said, but because he can't follow a simple rule, like what not to wear...and then if I had to fire him, I may end up being on the 6 o'clock news with claims of me being Unchristian and Unpatriotic, simply because he couldn't follow rules.

We need less victims and more real people that aren't afraid to admit when they make a mistake.

You are forgetting the fact that he has an excellent work history with the store, for over one and a half years. You are forgetting that he received the store's highest honors. You are forgetting that the store management approved of his button for 19 straight months. You are forgetting that the problem began when he brought his Bible with him to work.

[HeyJude]

Does Home Depot have a problem accepting money that says

"In God We Trust" ???? :razz:


I guess Trevor could have pinned a dollar bill to his apron?

[Stantz]

I guess Trevor could have pinned a dollar bill to his apron?
So what is it's on cash, they still dont have to allow him to wear it on his unfirom. It's a private business, its their call.
Do they have to let all employees wear buttons with the pyramid and the Eye of Providence because that's on a dollar bill as well
The guy had 6 warnings, he didnt comply, he is fired - real simple.
If he's a great employee which he might be, I'm sure he can get a job at a hardware store that will allow him to wear anything he wants. I wish him luck .

[terri910]

Home Depot has a right to enforce a dress code.
We have a right to boycott, if we don't like it.
I think I will. There is a Lowe's near my local Home Depot and I can use them just as easily.

A good healthy boycott will get this dress code amended.
I certainly don't mind this....every one of us should be able to boycott (decline to patronize) any business for any reason we wish.

It will be up to each business to weight the different costs of their decisions, based upon possible consequences of their very real choices. Losing customers would be one cost they would have to weigh -- the cost of lawsuits if they allow "One nation, under God, indivisible" pins but not pins with other personal statements (examples given previously in this thread) would be another cost they would have to weigh.

[Poptart]

And I guess Rosa Parks was just trying to make herself a martyr.

Did Rosa Parks work for the bus company?

[Stantz]

I agree it's none of the government's business.
It is Home Depot's business.
It is, also, my business what I like and where I spend my money.
That is exactly the way to deal with it. You dont agree with a policy, you can always write, take your business somewhere else, It's quite easy.
But to make this guy out to be some sort of martyr, fighting against the evil godless corporate overlords is just goofy

[terri910]

Let the case go to court and let those who hear the ENTIRE story make the decision.
That's advice I would take!

There are stories that I hear about where I would LOVE to be on the jury.

[Dancer]

I guess Trevor could have pinned a dollar bill to his apron?Does anyone remember back when President Bush asked all the kids in the US to send a dollar for the kids in Afghanistan?

I remember there was a way of folding the dollar bill to look like those ribbons on the car and the only part facing out said, "In God We Trust"

[Marleysdaddy]

You are forgetting the fact that he has an excellent work history with the store, for over one and a half years.
I don't think 19 months is enough time to accumulate an "excellent" work history.

You are forgetting that he received the store's highest honors. You are forgetting that the store management approved of his button for 19 straight months. You are forgetting that the problem began when he brought his Bible with him to work.

And you are forgetting that Home Depot is a private, at-will employer, who can enforce a dress code (which maybe the local managers failed to enforce for a time), or change the dress code, or eliminate the dress code, or a whole host of other things as long as they do not violate Federal Discrimination law.

[Marleysdaddy]

Oh, so the government doesn't interfere with the employee/employer relationship? That's a new one. I guess that means I can take down my comp. poster?

That's a fine straw man you're constructing, but to no avail.

YOU said the company shouldn't be allowed to do something, and unless YOU are the owner or majority shareholder, you don't have the power to decide what a private company can do.

ETA - Personally, I don't think government should be able to tell a company who to hire, fire, keep employed, etc....call me crazy, but for a few years I'd like to see what actual laissez-faire capitalism would look like.

[Marleysdaddy]

Does anyone remember back when President Bush asked all the kids in the US to send a dollar for the kids in Afghanistan?

I remember there was a way of folding the dollar bill to look like those ribbons on the car and the only part facing out said, "In God We Trust"

I would have taken a dollar bill from 1956, folded it like one of those ribbons, and sent that ;)

[HeyJude]

I don't think 19 months is enough time to accumulate an "excellent" work history.


