An 'Amen' for Thigpen?
A public official talking religion and values? Happens all the time. So, why does it feel unusual that Register of Deeds Jeff Thigpen is blogging about it? Maybe because he's attempting to address the use of values and morals to divide us? And maybe because he's urging the bloggers to tackle the topic? His is an interesting site, chock full of values talk -- how public debate reached a new moral "low" with the "assault" on beloved cartoon characters and a piece on the moral challenges facing Democrats. Weigh in, here or there.
Comments (4)
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It is strange, isn't it? Mr. Thigpen certainly has a right to all manner of speech outlets in his capacity as a private citizen, and more power to him, IMO. But why does his Blog mention his status as Register of Deeds? It's like he's trying to link his private speech to his governmental office.
It certainly looks questionable. I know I wouldn't do that sort of thing, simply as a matter of acting professionally. If I created a blog and listed my position within the company I work for, I would expect my supervisors to ask me what the heck I was thinking. They would be eager to distance themselves from my opinions, just in case I happened to have any controversial opinions. I don't see why Mr. Thigpen should expect to be treated differently.
Posted on February 11, 2005 1:08 PM
If BJ Barnes can campaign for other candidates -- and I would argue that as an elected official he certainly can -- why can't Jeff campaign on behalf of public issues? As long as the faith basis for his positions doesn't evolve into anything approaching either an establishment of religion or denial of free exercise, I would think he could say whatever he wants.
Now, if their offices were nonpolitical (i.e., appointed rather than elected) -- and there's a case to be made that they should be -- that'd be different.
Posted on February 11, 2005 1:19 PM
What would constitute an instance of Thigpen "establishing religion"? Saying something like "This is Jesus' Office of the Register"?
But that's not what concerns me. I think it's sort of dodgy for any government employee to speak his mind while linking his opinions to his office. It certainly can lead to a perception of establishment if one isn't very careful.
Posted on February 11, 2005 1:36 PM
Wow! Totally missed this....as you can tell, I'm only posting a comment 8 months later. haha.
Yes I am an elected official. I'd like to point out that no government funding is going to maintain or promote this site. There is no legal or ethical conflict of interest with the blog. This is a private link, not connected to Guilford County Government.
I like the free exchange of ideas, discussion, etc. I am also a strong believer in freedom of religion!
Posted on November 11, 2005 5:36 PM