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it's easy, just follow the directions - shouldn't take more than 10 - 15 minutes per night
Posted on 06/26/2002 3:17:41 PM PDT by kattracks
(CNSNews.com) - The White House Wednesday called a California appeals court ruling on the Pledge of Allegiance "wrong," and announced that the Justice Department plans to take action.
The Ninth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that the pledge is unconstitutional and should not be recited in schools, because the phrase "under God" violates the establishment clause of the First Amendment of the Constitution.
"The view of the White House is that this was a wrong decision and the Department of Justice is now evaluating how to seek redress," White House spokesman Ari Fleischer said.
"The Declaration of Independence refers to God as the creator four different times. Congress begins each session of the Congress each day with a prayer and our currency says 'In God We Trust,'" he said.
Fleischer emphasized that the decision is one from a circuit court that only affects nine states and not a national court decision.
"I think that people are very naturally ... going to react strongly opposed to this," he said. "I think this decision will not sit well with the American people and it certainly does not sit well with the president of the United States.
"I think most Americans have faith in God, and they are going to express [their faith] and the pledge everyday that they can," he said.
Meanwhile, Rev. Lou Sheldon of the Traditional Values Coalition said the ruling should be a wake-up call for President Bush to appoint more conservative court judges -- even if it means bypassing the Senate.
"We can expect more anti-God decisions like the one just handed down by the judicial tyrants in San Francisco, if we don't get good conservative judges on the federal bench," Sheldon said. "Senators Daschle, Leahy, and McCain need to get out of the way and confirm Bush's nominees quickly.
"We're sick and tired of Tom Daschle blocking the confirmation of God-fearing judges like Charles Pickering," he continued. "Americans want men like Pickering on the bench who respect America's religious heritage and understand that we truly are a nation under God.
"If Senators Daschle, Leahy, and McCain don't get out of the way this week, I think it's time for President Bush to begin making recess appointments of his judicial nominees," he said. "Enough is enough!"
Rep. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), a member of the House Judiciary Committee, vowed to go a step further if needed.
"If necessary, I will offer a constitutional amendment to ensure Americans can voluntarily say the [Pledge of Allegiance] in public and private settings without being in violation of the law," said Graham.
"The reference in the Pledge to being 'one nation under God' is in no way the establishment of religion by the government. If America ever needed God's blessing and guidance, it's now," he concluded.
E-mail a news tip to Jim Burns.
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at 6:00 p.m. pdt, the Freeper FRiva Feva contest will begin
join the contest to win your registration fees to the FRiva Las Vegas Conference
it's easy, just follow the directions - shouldn't take more than 10 - 15 minutes per night
He needs to get on the air ASAP.
Freedom OF religion means that the state should not impose yours on my children.
Great!! Let's keep the two points linked.
(p.s. do you include the three "mainstream" networks in those who mentioned both points?)
Either way, mlo, the ENTIRE country is absolutely FURIOUS about this and OUR VOICES HAVE BEEN HEARD.
Yours is being drowned out. It is important to us. Our kids CANNOT say the Pledge of Allegiance at school anymore....IT'S UNCONSITITUTIONAL.
Anway, I'm done arguing with you. I am entitled to my opinion; I think this is an important issue because the next thing you know they'll be taking away our guns, our freedom of speech, etc. This is only a small pebble in the pond, but if you let it grow, it will soon become a boulder in a raging river that sweeps our rights away, one by one by one. That is what I care about.
Atheists and pagans don't have rights to their beliefs?
The words "under god" were added in the 1950's. The original pledge did not contain them.
Is this the same clown that failed to vote for all of Clinton's impeachment articles? The same clown that supported John McCain for President? The same clown that voted for campaign finance "reform" What a disgrace you are Lindsey Graham.
I'm expresing my views, just as you are. That's all.
Either way, mlo, the ENTIRE country is absolutely FURIOUS about this and OUR VOICES HAVE BEEN HEARD.
And I'm hopeful that this anger will lead to something useful. It may be a good thing in the end.
Yours is being drowned out. It is important to us. Our kids CANNOT say the Pledge of Allegiance at school anymore....IT'S UNCONSITITUTIONAL.
This is simply not true. I've already explained why. Nothing stops your children from saying the pledge of alliegence.
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