I guess they goofed when they gave him the Homer Award, 6 times.



And you are forgetting that Home Depot is a private, at-will employer, who can enforce a dress code (which maybe the local managers failed to enforce for a time), or change the dress code, or eliminate the dress code, or a whole host of other things as long as they do not violate Federal Discrimination law.

It wasn't a firm policy, it wasn't an enforced policy. It became an issue when he brought the Bible to work. Before the Bible, the policy wasn't enforced. After the Bible, the policy was enforced. Bad management all the way around.

[terri910]

It wasn't a firm policy, it wasn't an enforced policy. It became an issue when he brought the Bible to work. Before the Bible, the policy wasn't enforced. After the Bible, the policy was enforced. Bad management all the way around.
I certainly concur that there was bad management. I think it is bad management when policies are not enforced.

[Dancer]

I would have taken a dollar bill from 1956, folded it like one of those ribbons, and sent that ;);) Nothing wrong with that either. Just recalling a bit of trivia.

[BillBrown]

I guess they goofed when they gave him the Homer Award, 6 times.




It wasn't a firm policy, it wasn't an enforced policy. It became an issue when he brought the Bible to work. Before the Bible, the policy wasn't enforced. After the Bible, the policy was enforced. Bad management all the way around.

Home Depot has the right to manage poorly.
It's their store. It's their money paying the bills.

[WorldWatcher]

I guess they goofed when they gave him the Homer Award, 6 times.



I guess the guy goofed also.


Monday - Go home, no buttons

Tuesday - Go home, no buttons

Wednesday - Go home, no buttons

Thrusday - Go home, no buttons

Friday - Go home, no buttons

Saturday - Go home, no buttons, don't come back




>>>>

[Marleysdaddy]

I guess they goofed when they gave him the Homer Award, 6 times.
ummm, it's not as prestigious as you think

In 2008, over 410,000 Homer awards were given by Home Depot.
http://corporate.homedepot.com/en_US/Corporate/Public_Relations/Online_Press_Kit/Docs/Associates_factsheet.pdf
I would imagine being a reliable, neat and tidy, respectful employee who occasionally searches out a customer to help them find something gets you a Homer Award each month.

It wasn't a firm policy, it wasn't an enforced policy. It became an issue when he brought the Bible to work. Before the Bible, the policy wasn't enforced. After the Bible, the policy was enforced. Bad management all the way around.
Yes, but that's moot - Home Depot could have had a policy which allowed him to wear the button for the first 15 months, changed the dress code to exclude buttons, asked him to remove it, and terminated him for refusing to do so.

He was an at-will employee working for an at-will employer - they are not obligated in ANY way to keep him employed, and he is not obligated in ANY way to continue working for Home Depot.

[Abe]

Those are all organizations which one is freely allowed to join or not. Not so with China.

But it is so with HD, so it it isn't like China... what's the point again?

[Koushi Shinigami]

But it is so with HD, so it it isn't like China... what's the point again?

That you can buy china at Home Depot.

[CID_0687]

You are forgetting the fact that he has an excellent work history with the store, for over one and a half years. You are forgetting that he received the store's highest honors. You are forgetting that the store management approved of his button for 19 straight months. You are forgetting that the problem began when he brought his Bible with him to work.
I had an excellent work history with Winn Dixie when I got sent home for wearing jeans instead of dress pants. I had been there nearly two years and never called in or had any other disciplinary actions against me. Retailers take their dress code policies seriously. Just because one manager let it slip by, doesn't mean the others will.

And as far as, this didn't happen until he brought his Bible to work...How do we know that's really the case?

[Abe]

In 1945 it wasn't :think:

And one technicality...it isn't the "The Pledge Of Allegiance To The United States Of America"...the Pledge is to the Flag of the United States of America :flag:

"...and to the republic for which it stands..."

[Koushi Shinigami]

Thanks Meriweather, I appreciate that, but I am mostly done with this thread. <snip>

http://i379.photobucket.com/albums/oo240/koushishinigami/orly.jpg


You have 22 posts in this thread following this one.

