Home Depot employee fired for wearing “under God” flag button
October 23rd, 2009 by TCPalm.comOKEECHOBEE — Trevor Keezer didn’t start working at The Home Depot to make a religious statement. He just wanted to earn money for college.
“I want to go to school to become a nurse,” said the 20-year-old Okeechobee resident.
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.”
Keezer sees the quotation, taken from the pledge of allegiance, as his way of supporting American troops at war, and of expressing his Christian faith.
In December, his older brother Army Spc. Steven Keezer Jr., is scheduled to deploy to Iraq for his second tour of duty.
For more than 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. So they sent me home for six straight days without pay. And then today they terminated me,” he said.
Craig Fishel, a spokesman for The Home Depot, said he could not comment on specific personnel issues, but added, “The company’s dress code policy states that we do not allow noncompany buttons, regardless of their message or content.”
Fishel says Home Depot has a “proud history” of supporting the military, and that it sanctions several of its own buttons for employees to wear, including one that reads: “United We Stand.”
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.”
Fishel says the company gives employees several warnings when they violate the dress policy before terminating them.
But Keezer says, “It never crossed my mind to take off the button because I’m standing for something that’s bigger than I am. They kept telling me the severity of what you’re doing and I just let God be in control and went with His plan.”
Keezer says he was a model employee at Home Depot and he liked his job.
“I was cashier of the month and I’ve won six ‘Homer’ awards — that’s the highest award you can get at Home Depot.”
Keezer has the support of his family. “I’m so proud of him,” said his mother, Francine.
Local business owners are rallying to his cause, too.
Jim McCoin, owner of Cowboy’s Barbecue and Steak Co., said, “Amen. I am proud of him. If you can’t stand for what you believe in, then why be there.”
McCoin says he’d like to order some of the “One nation under God” buttons for the employees of his two local restaurants.
As for Keezer, he says he didn’t set out to make a religious statement, but now that he has, he believes he’s done the right thing.
“I want to be a voice for the rest of the Christians and for the citizens of this country to stand up for the country. You know, quit being told to sit down. Say what you want to say and don’t be afraid of the consequences,” he said.
Tags: American flag, button, Home Depot, Trevor Keezer
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October 23rd, 2009 at 8:34 pm
Funny-I believe Home Depot takes all American currency that says in God We Trust -sounds like an old fashioned non violent boycott of Home Depot is in order-pass it on!!
October 23rd, 2009 at 8:57 pm
Dang it all. Arthur Blank owns Home Depot and the Atlanta Falcons. If this causes a nation-wide boycott and H.D. goes out of business, how is he gonna pay Matt Ryan? I say hire the kid back and let him wear anything he wants. I’m callin Arthur. We finally get a decent QB and a chance to have back-to-back winning seasons for the first time, and now this. Dadgummit.
October 23rd, 2009 at 9:04 pm
I don’t know if he has a case…but I hope he can make something out of it, this country has been going in decline so fast and so sadly.
October 23rd, 2009 at 9:06 pm
The problem is that if they let him wear that then the next one that wants to wear “May Allah bless the rebels” or “death to the infidels” and they aren’t allowed to, they will have grounds to sue (and you know there are planty of [lawyers] that would) and give the towel heads millions, which would ultimately come back from us, the consumer, to further their cause.
It’s a sad, sad, world we live in!
October 23rd, 2009 at 9:46 pm
Have the nimrods at home depot ever heard of the First Ammendment?
October 23rd, 2009 at 10:07 pm
Way to go Trevor Keezer…Stand for what you believe. We need more people in this sick world like you. !!! My hat’s off to you.
October 23rd, 2009 at 10:14 pm
I no fan of the big box stores like Home Depot but if you work for them or anyone else you have to follow their rules. Whether you agree with the kid or not you have to give him credit for sticking to his guns.
October 23rd, 2009 at 10:16 pm
This country is in trouble when a person is terminated for wearing a an innocuous symbol just because the words “under God” are on it. Are they going to ban the United States flag next because of what it stand for? I pray that this young man is compensated to such a degree that he doesn’t have to work to go to college. And the thing about it is I like shopping at home depot. Looks like it’s time that the wallet does the talking.
October 23rd, 2009 at 10:27 pm
I am done with scum depot….will never go there again. I will go out of my way to go to LOWES. God Bless America, In God We Trust.
October 23rd, 2009 at 10:49 pm
GOD BLESS YOU TREVOR, MORE PEOPLE NEED TO STAND UP FOR
“IN GOD WE TRUST”. ALONG WITH TARGET, HOME DEPOT IS NOW
ON MY ‘DO NOT SHOP THERE’ LIST.
October 23rd, 2009 at 10:58 pm
I just watched a few minutes of Jay Leno… all I could take. The band leader was wearing an Obama beret… is that proper on a public broadcasting station?
October 23rd, 2009 at 11:05 pm
He was probably fired for something else. Just like many others, displacing blame.
October 23rd, 2009 at 11:19 pm
As a former Marine, as of today, I also will no longer shop at the unpatriotic “Home Dumpo”. Just across the street from “Home Dumpo” is a Lowe’s on 441 and Southern Blvd in the West Palm Beach/Royal Palm Beach area. It is just as easy for me to turn left into Lowe’s as it “had been” to turn right into “Home Dumpo”
I hope more poeple boycott “Home Dumpo” because of the actions taken against Trevor and all others like him who stand up for what every American should beleive in.
“One nation under God”
October 23rd, 2009 at 11:35 pm
If he is not rehired, I will never step foot on HD ever again.
October 23rd, 2009 at 11:37 pm
Good! Fire his a**….
Why is it if his button preached about how delicious milk shakes were, or gave a 1-800 number on how to earn money from home! no one would give a crap about this guy. But he brings God into it and suddenly hes poor lil ol me and Home Depot is the boogeyman.
Your employer wants you to wear a required uniform. They pay your check, you agree to work for that check. What’s next? Scientolgy badges on Boy Scout uniforms? Jews For Jesus buttons on US military lapels?
You wanna ‘witness’ ? Do it on your own time and your on dime.
October 24th, 2009 at 12:01 am
Good; it’s work not a church. Keep your religion at home or in your church and out of my face.
October 24th, 2009 at 12:19 am
In response to #4, Fed Up… Allah - the infidels, etc., you’re right of course about the threat of lawsuits and the cost involved. But here’s the deal: This country’s roots and our culture were founded under “In God We Trust.” No one is dictated to about what to follow or what to believe in the way of religion, or how to define God. That is called freedom of religion in these UNITED States. As-a-matter-of-fact, one is even free to be an atheist, or an agnostic. It is totally up to you. But if one happens to not like this country’s culture, it’s roots, or our language, and our many freedoms are not enough to suit you, then I would suggest a simple remedy; that person can exercise their freedom to leave our country anytime they choose. So I suggest that anyone who complains about “In God We Trust” just move. Leave our UNITED States and move to whatever Godless snake pit has a culture which suits you better and QUIT BITCHIN’ ABOUT MY HOMELAND! Essentially, Home Depot stopped Trevor from wearing a button that honors our country’s culture and roots, while at the same time they promote sales of their products with counter brochures written in a foreign language. HD - your priorities are “bass-ackwards!”
October 24th, 2009 at 1:07 am
I doubt there would have been an issue if it had just been the American Flag, and I doubt there would have been an issue at all with the button he had on, he did say he wore it for a year (19 months), but he said he “started” bringing his bible to work a month ago and now there was an issue. There is more to this story then we’re getting, and I bet it has to do with him wanting to “save” everyone he came in contact with. Why would you bring your bible “into” work? They don’t pay you to read your bible, they don’t pay you to preach, leave it at home or in church and do the work you were hired to do. There we go media looking for a story where there isn’t one.
October 24th, 2009 at 1:57 am
First, “Biggie” is a moron. He needs to read & re-read “Fed Up More Than Fed UP Says”…..that’s the crux of it all. I’m fed up with our own citizens who’ve been brainwashed with all the “political correctness” until they’ve forgotten what this country is all about. Maybe Home Depot should quit taking money that says “In God We Trust”….what are you brainwashed people afraid of???? You need to learn the true history of this country or get out of it and move to a country where there are NO freedoms!!! Lowe’s is looking real good to me right now…..
October 24th, 2009 at 2:07 am
No sympathy here…he had 6 days to follow the company’s policy. And the supervisors that liked it don’t make company policy. God’s house of worship is a Church not a Home Depot.
October 24th, 2009 at 5:21 am
god is concept which measures are pain. millions have been killed in support of this concept. educated people are aware of this and don’t push it into the face of others; it’s called sensitivity. thank you home depot.
October 24th, 2009 at 5:27 am
My the MORONS are posting in full force today!!! Fact is, Home Depot has every right to enforce this dress code…If not, the next cashier will have his Qur’an to work, wearing his headress, the skinhead will want to wear his swastika chestpin, perhaps the Hare krishna guy will be wearing his robe while scanning your items….No people, it has to stop for if you allow one, you must allow everyone the same thing….And home depot has enough of their OWN pins for employees to wear, some of the workers look like 4 star generals with all the chestpins attached to their aprons…..
October 24th, 2009 at 6:26 am
Thank you Home Depot…time to put these religious zealots where they belong..Unemployed
October 24th, 2009 at 6:30 am
Whoever said they will be shopping at Loew’s? lol…same policy there too bro so take your religion and stick it up your ass.
October 24th, 2009 at 6:35 am
WELCOME TO LOWE’S.
October 24th, 2009 at 6:59 am
“McCoin says he’d like to order some of the ‘One nation under God’ buttons for the employees of his two local restaurants.” Is he going to force his employees to wear them if they don’t want to? Yes, there is freedom OF religion guaranteed by the constitution, but there is also freedom FROM religion. Seems too many people quickly forget that part of it.
October 24th, 2009 at 7:16 am
This is disgusting! I live in Ohio and we have a Home Depot right around the corner from my house. I will not shop there again. Thank God we have choice’s and mine is to let Home Depot wallow in self pitty when they go bankrupt.
October 24th, 2009 at 7:36 am
It is over for Home Depot. I, like many others will never shop there again. It would be great if Home Depot quit taking our money “In God We Trust.”
October 24th, 2009 at 7:42 am
I’m with you Trevor. Acts 1:8
October 24th, 2009 at 7:56 am
Well, let God give him a job somewhere else. What gives this moron the right to shove his religious opinions down our throats. As for you bozos, if he is rehired I will boycott Home Depot, and I spend many millions a year there!
October 24th, 2009 at 8:03 am
what a bunch of ignorant religious geeks.more people have died because of christian caused wars than any other religion ever!we are not a christian country period.just follow the rules.
October 24th, 2009 at 8:07 am
The Christians have clearly overstepped their bounderies.
Home Depot has every right to fire this right wing facist.
October 24th, 2009 at 8:10 am
Everyone is missing the point. In this country he can wear a Trust in God button or he can wear Satnic horns. Home Depot is wrong, wrong, wrong! Freedom of Speech rocks!
October 24th, 2009 at 8:19 am
This is wrong. I will boycott Home Depot.
THEY ACCEPT MONEY THAT SAYS “IN GOD WE TRUST”
October 24th, 2009 at 8:23 am
Go to any Home Depot and look at all the silly non company provided badges and trinkets they wear. What goes on is not what their policy states. He should file a suit against them and get all he can.
October 24th, 2009 at 8:24 am
JustMee. I really doubt that you spend millions there. Gice us a break.
October 24th, 2009 at 8:46 am
To the constitutional scholars posting about their “first amendment rights” and their “freedom of speech” - nothing in the first amendment guarantees the right to freedom of expression in a private establishment.
For those who say that Home Depot would similarly bar someone wearing a turban, or a yarmulke, etc - not possible. Those things are covered under religious freedom, and it would be a court case, probably, were one of those to be barred outright.
A religiously themed pin probably wouldn’t be considered in the same vein.
6 days to comply, and he let his religious beliefs guide him. Now, he is fired, and he might not even be eligible for unemployment due to the nature of his firing. Plus Home Depot pays well, and they support more AMERICAN OLYMPIC ATHLETES than any other company (with the notable exceptions of the big three or four athletic apparel companies).
