A group of atheists, including Michael Newdown, who unsuccessful sued to remove the words "under God" from the Pledge of Allegiance, has sued to remove the phrase "So help me God" from the inauguration ceremonies.Newdow also sued to remove religion from inaugurations in 2001 and 2005, and has spoken of attempting to remove "In God we trust" from U.S. currency.
Michael Newdow is joined in the fight by the group The Freedom From Religion Foundation. Dan Barker, president of the organization, told Fox News Radio:
"We're hoping to stop prayer and religious rituals at governmental functions, especially at the inauguration. The inauguration is not a religious event. It is a secular event of a secular country that includes all Americans, including those of us who are not Christians, including those of us who are not believers."In all, Michael Newdow, 17 other individuals and 10 groups representing atheists sued Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts Jr., the Rev. Joseph E. Lowery and pastor Rick Warren, filing the complaint in U.S. District Court.
In a way, if we are speaking of true separation of church and state, they have a point. I would posit, however, that there are far more important things we should concern ourselves with. Is this more important to these people than global warming? Than the recession? Than starvation in Africa? I guess, to Michael Newdow and the rest, it is.
One thing I hope they realize: if they ever get "In God We Trust" removed from currency, think of how much money that would cost the U.S. Uh, huh. Something extremely useful to increase the budget deficit with, in these trying times.
Scott Walter, executive director of the Becket Fund for Religious Liberty, called the lawsuit a "publicity stunt" in a statement yesterday. He added:
"Newdow's lawsuit over the inauguration is a lot like the streaker at the Super Bowl: a pale, self-absorbed distraction. And anybody who looks at it carefully can see there's not much there."
2 comments:
You say, " ...there are far more important things we should concern ourselves with..."
I think the First Amendment is a Fairly important topic. If its not important, when in the future is the correct time?
This issue is really a No brainer...
As far as cost of changing the money, it is changed on a regular basis. The "In God We Trust" edit could occur on all future imprints. NO cost!
If we are speaking of true separation of church and state, they have a point.
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