For those who don't know, Dan Lungren is a representative from California's third district. He is the typical neo-con scum and now he's apparently lobbying God for a House seat in Heaven. That is the only way to describe this audacious move.
Lungren wants to spend tax dollars on engraving "In God We Trust" on the walls of the Capitol Visitor Center.
'In God We Trust'
'In God We Trust' plan stirs unbelievers to act
By Rob Hotakainen
MCCLATCHY NEWSPAPERS
07/20/2009
WASHINGTON — A California Republican congressman wants to do a little writing on the walls of Washington's newest federal building. If Rep. Dan Lungren gets his way, Congress will spend nearly $100,000 to engrave the words "In God We Trust" and the Pledge of Allegiance in prominent spots at the Capitol Visitor Center.
Lungren's proposal drew only a whimper of opposition last week when the House voted 410-8 to approve it.
Stunning, and a sure sign that our representatives are either appeasing the religious zealots or campaigning for the afterlife.
Lungren said that the phrase "In God We Trust" had a long history and was consistent with the beliefs of America's Founding Fathers. He also said the Declaration of Independence referred to rights given by a creator.
Lungren, a former California attorney general, said that while the proposed engravings incorporated religious references, they didn't violate the Constitution.
"What we're doing is making a specific historical reference to the beginnings of this republic," he said. "To ignore this or to forbid this statement or something like it to appear is to distort history. ... We're not trying to change history. We're trying to enshrine history in the Capitol Visitor Center."
What Lungren calls "enshrining history" is actually cramming religion in our faces. Even as a religious person myself I'm offended by Lungren's ignorance of history. How does a lawyer cite the Declaration of Independence as evidence that it's OK to engrave "In God We Trust" all over the walls of the Center? The Declaration of Independence may as well be a prop; the document does not give anyone powers and it certainly doesn't give Dan Lungren the authority to force religion on everyone.
And this is what Republicans believe is worthy of tax dollars? $100,000 to promote religion? That is what Republicans (and some Democrats) think is a worthy cause.
It's clear that we're seeing a prelude to the 2010 elections. Republicans are going to bring back God and it's going to come with force. They will try to bludgeon Democrats as (once again) being godless, abortion loving freaks. It is the only rational explanation as to why they are spending $100,000 on engravings; it's a "vote against this and you're voting against God" move.
The Democrats failed to show spine on this one. Very disappointing.