If you - sorry, I meant to type “y’all” want to boycott something, how about religious fanaticism that interferes with following the company policies someone agreed to when they signed up to work?
No one cares what he does or wears when he is not at work. Comparing his button to something like a turban and making coments about Muslims, etc, is stupid and shows how ignorant many of you are about the basics of religions other than your own.
Florida: where intelligence goes to die.
October 24th, 2009 at 8:54 am
i am proud of this young man. i am proud of God being the over America (well, He was ). May we get it right. Thank God for folks like Trevor!
October 24th, 2009 at 8:55 am
God is proud of you
October 24th, 2009 at 9:21 am
This kid sounds like some religious extremist. I am glad Home Depot has the courage to enforce their rules without having to be influenced by these religious extremist. Don’t forget, radical Islam feeds on fanatical believes also. For all of those who support this kid, why don’t you just leave your religious believes where they belong instead of imposing them on others!
October 24th, 2009 at 9:21 am
Seriously people? It is about freedom of religion and freedom of speech. Remember our country was founded on people fleeing religous persecution! If this young man was allowed to wear his pin for all that time what was the problem? Taking a bible to work?!? Is he not allowed to read what he wants while on his lunch or breaks? God will bless this young man for sticking to his values and his faith. In my opinion, God has been taken out of way too many things in this country and you have seen the result! Way too many young people in this country are all about what can you do for me, are involved in crime, drugs etc. This young man and his brother are serving our country and our GOD in their actions and in taking responsibility for their lives. GOD BLESS YOU TREVOR!!!!
October 24th, 2009 at 9:35 am
I love the different opinions being posted. Is it possible that both are correct? REALLY!! It is only the greatest country in the world that allows such public speech. Freedom of speech applies to all. It is great we are permitted to disagree. There are some very good points on both sides. Perhaps the button should have read “In God Some of US Trust.” The WE in the slogan no longer applies, unfortunatly. After all, God is not interested in those who ignore Him. Lets let Him deal with all of this. Every one should stand up for what they believe and leave the other side alone. Then all this fuss would go away.
October 24th, 2009 at 9:49 am
I spend 10 k a year at Home Depot. If they dont hire this person back I will tear up the charge card and go to Lowes
October 24th, 2009 at 9:55 am
Now correct me if I’m wrong but isn’t this a violation of his first admendment right to free speech?
It seems to me that if he wanted and could afford to, he could find himself a lawyer to challenge this and ultimately take it to the supreme court!
October 24th, 2009 at 9:55 am
Good for the kid.
October 24th, 2009 at 10:00 am
I’m all for you Trevor, maybe Lowe’s will hire you and put a big banner of “One nation Under God, indivisible” across their storefront across the street..because without those troops our country would cease to exist, along with all the Home Depots…
October 24th, 2009 at 10:15 am
The assumptions and accusations on this page are astounding and are coming from both sides. It is impossible to take a poster seriously when they resort to 1st grade name calling.
Firstly, wearing a pin that says “Under God” is not preaching. Bringing a Bible to work is not wrong either. Now, if he were “shoving religion down his co-workers throats”, I can see why this would be a reason for concern. Merely reading the Bible at work is not.
Secondly, asking him to remove his unoffensive pin may have been like asking him to deny God. If someone asked me to remove my cross necklace or my Jesus fish tattoo, I absolutely would not because I will never back down from my spritual beliefs. One who is truly spiritual does not think “I’m only a Christian when I’m not at work” just like atheists and agnostics are not only non-believing when out of work. It’s part of who you are all the time.
Although work should not be a platform for your religious or political beliefs, just because you’re getting a paycheck doesn’t mean you should deny them.
His pin was non-violent and is quoting the Pledge of Allegiance. If his pin said “All non-believers burn in hell” that would be a different story because it’s cleary offensive. “Under God” is only stating he has a spiritual relationship with his maker. Why are people so threatened by this?
October 24th, 2009 at 10:26 am
If Mr. Keezer is not immediately reinstated, given his pay for the six days he was released and apologized to by HD management then, as of today (Oct 24th, 2009) all of my future home improvement purchases will be at Lowes in Stuart. This is my promise to Mr. Keezer.
October 24th, 2009 at 10:41 am
HOME DEPOT SHOULD BE ASHAMED OF THEMSELVES! WHAT IS THIS COUNTRY COMING TO? I CAN’T BELIEVE THAT THEY HAVE TO PICK ON SUCH PETTY THINGS. AFTER ALL, AS SAID ABOVE - THEY DO TAKE THE MONEY THAT SAYS IN GOD WE TRUST. ISN’T THAT A CONTRADICTION. IN MY OPINION, ALL YOU PEOPLE OUT THERE WHO TRY TO TAKE GOD OUT OF EVERTHING - YOU WILL EVENTUALLY MEET YOUR MAKER AND GET YOURS!!!!
October 24th, 2009 at 10:48 am
To the Fed Ups, You guys couldn’t be more correct. And the unfortunate fact that these lawyers would definitely take this case is sad to say the least. When can a multimillion or billion dollar company stand up and say that they WILL allow the under GOD pin and NO we will NOT allow the death to the infidels pin! Maybe the fact that one of these groups like to fly airplanes into are tallest buildings would be reason enough to ban that sort of thing?
This country was clearly built on one belief system, right from the start. Yes, you can believe in a different religion if you choose, yes in fact it is one of the reasons we are so great. But, I’m sorry, NO you can’t come to my country and change it and NO you can’t practice or advertise a religion that breeds hatred towards us. I know that islam is not supposed to be that way but unfortunately too many people that are part of it hate Americans. I don’t know of any other religion that has a group that believes in the opposite of what they preach and they still call themselves the same name. GOD is the only one that can help this country. I pray for all of us. UNDER HIM
October 24th, 2009 at 10:49 am
So many people are missing the point… His pin was quoting the Pledge of Allegiance — the mantra of our country. He wasn’t promoting his religion, he was promoting patriotism! What is wrong with that? If his pin quoted another line from the Pledge of Allegiance that did not include “God,” there would likely be no problem. Why can a young man not support his country and the beliefs it was founded on without being labeled as a “right wing facist??”
October 24th, 2009 at 11:36 am
“Political Correctness is a doctrine, fostered by a delusional, illogical minority, and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a turd by the clean end.”
“Political correctness is tyranny with manners.”
October 24th, 2009 at 11:42 am
You should all praise the Great Spaghetti Monster, the only true supreme being.
October 24th, 2009 at 12:32 pm
“Religion has convinced people that there’s an invisible man…living in the sky, who watches everything you do every minute of every day. And the invisible man has a list of ten specific things he doesn’t want you to do. And if you do any of these things, he will send you to a special place, of burning and fire and smoke and torture and anguish for you to live forever, and suffer and burn and scream until the end of time. But he loves you. He loves you and he needs money.”
George Carlin
October 24th, 2009 at 12:44 pm
If the pin held Trevor’s own words it would be one thing, but it’s presented as a patriotic quote from the Pledge of Allegiance. Unfortunately genuine patriotism in a democracy requires truth about the facts no matter how painful. The truth is that the 1954 congress inserted the phrase “under God” into the pledge NOT merely to acknowledge history and NOT merely as a meaningless act of “Ceremonial deism” as some supreme court justices call it. No, the 1954 congress made a religious statement about God and the purpose of contrasting the USA to atheist USSR was just the pretext to ignore the constitution at the time.
Individual faith is fine, but for congress to take a position on the subject is not.
I’d like to note we fought WWII without “under God” in the pledge, and things turned OK. Apparently, God did not object to our secular government during that conflict. The odd things is, if as some judges say “under God” is a theologically meaningless expression of “ceremonial deism”, then those meaningless words take His name in vain, which is a sin. But when Christians try to defend that phrase in the pledge in court, devoutly believing it is a reference to the Lord Almighty, they actually argue that “it’s just a nod to history” or “it’s just meaningless ceremonial deism”. That’s the sin called bearing false witness as well as a denial of the Lord.
Since we all know the phrase is about religion, and religion is about Truth, then Christians ought to joyfully agree to undo this deceit by removing those words from the pledge and instead pursuing an honest constitutional amendment to declare this a Christian nation. Of course that would mean an end to over 200 years of religious liberty. In another bizarre irony, Christians who wish to pass such an amendment here also tend to advocate our military actions overseas, whih in part are supposedly trying to teach religious liberty to the warring factions of Sunni Muslims and Shiite Muslims over there. Maybe we should learn to value religious liberty for all faiths - even the one’s that are not about God - here first, before trying to preach those values over there? Just a thought. NubisPertusus.wordpress.com
October 24th, 2009 at 12:47 pm
THIS STORY IS UPSETTING. FAITH IS SLOWLY DIMENISHING. THE POINT TO THIS STORY IS NOT THAT IT HAS GOD ON IT OR THAT HE HAS STRONG CHRISTIAN FAITH, THE POINT IS “WE ARE LIVING IN AMERICA….” OUR PLEDGE, IS OUR WAY OF STANDING BY OUR COUNTRY, WE HAVE HAVE FAITH IN OUR PEOPLE AND YES..UNITED WE STAND. NO MATTER IF THE WORD GOD IS IN IT, I FEEL THAT NO MATTER WHAT GOD YOU PRAY TO OR BELIEVE IN, HE IS STILL GOD. PAY ATTENTION PLEASE: “GOD” MEANING: INDESCRIBABLE, UNCREATED SELF EXSISTENT, ETERNAL ALL KNOWNING SOURCE OF ALL,THE OMNIPOTENT OMNISCIENT,ORIGINATOR, AND RULER OF THE “UVIVERSE”THE PRINCIPLE.
AND TO THOSE THAT MOVE HERE TO LIVE IN AMERICA, YOU SING TO OUR NATIONAL ANTHEM AND YOU SAY OUR PLEDGE. POINT BLANK. YOU CAN’T CHANGE WHAT WE PRAISED FOR MANY YEARS, YOU CAN’T CHANGE WHAT WE WERE MOST PROUD OF. OUR PLEDGE IS IMPORTANT TO OUR HISTORY AND OUR FUTURE, WE CHANGE IT OR THE WAY WE THINK OF IT, YOU DESTROY THE PRIDE THAT WAS INSTILED IN ALL OF US. WAKE UP AMERICANS AND STAND PROUD TO OUR PLEDGE,STOP GIVING EXCUSES OF WHY IT’S NOT SMART OR RIGHT TO WEAR GOD OR SAY IT IN OUR PLEDGE/FLAGS…..’under god, indivisible”
this boy needs a apology and his job back, he is one our younger generation that will make us all proud one day!!!!!!!!
October 24th, 2009 at 12:50 pm
We are ONE nation under God, founded on Christian principles and we must not willingly give up our constitutional rights. In Pakistan and other countries they do not recognize Chrisitan rights and are not allowed to express Christian beliefs or Triune God without fear of reprisals. WE, as Americans cannot allow our freedoms to be taken away. Thank God this young man is standing up for his faith and his rights!
October 24th, 2009 at 12:56 pm
What Trevor didn’t tell you is that the HR manager told him he COULD wear the pin on his shirt, just not on his apron. Come on Trevor, fess up and tell the truth. You are making HD out to be the bad guy here but we all know there is more to this story. And the sheeple are following blindly along assuming the worst of Home Depot.
October 24th, 2009 at 12:58 pm
so Mr. Dover, you laugh now but if you are living your life like there is no true GOD well sir when you die YOU better be right.
October 24th, 2009 at 1:09 pm
I guess I’ll be going to Lowe’s from this point on. Where my GOD is not welcomed, then I’m not welcomed. Hello Lowe’s, in Jesus name. Amen.
October 24th, 2009 at 1:26 pm
I just drove past Home Depot and the place is packed.
October 24th, 2009 at 1:31 pm
you have to stand for what you beleive in firing him for that is just wrong boycott home depot they suck
October 24th, 2009 at 1:37 pm
Why god not build his own Home Depot?
All sheep can wear pin then.
October 24th, 2009 at 1:49 pm
make a religous statement on your own time, NOT Home Depots.
October 24th, 2009 at 1:50 pm
make a religous statement on your own time NOT on Home Depots.
