http://www.csmonitor.com/...
Atheist Michael Newdow challenged 'under God' in the Pledge of Allegiance and 'in God we trust' on US currency as unconstitutional endorsements of religion. But the Ninth US Circuit Court of Appeals said the references to God are grounded in historical philosophy and politics.
"Not every mention of God or religion by our government or at the government’s direction is a violation of the Establishment Clause," wrote Judge Carlos Bea for the majority in the opinion that was issued Thursday.
"Without knowing the history behind these words, one might well think the phrase 'one Nation under God' could not be anything but religious," wrote Judge Bea. "History, however, shows these words have an even broader meaning, one grounded in philosophy and politics and reflecting many events of historical significance."
Hmm .. wait just a minute then! Meet me in the alternate universe over the fold.
Interesting finding by this Bush appointee to the 9th District Court:
Have to wonder if the good Judge thought all the consequences through all the way on this one.
If religious speech can now be defined as political speech, then it can also be deemed to have commercial value as well.
I'd then have to ask why religious institutions are exempt from paying taxes. Which part of their function could be considered to be 'tax exempt', given their increasing proclivity to get involved with politics?
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This story about yet another attack on separation of Church and State, as fetid and horrid as it .. it reminds me of this fellow, whom I met early on when I first got on the internet blogging and in flame wars with various folks. He was funny and encouraging, one of the reasons I stuck with blogging. I almost expected to find him here.
Heck .. maybe, he IS here, as there are a lot of anonymous posters at DK.
He was a 16 year old, who stood on principle at that time in 1956, protesting against a Abington MA school requirement each student read 10 Bible passages, and the Lord's Prayer each day. Imagine, that in 1956, this kid had the chutzpah to bring a Qur'an to class, instead.
By the way, even if you have not heard of Ellery Schemmp before, you might have read his satire "Warning: Gravity is "Only a Theory". That piece was actually quoted by some Creationists and Dominionist in the past as their 'proof' that science can't be right all the time, not bothering to understand in any logical way just what the essay is truly about.
Make me wonder, is there a 16 year old kid who is willing to stand on principle somewhere, today ..