Atheist plans lawsuit challenging motto on U.S. currency

Ilph · Post by **Ilph** » November 14, 2005 8:15 am

Atheist plans lawsuit challenging motto on U.S. currency

Associated Press

SACRAMENTO, Calif. - An atheist who has spent years trying to ban recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance in public schools is now challenging the national motto printed on U.S. currency.

Michael Newdow said Sunday that he planned to file a federal lawsuit this week asking for the removal of the national motto, "In God We Trust," from U.S. coins and dollar bills. He claims it's an unconstitutional endorsement of religion and "excludes people who don't believe in God."

Newdow, a Sacramento doctor and lawyer who is an avowed atheist, used a similar argument when he challenged the Pledge of Allegiance in public schools because it contains the words "under God." He took his fight to the U.S. Supreme Court, which in 2004 said he lacked standing to bring the case because he didn't have custody of his daughter.

An identical lawsuit later brought by Newdow on behalf of parents with children in three Sacramento-area school districts is pending with the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals, after a judge sided with the plaintiffs in September.

Newdow said his efforts are not spurred by an atheistic agenda, but rather by a desire to see the government adhere to the U.S. Constitution. He dismissed opponents' arguments that references to God in government honor the country's religious roots, saying constitutional rights should take precedent.

"It's not the history that counts. It's not the patriotism. What it is, is these people want to get their religious views in our government," he said.

nycparrothead · Post by **nycparrothead** » November 14, 2005 8:44 am

Maybe if this moron had a friend or two he wouldn't have this much time on his hands...

mings · Post by **mings** » November 14, 2005 1:02 pm

This just in: I'm submitting a Bill to Congress that allows people to kick the a$$ of losers like this.

iuparrothead · Post by **iuparrothead** » November 14, 2005 1:06 pm

Thanks for wasting taxpayer money, Mr. Newdow.

redwinemaker · Post by **redwinemaker** » November 14, 2005 1:07 pm

mings wrote:This just in: I'm submitting a Bill to Congress that allows people to kick the a$$ of losers like this.

This guy has stirred up so much sh*t here in NorCal, I think he is already on a few folks a$$kicking list

CaptainP · Post by **CaptainP** » November 14, 2005 1:09 pm

This isn't as bad as the bill that was introduced (and thankfully defeated) about 10 years ago, someone wanted to waste taxpayer dollars to re-write the entire U.S. Constitution, making it entirely gender-non-specific.

land_shark3 · Post by **land_shark3** » November 14, 2005 1:10 pm

You know, there is an easy solution to all this....

He could just send his money to me. I really don't mind the motto.

mings · Post by **mings** » November 14, 2005 1:10 pm

redwinemaker wrote:
mings wrote:This just in: I'm submitting a Bill to Congress that allows people to kick the a$$ of losers like this.
This guy has stirred up so much sh*t here in NorCal, I think he is already on a few folks a$$kicking list

See reds, it's peeps like you that make me not want to disown California. Every time I see news from this dude, I just think of how he's getting back at everyone cause he got beat up everyday at school. Although, I gotta tell you, 49 states is a good number. After all, Canada is #50, right?

redwinemaker · Post by **redwinemaker** » November 14, 2005 1:16 pm

mings wrote:
redwinemaker wrote:
mings wrote:This just in: I'm submitting a Bill to Congress that allows people to kick the a$$ of losers like this.
This guy has stirred up so much sh*t here in NorCal, I think he is already on a few folks a$$kicking list
See reds, it's peeps like you that make me not want to disown California. Every time I see news from this dude, I just think of how he's getting back at everyone cause he got beat up everyday at school. Although, I gotta tell you, 49 states is a good number. After all, Canada is #50, right?

Actually if you simply disowned Los Angeles, San Francisco, Santa Cruz, Alameda and Marin counties you would find CA to be a pretty cool place.

mings · Post by **mings** » November 14, 2005 1:22 pm

redwinemaker wrote:
mings wrote:
redwinemaker wrote:
mings wrote:This just in: I'm submitting a Bill to Congress that allows people to kick the a$$ of losers like this.
This guy has stirred up so much sh*t here in NorCal, I think he is already on a few folks a$$kicking list
See reds, it's peeps like you that make me not want to disown California. Every time I see news from this dude, I just think of how he's getting back at everyone cause he got beat up everyday at school. Although, I gotta tell you, 49 states is a good number. After all, Canada is #50, right?
Actually if you simply disowned Los Angeles, San Francisco, Santa Cruz, Alameda and Marin counties you would find CA to be a pretty cool place.