October 24th, 2009 at 1:58 pm
THERE IS NO GOD!GOD IS MONEY AND THE LARGE CORPORATIONS.
IF THERE WAS A GOD WHY DOES HE ALLOW ALL THE WARS AND MURDERING.WHAT DOES GOD THINK ABOUT SENDING PEOPLE(SOLDIERS) TO OTHER COUNTRIES TO KILL PEOPLE?
LEMMINGS!
October 24th, 2009 at 1:58 pm
The guy wore a pin that his employer said that he could not. Then he was fired. He knew the consequences and he not really complaining about that. So what’s the big deal? Also I bet that Lowe’s would do the same thing. Maybe some “Christians” like him should start a home improvement chain where only “Christians” work and shop.
October 24th, 2009 at 2:07 pm
It is not God that is having a problem with this it is humans, God has already told us this was going to happen and then he said, Turn the other check.
Be happy
October 24th, 2009 at 3:00 pm
If this is correct I will be canceling my Home Depot Credit Card and will not enter the store again.
October 24th, 2009 at 3:36 pm
Home Depot is a PRIVATE business and they have the right to not allow ANY religious statements to be worn by their employees.
If I worked at Home Depot and decided to wear a “Keep God out of the workplace” pin is that ok too??
By the way, all of you saying this country was “founded under god” needs a history lesson.
October 24th, 2009 at 3:55 pm
Guess Lowe’s biz will be picking up, eh?
I do plan on finding a similar pin, and walking around HD before going across the street to Lowe’s to do some shopping.
October 24th, 2009 at 4:18 pm
Another religiuos fanatic crying foul that his rights have been violated. Home Depot is a private company, and if it is their policy of not allowing religiuos statements, then this man has to comply with it or risk losing his job. He had to have done something way more serious in order to be sent home for six straight days. There is more to this story than what was reported
October 24th, 2009 at 4:43 pm
“in god we trust”first appeared on coins in the 1860’s.
made the official us motto in 1956.hmmmmm,who was the president then?eisenhower a republican.
my point is our founding fathers were not all christians.remember they left england because of religious persecution
KEEP YOUR FU****G RELIGION AT HOME!
October 24th, 2009 at 4:58 pm
firing this kid was a little extreme they should of tried suspending him first. It’s not about god or about country.It’s about following the rules that your employer informed you of upon your being hired. this was not a new policy and he knew about it when he recieved his employee handbook, now i don’t agree with it being a rule but it is what it is. i you want a job with a company like that you need to follow thier rules. and refusal to do so is grounds for termination
October 24th, 2009 at 6:07 pm
Our Judeo Christian heritage as Americans is and has been under assault, it’s that simple. Question, how many of you fly the American Flag on The 4th of July or Memorial Day or any other American holiday? Look at your neighborhood with Halloween about a week away. I see tons of Halloween junk on almost every house. Do you think some people have their priorities screwed up? I have an American Flag on my house and an American Flag sticker on my car. Wake up America!
October 24th, 2009 at 6:20 pm
I feel that Home Depot and this is from a personal first hand persecptive is going quickly down the wrong path. They are treating their employees more and more like slaves and less and less like the orignial owners wanted. The help in the stores is dimishing and the quality of the help is going so low that customers are speaking their voice. They act as though they have all the power when little do they know that it is the customers and the lower employees that actually build this company and keep it afloat and it is the same exact people who can take it down. Home Depot beware because now you have not just stepped on your employees toes but Gods and he is someone you don’t want to mess with!!!!!!!!!!!!!
October 25th, 2009 at 12:15 am
Way to go Trever, I worked at Home Depot for 10 years and watched them decline now I will never shop at Home depot again but I know god will take them out, besides Lowes is a much better Company Yes for Lowes.
October 25th, 2009 at 1:49 am
GOD Bless you Trevor, WE STAND WITH YOU!! I am going to boycott lone-depot
October 25th, 2009 at 2:02 pm
I’m shopping at Lowes or Ace Hardware but not Home Depot. I’ve cut up my home depot credit card and it goes in the mail tomorrow. For those of you that want to call HD corporate, their number is 404-771-4603 and the managers name that fired him is Meonie and she can be reached at 863-467-0292.
October 25th, 2009 at 2:11 pm
One other thing, I’m buying Lowes stock tomorrow. This thing will get bigger, once the churches get involved as I’m sure they will in their sermons today.
October 25th, 2009 at 5:03 pm
#57 Erika Rodriguez well said.
I do not feel that this “young person” should have been fired. He should have been warned first, & more understood in “his expression”. “Power to him” for working his own way toward a College Education! If he refused to comply with Managements request, then I feel Home Depot has the right, their right, to not “permit” their employee/s, such as (correct me if I’m wrong). Contradicting as this may sound, it seems we may be forgetting the rights (First Amendment)of Home Depot(?); however, Home Depot should not have done “the drastic” (shock & dismiss).
One example: Holiday Season, Public Places should display both: “Christ”mas Trees, The Mainger (sp) AND Hanuka Candles -We are a Christian Nation, with Beliefs or Faith
This “young person” wasn’t wearing or expressing an “Anti-Christ” (THAT) Symbol or Statement. THAT IS Offensive AND Disrespectful for and to our Country for which We stand!
Some-what off this article topic:
There is “the” First Amendment. There is also, or should be also “a” draw the line. We as individuals have a right to express our beliefs or express oneself, however many expressions should be kept private (behind closed doors). Otherwise, it seems or comes to: We as a Country are fighting “each other” within “our own” Country (Civil War).
Maybe the First Amendment should be “Amended”, inclusive to “drawing the line”, to which may or is offensive to others, in public, or damaging the reputation of a public place, or possibly bringing offense into peoples homes or Communities.
If one chooses “so called offense”, one can pay for it, as you can’t stop or control everyone (draw the line)!!! Todays (current) day and age, as you know it, before you know it, not only will you have our television shows-free and open in our living rooms; you’ll also have “easy access” to anything via computers (which is “steadily going forward “out of control”). Then down the road, you’ll have “such offense” knocking at your door, or in Our Communities.
Where’s Our Country headed??!!!
Draw the Line!!!
October 25th, 2009 at 6:47 pm
I have a few things to say, and while my opinion isn’t exactly needed seeing as how a few have already said (or thought) what I’m about to, but here it is in all it’s glory any how.
I’ve followed this since it started, hell I knew about it before the news did, and it’s been crap from day one.
Here Trevor is saying “don’t worry about the consequences” yet he’s obviously going to take it to the bank and cry about it for as long as he can, and when he gets sick of doing that he’ll unleash his batty mother on us again, she’s all roses and ribbons for the public while being a total shrew off camera, no?
God isn’t forcing your hand here, isn’t it God that wants us to turn the other cheek? Be at peace and not be a total nag?
I’m all for freedom of speech, religion, sexual orientation and anything else, it’s your life, live it. But my god kid, “It never crossed my mind…” Never? Not even when they spelled it out for you? God didn’t descend in all of his glory and whisper in your ear “don’t be a turd, take off the f*&^ing button!” Not once? Nothing? Wow.
Who ever said you have to wear your beliefs? It goes right along with “Going to church makes you better in gods eye” no, it’s simply not that way.
I bet he has bumper stickers on his car (or his mothers, she takes him to work?) because he’s one of those guys who thinks his opinion is so amazing and new and awesome that the entire world should know how he feels about god, sex, abortion, gays etc.
Speaking of gays, thank you for Gay bashing, Trevor. All is good in your world and you and your mother and all the other cracked out bible thumpers you have on your “team” yet don’t say the G-word.
Forgot to mention that? Or are we all supposed to pretend he’s this straight laced perfect little angle, despite what his mother believes, he is not, or at least not from my view and not how he’s been painted by the many folks blowing up my phone with more dirt on him.
I’m so tired of hearing about this.
How old is he again? Did his mother come to the Homo Depot on his lunch breaks and nurse him? Because he sure seems like a baby, no really.
I nurse a child, trust me, she bitches less then him and everyone involved.
I’m usually the type to sit back idly and let people make asses of themselves and in this case, he’s doing a bang-up job, but I couldn’t hold back any longer.
It’s a corporate company, you follow the rules just like everyone else, you’re not special, not even if God told you you are, you’re mother should of told you you’re special, as in short bus, not glorious.
And my god, if you don’t like the rules then leave, why make a big stink about everything? You’re not a woman being fondled by a manager or a full-time employee being screwed out of over time, you’re a kid, wanting to be a nurse yet working in a “manly” store getting jack-shit for pay, give it a rest.
Just think of all the work these poor people are doing for this crap instead of being out there solving real crimes and reporting real news.
I’m sure he’s happy it’s gotten picked up by so many people, but honestly? It’s an embarrassment and a reason I don’t watch the news.
Good luck in the future, we all know that once you blow the whistle on something this petty it should be pretty fun to recover.
And no, this isn’t coming from some anti-Christian a-hole, I wouldn’t want to see a Satanist wear a button, a rape survivor wear one, a KKK member or anyone else for that matter, again it’s a company policy, not a personal one to ruin this kids life.
I hate what this world is coming to, everyone is so eager to slap people with lawsuits and act like life is so rough, get a clue kid. Bend over and kiss your ass and thank the gods if this is the only “bad” thing to happen to you in life, honestly, you’re blessed that this is all that’s been “tragic” in your life, remember that.
Shake stuff on and learn from it, surely don’t hold onto something this pathetic and scream about it like some fat kid being limited at a candy store, good god.
So in a nut-shell, Trevor is an unemployed soon to be male nurse, gay bashing, pro-soldier, holy-roller, almost weaned and fully potty trained, slight anger issue with spurts of tantrums, still suffering from “only child syndrome” and a button fan, you rock Trevor, where were you before I found my husband? Oh the good times we could of had, in missionary of course.
Yours truly, the tattooed, funky haired, mother, wife, daughter, breastfeeding, hippy, pro-everything that doesn’t hurt another, anti-hunting (*GASP!*) privet Christian school teacher, I’m also a bisexual, what’s your mom up to these days? *wink*
October 26th, 2009 at 7:00 am
I just emailed Corporate, guess Home Depot hates patriotic people. Ohhhh well off to ACE Hardware or Lowes. Dumb move by Home Depot!!!! Keezer hats of to you buddy, we need more of you in America, and it’s time to take this country back!
October 26th, 2009 at 7:04 am
If Lowe’s has any smart marketing people, tomorrow morning they announce that all employees of Lowe’s wear an American Flag pin and make a public statement about it. Then they go hire this Keezer kid! To bad Home Depot doesn’t get it!!!
October 26th, 2009 at 8:51 am
Its A Uniform and a Dress Code! When I was in the Military and then a public servant-Police Officer I wasn’t allowed to wear buttons on my uniform! Same is true for the Home Depot and any other employer. When you are hired by the Home Depot you are told what authorized button you are allowed to wear AND they allow you to wear an AUTHORIZED Flag button that says UNITED WE STAND! Get a GRIP its your job! I’m sure Loewes has similar policy.
October 26th, 2009 at 8:53 am
Relax people.
**When you are an employee you are given a set of rules and sometimes a uniform. Pins with messages on them that are not provided by the company are not allowed. PERIOD.
We allow one, we have to allow all.**
Get off your soapboxes.
This nurse wanna-be should join the armed forces like his brother if he wants to show how patriotic he is.
I have a feeling his ’spreading the word’ was getting a little out of hand, thus he was fired.
October 26th, 2009 at 9:11 am
The young man should have been told from the beginning not to wear the pin if it was in violation of company policy.
I will boycott Home Depot and any other companies as well, who I know prevent employees from wearing an American flag symbol. This is America; we should be proud and promote support of our country and God who has blessed us with freedom.
October 26th, 2009 at 11:31 am
It’s amazing how “Freedom of Religion” only applies to every other religion besides Christianity. This nation was founded on Christianity! You can’t go back and change how this country was started yet there are people trying to. This kid was just wearing a pin that supported his country. If he had been told to not wear it “per policy”, he should have stopped wearing it but if “per policy” wasn’t expressed until after 19 months of wearing it, and until they knew he was a Christian, then Home Depot is in the wrong. And right or wrong with Home Depot’s intent, the kid should have stopped wearing the pin when told to. He could have told his story whether he continued to wear the pin or not- thus keeping his job. And if it bothered him that much, he could have quit and found other empoyment where he had the right to wear pins at work.
