Freethought & Rationalism Archive

Jewel · 06-30-2003, 04:47 AM

Quote:

LEXINGTON, N.C. (AP) - A federal lawsuit seeks the removal of the words "In God We Trust" from over the front doors of the Davidson County Governmental Center.

The lawsuit, which names as defendants the Davidson County Board of Commissioners, was filed Tuesday in U.S. District Court, The Dispatch of Lexington reported Wednesday.
The lawsuit says use of the motto constitutes a religious statement by the county's government and violates citizens' rights under the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.

Full article found
here:

How many of these lawsuits do you suppose will have to happen before the Supreme Court finally rules the motto and the "under Gawd" addition to the pledge unconstitutional?

Stephen Maturin · 06-30-2003, 05:43 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Jewel
How many of these lawsuits do you suppose will have to happen before the Supreme Court finally rules the motto and the "under Gawd" addition to the pledge unconstitutional?

Good question, Jewel. Ohio's state motto -- With God, All Things Are Possible -- comes straight out of the New Testament. Even so, the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals upheld the motto against an Establishment Clause challenge a couple of years ago. That ruling chaps my backside to this day. :banghead: Here's hoping they have better luck in Davidson County, North Carolina.

Vylo · 06-30-2003, 06:05 AM

While the removal of all these religious materials that are improperly mixed with state would cost a good deal to accomplish, I believe they should simply prohibit any future production of such religious plaques, letters, logos etc. Eventually these things would fade away.

Buffman · 06-30-2003, 02:49 PM

A belief in the supernatural will not simply "fade away" of its own volition because fear and ignorance are genetic heritages. The critical thinking process requires accurate, verifiable, evidence and education.

Vylo · 07-01-2003, 06:16 AM

There should be no pursuit to eliminate religion, just religious bias of the government, and religious sayings, symbols etc. from buildlings and currency. This country was founded with religious freedom as one of its basic rights, and we should uphold that.

Godless Dave · 07-01-2003, 06:20 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Vylo
There should be no pursuit to eliminate religion, just religious bias of the government, and religious sayings, symbols etc. from buildlings and currency. This country was founded with religious freedom as one of its basic rights, and we should uphold that.

I agree, there should be no legal pursuit to eliminate religion. Constitutionally protected freedom of religion is good for all of us (even if many Christians and some Jews in the US don't realize it).

I'm all for wooing people away from religion, but not through the courts. If we don't want the government telling us to believe (which "In God we trust" does), we shouldn't ask for it to tell people not to believe.

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06-30-2003, 06:05 AM	#3
Vylo Regular Member Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: washington, NJ 07882 Posts: 253	While the removal of all these religious materials that are improperly mixed with state would cost a good deal to accomplish, I believe they should simply prohibit any future production of such religious plaques, letters, logos etc. Eventually these things would fade away.

06-30-2003, 02:49 PM	#4
Buffman Beloved Deceased Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: central Florida Posts: 3,546	A belief in the supernatural will not simply "fade away" of its own volition because fear and ignorance are genetic heritages. The critical thinking process requires accurate, verifiable, evidence and education.

07-01-2003, 06:16 AM	#5
Vylo Regular Member Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: washington, NJ 07882 Posts: 253	There should be no pursuit to eliminate religion, just religious bias of the government, and religious sayings, symbols etc. from buildlings and currency. This country was founded with religious freedom as one of its basic rights, and we should uphold that.

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