Thursday October 29, 2009, 7:18 am
Well thas stupid wether you beleive in g-d or not this all over a silly pin????

Big Gorilly Hugs

Thursday October 29, 2009, 5:59 pm
I think it is an important issue because it is one more step down the road of losing personal freedoms.

Thursday October 29, 2009, 8:29 pm
Personally I think he would still have a job if he just took the stupid pin off while he was at work. Its just silly to lose a job in these times when jobs are so scarce, over a pin. If you want to make a statement make it on your own time not at work where you are servicing other people that may not have the same veiws as you. But thats just my opinion and I could be wrong.

Thursday October 29, 2009, 9:32 pm
Skorupa said. "It's not like he was out in the aisles preaching to people." Actually, it could be said he was at the cash register doing just that. The company offered company-provided pins for him to wear in compliance with their dress code, but he declined.

The Home Depot stores get all sorts of people from all walks of life with all types of belief systems. While I encourage everyone to practice tolerance, understanding, and acceptance of the differing viewpoints of others, not everyone does. It is possible (and in this country, entirely likely) that a customer would be offended by his pin and sue the store.

Normally I side with the individuals, but in this case, I have to stand with the store. I do, however, agree with Gorilly Girl; the whole thing reeks of stupidity.

Thursday October 29, 2009, 9:54 pm
Looks like it doesn't " PAY" to make STATEMENTS.

Friday October 30, 2009, 1:01 am
You don't have freedom of speech in the USA?

Friday October 30, 2009, 4:31 am
Wearing a pin that makes a statement is a form of free speech. Home Depot was just using this as an excuse for their actions. Unfortunately, I think you or anyone can be fired for any reason except sexual harrassment, religious prejudice or ageism.

Friday October 30, 2009, 5:44 am
thanks terry

Friday October 30, 2009, 6:17 am
When I first read this article I was outraged at the Home Depot but the more I started to think about it - Yes its his right as an American Citizen to wear what he wants BUT when you work for a Company and they have dress code guidelines, those guidelines have to be followed or you risk being fired. It doesnt have anything to do with Freedom of Speech...There are rules you have to follow - I dont see why this young man couldnt just put the pin on his shirt under his Orange vest - that way he knows its there and its closer to his heart and it would have made Home Depot happy as it wouldnt have been visible.

Personally seeing that pin would not have offended me and I am not sure why it would affend any American as it is part of our Pledge of Allegiance, no matter when it was added, its still there.

Friday October 30, 2009, 11:04 am
This is one of those "I was fired because..." claims that I suspect has a great deal more to it. First, most private companies do have dress codes, and I'm sure he knew the dress code well. Second, an employee is there to represent the company, that's it, bottom line. Third, this isn't about free speech because I'm sure that Mr. Keezor, for instance, would have something to say about another employee's lip or nose piercing; and, once again, Mr. Keezor knows that he's there to work for and represent the company. If Home Depot never discussed the matter with him...then maybe the reading Bible during lunch break incident was an unfair catalyst in their decision. However, I lean toward the probability that Mr. Keezor was doing more than wearing a button. Even in these harder times, most employers keep a strong evidence file on an employee before they put themselves into a possible litigation trap by firing someone.

Friday October 30, 2009, 11:28 am
I see alls opinions here and I have worked under strct dress codes but you know what noone EVER said anything to me for wearing my Oklahoma Bombing pin...hmmmmmmmm.

Big gorilly Hugs