I know this may sound contradictory, but I see both sides as having good points. I am a Christian myself and at times in my job, have had to stand up for my beliefs. Yet at no point was my job in danger. If my job was threatened because of my belief in God, I would quit that job. Although it does seem like Home Depot didn’t start to enforce their “No button” policy until the kid’s religious views became known, they had a right to enforce that policy. I think both parties are in the wrong for the way they handled the situation.
For the record:
1. I believe it should never be against policy to wear a pin or button that supports our country and our troops.
2. I don’t think religion should be mixed with work, for there are better places to discuss you views and also a better chance for your message-whatever it may be- to be taken the way it should be taken. If you want your co-workers to hear about your God, then ask them to set aside a time after work to talk. And if the place of business you happen to visit is clearly a place where certain religious views are taken and expressed freely, and you have a problem with it…go somewhere else! Don’t make a stink about something that you can EASILY just avoid!
3. The laws of the land, and workplace policies, should be adhered to unless directly causing you to go against your religion. Not wearing a pin, is not going against your religion. There are other ways to let people know what you stand for. A person who is a true Christian and truly wants to do God’s will and further the truth, will be known as such by the way he acts, speaks, and carries himself in general.
October 26th, 2009 at 12:32 pm
THANK YOU TREVOR FOR STANDING UP TO HOME DEPOT
IN SUPPORT OF YOU I JUST CANCELLED A $ 1600.00 CARPET JOB AND NOW HAVING LOWES DO THE JOB, AGAIN THANK YOU FOR STANDING FOR WHAT YOU BELIEVE IN. GOD BLESS YOU
October 26th, 2009 at 1:55 pm
Locally speaking, there are other options as far as home-improvement/building supplies go. I don’t know that a boycott would be the best solution, however, maybe letting the store know on a local level that you really are opposed to the treatment of this employee and that the action however errant it may be from the stated reason, seems to speak a negative undertone and paint a bad picture of the corporate giant in your eyes. Local store managers have a lot more pull than you might give them credit for. Help them understand you don’t have near the reason to shop there as you had before this incident and it’s possible he/she may respond appropriately to her superiors. I do believe it to be a little more than just a mere dress code issue, however it may have been this single manager who chose to take an otherwise harmless situation to the extreme and get this guy fired… if that was the case, maybe management should consider the position this put them in locally and consider moving that individual on as well, maybe he/she is guilty of some other minor infraction which could be blown out of proportion?
I did notice that W & W Lumber in Okeechobee, had posted on their sign in front of their store “In God WE Trust” probably in response to this situation however I have noticed they commonly post their beliefs for all to see. Consider giving them a piece of the pie if you happen to see value in the beliefs of those you do business with.
October 26th, 2009 at 2:11 pm
About a year or 2 ago here in Tennessee at the Newport Lowe’s, an employee was fired for wearing a pin that said “Jesus is the reason” for the season. They also have been known to refer to Christmas trees as “Holiday Trees” as to not offend non-believers. So, anyone thinking of boycotting Home Depot and going over to Lowe’s won’t find anything different. By the way, with businesses open 7 days a week now, what is the reason behind that?
October 26th, 2009 at 3:22 pm
Good for Home Depot. The only time a ’statement of faith’ is appropriate on your work uniform is if your job is a clergyman.
October 26th, 2009 at 4:19 pm
(#93) That’s not true. Statements of faith at work are also appropriate when (a) it’s your own business, (b) your employer gives you permission, and (c) when it’s not your business and you don’t have permission and you get warned you’ll be fired if you ignore the rules but and that’s OK with you, as it was apparently OK with Trevor at Home Depot.
(#89) The poor persecuted Christian! Who freely attends church on Sunday and wears Christian regalia on the public sidewalk! I know of Mosques that received bomb threats after 9/11 but haven’t heard of Christian churches in the US being bombed, or, at least not since some folks from white Christian churches bombed black Christian churches.
NubisPertusus.wordpress.com
October 26th, 2009 at 6:15 pm
Last time I checked Lowes has all the same items HD has.
Bye Home Depot!
October 26th, 2009 at 6:18 pm
Then again…since Lowes seems to have a similar prohibition against a Christian wearing a pin which in any way supports his/her religious beliefs… I guess the local hardware store is my place to shop;
October 26th, 2009 at 7:39 pm
It is time to stand up as Americans and say enough is enough! I see report after report in Minnesota of stores and plants being forced to allow numerous Muslim prayer times or Muslim workers suing stores so they do not have to be at the cash register while Pork products are being purchased. It is time we stand as Americans both right and left and say “California” is in ruins, America is in ruins, lets rebuild! Lets take our country back from those who seek to tear it down. I say boycott not only Home Depot, but Target, and Golden Plump all in Minnesota. Email or write to Home Depot Corporate and tell them how you feel. I just cut my Home Depot card into pieces and sent it to their CEO. All their information is on the Home Depot Corporation website! STAND UP AMERICA!!!!!!!!!!!
October 26th, 2009 at 8:03 pm
THATS IT JOEY LOGANO SUCKS FOR BEING SPONSORED BY SUCH A COMMIE, PINKO ATHEIST COMPANY. GO TONY STEWART YOU MUST BE A GOD FEARIN CHRISTIAN LUNATIC!!
October 26th, 2009 at 8:36 pm
It’s real simple. I’m a Christian and I support Trevor Keezer. I’m a Christian and I will no longer shop at Home Depot.
October 26th, 2009 at 9:51 pm
Here is the perfect opportunity for LOWES to hire someone that trusts in God. I just tore up my Home Depot cards, one personal and one corporate. Ok Lowes here’s your chance. Step up and grow a spine, hire the guy. The Home Depot is on the way out anyway, we all know Lowes would never do this, would you? Trevor Keezer go put your application in over at Lowes and tell them who you are. The whole store would wear one of your buttons in support of your brother.
October 26th, 2009 at 11:35 pm
Dress code my a$$. I am so sick and tired of inappropriate necklines on the womens clothing and tacky jewelry. As the mother of three daughters I’m constantly amazed by the trashy, slovenly appearance of females working for HOME DEPOT. I’ve already told my husband the next time we are in Home Depot and are faced with this scene….he should be prepared to experience the scene I plan to make. This country tries to stand for everything and ends up standing for nothing and it’s only going to get worse. Shame on Home Depot!!!
October 27th, 2009 at 9:13 am
I do agree this young man had every right to wear the button…I am very supportive of his actions and his courage to continue to wear the button which ultimately got him fired. However, I will not boycott Home Depot. My husband is a wounded soldier from Iraq and Home Depot donated A LOT of money to the Shepherd Center in Atlanta, GA to care for soldiers with TBI. He spent about 4 months there and the money was donated from Home Depot. He came out of the center almost a new person from when he first entered this special hospital. SO, even though I will stand and applaud this young man and feel he was wrongly terminated for the all the wrong reasons, I still applaud Home Depot for their support with the Wounded Soldiers…not all the leadership in the company is unpatriotic or unAmerican.
October 27th, 2009 at 11:40 am
The Constitution does NOT guarantee freedom of speech in the workplace.
October 27th, 2009 at 11:42 am
Why do people make this into a religious thing. Home Depot dress code says “no non company buttons”. That’s very simple, what didn’t he understand. He wasn’t fired for wearing a patriotic/religios button, he was fired for not removing it when asked, for not following company policy. Stop being so ridiculous!!!! If he is allowed to wear that button then everyone would be allowed to wear whatever buttons they wanted, it would be like TGI Fridays. Get a grip everyone. Home Depot is very supportive of our troups. This kid didn’t want to follow the rules, simple as that.
October 27th, 2009 at 12:13 pm
i’m with most of you. as a former 6+ years of home depot employee,i can tell you,home depot wants your job to be your religion.(meetings every sunday morning @ 5:30 am).i also argee that religion & politics should be kept private.there’s alot of different reasons to get fired,but this is going overboard.he’s just wearing a pin.i can see if he was preaching religion or reading his bible while on the clock, but a pin? if you live in this country,love it or get out! there is alot of countries that aren’t as outspoken as this one. on that note,i will also be doing all of my shopping at lowes.
October 27th, 2009 at 1:22 pm
If a person takes a job that requires wearing a company uniform or conforming to a dress code, then the person needs to act responsibly and follow the conditions of employment. However, shame on the company for allowing the person to break the rules for over a year. This is the biggest downfall of our country. Rules/Policies are established in this country, state, county, city, employment, school districts, etc…and rules/policies are enforced sporatically and unfairly. WAKE UP AMERICA, STOP BEING WINERS, TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR YOUR ACTIONS, DON’T BLAME OTHERS.
October 27th, 2009 at 2:33 pm
I would just like to state, that as an employee of The Home Depot we are all given the “code of conduct” employee rules guide. All employees are made aware of the policy of keeping aprons and attire free of non-company related decorations. This is an excellent company for whom to work that encourages support of country and community. As with any employment situation, obey the rules and keep your job.
October 27th, 2009 at 3:31 pm
What if any company allowed an employee to wear a pin that said I love Allah? How many Americans would go nuts then? I love and Believe in God, but rules are rules.
October 27th, 2009 at 4:23 pm
I work for Home Depot and he wasn’t fired for wearing a pin. Another associate had a pin that a customer complained about. When the manager asked the associate to remove it, that associate pointed out the other associate’s “undivisble under god” flag pin and said how can he wear that if I can’t wear mine. That is why no one said anything to begin with. It’s not a strict policy that it is enforced unless someone complains about it. Both associates were asked to remove the pins and one that eventually was fired refused. He was offered a ‘United we stand’ glag pin but he refused it. He was sent home for violated dress code policy. He did not return for six days and fired for job abondonement, not for wearing a pin. Home Depot can’t comment on it because they can not discuss why someone was fired due to labor laws. Every Home Depot has an American flag over it and are huge sponsors of the military. It’s very annoying having to answer the same question all day. HOME DEPOT DID NOT FIRE HIM FOR WEARING A FLAG/GOD PIN. I guess it’s hard to imagine the news sensationslizing a story hmmm..
October 27th, 2009 at 5:54 pm
I work for HD now (recent hire)and worked there 4 years ago (3 year hitch). I’ve only worked there part time and am not a manager. HD has plenty of church going employees and has nothing against God, the church or faith. They’re pro-military, pro-american olympic team, they are pro USA all around.
HD corporate, because they are profitable and have alot of money, do poorly in litigation regularly just because of that: they have alot of money! There are constant safety measures, training classes against sexual harassment, ethnic/bias sensitivity measures- but will too often receieve poor judgements in court from claims by either disgruntled or insubordinate workers… looking for a quick buck! The instructions given to this young guy were too protect themselves from some kind of potential lawsuit by someone who wants put something truly offensive on their orange apron, and I tell you, there are enough working there that would do just that.
Think of the possibilities; think of all the dumb bumper stickers you see everyday, if Trevor doesn’t comply with his instructions, then an intentional troublemaker will think it funny to wear a Rev. Wright slogun. You’re okay Trevor and a patriot and a believer, but cut management some slack; it’s a juggling act out there!
October 27th, 2009 at 7:49 pm
As a Home Depot associate, i completely agree with what the company has done. It is in the dress code and SOP that pins and other thing that do not have the HD logo is prohibited. I wanna know what he was fired for, becuase i could almost guarantee it was for insubordination. thats not against the law or anything else for that matter. i totally 100% back up the company i work for. we will see how this will ride out, but i dont like the way the media is blowing this out of proportion.
October 27th, 2009 at 7:56 pm
Trevor…. you are a moron. And sure enough, rather than take off a button and make a fair hourly wage, you figure you can just blow this out of proportion with a bible in one hand and your serviceman brother in the other and sue HD so you can be a lazy bum. There are THOUSANDS of people who are unemployed who would work there naked just to have a job and you thumb your nose at someone offering you the ability to earn money for school… Of all the TOOLS available at HD, I am glad they are not stocking YOU anymore.
