Atheist Loses Bid to Ban Inaugural Prayer

abc ^ | 2/23/04

[knak]

SAN FRANCISCO Feb. 23 — The atheist who persuaded a federal appeals court to strike down the Pledge of Allegiance because of the words "under God" lost a bid Monday to abolish prayer at presidential inaugurations. A three-judge panel of the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals said Michael Newdow did not suffer "a sufficiently concrete and specific injury" to pursue his latest claim.

Newdow is both an emergency room physician and a lawyer and has represented himself in the two legal actions.

Newdow argued that the Rev. Franklin Graham's prayer at President Bush's 2001 inauguration was an unconstitutional endorsement of religion. He said the practice of clergy-led prayer at presidential inaugurations did not begin until Franklin D. Roosevelt's second inauguration in 1937.

In 2002, a three-judge panel of the 9th Circuit agreed with Newdow that the Pledge of Allegiance is unconstitutional when recited in public schools. The Supreme Court will hear the case next month.

Newdow challenged the pledge on behalf of his daughter, now 9, claiming she was wrongly being exposed to religion in public school.

The Sacramento man said he was unsure whether he would ask the high court to hear his challenge of inaugural prayer.

"I got other things on my mind at the moment," he said, referring to the pledge case, which Newdow himself will argue.

[Brad’s Gramma]

Newdow plop.

[hosepipe]

Well there you go!..
The Senate and Congress start each session reminding themselves of to WHOM the ultimate authority of the bill of rights( by PRAYER) belongs to.. at least for fifteen minutes or so..

THIS idiot wants to piss the ultimate authority off.. will the master at arms.. shoot this pretender to insurrection.. PLEASE.. We have enough problems here.. can I get a second ?.

[Thane_Banquo]

The 9th Circuit, with jurisdiction over the western US, would not even be able to order a halt to all future inaugural prayers, given they occur in Washington, DC.

[Darlin']

I sure don't wanna be standing anywhere near this Newdow person when its time for him to explain his earthly "mission" to his Maker. I have a feeling it won't be pretty.

[Right_in_Virginia]

This is a good news bump!

Finally, the world has not been altered to satisfy one man's obession.

[cubreporter]

If newdow doesn't like the prayer at the Presidential Inauguration he should stay home or don't watch it on TV...I would think he would do that very same thing anyway cause why would you attend or watch it on TV if your candidate did not win. Don't know who newdow's candidate is but it sure isn't GWB and GWB is going to win. Big time!
Besides newdow, WE happen to like the prayer. So, who are YOU to demand it is not said. You dont'' like it so dont' watch. We like it and will watch. It's called CHOICE isn't that what the dem/lib/fems always scream about? Turn off the tv or radio if ya dont' like it. Go out in the world newdow and do something constructive for a change.

[MEG33]

His demeanor is of a very hostile man.

[cubreporter]

They are AFRAID! I like to call them religion o'phobes. The gay community brands people Homophobes or accuses them of homophobia. So, if you dont' agree with prayer or religion ya must be a religionophobia!!! Or perhaps a Faithophobia or a "prayerophobia" which means you are afraid of religion. Makes sense, huh? Everything has a title or brand name these days so why not religion?

[EternalVigilance]

One of these days, God will have had enough, and decide to ban athiests.

[TexasCajun]

Too bad Eric Rudolf was captured!

Michael Newdow would probably piss him off!

[Aeronaut]

One of these days, God will have had enough, and decide to ban athiests.

A heavenly ZOT?

[Zack Nguyen]

If they don't believe in God, And if they think of us who do, as "believers of mythical tales", why don't they just laugh at us.

Because they are very angry people who want believers to stop believing. And recall that the Bible says that even atheists, in their heart, know there is a God.

[firewalk]

yes...very good news
Thank you

[atomicpossum]

Atheism is a religion. Newdow just wants his represented over anyone else's.

[GSWarrior]

Newdow is both an emergency room physician and a lawyer = nut

Priceless....the ambulances come to him.

[CGVet58]

why do you believe in separation of church and state? And upon what do you base your belief?

CGVet58

[No Blue States]

bump

[GOPologist]

Let's see--Judges said that it is unconst. to say the Pledge of Allegiance in public schools. So, if I'm in a PS and I say out loud the P of L, what law did I personally break.

Why does Freedom of Speech, other than a mm from your ear or mine, end anywhere? If I pray in a school, no one can stop me--says so in the same Constitution used above.

[GOPologist]

Instead of this guy being told to see Gibson's "Christ," he should be told to take Christ's place on the Cross.

[GOPologist]

Many years ago, when I was getting shot at during World War II, I remember a saying that always stayed with me: "There are no atheists in foxholes!"

Those who profess to be atheists are liars. When they are under major stress, watch them run to God for help.