Opinions in community differ about judge's ouster

From national television coverage to talk radio, Alabama Chief Justice Roy Moore's ouster Thursday sparked lively discussion across the country.

Shoals residents weren't any different. Of a group of a dozen or so people the TimesDaily randomly polled, opinions strongly sided with Moore.

Faye Keeton, of Lexington, and her 18-year-old son, Michael, also watched television coverage Thursday morning of Moore's removal.

"The Ten Commandments monument is not hurting anyone; it's the principles America was founded on," Faye Keeton said.

Michael Keeton called the decision unjust.

"You might as well remove the constitution," he said.

Of the people the TimesDaily talked to Thursday, the Keetons weren't alone in disagreeing with the ruling.

Lakechia Decatur, of Florence, said she disagreed because, "Judge Moore was just standing up for what he believed in.

"I felt like he was a friend in Alabama's courts. Alabama has lost a chief justice who was for the people."

Alma Snoddy, of Rogersville, said she waited, glued to her television set, for the verdict. She didn't like what she heard.

"It was unjust," she said. "He shouldn't have been removed and I was hoping and praying they wouldn't do it. There's no justice at all in their decision."

Larry Decatur, of Florence, called the decision terrible.

"The man was just standing on his beliefs. We say we're Christians, yet we remove the Ten Commandments," Decatur said with a questioning tone. "Well, that's not standing on God's word. At least Roy Moore stood strong."

Some supporters credited Moore for not changing his stance on an issue that not only helped him climb Alabama's political ladder but also contributed to his downfall.

Colbert Heights resident Nell Montgomery said she admires Moore's religious convictions.

"He meant to do well," said Montgomery, who said she expected his removal. "He is a godly person who was standing up for our Lord."

Ted Vafeas, pastor of Highland Park Baptist Church in Muscle Shoals, said he supported Moore, but more importantly his concern was in the display of the Ten Commandments.

"I don't put my trust in man because he'll ultimately fail," Vafeas said. "I was standing up for the principle of the Ten Commandments as the cornerstone of our government."

For others, the decision leaves more questions unanswered about the issue of separation of church and state.

Tuscumbia resident Bob Belue said he supports Moore but not necessarily his approach.

"This is another domino falling for separating religion from public life," Belue said.

Another Tuscumbia resident, Lola Crews, said there's a duality that exists in the Moore decision. She said she would have preferred if Moore had stayed in power.

She said elected officials often swear an oath on a Bible before taking office. Religious themes are common in government, like money minted with "in God we trust" motto, she added.

"It's controversial," Crews said. "Where are we heading?"

Regardless of Moore's stance, Florence resident Amanda Murray, 25, said the bottom line was the judge didn't uphold the law.

"It's not appropriate to have someone in a position of authority who cannot follow the law himself," Murray said.

Bill Brown, of Florence, said he whole-heartedly agreed with the decision to remove Moore from the bench.

"It was the right decision, the only decision they could make," he said. "Moore didn't follow an order and he put himself in a position above the law. No one's above the law."

Emilio Sahurie can be reached at 740-5803 or emilio.sahurie@-timesdaily.com.