[Abe]

That you can buy china at Home Depot.

(Made in China?)

[Koushi Shinigami]

(Made in China?)

Probably. I'd imagine that HD carries china made in China.

[whitesands53]

**shrug** I guess if God is not welcome there, neither am I.

[Marleysdaddy]

"...and to the republic for which it stands..."

pish-posh :razz:

[Marleysdaddy]

**shrug** I guess if God is not welcome there, neither am I.

your god is welcome there...buttons on employees' uniforms are not.

[Drawz]

....a tempest in a teapot.

...a story full of sound and fury, signifying nothing.

[RayMan]

pretty much, yeah.

[Abe]

pish-posh :razz:

:eek:

[Clintville]

Uh Huh, yeah, about those rule breakers. Those who dared to sit at a lunch counter where it was not allowed, those who sat in the wrong seat on a bus, oh yeah, rule breakers.:rolleyes: God Bless the "rule breakers", who have the courage to stand up against oppression. "One Nation, Under God" is a direct quote from The Pledge Of Allegiance To The United States Of America, and as such, is something EVERY American has a right to profess anywhere and everywhere they wish to express it.
Oh god, you aren't actually comparing a system where people were not allowed to go in the same restaurant to a dress code? Because that is extra weak.

[Clintville]

This is the pin he wore:

http://www.wptv.com/media/lib/90/0/a/1/0a15ff31-3bed-44da-b363-cc0ffda09288/Story.jpg
If it said Allah Akbar, would you be defending him? Hell, if it said anything at all besides something having to do with "God and Country" would this even be news?

[RayMan]

pish-posh :razz:

Actually the phrase is pish tosh, unless you are referencing Beckam's wife. :mrgreen:

[RayMan]

Oh god, you aren't actually comparing a system where people were not allowed to go in the same restaurant to a dress code? Because that is extra weak.

This is getting to be so embarrassing.

[Clintville]

And that is exactly what the ungodly want, to leave out anything that gives God any glory.
Not to get on a tangent, but you do know that the Pledge originally did not have "under God" in it. It was the "godly" that changed it.

[Clintville]

"Mean People Suck" is not a part of the Pledge Of Allegiance To The Flag.
It as just as much protected by the First Amendment.

[Clintville]

China comes to mind.
No, a company deciding its own policies is very capitalist.

[Clintville]

The Pledge Of Allegiance says "Under God", and I'm so glad it does. It is an admission of submission to a power greater than the Fed. Gov., a power greater than men who rule. I would think that you could appreciate a country that admits we are not all knowing, that only God is all knowing, and that we are mere humans.
We are a secular state, not a theocracy. We were not founded on Christianity, or any religion.

[Theranna]

I wonder what reactions would be if the button read: proudly wiccan or gay and proud or Satan is my God with a flag background. Would people be as incensed?

[Clintville]

My point is that the American people shouldn't be penalized when they quote the Pledge To The Flag.
They aren't. Just those at Home Depot that don't follow the dress code.

[CID_0687]

I wonder what reactions would be if the button read: proudly wiccan or gay and proud or Satan is my God with a flag background. Would people be as incensed?
Yeah, but they'd all be liberals, nobody listens to them anyway. :whistle:

[Dancer]

I wonder what reactions would be if the button read: proudly wiccan or gay and proud or Satan is my God with a flag background. Would people be as incensed?Just taking a moment to point out the number of God fearing, God loving people supporting the position of Home Depot in this thread...

[BillBrown]

It as just as much protected by the First Amendment.

None of this is protected by the 1st amendment.
Home Depot is a private company.
The 1st amendment protects us from the government.

[Drawz]

Or attention whoring, christofascist that push agenda and don't give a damn about rules......

Wow.

[Andrew_980]

Wow.

i am sick of the martyr complex or feeling that they do not need to follow rules.
i have heard enough.

[Theranna]

i am sick of the martyr complex or feeling that they do not need to follow rules.
i have heard enough.

I hear you... I wouldn't have said it quite that way but I hear you.

[terri910]

I hear you... I wouldn't have said it quite that way but I hear you.
I don't think it was necessary to say it in response to Dancer's post, either.