October 27th, 2009 at 8:09 pm
Certainly Jesus would not be Proud, since Pride is the Sin that God hates most. More importantly, this employee did not submit to authority as the Bible commands us to do. What did getting fired to do further his cause? The better course would have been to remove the pin and then work behind the scenes to get the pin on the approved list.
October 27th, 2009 at 9:33 pm
[...] From The Palm Beach Post TCoastTalk [...]
October 28th, 2009 at 7:06 am
In response to “On the Fence” (#18), I encourage folks to take their Bibles to work & school…not as a trophy…but for their own personal devotion-time in God’s Word at appropriate times (such as during breaks). It’s just being a good steward of their time. Time as we all know is valuable. While I do agree things may have been handled differently by both parties, I do not agree with all of the dissension this has caused. It is apparent that many of us need to study our founding fathers and where they came from in more depth.
October 28th, 2009 at 7:25 am
If Home Depot finds wearing “One Nation Under God” reprehensible, then maybe I should no longer shop in their stores because I wear a cross that is visible at all times. Would not want my presence to be offensive to anybody in their stores.
They give more liberties to people standing in their parking lots looking for work despite the fact that they will not pay taxes, have a social security #, and have not entered this country legally than they do their own employees.
October 28th, 2009 at 7:38 am
I think it is very sad that Home Depot fired this young man.I spent 4 years in the United States Air Force, 3 of those years were overseas and I am proud to be an American regardless of the economy of today. Because of the firing of this man I will never walk into a Home depot again. I feel Home Depot should move all there stores to China where they don’t have to be concerned about the word God.
My question is: Do any of the dollars or coines Home Depot takes from people have the word God on them? Shame on Home Depot. Jim
October 28th, 2009 at 9:36 am
Hi. I understand that Home Depot has rules, but right now if you go from store to store across America and look at every employees apron, YOU WILL SEE other pins than “Home Depot” pins on their aprons. I have. What really gets me about this story is, Trevor had worn the pin for all those months and even his store manager and Assistant Store Managers didn’t say anything for 18 months!! Why? Who knows. Someone went to the Manager and complained that Trevor was reading his bible in the breakroom, may have preached a few lines out of his bible and there you go, they had to come up with something and bring the bible to work wasn’t going to do it. So they used the one thing they could and that was the pin. What else gets me is, another store manager or supervisor wanted to wear it. Didn’t he know the Rules of Home Depot. Maybe the supervisor who asked to wear the pin should also be fired!! Our money does say “God” on it which Home Depot” loves and they also have a HUGE American flag hanging outside their stores. I really don’t know whats going to happen in this case, but I hope something good comes out of it. God Bless his brother, he’s on his way back to war!
October 28th, 2009 at 11:08 am
Home depot is wrong.
October 28th, 2009 at 12:31 pm
[...] Home Depot employee Trevor Keezer was fired for wearing an “under God” flag button. [...]
October 28th, 2009 at 2:59 pm
Will never shop at Home Depot again
Un-American companies that take American currencies
should be abolished.
October 28th, 2009 at 3:05 pm
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=165323424843&v=app_2373072738&ref=mf#/group.php?gid=165323424843
Join this “Don’t Shop at Home Depot” facebook page.
October 28th, 2009 at 3:53 pm
After reading the posts of these Home Depot employees, I am doubly certain I will not shop at Home Depot again—and to think that I went out of my way to support my Eagle, Idaho HD store during the recession when the parking lots were empty most of the time!
Incidentally, I don’t support Target or Lowes, either. Same bag… At least Ace Hardware is not afraid to say “Christmas” in their advertising.
I want my Country back!
October 28th, 2009 at 4:18 pm
I have had a Home Depot Card for at least 20years and when I verified the story written about the pin, it made me sick. Mr. Blake can take his card and do as he pleases. I have a call into Lowes to see if they have the same policy if they do we will find another store if they do not then they are about to gain thousands of customers.
October 28th, 2009 at 4:38 pm
THE HOME DEPOT, WILL NOT GET ANY MORE OF MY BUSINESS, UNLESS THEY RE-HIRE THIS STUDENT.
IT IS A DISGRACE TO BE PROUD OF THE U.S.A.
I HAVE GOD BLESS AMERICA ON ALL MY CARS FRONT LICENSE PLATE.
WHOEVER FIRED THIS STUDENT, SHOULD BE TERMINASTED.
THE BUSINESS THEY LOSE OS GOING TO SHOW JUST BWHAT THEY HAVE DONE.
THIS COMPANY WILL BE NON-PRODUCTIVE, AND WILL LOSE BUSINESS.
FOR THEIR ACTIONS.
I WILL TELL ALL I KNOW NOT TO GO TO HOME DEPOT.
THERE ARE A LOT OF OTHER STORES THAT WILL BE AVAILABLE.
( DO NOT SHOP AT HOME DEPOT )AS FOR ME AND MY FRIENDS, WE
WILL NOT SHOP, UNTIL THIS STUDENT IS RE-HIRD………..
STEVE, DENVER, CO.
October 28th, 2009 at 6:38 pm
I’m calling for a national boycott of Home Depot for their total disregard for God and country.
http://www.examiner.com/examiner/x-14615-Spokane-Homicide-Examiner~y2009m10d26-Spokane-area-man-calls-for-national-boycott-of-Home-Depot
October 28th, 2009 at 6:42 pm
I hope competition highers the kid at ten times his salary and makes him a spokesperson. It would serve Home Depot right to lose a few million customers going into the Christmas buying season for tossing God out the back on the shirt of a young man his the courage of his convictions.
October 28th, 2009 at 6:58 pm
I wrote on the bottom of paper plate: “One Nation Under God” and pinned it to my shirt and am going to the Tigard, Oregon Home Depot and wearing it. Brave men and women have given their lives and limbs ostensibly defending freedom and when the politicians and judges and lawyers and others say we can’t display our support for our beliefs, then those people have spit on all those troops and their families and their loved ones. Those politicians and others have perverted the intents of those colonists who sacrificed their lives and property to give us a constitution that was intended to protect God given freedoms. Shame on all who voted for these politicians that enacted laws that make outfits like Home Depot so afraid that they cannot allow a display of freedom of speech.
October 28th, 2009 at 7:54 pm
Like a lot of things, there is more here than meets the eye. The fact is we don’t fire people for being religious or patriotic. That’s not what we do.
When our store management team noticed that Trevor was wearing his button two months ago, they immediately started working with him on other ways that he could express his patriotism and his religion. He chose instead to keep wearing his non-approved button on his apron.
In this case, the issue isn’t whether or not we agree with the belief on the button. That’s not our place to say. To avoid having to make such a distinction, we have a long-standing policy where only company-provided pins and badges can be worn on our aprons. With 300,000 associates we have to have consistent rules rather than getting into store-by-store debates about what is appropriate.
Sarah, Home Depot Communications
information@homedepot.com
October 28th, 2009 at 8:22 pm
WOW! Don’t we all remenber repeating that saying everyday when school started? I sure do, and I STILL beleive what it means and what it stands for. It won’t be long until all of our personal rights and freedoms will be worthless! This is clearly Corporate Political Correctness. Lets stop saying the Pledge of Allegiance and replace it with “You can do it, We can help! They can help me find the nearest Lowes! Ever watched the classic movie “Network”? Ned Beatty gives a great speech about who really runs America. Check it out @ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3BVqIjKyJh0
October 28th, 2009 at 8:48 pm
It’s Funny,
Home Depot will fire a person for wearing a “in god we trust” pin Saying you are not allowed to go against company policy.
Give me a break— they wanted to fire him because he loves his country
Rich, Whitehall,pa
October 28th, 2009 at 9:03 pm
Angel Wing Tattoo Designs are one of the most beautiful tattoos a person can have. They are also one of the most popular tattoos on the market. Not only because it represents prayer, but because of the meaning behind angel wing tattoos.
October 28th, 2009 at 9:25 pm
What is this country becoming? A totyla disgrace to all who served and died for this country and what it stands for. Home Depot fires Trevor for what?? Being patriotic and proud he lives in a country of religious freedom and expression?? What’s next, the wonderful government supported ACLU now wants a citizen to repaint a wall that has an American Flag on it. Restoring America’s Properties has 6 general contracting crews remodeling homes in SW Florida. If he is not reinstated, we will never shop at Home depot again. HOW’S THAT FOR FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION.
October 28th, 2009 at 9:51 pm
It is a shame to see this. A young man trying to earn a living to go to college. And because he is wearing a button under God we trust he is fired? I will no longer spend my money at Home Depot. Lowe’s you now have a new customer, and a proud american and christian.
October 28th, 2009 at 10:15 pm
Ok, I do have to give kuddos to the boy but the company does have rules and the rules are in place for a reason. It has nothing to do with if the believe in god or not but if they let one do it then all religions from all walks of life will have the same rights. The main reason for this is to keep the peace between all people who works and shops there. What would have been said if John Doe had wore In Allah we trust. Would you shop in his line, would anyone have cared if he had been fired.
October 28th, 2009 at 11:09 pm
As with “traffic” tickets, I like to ask, who suffered personal injury and/or property damage. In the case of most “traffic” tickets the man or woman did not cause personal injury or property damage and was not hauling passengers or freight for hire, the only licensable activity, not certainly traveling freely and likewise, Trevor did no harm to anyone or to property, so far as we have been informed. Sure, rules are rules but the politicians and judges and lawyers have found every way to destroy the intended restrictions placed in the US Constitution, so having set the example that rules or constitutions aren’t worth the paper upon which they’re written or printed, so the “rule” argument falls flat.
If rules are so important then one needs to go way back and undo all the “laws” that the politicians and judges have approved that overrode the protections of God given freedoms that that constitution was designed to enforce.
October 28th, 2009 at 11:32 pm
God bless you man. 2 Timothy 3:12 In fact everyone who wants to live a Godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted…..
He will not deny you either!!!!
October 28th, 2009 at 11:56 pm
I agree that Cranky Yankee has a point at #26. There is simply Freedom and one ought to choose one’s beliefs so long as he does no harm to men or property and ought not to be hindered in his practice of those beliefs.
Following this line of reasoning, the politicians and judges should not force us to participate in their socialist/commie/atheistic “religion” which includes the forced use of unjust weights and measures, compelled funding of public schools that teach their atheistic mantras and illegal imposition of income taxes on wages (never intended by the foundational “law” of the Corporation Excise Tax Act of 1909).
Instead of government sticking its nose in to one’s business, it ought to get out of our lives and stop controlling us. Then, we could have Christian Depot, Muslim Depot, Jew Depot, Buddhist Depot, Hindu Depot and of course, atheist Depot.
October 29th, 2009 at 12:05 am
JustMeee at #30. Good question. What gives anyone any right to tell anyone what to do? For a very long time people have been asking politicians to impose beliefs via some kind of law or statute that are an affront to the beliefs of others. We need to stop using and sanctioning politicians to violate our friend’s and nighbor’s and family member’s beliefts that oftimes conflict with ours. We need judges that step up like Grover Cleveland and say, We Find no warrant for this in the US Constitution.
October 29th, 2009 at 12:13 am
Hey Blood-thirsty mob, the amendments to the US Constitution were intended to guarantee God given rights and of course they were never intended to trample on private rights. So, government/politicians ought not to be trampling on the rights of private businessmen to run their operations to their own tastes, so long as they do no harm to man or property. Absent political interference in business operations, each entrepreneur would be free to run his business as he sees fit and sink or swim on his own merits.
October 29th, 2009 at 12:21 am
Hey Heather at /341, I once knew a Muslim fella who took time off work 5 times a day to go pray on a floor in the company’s office. I was not offended and the company never reproached him for using its property for his religious observance. In fact I respected him. But if a Christian or Christian group would do this there would be hell to pay from the atheists/commies/socialists. The intrusion of politicians and their “laws” in our lives is damaging. I agree, we ought not to be asking politicians to impose rules that hurt our friends, neighbors and strangers. Of what little I have read, I see no sin in this Trevor for simply wearing a pin that emphasized historical facts.
October 29th, 2009 at 12:28 am
Just shredded the Home Dippo credit card. I will never shop there again. Boggles the mind.
