'Pray for Obama' sign stirs controversy over Biblical verse

by James Muñoz
Updated Aug 30 6:21 PM

KENS5 - VICTORIA, Tx. -- The Secret Service is looking into a sign posted in Victoria, Texas.

The sign says "Pray for Obama", but it's the scripture quoted below those words that is raising eyebrows: Psalms 109:8.

Psalms 109:8 reads, "Let his days be few, and let another take his office."

Milton Neitsch Jr., who has lived in Victoria since 1961, says he didn't intend for people to pick up on the hateful wishes of death and pain surrounding the tiny verse.

But some people say it is hateful and inappropriate. They say it misuses the holy scripture and it must come down.

Neitsch recently received an email from a friend and decided to post it on his advertising billboard along North Navarro Street. He had no idea the firestorm of controversy it would create.

"Pray for the president. He needs it," said Neitsch.

When asked what the sign means, Neitsch responded, "Exactly what it says. Hope he's gone soon and somebody different takes his place."

Reverend Amy Danchik started a petition demanding Neitsch take down the sign. They've since met and Neitsch and agreed to replace the billboard.

"He shared with me a little about some of the threats that have come at his family, which is incredibly inappropriate, and in no way helpful and in no way how we're called to react when we disagree with somebody," said Danchik. "So I hope that those stop. I hope that people will react with the graciousness that he has reacted with and leave his family alone."

Neitsch says he is also getting plenty of support. He said he might replace the sign with something like, "Vote for the American", a sign that would no doubt stir emotion, while leaving the word of God to the experts.

Code enforcement in the City of Victoria says they don't review the content of signs. They said they would only get involved if the sign affected traffic.