Can anyone, including Andrew, deny that plenty of God fearing, God-loving believers have supported Home Depot on this issue?

[captusa]

In 1945 it wasn't :think:

And one technicality...it isn't the "The Pledge Of Allegiance To The United States Of America"...the Pledge is to the Flag of the United States of America :flag:

Pledging allegiance to a graven image is influencing citizens to believe one must violate the 2nd Commandment.

[Sketch]

The guy should get a tattoo - case closed

[Marleysdaddy]

:eek:

Don't freak out on me Abe. I was just giving you a hard time for correcting me ;)

[captusa]

It's not an infringment on religion, it's an infringment on quoting The Pledge To The Flag. It would be similar to preventing someone from quoting the Constitution.

If I asked an employee at Home Depot where the screwdrivers were and he replied:
We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Article I - The Legislative Branch Note
Section 1 - The Legislature

All legislative Powers herein granted shall be vested in a Congress of the United States, which shall consist of a Senate and House of Representatives.

Section 2 - The House

The House of Representatives shall be composed of Members chosen every second Year by the People of the several States, and the Electors in each State shall have the Qualifications requisite for Electors of the most numerous Branch of the State Legislature.

No Person shall be a Representative who shall not have attained to the Age of twenty five Years, and been seven Years a Citizen of the United States, and who shall not, when elected, be an Inhabitant of that State in which he shall be chosen.

(Representatives and direct Taxes shall be apportioned among the several States which may be included within this Union, according to their respective Numbers, which shall be determined by adding to the whole Number of free Persons, including those bound to Service for a Term of Years, and excluding Indians not taxed, three fifths of all other Persons.) (The previous sentence in parentheses was modified by the 14th Amendment, section 2.) The actual Enumeration shall be made within three Years after the first Meeting of the Congress of the United States, and within every subsequent Term of ten Years, in such Manner as they shall by Law direct. The Number of Representatives shall not exceed one for every thirty Thousand, but each State shall have at Least one Representative; and until such enumeration shall be made, the State of New Hampshire shall be entitled to chuse three, Massachusetts eight, Rhode Island and Providence Plantations one, Connecticut five, New York six, New Jersey four, Pennsylvania eight, Delaware one, Maryland six, Virginia ten, North Carolina five, South Carolina five and Georgia three.

When vacancies happen in the Representation from any State, the Executive Authority thereof shall issue Writs of Election to fill such Vacancies.

The House of Representatives shall chuse their Speaker and other Officers; and shall have the sole Power of Impeachment.

Section 3 - The Senate

The Senate of the United States shall be composed of two Senators from each State, (chosen by the Legislature thereof,) (The preceding words in parentheses superseded by 17th Amendment, section 1.) for six Years; and each Senator shall have one Vote.

Immediately after they shall be assembled in Consequence of the first Election, they shall be divided as equally as may be into three Classes. The Seats of the Senators of the first Class shall be vacated at the Expiration of the second Year, of the second Class at the Expiration of the fourth Year, and of the third Class at the Expiration of the sixth Year, so that one third may be chosen every second Year; (and if Vacancies happen by Resignation, or otherwise, during the Recess of the Legislature of any State, th.......
do you believe the store manager might consider your work unsatisfactory?

[RayMan]

If I asked an employee at Home Depot where the screwdrivers were and he replied:

do you believe the store manager might consider your work unsatisfactory?

In this hypothetical, is the employee sharing all this with you as he is walking you over to the Tool aisle?

[Clintville]

None of this is protected by the 1st amendment.
Home Depot is a private company.
The 1st amendment protects us from the government.
I know. I was saying that the two phrases are the same legally.

[WhiteHatBobby]

This is interesting. Of course, rival Lowe's, based in Iredell County, North Carolina, has supported the troops, supporting the country, and even having Jimmie Johnson's car painted with a patriotic livery for selected races.

[lucky]

An employee at Home Depot, who apparently won six performance (Homer) awards for excellent service, was fired simply for wearing a button that read "One Nation, Under God."

The terminated employee, Trevor Keezer, says he wore the button as a means of supporting US troops and demonstrating pride in his Christian faith.

