In a surprise ruling the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals stated that the words “Under God” in the Pledge of Allegiance did not invoke a prayer. Instead, they ruled in a 2-1 vote that the words were meant to strike up patriotism in the person stating the pledge.
This case stems from a 2002 case brought against the state that concluded the use of “Under God” in the pledge made it a prayer and thus became unconstitutional. Micheal Newdow, a proclaimed atheist filled the suit with the courts that also stated the use of “In God We Trust” as our national motto was a violation of separation of church and state.
In a second ruling by the Appellate Court on the same day, the court ruled that the usage of this motto on our coins and money, as well as part of our national motto was not in any way a form of religious endorsement.
Newdow has stated that he will appeal this courts decision all the way to the Supreme Court, but does not have great hope in succeeding with his efforts. Clearly annoyed by the courts decision, Newdow claims that upholding the “Under God” clause specifically disqualifies non believers as true citizens of the country.
It’s really sad to say that something that has been in our lives for so long is now being decided by the “courts”. This to me is an abomination in itself.
We will always be “One nation under God” as far as Im concerned. Maybe if we had more of God in our lives this world would not be in the mess it is in.
Dr. Newdown is to be commendended for the extensive , difficult, and time-consuming efforts he has put forth on behalf of all Americans. I can only take solice in the fact that there are some judges (i.e. J. Goodwin, J. Reinhardt) who recognize the harm done to young students by the inclusion of a belief in a diety in the Pledge. I hope that realization will spread to more members of the political and judicial community. Thank you, Dr. Newdow!
Please forgive the misspelling of Dr. Newdow’s name in the earlier post
That phrase was inserted in 1954 to promote religion during the Cold War.