October 29th, 2009 at 12:38 am
Lauren at #47. Good one. Maybe Trevor should have tattooed One Nation Under God on his forehead or on the back of his hand. But of course HD would not have hired him and certainly would never have admitted that it discriminated on the basis of the tattoo. And what about the atheists, possibly in management, how would they have decided the issue? Would they have acknowledged the freedom to have one kind of tattoo vs. another, i.e. would they have imposed a kind of selective freedom of expression? We as a nation are in trouble because special interests have selectively removed our freedoms.
October 29th, 2009 at 12:39 am
Well, I will not be spending anymore money at Home Depot. I have seen employees at Home Depot with so many buttons on their vest, they look like a billboard. Lowes have ever thing I need and I think Home Depot should be boycotted. You sure don’t mind taking the money that has In God we Trust on it! If the person that fired this man has a problem with GOD, He should take it up with GOD!
October 29th, 2009 at 1:02 am
Sarah at 51 and Tom Dennis at 52.
There is nothing wrong with patriotism so long as it is not used as a tool to condemn one with a different belief. I believe it was Samuel Johnson who said, “Patriotism is the last refuge of a scoundrel.” I see the term used frequently by politicians and special interests as a way of condemning, i.e. a charge of a lack of patriotism is often made by what appear to be scoundrels; it is a form of tyranny. History of the pledge is interesting. The original salute was similar to that used in Nazi Germany. Pledge what you will, oaths are the means by which one surrenders jurisdiction. See the 14th Amendment and then get with some people who study the constitution in depth. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pledge_of_Allegiance
October 29th, 2009 at 1:11 am
I support Trevor Keezor 100%. I also support his parents for raising such a wonderful son. He is so, so right to stand up for what he believes in. Don’t ever deny your God or your Country. May God Bless his brother during his second tour of duty in Iraq. I pray that he comes home safely, along with all the other proud Americans who are in Iraq and Afghanistan. I will no longer be a customer at Home Depotg.
Let the boycott begin.
Home Depot has gone to De Pot !!!!
October 29th, 2009 at 1:16 am
USMC SGT @70: Insignias and flags and badges and uniforms and other markings are all evidence of tribal identification and thus alert us as to whom we are dealing. When politicians or special interests pervert definitions then we run into trouble because we are denied the truth as to what or with whom we are working. An example is the perversion of the definition of marriage, which legally from ancient times always meant a union of a man and woman and is defined in Blacks Law 4th ed. Yet, the media and politicians and special interests intentionally conceal this simple truth.
October 29th, 2009 at 1:30 am
America was founded as a Republic under the rule of law, not a democracy. A democracy was anathema to freedom. The US Army Training Manual of 1928 on Citizenship states that democracy leads to mob rule. Think about the old nationalistic babble. Make America safe for democracy and America is the arsenal of democracy. Substitute mobocracy for democracy and you get a clue as to how we have been deceived by the politicians. If old men had to fight wars there wouldn’t be any wars. Men and women have been and are being killed and maimed ostensibly thinking they were protecting freedom, when in fact their sacrifices were for the IRS and the politicians to loot We The People. We are a “lootocracy” whether we admit it is another thing.
October 29th, 2009 at 1:39 am
Uniform Dress Code #85:
When a man joins up he takes an oath and thereby submits to the jurisdiction of the military. If a man refuses to raise his arm and take the oath, then he is not forcefully inducted because then the officers would not have jurisdiction. The same does not apply to Trevor unless he took an oath and submitted to the jurisdiction of HD. Now, if he did submit to HD’s jurisdiction then he might or might not have waived his God given rights. To me these rights are supposed to be inalienable but reality is that most folks surrender their individual sovereignties and put themselves under some kind of overseer.
October 29th, 2009 at 1:42 am
Mrs. Reep at 87. I agree. Once HD let the act go it acquiesced. There is a maxim in law that the first to abandon the field of battle looses by default.
October 29th, 2009 at 1:48 am
James J.B. at 88: So long as a man or woman does not force his beliefs on me I say no harm. I don’t need a rule or law to know enough to say to anyone, “hey, knock it off, I don’t buy the stuff, atheist, Islam, or whatever.” Did a law that forces driver licenses and insurance ever prevent an accident? We need to grow up and accept responsibility instead of acting like children who need a daddy or mommy to set a bazillion rules for us.
October 29th, 2009 at 2:00 am
Is too fat or too skinny considered freedom of expression or must these be regulated to meet the personal beliefs of some other man or woman? If fat or skinny men or women are offensive to me, then should I impose my beliefs and have special cards issued that prevent these people from buying certain kinds and quantities and qualities of food? Of course not. It is absurd. And the absurdity of getting all steamed up over an employee wearing a pin that in no way harms the business or anyone is just ridiculous or was that ridicurous.
October 29th, 2009 at 2:08 am
Arthur at 102: The US Constitution guarantees a republican form of government, which means the rule of law must prevail. We are not supposed to be a democracy (mobocracy). The US Constitution is the law of the land and the 1st Amendment was installed immediately following ratification to assure us that those God given rights would be protected. A little study of the US Constitution and the Federalist Papers would dispel the myth that freedom of speech is waived in the workplace. The thing one must not do is harm man/woman or property. A pin does not harm anyone, unless of course you can prove how mentally damaged you are by reading and seeing all sorts of things.
October 29th, 2009 at 2:22 am
sd at 108: There was clearly a management failure at HD to have let this situation go so long. If some customer had complained to me I would have said, “Look, your an adult and you have the responsibility to choose to read and see and hear what you like and to avoid that which you disapprove. As a manager I am not here to hold your hand when you go to the bathroom just as I am not here to run your life for you as that is not in my job description. If you need someone to protect you from seeing things you don’t like, then get a special screener dog. If I can help you find the items you need, then please tell me. Otherwise I have better things to do than treat you like some irresponible spoiil, selfcentered child. Get a life.”
October 29th, 2009 at 6:23 am
SHAME ON TARGET! They want our money but NOT God? What a way to help evil grow! I agree with a total non-violent BOYCOTT~! They will NOT get my money…how about your money…do YOU support this act against God? If we put up with this…what is next?
October 29th, 2009 at 6:25 am
OH Heavens… I meant Home Depot.. I’m sorry, Target…
October 29th, 2009 at 9:41 am
To Poemlady—
Maybe you should rethink Target—Their store policy includes not allowing Salvation Army bell ringers near their stores at Christmas so as not to offend their customers with this Christian organization’s soliciting donations for the poor.
Back to Home Depot—I only spend about $1,000 there annually— but as a matter of principle, I won’t shop there again. They obviously won’t miss me but if many, many other like-minded people also stopped shopping there, they would have to notice.
People, take a stand for what you say you believe in.
October 29th, 2009 at 10:04 am
Let’s see, here. Home Depot objects to this button.
I’m having certain words pop into my head. Here are a few of them:
Menard’s
Farm & Fleet
Tractor Supply
Lowe’s
WalMart
Two of the words that are now NOT coming to mind when I think of buying items for home repair inlude:
Home Depot
October 29th, 2009 at 10:38 am
I understand that there is a dress code but maybe they should have inforced it (19) months before! Im glad he made a stand but feel the only thing this guy will get is the number for the unemployment office. It would be nice to know the full story.
October 29th, 2009 at 11:19 am
It’s called an employee uniform.
You don’t like it? Don’t work there. Period. Having worked big box retail (oooh.. ahh.. I’m da hated man!) it takes a very very long time to get the ducks in a row to fire someone. It cannot happen instantly except for very very bad instances. For a “pin” offense, it would not be an instantaneous firing, but would, at least in my store, be a firing eventually.
There are rules. Follow them or walk out the door. Especially in this economy when there are ten people who are desperate for your job.
Christ, people — y’all are all whack-a-doos.
Go to Lowes. Do you not think THEY have a dress uniform as well?
October 29th, 2009 at 12:08 pm
I Just want everyone to know that I have put a boycott Home depot on my facebook. here’s the link to join the cause.http://apps.facebook.com/causes/386099/50345294?m=cc366e79. If you think this man was fired for the wrong reason join the cause on facebook.Thank you
October 29th, 2009 at 12:18 pm
The pin was merely quoting a portion of the Pledge of Allegience. The word “God” does not necessarilily even mean the Christian God. Anyone who believes in a higher power and believes that our nation should be united under that higher power would not have a problem with this kid’s pin. Home Depot management is stupid.
October 29th, 2009 at 12:28 pm
Im glad he followed the Lord, by reading this article thats what God wanted him to do because now its public that we dont have the rights as christians that non-christians do so they say we dont anyway im proud he is my brother in Christ we all need to stand up for our God…
October 29th, 2009 at 12:41 pm
i will never shop again at a Home Depot. I hope other Americans will follow. Boo Hiss on you!
October 29th, 2009 at 1:04 pm
Many of you commenters are denouncing lawyers who oppose the words “under God”. Well, just exactly what do they do in court? They say “those words mean religion. They mean the Judeo-Christian God.” And for telling this obvious truth you trash those lawyers even while you yourselves trumpet the very same thing!!
Well, guess what? Since those words mean “religion and the Judeo-Christian God” pure and simple, they violate the first amendment. But it’s alleged Christians who then sneak in deceitful arguments that those words are really just about history or ceremony.
So which side uses the eel-slipperly kind of lawyering? I think faith is awesome and the more expressions on your own time and at your own expense the better. But I think the constitutional ground rules we have are even better. After all, if we toss those out in the name of “under God” then we are no better off than Iraq or Afghanistan.
You can have those words in the pledge if you can get them in there honestly and legally. That means amending the constitution to declare this a Christian nation. If you can’t get that amendment passed, then those words do not belong in the pledge. (Of course meanwhile many of you will continue to deny what they mean to you in order to keep them. So much for not bearing false witness!)
NubisPertusus.wordpress.com
October 29th, 2009 at 4:37 pm
I still cannot believe any company would not let an employee wear a pin,hat, or shirt with God on it. This country was founded on religious freedom and we wouldn’t be where we are today if not for the guidance of our forefathers and God Almighty!! We have already taken God out of schools and other places and look at the condition of our schools now! God Bless America because In God We Trust !!!!!
October 29th, 2009 at 5:50 pm
No one knows the whole story I am sick of people automatically assuming that this has to do with God and it doesn’t. It is a policy I have several family members and freineds that work for HOme Depot and they do a lot for the community. Poeple need to recognize that if you research other companies you will find that they have the same policies. HD is one of the few compaines that don’t outsource their customer service. They have americans working for them. People get the whole picture. Don’t you think more employees would come forward if this was true! Wake up and do your research!
October 29th, 2009 at 8:04 pm
veryone you have got to be kidding. My comment(s) are what have the employees done to be bashed everyday since this started. Those employees are strong minded and strong willed. They all stand straight, strong and Tall. When I was in the Okeechobee Home Depot I over heard a person on a phone at the front desk telling a employee what they are, what he thinks and feels and this employee stayed calm and kept a level head. I felt at that moment, the facts are not in on this Trevor. How dare anyone to jump the gun on this and start threating the other associates with harm “You heard it” this store is getting attack from people they have never met and it is sad to know this is all because some poor little boy got fired over a “PIN” just a PIN, not because of what it says just a PIN. And most of these people, do you really know this Kid, Did you know his mother mad a comment for all to hear at her place of employment(WALMART) that her son will be rich after this is over. Does anyone really know this Mother and son. Look into the mother, she started all this and she has gotten him so deep that this is going to mess his life up. He can’t back out now. Yes he does push his religion on you, I don’t care what anyone says, he does. I support Home Depot all the way, I agree with what they have done. Know one will change that.
October 29th, 2009 at 10:18 pm
I will not shop at HD anymore, or any other place where God is censored. I might go there to tell people about the gospel of Jesus Christ. I applaud this young man for taking a Christian stand in One Nation, Under God (almighty, creator of the universe)For anyone who doesn’t understand what the big deal here is…..please read The Holy Bible.
October 30th, 2009 at 5:51 am
http://www.foxnews.com/opinion/2009/10/29/trevor-keezer-fired-pin-home-depot/
October 30th, 2009 at 6:26 am
Amen #17! Couldn’t have said it better myself! You go, Trevor! I’m glad you’ve got the courage to stand up for your beliefs! The rest of us idiots have let them take prayer out of school and The Ten Commandments out of the courts! Can’t believe our great country has stooped so low! It is very sad!