It appears the massive corporate chain took exception to the idea of associating God with country. . .



Time for a boycott?

Here is my delima with the situation. It is a company policy that states a person is not allowed to add to their uniform with buttons and such, regardless of content, however. The US Government is not allowed to:

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.

Yet, companies are establishing rules that restrict the indiviual from being allowed to express their religious beliefs. I understand that it was against company policy to wear a button that might offend someone and detour customers from comming back, on the other hand. It was not a button that told someone to @!#$ off or go to hell because my child beat up you honor student. It was a patriotic symbol with religious suggestions. In our fight against terrorism I have seen soldiers lift their heads proud over such buttons and for any company to cherrypick, like Home Depot, is a disgrace against the American way of life that gives individuals the rights to express their faith and patriotism in many ways.

[WorldWatcher]

Here is my delima with the situation. It is a company policy that states a person is not allowed to add to their uniform with buttons and such, regardless of content, however. The US Government is not allowed to:

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.


Just so ya know, since the 14th Amendment that has applied to all levels of government, but of course in this case we are discussion a private company.


Yet, companies are establishing rules that restrict the indiviual from being allowed to express their religious beliefs.


No, companies are establishing policies about conduct at work, in no way are individuals not allowed to express their religious beliefs when not at work. Frankly when I go to Home Depot (or Lowes) to buy DIY stuff, I don't see how religion plays any part of that purchase.

If you don't agree with that policy, I have not issue with that and can understand whole-heartedly. As a consume contact Home Depots corporate headquarters, express you displeasure. If you feel strongly enough about it I support your right as a consumer not to shop at Home Depot in the future.



I understand that it was against company policy to wear a button that might offend someone and detour customers from comming back, on the other hand.


No that's not what the company spokesman said the policy states, the policy has nothing to do with anything that "might offend someone" it states that NO BUTTONS except those provided by the company are allowed. What is on the buttons is irrelevant.


It was not a button that told someone to @!#$ off or go to hell because my child beat up you honor student. It was a patriotic symbol with religious suggestions. In our fight against terrorism I have seen soldiers lift their heads proud over such buttons and for any company to cherrypick, like Home Depot, is a disgrace against the American way of life that gives individuals the rights to express their faith and patriotism in many ways.


It's a private company and they can maintain internal policies as they see fit. If you support smaller less intrusive government you support that. If you don't and want the government to step in, then you asking for bigger government in areas you agree with. But once that precedent of bigger intrusive government exists don't be surprised when other groups use that same precedent to force companies to allow buttons that you (the royal "you" here not specifically you) might not agree with such as "Undocumented Immigrants - Liberty and Justice for All".

Now I would support Home Depot modifying their policy to allow individualize pins that are not offensive, however now you get into judgment calls as to "what exactly is offensive" (and please don't bother throwing out extreme examples). Some customers may find that any religious references are offensive, some customers might find that religious buttons for their own religion are "A-OK" but find any other religious viewpoint offensive. Some customers might find buttons legalizing marijuana as okey-dokey and other might not. In a situation like this it is much easier from a management standpoint to say "OK, we'll fix this NO BUTTONS unless I give it to you". Take the ambiguity out of the situation.



>>>>

[captusa]

Uh Huh, yeah, about those rule breakers. Those who dared to sit at a lunch counter where it was not allowed, those who sat in the wrong seat on a bus, oh yeah, rule breakers.:rolleyes: God Bless the "rule breakers", who have the courage to stand up against oppression. "One Nation, Under God" is a direct quote from The Pledge Of Allegiance To The United States Of America, and as such, is something EVERY American has a right to profess anywhere and everywhere they wish to express it.

The lunch counter sitters accepted arrest and danger of being assaulted for breaking those rules.
If a person believes it is worth the expressed penalty for violating a rule he shouldn't whine when he is penalized.

[Theranna]

This is interesting. Of course, rival Lowe's, based in Iredell County, North Carolina, has supported the troops, supporting the country, and even having Jimmie Johnson's car painted with a patriotic livery for selected races.

Huh?

[captusa]

Originally Posted by HeyJude
........... God Bless the "rule breakers", who have the courage to stand up against oppression.
Not being allowed to wear a button at work hardly qualifies as oppression.


