"We're in a state of not only financial but moral bankruptcy," Barnes told 5NEWS.
A granite monument in Haskell County drew a federal lawsuit by the ACLU three years ago, but the court ruled the Ten Commandments to be constitutional. That has cleared the way for a similar statue to be built in Le Flore County; an effort that is the heart of former mayor Don Barnes.
"It might be possible that this could be you might say a shot fire that could from right here in little Poteau, Oklahoma that could resonate all over the country and do some good," Barnes said thoughtfully. "I'd like that."
Barnes' health is failing, but he hopes to see a return to the guidelines he says the country was founded during his lifetime. The marker will be made by the same company that created the monument at Stigler. Private funds will pay the nearly $3,500 cost, but Barnes hopes to raise more money to light and landscape the towering tablet.
Although the county commissioners supported the proposal unanimously, opinions are divided out in the community.
"I believe that our laws are based on our religion," one woman told 5NEWS. "Private funding I'm all for. That way we can do what we think is necessary for our beliefs and our morals."
But another woman who says she is a Christian answered, saying, that's not really a question I think I can really have a hard answer on because what's offensive to me is not offensive to someone else, and I don't want to step on anybody's toes."
The lone voice of opposition at yesterday's commissioners meeting came from Poteau high school teacher Tom Brennen. He told 5NEWS it is his belief that the display of the Ten Commandments violates the constitution. Brennen says supporters are using the county to promote Christianity. He went on to tell 5NEWS that he was taken aback by the level of prejudice and hate toward his point of view and consideration of other religions.
Brennen has written a formal letter of complaint to the American Civil Liberties Union.
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