Anti-Separationist Billboards Placed In Two Florida Counties

In Pinellas and Hillsborough counties in Florida, Christian activist Terry Kemple, head of the Community Issues Council, with financial support from retired businessman Gregg Smith, is sponsoring ten billboards attacking the notion of separation of church and state. The St. Petersburg (FL) Times on Tuesday reported that the billboards feature quotes from historical figures such as John Adams, James Madison and Benjamin Franklin, and others that are apparently inaccurately attributed to George Washington. The quotations stress religious foundations in American history. Kemple explained his motivation: "The fact is, for the last 40 years, as anti-God activists have incrementally removed the recognition of God's place in the establishment of our country, we have gone downhill." American United's blog yesterday carried a strong critique of the billboard project.