"One Nation, Under God" is a direct quote from The Pledge Of Allegiance To The United States Of America, and as such, is something EVERY American has a right to profess anywhere and everywhere they wish to express it.

Of course the ADDITION of "Under God" to a pledge that is delivered daily in public schools is a violation of the 1st Amendment in that it has a coersive effect of implying to a captive audience of minors that to be a loyal citizen of this country they owe allegence to a monotheistic Deity.
BTW A NYS Supreme Court judge that was a friend of my family ruled that the addition was acceptable back in the 50s.
I disagreed with him then(I was in my teens) and still do.

[Marleysdaddy]

Not being allowed to wear a button at work hardly qualifies as oppression.


Ah but Capt, you forget, to some people (who have never actually been oppressed) almost anything counts as oppression

[Dancer]

Ah but Capt, you forget, to some people (who have never actually been oppressed) almost anything counts as oppressionEh. While I don't consider it the level of oppression of say, Kim Jung Il running over Christians with steamrollers and hearing the skulls pop, if there is one set of rules for some people and a different set of rules for others, it would be oppression. As it is, it doesn't rise to the level of oppression so long as the policy is uniform (meaning the same policy for everyone in the company).

[captusa]

Eh. While I don't consider it the level of oppression of say, Kim Jung Il running over Christians with steamrollers and hearing the skulls pop, if there is one set of rules for some people and a different set of rules for others, it would be oppression. As it is, it doesn't rise to the level of oppression so long as the policy is uniform (meaning the same policy for everyone in the company).

The original complaint was about a Home Depot employee who believed the company ban on wearing buttons did't apply to him.

[Dancer]

The original complaint was about a Home Depot employee who believed the company ban on wearing buttons did't apply to him.An employee who had been allowed to wear the button for the previous 18 months.

If OTHERS are allowed to wear personal buttons and he is the ONLY one not allowed to wear a personal button, then (repeat previous post here).

[Abe]

Pledging allegiance to a graven image is influencing citizens to believe one must violate the 2nd Commandment.

And I mention, again, that it also says, "...and to the republic for which it stands".

[Abe]

Don't freak out on me Abe. I was just giving you a hard time for correcting me ;)

:(( Thank you, dad. I feel better now. (sigh)

[Abe]

Ah but Capt, you forget, to some people (who have never actually been oppressed) almost anything counts as oppression

I felt oppressed earlier today, when I had to stop at a red light. They were abusing my freedom to drive where I will...:((

[DLaw911]

An employee at Home Depot, who apparently won six performance (Homer) awards for excellent service, was fired simply for wearing a button that read "One Nation, Under God."

The terminated employee, Trevor Keezer, says he wore the button as a means of supporting US troops and demonstrating pride in his Christian faith.

It appears the massive corporate chain took exception to the idea of associating God with country. . .

Time for a boycott?So you don't think Home Depot has a right to limit MESSAGE buttons that people wear. How about, "I hate God!" or "I support legalizing drugs", or "Allah is MY God" or "There is no god" or "I'm a proud athiest." Home Depot has a rule, the employee knew it, he disobeyed it, and he's out. Had I been in charge I also would have fired him.

EDIT TO ADD: And an employee was wearing a rainbow flag, FIRE him too!

[pdmike]

How would y'all feel about a Home Depot employee getting fired for wearing a button that said: "There Is NO God!!!"

(Edit Note: Honest, DLaw, I had not read your post before putting mine up here. Great minds, I guess . . . )

[Clintville]

Eh. While I don't consider it the level of oppression of say, Kim Jung Il running over Christians with steamrollers and hearing the skulls pop, if there is one set of rules for some people and a different set of rules for others, it would be oppression. As it is, it doesn't rise to the level of oppression so long as the policy is uniform (meaning the same policy for everyone in the company).
The same policy does apply to everyone.

[Theranna]

An employee who had been allowed to wear the button for the previous 18 months.

If OTHERS are allowed to wear personal buttons and he is the ONLY one not allowed to wear a personal button, then (repeat previous post here).