October 30th, 2009 at 7:36 am
Home Depot should be ashamed.What’s wrong with having a pin that quotes our Pledge of Allegiance? What’s wrong with reading your Bible as work?? I don’t believe there was any mention of him preaching to co-workers or customers, if he wants to read it on his own time, it is his privilege.
October 30th, 2009 at 10:19 am
GOD BLESS this young man, I will take my buisness some where else.
October 30th, 2009 at 12:18 pm
This is fine and dandy all the outrage directed at the firing of this individual. Say this guy if left alone with his personal message. What happens now when the next employee comes in with the pin or shirt that states Niggers!
Jews deserve to be wasted! anything along that line…..how about a pin that states the support to the taliban or Al’Queda? The company will NOT be able to step in.
An employee is an extension of the company they are employed with. They are a representative of that company. There is no room for personal views being stated in an employees attire because this company that they are employed with may not support this individuals views and this person is representing the company.
The company is NOT stopping this person from showing his support to anyone or anything, that can be done on this employees own time and space.
With a son in law presently in Iraq, a niece who has just returned from Bucca Iraq in June, a nephew just deployed to Afghanistan and Jake, another nephew who was lost to this war……..believe me…..I show my support to them and my country with the ribbon on my car, the flag proudly flying from my porch and the folded triangular encased flag of my deceased nephew displayed in the front window.
My dad, a World War II veteran who sees the logic in this policy and is not insulted or offended by the company enforcing it made a profound statement in discussing this.
“With liberty comes responsibility.”
Now personally I find the statement of “United We Stand” a much stronger statement, because isn’t that what it’s all about in the end?
My humble opinion.
October 30th, 2009 at 1:25 pm
I guess Home Depot doesn’t want my money either…it say IN GOD WE TRUST
October 30th, 2009 at 4:22 pm
I dont know where this countries going, fire a kid for wearing god on it. Are we that scared of atheists and agnostics that we turn out back on our countries heritage? You can believe what you want but the FACT remains this country was founded by the christian faith not any other. But i guess we have forgotten that since history is not really taught in school anymore, maybe they will just write it out some day(Atheist). The kid brung his bible to read OFF THE CLOCK not on it. He did not go around shoving it in peoples faces and Home Depot accepts money that says ” in god we trust “. Even you people who are anti-god carry the same money. I understand HD has policies so they followed them and fired him. But the thing that offends me most is all the people that believe in nothing other than your pathetic selves bashing this kid and being vulgar about it. I guess thats why every value that all our men/women died for are being strangled by people like YOU who do nothing for anybody but YOU. I am a firefighter and i would die for a stranger in a heartbeat to save their life. I believe in something other than myself thats why I CAN SLEEP AT NIGHT. So lay off with your atheistic and agnostic remarks. You know people have a right to not listen to you too! GOD BLESS, yes i said God.
October 30th, 2009 at 10:58 pm
Boycotting Home Depot until they reconsider and take positive action regarding the firing of Keezer. What is the next step HD will take? Will they fire employees who wear jewelry such as a cross around their neck? Where is our freedom going?? Resident of Jacksonville Fl,
October 31st, 2009 at 8:07 am
There isnt freedom anymore. I stand behind trevor 100 percent. They let him wear his pen for a year and then when he started bringing his bible to work and reading it at “break time” some one was botherd by that. Who ever was the one that was bothered about it needs to get right with god. And another thing that bothers me is that ive read all these comments and alot where posted by fellow men of the army Example comment 70. Why did you all go and fight for this country when our flag and pledge of alligence is plainly stated one nation under good? It wasnt tour troops that brought you home it was “GOD”
October 31st, 2009 at 8:08 am
“One nation under God”
October 31st, 2009 at 2:18 pm
Ya know……I’ve grown rather impatient with people that once they see the name God mentioned they are completely blinded to any fact of logic. Read what people are saying about a policy being there. Read that what is good for one, will have to be good for all. What is it here that stops anyone from seeing the logic behind this policy?
This employee was fully aware of this policy when he hired in. If he could not find this acceptable, then he was more than welcome to seek employment somewhere else.
Now the word God is heard and people just have tunnel vision. Is this how you see all aspects of your lives? Unbelievable. Read, learn, and understand why these policys are in place and implemented.
AND….for all the dopes out there griping that Home Depot is more than willing to accept there dollars with God printed on the monies……what the hell else do you expect them to accept?….beaded necklaces…..beans….conch shells? Use your heads. The religious fanatics would be the first ones to be screaming about taxes being raised because the U.S. of A government wants to implement a new cash system seperating God from state.
Wake up people and take your blinders off. Use your head for a change eh and stop showing such stupidity. Get informed!!!
October 31st, 2009 at 2:44 pm
READ AND LEARN!!!……..DO YOUR RESEARCH PEOPLE!
This was copied from the Home Depot website, then clicked on Military
BE INFORMED!!!
You have made a commitment to the Military. So have we.We have hired over 60,000 veterans since 2004.
The Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) Association honored The Home Depot with its 2003 Homefront Award for its commitment to more than 1,800 associates called to active duty in association with Operation Iraqi Freedom through extended and enhanced leave of absence (LOA) benefits. In 2004, we received the ESGR’s highest award, The Freedom Award.
In 2003, we launched Project Homefront, a national program to help military families with home repair while a military family member served in the war with Iraq.
We invested $1 million and one million hours of volunteer service in support of the families of those serving our country on active duty. We expanded that commitment in 2004 by contributing $1 million worth of construction materials, tools and supplies to assist with the rebuilding efforts in Iraq. This effort will help these families keep up their home lives and their homes while their loved ones are away serving our country.
We continue to have Welcome Home celebrations for our associates returning from active duty (Blue Star Associates).
We are one of only seven employers to be ranked in G.I. Jobs magazine’s list of “Top 25 Military-Friendly Employers” for seven consecutive years, including #1 in 2004. We are also a 2007, 2008, and 2009 recipient of Military Spouse magazine’s “Top 10 Military-Friendly Employers.”
We are a corporate member of the Army Spouse Employment Partnership.
October 31st, 2009 at 2:52 pm
Why can’t this man wear a button mentioning God to work, but a muslim doctor has the right to wear a religious headscarf to work. It violates her civil rights if she is forced to remove the headscarf but doesn’t violate the man’s civil rights when he is forced to remove his button and get fired. Click on the link below for the story.
Clinic Forbids Muslim Doctor to Wear Headscarf - Local News | News Articles | National News | U
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,570685,00.html
October 31st, 2009 at 2:58 pm
Hey Diane Tomsick, make sure YOU read the article about the muslim doctor and her headscarf. What you can’t see, because of your liberal views, is that we the people are getting trampled on in the name of Civil Rights. Get rid of all of that Civil Rights bullshit and our country will be great again.
October 31st, 2009 at 3:03 pm
SOME OF THE PROGRAMS HOME DEPOT IS INVOLVED WITH:
Project Homefront
Habitat for Humanity
Team Depot
Emergency Response Support
At-Risk Youth Environmental Projects
CommUnity Impact Grants
October 31st, 2009 at 3:38 pm
My dear jb……..asking a Muslim woman to remove the hijab would be like asking a nun to remove her headdreass.
The hijab is not an individual choice in a form of religious expression, like wearing a crucifix on a chain, but a REQUIRED form of dress for the Muslim womans culture and religion.
Q. What are the legal precedents on this issue?
A: Many cases have demonstrated an employee’s legal right to reasonable
accommodation in matters of faith. Examples: 1) The failure of other
Muslim employees to wear headscarves is legally irrelevant. The employee
need only show sincerely-held religious beliefs. (E.E.O.C. v. Reads,
Inc., 1991) 2) There are no health or safety concerns at issue. (Cf.
E.E.O.C. Dec. No. 82-1, 1982, also E.E.O.C. Dec. No. 81-20, 1981) 3)
Companies cannot give effect to private biases. In other words, just
because an employer believes customers will be prejudiced against a
woman in a scarf, that does not mean the employee can be fired. (Palmer
v. Sidoti, 1984, also Cf. Sprogis v. United Air Lines, Inc., 1971) 4) An
employer must demonstrate “undue hardship” caused by the wearing of
religious attire. (TWA v. Hardison, 1977) Hardships recognized by the
courts include cost to the employer or effect on co-workers. 5) Dress
codes can have disproportionate impact on certain faiths. (E.E.O.C. Dec.
No. 71-2620, 1971, also E.E.O.C. Dec. No. 71-779, 1970)
I don’t know of any faith that requires a person to wear a religious pin.
“Get rid of all of that Civil Rights bullshit and our country will be great again.”
Hmmmmm…..now this would be a typical comment from a typical KKK member.
Let’s tell this to the Indian that we stole this great land from. Let’s tell this to the Negro that we dragged over as slaves from Africa and other Eastern countries.
I believe God told us to love all, regardless of race, creed or color.
October 31st, 2009 at 3:58 pm
Oh yes……..and I forgot…….
I believe that our country is great STILL.
October 31st, 2009 at 8:56 pm
I called Home Depot and told them to cancel my card and that as long as they keep doing things like this to employees I would do my business at Lowes which is closer to my home anyway….
October 31st, 2009 at 9:46 pm
I will nolonger purchase anything from Home Depot until this young man is rehired !!!!!
October 31st, 2009 at 11:52 pm
Wow, is this really where you choose to pick you battles Home Depot? My wife and I spent of $50,000.00 in 2002-2003 when we remodeled our house and I do believe every bill Home Depot took from us plainly and proudly read “In God We Trust”. So why did they not have a problem with my cash but they do with this young man’s pin stating his faith? This should not surprise me or any of the rest of you though. A friend of ours used to be over the Garden department of the Home Depot in Maryville, TN until he broke his leg playing softball one Sunday night. Home Depot fired him. Was he playig when he was supposed to be at work? Was he playing on the clock? Was he trying to claim workers comp? Was he demanding disability payments out of Home Depot? The answer is no to all of the above. Home Depot fired him before almost before he came out of surgery later that night and he too was an exemplary employee without one incident in his file.
Home Depot has seen the last penny of my offensive money and I hope the last of millions of other people’s as well. It is well past the time that the working class band together and take our country back from those in government, banking and industry that have stolen it from us.
November 1st, 2009 at 11:07 am
lol…..Thomas B…….I don’t look at this as a battle, I look at it as stimulating conversation.
Reread my post, sir, what other source of currency would Home Depot be able to accept? as stated…….beaded necklaces?
and M.H., I hate to disappoint you, but Lowes has the same policy.
November 2nd, 2009 at 10:45 am
I have bought a great deal at Home Depot. They have the right to do whatever they choose with their “dress code” and I have the right to shop any place BUT Home Depot. Looks like I am not the only one who feels that way.
November 2nd, 2009 at 11:12 pm
Let’s teach Home Depot a lesson they will not forget. Boycott it and go to Lowe’s. If Home Depot doesn’t want employees who are unashamed to express their belief in God then we will let them feel it in their pocketbook. This clean cut young man was not preaching to customers but just wearing a button that honored his belief in God. I suppose Home Depot would also fire a worker who was holding a dollar bill that says In God We Trust. I will be emailing my mailing list of about 50 people to email their lists of 50 or so and let’s see this number into the millions who no longer go to Home Depot and now go to Lowe’s and listen to them scream.
November 3rd, 2009 at 9:21 am
I love how some people think that by bringing your Bible to work you are forcing your religion on them or by having words from the pledge of allegiance on a pin is somehow offensve. If you are offended too bad-I personally am sick of all this political correctness! No one said you had to become a Christian but apparently you cant show it either or you might offend someone. Speak up for what you believe in and quit letting the loudmouth minority force you to hide your Bible. At least its still legal to have one-for now!
November 3rd, 2009 at 12:42 pm
If you believe everything you read you’re naive. Some of this kid’s story is not true, and as a fellow Home Depot employee I can guarantee that there is not a better or more All American place to work. This isn’t the whole story, stay tuned for more info my gullible countrymen.
November 3rd, 2009 at 3:52 pm
I believe he has a discrimination case. He was not forcing his views on anyone. Think about the WWJD buttons, bracelets, etc. What one chooses to read during lunch is their on choice.
