A state senator in Nebraska, Sen. Ernie Chambers, says his lawsuit against God might seem funny but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t have a serious point.
State Senator Ernie Chambers asked Douglas County District Judge Marlon Polk last week to let his lawsuit proceed. Chambers said he wants to make the point that everyone should have access to the courts regardless of whether they are poor or have the means of billionaire Warren Buffett of Omaha.
What in the world does that mean? Does God keep people from being able to have access to court? Where in the world does that idea come from? I’ve never heard of such.
“What brought me to the point of filing this lawsuit was the ill-advised attempts by certain legislators to prevent the filing of certain lawsuits,” Chambers said.
Chambers acknowledges using wit and humor in the lawsuit he filed last September seeking a permanent injunction against God. Chambers said God has made terroristic threats against the senator and his constituents in Omaha, inspired fear and caused “widespread death, destruction and terrorization of millions upon millions of the earth’s inhabitants.”
The court told Chambers last week that his lawsuit may be dismissed because he had failed to serve notice on God. Chambers acknowledged that failure in court Tuesday while sitting a few feet away from an empty table reserved for God and God’s attorney.
“Despite my most sincere, zealous efforts, I could not find a location to serve the defendant,” Chambers said.
Chambers argued that courts and the U.S. government already routinely take notice of God. Courts swear in witnesses with an oath that includes the phrase “so help me God.” Plus, the pledge of allegiance describes “one nation, under God,” and U.S. currency proclaims “In God We Trust.”
And the senator said that if the court recognizes God, the deity wouldn’t need formal notice of the lawsuit because he knows everything. And God would be at every hearing because he’s everywhere always.
A senator for 38 years, Chambers skips morning prayers during the legislative session and often criticizes Christians. He is being pushed out of the Legislature by term limits.
What do you think? One of my first reactions was that this lawsuit is another example of wasting the already overcrowded court system’s time. Here’s a judge, lawyers, and others who will now have to spend value time on a meaningless lawsuit, by some crazy state senator who is about to be out of a job.
He doesn’t care much for God? Okay. I got that. He doesn’t attend morning prayers? That’s his choice to make. Criticizes Christians? At least he’s being consistent! But, so what? Does that give him the right to create such a frivolous lawsuit? I don’t think so.
But, I would love to hear what you think.
"Does that give him the right to create such a frivolous lawsuit? I don’t think so."
ReplyDeleteYou said it!! Am I allowed to say what I really think? Well, I think this guy's an idiot; and it has nothing to do with his beliefs.
BTW: Love the pix of your son with the food all over his mouth. He is so darling!
Heidi
The food on his mouth has become a normal way of life these days! I think he rather enjoys it!
ReplyDeleteHe has cut two teeth in just the last three days...fun around our house this weekend!
And yes, you can say what you want to...this guy is an idiot!
He could serve notice on God by praying--how ironic!
ReplyDeleteThat's what I was thinking kevin. Or, maybe, just maybe, God was in the courtroom, and they just didn't notice.
ReplyDeleteWhile I think everyone should have the ability to file suit regardless of socioeconomic status, this is kinda silly. Although, since God is everywhere, couldn't he just serve God anywhere?
ReplyDeleteWhen I read of things like this I can't help but wonder if this guy is simply trying to draw attention to himself. Like the father with the pledge. No doubt this is frivolous- look how much time and money he wasted. But...wouldn't he have been surprised if God had shown up?
ReplyDeleteMichael, I agree about having the ability to sue. While I personally have some issues with suing, I think we need the freedoms to do so.
ReplyDeleteBill...I think you've hit the nail on the head. His days in office are soon to be over. I'm wondering if he's setting himself up for another office?
ReplyDeleteI think this man is going to be even more surprised when he shows up before God's throne!
Let's pray today for his salvation and the obvious lack of understanding about who God really is.
Hi there, randomly came across your blog and thought I'd comment. First I am religious and this doesn't offend me in any way.
ReplyDeleteSenator Chambers is easily the most intelligent legislator NE has. He certainly is the most hard working! From a legal perspective if you read the documents and followed the case it is a great learning tool for civil procedure (that is if the judge lets it go forward)
Why God? Unknown to most persons not having experience with the judicial system NE judges are out of control. I have been a court watcher for years and you don't have the space here to convince you however as an example:
On Thursday I'll attend a family law hearing where so far the judge has appointed a lawyer for a 16 year old girl whose decided dads no rules house is better than moms all of a sudden. Listen up, more than 50% of marriages in NE end in divorce. Judge Bowie gave her a lawyer that Mom has to pay for. I have a legal background and am still wondering how the judge hires the girl a lawyer! This was not a guy appointed to do a custody eval but a lawyer appointed to get the kid what she wants and generally to harass the Mom. I personally witnessed this girl demanding her mom pack up her things and deliver them to dads or Mom will hear from "my lawyer".
Mom is an excellent Mom, Dad however spent a year in prison for drugs. Mom has always had custody, Dad started this new battle when the state opened a case against him for child support. A common strategy: Threaten a parent with a custody fight to get her to back off a child support fight. Another common thread: Teens who play the divorce game running from one parent who has rules to another who lets them do what they want. This lawyer is making a ton of money writing letters to Mom for the 16 year old! A few days ago the lawyer asked Bowie to switch custody because Mom would not pack up and deliver the girls 9 pairs of shoes! Sound ridiculous? It is! And, a waste of time and money EXCEPT for the lawyers and judges of course. We'll see if it gets worse on Thursday in Bowies courtroom. This is a very small bit of the iceberg but some info for how a judge spends his day.
Sen Chambers suit came when Tory Bowen filed a lawsuit against Judge Cheauvrant for banning her from using several words to describe RAPE....the crime she believed she was a victim of. The higher court won't let her sue a judge. She's appealing.
You can sue a judge. You can sue anybody and it is unfortunate that our legal system, particularly judges, feel they are God.
It is also disappointing that Sen Chambers has received death threats over the God lawsuit. I can only assume non religious types are not the ones threatening him.
Perhaps now that I gave a bit of info, people will refrain from calling one an "idiot" when the fact is you do not understand the point. For those with an open mind google the Omaha Reader for an informative article on Chambers. For a real eye opener go spend some time in a courtroom in NE.
Without persons like Chambers to keep the legal system accountable, someone else will need to step up. My experience is most people are afraid to do so. Our children are inheriting a broken system I hope they will have the courage and integrity to fix. (and I have 4, yours is a doll!)
Anonymous...thanks for stopping by to comment. I appreciate the insight you have brought to the table.
ReplyDeletePlease feel free to come back anytime and share your thoughts. You certainly are more of an expert on this subject than me.