For which his boss should be penalized as well. He allowed the bad behavior BUT there are no mention of other employees, nor should there be because he personally got six warnings he CHOSE to ignore.

[drylok]

Home Depot spokesman Craig Fishel said he could not comment specifically on Keezer's termination but said, “The company’s dress code policy states that we do not allow non-company buttons, regardless of their message or content.” Fox News Link (http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,569635,00.html)



>>>>

Well then I'm boycotting them for that.

[blackmesa741]

Uh Huh, yeah, about those rule breakers. Those who dared to sit at a lunch counter where it was not allowed, those who sat in the wrong seat on a bus, oh yeah, rule breakers.:rolleyes: God Bless the "rule breakers", who have the courage to stand up against oppression. "One Nation, Under God" is a direct quote from The Pledge Of Allegiance To The United States Of America, and as such, is something EVERY American has a right to profess anywhere and everywhere they wish to express it.

One small difference....the 'right' to wear a patriotic pin on your employer's proprietary uniform is not a civil right.

Just because some words appear in the Pledge to the Flag (which was written by a socialist, no less), that does NOT mean you have the right to "profess" it whenever you want at your employer's place of business.

[blackmesa741]

And if they had been employed by the bus company/drug store, then what? They would not, as employee's, not had a right to stand up for what they believe? So if Rosa Parks had been a bus Co. employee, she should have gone to the back of the bus, because she was an employee?




A company that restricts a persons ability to recite The Pledge has gone way beyond what any employer has any right to do.

You're joking, right? So does a talk show corporation have the right to fire a talk show host who does nothing but recite the pledge to the flage for 3 hours?

[blackmesa741]

"Keezer says for 19 months, ever since he started working as a cashier at The Home Depot in Okeechobee, he's worn a button with an American flag on it that reads: "One nation under God, indivisible."



I tried that with a cop once. I told him "I speed here all the time and never got pulled over..."

I still got a ticket.

[HeyJude]

Here's a local news video that tells the story along with an idea of the kind of town Okeechobee is, a very religious and rural area.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UrEkyMi-siM&feature=related

[DLaw911]

how would y'all feel about a home depot employee getting fired for wearing a button that said: "there is no god!!!"

(edit note: Honest, dlaw, i had not read your post before putting mine up here. Great minds, i guess . . . )No question about it!

[Theranna]

Here's a local news video that tells the story along with an idea of the kind of town Okeechobee is, a very religious and rural area.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UrEkyMi-siM&feature=related

Companies don't change uniform rules depending on each town they open in. The cool thing about big stores like HD and Lowe's and Wally, etc... is that you can find your way around them with ease whether you're in Montreal, Okeechobee, where my aunt lives, in Harlem or in the Village. They want to duplicate the customer experience as much as they can to keep people comfortable. That's how business works. And you know what, religion is best kept out of business.

[nortman]

I'll save my condemnation of the BORG store for now. They have a dress code and if it was violated, he deserved to be terminated. It's an unfortunate situation. But they have a business to run and if you can't follow the rules, you shouldn't be working there.




*BORG = Big Orange Retail Giant.

[HeyJude]

Companies don't change uniform rules depending on each town they open in. The cool thing about big stores like HD and Lowe's and Wally, etc... is that you can find your way around them with ease whether you're in Montreal, Okeechobee, where my aunt lives, in Harlem or in the Village. They want to duplicate the customer experience as much as they can to keep people comfortable. That's how business works. And you know what, religion is best kept out of business.

The people of Okeechobee get the last word on this story, not you, not me, and not Home Depot.

[nortman]

The people of Okeechobee get the last word on this story, not you, not me, and not Home Depot.

Very true.

[putputpanorama]

I cant do it.

They got by far the best price on sheetrock.

Anybody like to do sheetrock?

The pays not great.

But the beers on me!

[captusa]

And I mention, again, that it also says, "...and to the republic for which it stands".

You mean allegence to a republic cancels out allegance to a graven image!!!!!!!

[gdoane]

So you don't think Home Depot has a right to limit MESSAGE buttons that people wear. How about, "I hate God!" or "I support legalizing drugs", or "Allah is MY God" or "There is no god" or "I'm a proud athiest." Home Depot has a rule, the employee knew it, he disobeyed it, and he's out. Had I been in charge I also would have fired him.