True, but that may be too difficult. I'm for a simple, cheat result - and axing off the whole state falls in that category. I've been there, and yes there are some nice places, however, this great country of ours is large enough that we'll be occupied with other beautiful scenic landscapes and such.

redwinemaker · Post by **redwinemaker** » November 14, 2005 1:24 pm

redwinemaker wrote:
mings wrote:
redwinemaker wrote:
mings wrote:This just in: I'm submitting a Bill to Congress that allows people to kick the a$$ of losers like this.
This guy has stirred up so much sh*t here in NorCal, I think he is already on a few folks a$$kicking list
See reds, it's peeps like you that make me not want to disown California. Every time I see news from this dude, I just think of how he's getting back at everyone cause he got beat up everyday at school. Although, I gotta tell you, 49 states is a good number. After all, Canada is #50, right?
Actually if you simply disowned Los Angeles, San Francisco, Santa Cruz, Alameda and Marin counties you would find CA to be a pretty cool place.

On that subject, I saw this bumper sticker the other day, how freaking true is this?

mings · Post by **mings** » November 14, 2005 1:30 pm

redwinemaker wrote:
redwinemaker wrote:
mings wrote:
redwinemaker wrote:
mings wrote:This just in: I'm submitting a Bill to Congress that allows people to kick the a$$ of losers like this.
This guy has stirred up so much sh*t here in NorCal, I think he is already on a few folks a$$kicking list
See reds, it's peeps like you that make me not want to disown California. Every time I see news from this dude, I just think of how he's getting back at everyone cause he got beat up everyday at school. Although, I gotta tell you, 49 states is a good number. After all, Canada is #50, right?
Actually if you simply disowned Los Angeles, San Francisco, Santa Cruz, Alameda and Marin counties you would find CA to be a pretty cool place.
On that subject, I saw this bumper sticker the other day, how freaking true is this?

I'm for it. As long as the minority doesn't F*** things up for the majority, then all is well and the world is balanced.

UAHparrothead · Post by **UAHparrothead** » November 14, 2005 2:42 pm

It was only a matter of time.

jonesbeach10 · Post by **jonesbeach10** » November 14, 2005 3:33 pm

UAHparrothead wrote:It was only a matter of time.

Ditto...
Why don't some get it that "God" was meant to mean whatever God you believe in, or none at all if you are an atheist? You don't see Muslims wanting the motto to be "In Allah we trust" or Buddhists wanting "One nation under Buddha," do you? I'm sorry if your kids get made fun of in school or whatever, but deal with it. You don't think Muslims children got made fun of in school or were hated immediately after 9/11? What about the kids that are too short or too tall or too smart or too stupid? I'm sorry, but kids can be mean. That's how it was when I was in school and obviously it still is now. It's part of life, DEAL WITH IT!!!

[/soap box]

rednekkPH · Post by **rednekkPH** » November 14, 2005 3:40 pm

jonesbeach10 wrote:Why don't some get it that "God" was meant to mean whatever God you believe in, or none at all if you are an atheist?

Actually, if that was the case, it would be "god" instead of "God".

Regardless, I don't care one way or the other if it's on there. I don't believe in pyramids with eyes either, but I'm not offended by pictures of them.

mermaidindisguise · Post by **mermaidindisguise** » November 14, 2005 3:41 pm

I think this guy needs to turn the freakin page already.......

before someone shoots him (it's only a matter of time considering his location)

Tiki Bar · Post by **Tiki Bar** » November 14, 2005 3:52 pm

This brought this email to mind...

A little history lesson you may enjoy:

I thought that you and others may like to see this. One detail that is not mentioned, in DC, there can never be a building of greater height than the Washington Monument. With all the uproar about removing the ten commandments, etc... This is worth a moment or two of your time. I was not aware of this historical information.

On the aluminum cap, atop the Washington Monument in Washington, DC, are displayed two words: Laus Deo. No one can see these words. In fact, most visitors to the monument are totally unaware they are even there and for that matter, probably couldn't care less.

Once you know Laus Deo's history, you will want to share this with everyone you know. But these words have been there for many years; they are 555 feet, 5.125 inches high, perched atop the monument, facing skyward to the Father of our nation, overlooking the 69 square miles which comprise the District of Columbia, capital of the United States of America.

Laus Deo! Two seemingly insignificant, unnoticed words. Out of sight and, one might think, out of mind, but very meaningfully placed at the highest point over what is the most powerful city in the most successful nation in the world.

