Atheist in Supreme Court Objects to ‘Under God’ Phrase
Michael Newdow argues his point of removing “under God” from the Pledge of Allegiance before the US Supreme Court. At first glance, the High Court does not equate the phrase “under God” to be akin to a prayer as Mr. Newdow suggests. The court’s ruling is expected by the end of June.
bq.. WASHINGTON (Reuters) – Atheist Michael Newdow sought to convince U.S. Supreme Court justices on Wednesday that schoolchildren reciting “under God” in the Pledge of Allegiance amounts to a government-imposed religious exercise.
He argued it violates constitutional church-state separation, winning applause in the courtroom at one point, but several skeptical justices said students can be excused from the recitations or can simply not say the “under God” part.
The justices questioned whether Newdow also objected to singing “God Bless America” in classrooms, to the use of “In God We Trust” on U.S. currency and to “God save the United States and this honorable court” as part of its opening invocation.
Newdow, an emergency room doctor from California who has a law degree and is acting as his own attorney, said the pledge in schools was different, almost like a prayer.
p. [ Full Story @ Reuters ]
p(small). Source: Reuters© 2004 Reuters
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Filed under: Society and Culture, Politics, Perspectives, Law, Church and State
Satan is really busy. What is wrong with “Under God” we have been saying that for years. If he don’t want to say it they he don’t have to say it and neither does his childern. It looks like these people just wants GOD to go away but he is not going anywhere. GOD is here to stay even if Mr. Newdow does not give him the honor,the glory and the praise. How does Mr. Newdow thinks he exist. He exist because of GOD. We just have to pray for people like him.
The state of the United States of America is not a christian nation. it is independendant and its citizens incorporate a great diversity of people.
To expect all of its citizens or prospective citizens to pledge allegience to a god they do not believe in is not appropriate. Imagine if you moved to China or Japan and they made you pledge your allegience under bhudda or something, you wouldnt like that, would you.
You Christians need to start realising that you have no place in modern society.
Garry, that’s a bit harsh, don’t you think? Here in the USA, Christians have as much place in modern society as anyone else. I am an atheist and have no personal use for religion, but that is my right and privilege as an American. Other Americans choose to remain in their superstitions, and they have as much right to their freedom of superstition as I have my right to freedom from superstition.
I believe that the comment regarding bhudda in japan has little signifigance,due to it being the preference of an entire country.America is founded on christian beliefs,but must present the proper respect towards the acknowledgement of other faiths.The diversity of the U.S demands this ,in order to maintain equality & order.I have yet to even hear of any law or guidelines stipulated by the Japanese Government stating that any religions other than bhuddism practices are prohibited in Japan or China.