EDIT TO ADD: And an employee was wearing a rainbow flag, FIRE him too!

Dammit, I'm supposed to disagree with you and then you go and say something sensible like that.

I live in Arizona, a right-to-work State and if an employer says g'bye it's goodbye. Their store, their policies. Fair enough.

[HeyJude]

I cant do it.

They got by far the best price on sheetrock.

Anybody like to do sheetrock?

The pays not great.

But the beers on me!

hey......pssst....isat you barry behind that mask?:lol:

[DLaw911]

Dammit, I'm supposed to disagree with you and then you go and say something sensible like that.

I live in Arizona, a right-to-work State and if an employer says g'bye it's goodbye. Their store, their policies. Fair enough.Hey, we agree on guns too. I wish I could pack!

[gdoane]

Hey, we agree on guns too. I wish I could pack!

I go into courthouses (probably not quite as often as you) and it's been my experience that they're really funny about guns and knives and such in there. I took my toolbox thru security and I thought the guard was gonna have a heart attack when he had to sign off on a hacksaw and a razor knife and a torch. He kept asking "what do you need this stuff for? Who authorized this?"

I definitely don't pack a gun into courthouses. That would get me fired in a heartbeat. I can justify torches and power tools because I work on radio comms in high places and many times those places are on top of courthouse buildings but a gun would be a hard sell to make an excuse for needing on the job.

Normally, I pack a gun. Not in airports or courthouses though.

[Clintville]

The people of Okeechobee get the last word on this story, not you, not me, and not Home Depot.
No they don't.

[AutoRacer55]

The people of Okeechobee get the last word on this story, not you, not me, and not Home Depot.

If they had gotten the last word, he would still be working for Home Depot.

But alas...

[HeyJude]

No they don't.

uh, yes they do. They are free to take their "In God We Trust" dollars elsewhere. No one is forcing them to shop at HD. They can boycott the Okeechobee HD if they choose to, and that gives them the last word. Or, if they think this is all a bunch of hooey, they can give HD their money, if they choose to. Either way, the people have the last word.

[Sketch]

uh, yes they do. They are free to take their "In God We Trust" dollars elsewhere. No one is forcing them to shop at HD. They can boycott the Okeechobee HD if they choose to, and that gives them the last word. Or, if they think this is all a bunch of hooey, they can give HD their money, if they choose to. Either way, the people have the last word.

"´In God We Trust.´ It is the choicest compliment that has ever been paid us, and the most gratifying to our feelings. It is simple, direct, gracefully phrased; it always sounds well -- In God We Trust. I don´t believe it would sound any better if it were true."

Mark Twain

[EnchantedFrog]

In today's less-than-robust job market, there were probably 80 people lined up waiting to put in an application to fill the guy's position. He committed employment suicide by bucking a company policy.

[Clintville]

uh, yes they do. They are free to take their "In God We Trust" dollars elsewhere. No one is forcing them to shop at HD. They can boycott the Okeechobee HD if they choose to, and that gives them the last word. Or, if they think this is all a bunch of hooey, they can give HD their money, if they choose to. Either way, the people have the last word.
I meant that it is Home Depot's policy. If they want to get ****ed off because they think Christians should get better treatment that is there right.

[Andrew_980]

Hey i need to appologise for that last outburst, haven't been on since, was just having a crappy day and got a bit caried away

[barik]

Time for a boycott?

The Nazi's had flair, they made the Jews wear them.

[angelicmadrigal]

The young man certainly has the right to wear that pin whenever and wherever he wishes. However, along with that right does come the responsibility to accept the consequences if personal pins are against a company policy.

We have a winner!

[ogibillm]

uh, yes they do. They are free to take their "In God We Trust" dollars elsewhere. No one is forcing them to shop at HD. They can boycott the Okeechobee HD if they choose to, and that gives them the last word. Or, if they think this is all a bunch of hooey, they can give HD their money, if they choose to. Either way, the people have the last word.

is it really your contention that it was okay for this guy to break company policy because you agree with his message?