November 3rd, 2009 at 5:35 pm
I could only imagine what would happen if a Gay employee wore a rainbow pin to work that was not “company approved” and he or she was asked to remove it or be fired. There would be such an outcry of discrimination and accusations of bigotry-but let a Christian get fired for reading his Bible on his break or have the pledge of allegience on a pin and according to some people he deserved to be fired. And as far as there being more to the story-I will stay tuned to see what the mud slingers will dig up.
November 4th, 2009 at 9:00 pm
What you do on your on dime is your business. Home Depot is not a sounding board for religious or political statements. Keep your religion in your pocket and practice what you believe when you are not at work
November 4th, 2009 at 10:20 pm
I am Done with Home DeSLOP—LOWES is where I will shop from now on !
November 6th, 2009 at 6:59 pm
Bye, bye Home Depot. My husband has always LOVED Home Depot but he is also a God fearing man as well as I.
Bye, Bye Home Depot.
November 8th, 2009 at 1:36 pm
I don’t know if I would blame Home Depot either, not knowing all the issues.
For all we know he may have been just a terrible employee and this was just the straw that broke the camels back.
November 8th, 2009 at 6:03 pm
So what I am hearing from most of the Trevor supporters is that we should have “In God We Trust” taken off of our currency. That’s fine, but it means more taxpayer dollars for the monetary change. It kills me that one of the few things left with God on it you’re trying to do away with. As far as Trevor, who are your parents and parish family that told you to jeopardize your job by ignoring their uniform policy? If you couldn’t read the employee handbook then maybe you should have those “Homer” awards revoked. I don’t get people backing a rule breaker. Does it say “..only Home Depot approved buttons?” or “..only Home Depot supplied buttons?” Trevor, next time don’t use the Lord’s name in vain. You broke a commandment, you should be punished.
November 14th, 2009 at 6:07 pm
We need to start respecting the rights of our people! This pin did not have any negative impact on Home Depot business. I am sick of the PC.
December 12th, 2009 at 12:39 pm
“The company’s dress code policy states that we do not allow noncompany buttons, regardless of their message or content.”
The rules are pretty clear….Christians should simply follow the rules.
December 16th, 2009 at 7:21 am
IT IS ALL BIASED…THERE ARE SEVERAL STORES AROUND WHERE WE LIVE AND IT IS VERY CLEAR, THE DRESS CODE IS A JOKE. I SEE MANY WOMEN WITH LOTS OF CLEAVAGE AND VERY TIGHT SHORTS ,I ASKED ABOUT THIS TO A MANAGER AND “YES” THAT IS A DIRECT VIOLATION TO THE SO-CALLED”DRESS CODE” BUT,IT STILL CONTINUES TODAY.SO SEX IS OK BUT,BELIEVING IN “GOD” IS NOT.
December 16th, 2009 at 4:14 pm
I wonder if this young man walked in to the same Home Depot and Purchased a million dollars worth of their merchandise and pulled out a million dollars in cash with those bad words,The United States of America–IN GOD WE TRUST.Surley they wouldnt take his money, since they just fired him for having something to do with God pined on him!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Maybe they would take yen or marks instead.
December 17th, 2009 at 4:04 am
This has certainly gives me some ideas. Thank you
February 6th, 2010 at 7:11 am
Found this blog through google, great work man! resveratrol has been my secret weapon to fat loss.
March 3rd, 2010 at 7:50 pm
Dear friends and countrymen….my pseudonym is Robin Hood. I do love G-D, Country and the American Flag. If you got what appears to be a dilusional e-mail about Home Depot today. It was from me (Robin “Boyz in the Hood”. Everything in the e-mail is true. PLEASE LET’S take back our country from corrupt politicians and greedy corporate executives and bankers…Not to mention Politicians. THIS MAY BE THE BEST AND MOST HONEST E-MAIL YOU HAVE EVER RECEIVED IN YOUR LIFE. IF YOU STILL DON’T GET IT! SHAME ON YOU. IF YOU TRUST IN GOD AND DO AS INSTRUCTED IN PRIOR E-MAILS…..WE ******WILL***** MAKE A DIFFERENCE. THANKS AND MAY G-D BLESS YOU, YOUR FAMILY, LOVED ONES, OUR COUNTRY, ESPECIALLY OUR SERVICE MEN AND WOMEN….AND EVEN THE “ILLEGAL ALIENS” WHO WORK THEIR BUTTS OFF FOR MINIMUM WAGE AND REALLY ARE IN SOME WAYS THE BACKBONE OF OUR ECONOMY. IF YOU DISAGREE WITH ME….PLEASE GO TO WORK PICKING IN THE FIELS FOR $1.00 AN HOUR + .01 (A PENNY FOR EACH TOMATO PICKED). NEXT TIME YOU SEE ONE OF OUR HARD WORKING FRUIT PICKERS…THANK THEM FOR THEIR CONTRIBUTIONS. IF YOU AGREE…PLEASE CUT & PASTE, PASS ON…OR REFER THIS TO all of your family< friends and neighbors. mAY G-D BE WITH AND BLESS US ALL ****AMEN**** ROBIN AND THEBOYZ IN THE HOOD
March 3rd, 2010 at 8:02 pm
TIM BURKE….PLEASE CALL ME AS SOON AS YOU GET THIS NOTE. ROBIN HOOD (MY PSEUDONYM). MY PHONE NUMBER AND APPROXIMATE NAME ARE IN THE mail and website fields. John I
P.S. DON’T CALL mARK tOMASIK, HILLARY COPSEY OR LAURIE WHO COVERED MY FIRING FROM SLW OR HILLARY WHO QUOTED ME ABOUT THE LIGHTS (HOLIDAY LIGHTS) IN TRADITION VS. SLW.
IF YOU CALL ME WITH THE NEXT TWO HOURS I WILL BE BOTH IMPRESSED AND AWAKE. IF NOT, I’LL WAIT FOR THE BIG BOYS AT THE N.Y. TIMES. P.S. NO APOLOGIES NECESSARY FOR THE INDISCRETIONS OF THE AFOREMENTIONED NEWS FOLKS.
P.S. IF YOU REPLY QUICKLY, I WON’T TELL PEOPLE THAT YOU DELETED ONE MY PRIOR ON-LINE COMMENTS…NOT BECAUSE IT WAS OFFENSIVE, BUT, IT MADE THE NEWSPAPER I PAY AN EXHORBITANT AMOUNT OF MONEY FOR LOOK VERY BAD. P.S. PLEASE LOOK INTO MY BILLING RECORD(S) FOR THE STORY THAT I KNOW EXISTS ABOUT HOW YOU OVERBILLED ME IN A MOST EGREGIOUS WAY. PEACE JOHN I
P.S. IT SAID THAT I PROVIDED A BAD E-MAIL ADDRESS, SO, AS SOON AS YOU SEE THIS POST….TAKE IT DOWN AS ‘OFFENSIVE’ WITH MY PERMISSION! P.S. THE MAGIC NUMBER IS AREA CODE 772, MY PHONE NUMBER JUMBLED IS 2969-978
April 21st, 2010 at 11:36 pm
I always learn something new
April 30th, 2010 at 12:30 pm
it’d be nice if people actually read before they posted ill conceived thoughts on a topic. here’s a few facts from his article:
1. he wore the button for 19 months prior to the incident
2. keezer says that it is his way of supporting American troops, AND expressing his christian faith.
3. management confronted him about bringing his bible to work.
4. his statement above reads : “you can’t have country without God. Every pin they showed me had no ‘God’ on it or anything.”(copied and pasted) not all of us believe in god, i for one am a born atheist with a Wiccan mother and a Catholic step mother. i do not oppose your religion, but stop trying to make me choke on it, its not gonna happen.
5. Fishel says the company gives employees several warnings when they violate the dress policy before terminating them.
But Keezer says, “It never crossed my mind to take off the button because I’m standing for something that’s bigger than I am. They kept telling me the severity of what you’re doing and I just let God be in control and went with His plan.”
so he ignored multple warnings and continued any
you violate company pilicy you get punished, i work at the home depot currently, and i have Never seen any pins other then home depot ones on Anyone’s apron. he chose to violate that policy and got away with it for 19 months, then he escalated it, he knew the consequences, now he has to deal with them, move on. i sincerely doubt that if he had been wearing a pin saying “praise be to Allah” that he would get anywhere near as many supporters, you cant help promote equality by helping out only 1 religious group, either help them all or get off the battlefield, you’re just adding more ammunition.
ohh, and p.s. Thomas B, I, for one, seriously doubt you payed home depot 50,000 in bills, kinda mute argument there.
April 30th, 2010 at 12:33 pm
ohh, and a tip of the hat to Diane Tomsick, someone whom actually saw beyond the religeon.
April 30th, 2010 at 12:39 pm
ugh 1 last thing someone posted the following : Even you people who are anti-god carry the same money
atheism is not Anti-God. i choose to not believe in anything, i do not attack your religion, i will even go out of my way to make accommodations to others religion so as to not disrupt it with my choice. I was present at my god daughters baptism so others could have their ritual, i took part in my father and step mother’s ring ceremony. you can believe what you want, just allow me to not believe.
June 6th, 2010 at 9:22 pm
Stuff like this is why our country is going down the drain,I will pray,talk about GOD in public,,I have rights,,and! I will get a pin saying UNDER GOD with the American Flag,,dont like it??Dont look.
June 6th, 2010 at 9:25 pm
Any place that fires an employee for wearing a pin that says GOD on it,should be out of business,,they dont mind taking that money tho,that says UNDER GOD!!!! I will never go to Home Depot again.
June 8th, 2010 at 6:38 pm
Great article Thank
June 13th, 2010 at 9:24 am
HelloWallet is a rising startup in the area of pfm
July 6th, 2010 at 7:41 am
I can’t belive it, I adore The President . Anyone see his latest approval ratings?
August 9th, 2010 at 1:13 pm
… one Nation, under God …
is a quote from our pledge of allegiance. If you cannot pledge allegiance to the United States of America because of this phrase then probably you are an enemy of the U.S.A. Our labor laws never included protection from discrimination to people who recite the pledge. I suppose this is because nobody ever thought this would be needed. I always thought that patriots would be hired… not fired. Those who are offended by being reminded about our pledge start diverting the discussion to other things such as saying that the statement is “shoving religion down my throat”. What about the Home Depot promotions of the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Trans-gender agenda? Those are not offensive or shoving something down the throat of a democratic society who has voted against it? Yet Home Depot continues to promote such things with pride… http://action.afa.net/item.aspx?id=2147496231
August 10th, 2010 at 1:30 am
Why then is it ok if employees put gay pride buttons on their aprons? Why is it ok to decorate their aprons with Gay and Lesbian messages? Strange, they don’t see that as a problem. What, did they approve those messages? Just don’t say God.
No more HD for me.
August 11th, 2010 at 12:50 am
Could anyone tell me how the word “GOD” is so darn offensive???? REALLY.
August 23rd, 2010 at 1:47 pm
All,
Do you think it is right that Home Depot support Gay and Lesbian rights? They say that they do because they are inclusive. I guess inclusive as long as God isn’t mentioned. I don’t care if they tell this person not to wear the button (although it does make me sad that one can’t wear a patriotic pin) but be consistent.
I for one am boycotting Home Depot. And dang it, I like it better than Lowes.
August 23rd, 2010 at 6:07 pm
This country was not founded on God. Not founded on religion. “One nation under God” was not added to the pledge of allegiance until 1954. The men who founded this country came here to get away from religion being forced down their throats. They wanted a free country. FREE FOR ALL. Not free for some. Not free for just Christianity. But free for whatever you wanted to believe in, whatever made you happy. That’s why they left and came here. Our first presidents were not sworn in on a bible. They were sworn in on a book of law. That is why there’s that Separation of Church and State amendment in there.
August 24th, 2010 at 6:35 pm
Home Depot has the right to enforce a dress code, but the way they did it in this case was out of line. The button should have been removed on day one. Nineteen months later, I’m sure at least one manager must have noticed it. I’m sure there must be more to the story, but nineteen months of tolerance, even acceptance of that button, suddenly turned 180 degrees will be hard to defend in court as a ‘dress code enforcement’ issue.