So, what do those two words, in Latin, composed of just four syllables and only seven letters, possibly mean? Very simply, they say "Praise be to God!"

Though construction of this giant obelisk began in 1848, when James Polk was President of the United States , it was not until 1888 that the monument was inaugurated and opened to the public. It took twenty-five years to finally cap the memorial with a tribute to the Father of our nation, Laus Deo ........."Praise be to God!"

From atop this magnificent granite and marble structure, visitors may take in the beautiful panoramic view of the city with its division into four major segments. From that vantage point, one can also easily see the original plan of the designer, Pierre Charles l'Enfant...a perfect cross imposed upon the landscape, with the White House to the North. The Jefferson Memorial is to the south, the Capitol to the east and the Lincoln Memorial to the West.

A cross you ask? Why a cross? What about separation of church and state? Yes, a cross; separation of church and state was not, is not, in the Constitution. So, read on. How interesting and, no doubt, intended to carry a profound meaning for those who bother to notice.

Praise be to God! Within the monument itself are 898 steps and 50 landings. As one climbs the steps and pauses at the landings the memorial stones share a message. On the 12th Landing is a prayer offered by the City of Baltimore; on the 20th is a memorial presented by some Chinese Christians; on the 24th a presentation made by Sunday School children from New York and Philadelphia quoting Proverbs 10:7, Luke 18:16 and Proverbs 22:6. Praise be to God!

When the cornerstone of the Washington Monument was laid on July 4th, 1848 deposited within it were many items including the Holy Bible presented by the Bible Society. Praise be to God! Such was the discipline, the moral direction, and the spiritual mood given by the founder and first President of our unique democracy ."One Nation, Under God."

I am awed by Washington's prayer for America. Have you never read it? Well, now is your unique opportunity, so read on!

"Almighty God; We make our earnest prayer that Thou wilt keep the United States in Thy holy protection; that Thou wilt incline the hearts of the citizens to cultivate a spirit of subordination and obedience to government; and entertain a brotherly affection and love for one another and for their fellow citizens of the United States at large. And finally that Thou wilt most graciously be pleased to dispose us all to do justice, to love mercy, and to demean ourselves with that charity, humility, and pacific temper of mind which were the characteristics of the Divine Author of our blessed religion, and without a humble imitation of whose example in these things we can never hope to be a happy nation. Grant our supplication, we beseech Thee, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen." Laus Deo!

When one stops to observe the inscriptions found in public places all over our nation's capitol, he or she will easily find the signature of God, as it is unmistakably inscribed everywhere you look.

You may forget the width and height of "Laus Deo", its location, or the architects but no one who reads this will be able to forget its meaning, or these words: "Unless the Lord builds the house its builders labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the watchmen stand guard in vain." (Psalm 127: 1)

It is hoped you will send this to every child you know; to every sister, brother, father, mother or friend. They will not find offense, because you have given them a lesson in history that they probably never learned in school. With that, be not ashamed, or afraid, but have pity on those who will never see.

mings · Post by **mings** » November 14, 2005 4:10 pm

rednekkPH wrote:
jonesbeach10 wrote:Why don't some get it that "God" was meant to mean whatever God you believe in, or none at all if you are an atheist?
Actually, if that was the case, it would be "god" instead of "God".

Regardless, I don't care one way or the other if it's on there. I don't believe in pyramids with eyes either, but I'm not offended by pictures of them.

WORD.

12vmanRick · Post by **12vmanRick** » November 14, 2005 4:14 pm

again, we all came to this country somehow. Few of us are Native Americans. We all came here and adapted to the way's of this land until recently when the new wave of people started this politically correct S H I T! and now it's catching on to everyone. I liked this country better when everyone did their own thing and respected that of the other. If you don't like this country LEAVE. I am sure Russia, Iraq, Africa, Antartica and a few others would be happy to have you and if that's not good enough go to China and express your views and then the world will be rid of you forever.

mings · Post by **mings** » November 14, 2005 4:22 pm

12vmanRick wrote:again, we all came to this country somehow. Few of us are Native Americans. We all came here and adapted to the way's of this land until recently when the new wave of people started this politically correct S H I T! and now it's catching on to everyone. I liked this country better when everyone did their own thing and respected that of the other. If you don't like this country LEAVE. I am sure Russia, Iraq, Africa, Antartica and a few others would be happy to have you and if that's not good enough go to China and express your views and then the world will be rid of you forever.

Political correctness has it's roots in good thoughts, however the practice of it has been so abused that it's absurd and out of control. People are too Sensitive. Guess what - I DON'T GIVE A ....