Alonzo Fyfe

In my local paper today, I saw a request for applicants to write guest editorials.

Those selected will be asked to write 1 article every other week for 3 months (6 articles total).

The ad asks for two samples, 700 words long.

Attached is one of my two samples, concerning legislation to post In God We Trust in public buildings.

I have posted portions of this here before. But I would like this version polished up so that, perhaps, I can win this honor.

I have just a few days to make this submission.

I thank you for any help you may provide.

(P.S., my local paper's name: The Denver Post)

Word limit: 700 words

Alonzo Fyfe

If any are interested in the second of my two proposed samples, you may find it here:

Columbia

Buffman

Alonzo

A great article. Good luck.

Just a thought for your consideration.

...I know that the motto has appeared on our money for centuries,...

Only since the Civil War (The 1864 two-cent piece) and our paper currency since 1957.

http://www.ustreas.gov/education/fac...-we-trust.html

http://www.religioustolerance.org/nat_mott.htm

Alonzo Fyfe

Yes. I knew that. "Over a century" is what I meant to write.

Thank you. (In one draft of another I mentioned "about 150 years").

Thanks for pointing it out. That's the type of problem I hope to avoid.

Mageth

Excellent article. My only suggestion is, in the next-to-last sentence, perhaps drop the "that I was taught as a child," or incorporate it into the first part of the sentence, to perhaps give the sentence a better effect.

Buffman

Might not "symbols" rather than "signs" carry stronger support for the theme you are presenting?

GaryP

Alonzo-- I think your articles are both great. It would really be quite a coup to get to submit to the Post!

Best of luck!

As for the money; I think it was not the law till '57. And it has not been on coins uninterrupted since the Civil War.

The use of IN GOD WE TRUST has not been uninterrupted. The motto disappeared from the five-cent coin in 1883, and did not reappear until production of the Jefferson nickel began in 1938. Since 1938, all United States coins bear the inscription. Later, the motto was found missing from the new design of the double-eagle gold coin and the eagle gold coin shortly after they appeared in 1907. In response to a general demand, Congress ordered it restored, and the Act of May 18, 1908, made it mandatory on all coins upon which it had previously appeared. IN GOD WE TRUST was not mandatory on the one-cent coin and five-cent coin. It could be placed on them by the Secretary or the Mint Director with the Secretary's approval.


http://www.ustreas.gov/education/fac...-we-trust.html

dirkduck

This just came up in class yesterday, as I'm in Colorado Springs, so its definatly an issue here. The article seems great, good work on it!

Alonzo Fyfe

Print a few copies and pass them around the school.

You have my permission.

Indeed, you have my encouragement.