Lost in a busy news week dominated by Syria, Putin, Obama’s bungling, and the 9/11 anniversary was an important federal court ruling on September 10, resulting in a victory so that the motto “In God We Trust” can remain on all U.S. currency.
The Associated Press reported:
A federal judge has dismissed a lawsuit seeking removal of the words ‘In God We Trust’ from U.S. coins and currency. Atheist groups and individuals argued that the national motto conveys a religious message that violates separation of church and state and puts them in a position of spreading a religious message when they engage in commerce.
In dismissing the suit, U.S. District Judge Harold Baer, Jr., wrote that ‘the Supreme Court has repeatedly assumed the motto’s secular purpose and effect’ and that federal appeals courts ‘have found no constitutional violation in the motto’s inclusion on currency.’ He added that while the plaintiffs might feel offended, they suffered no ‘substantial burden.’ One of the plaintiffs said they’ll appeal the judges [sic] ruling.
The American Center for Law and Justice (ACLJ) in response to the judge’s ruling released a statement titled “Victory: In God We Still Trust.” Within the statement was a quote from the amicus brief the ACLJ filed in support of the United States’ motion to have the case dismissed:
Moreover, the inscription of the national motto . . . on the nation’s currency does not violate the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment to the United States Constitution. The national motto simply echoes the principle found in the Declaration of Independence that our freedoms come from God and not the state.
It is a wonderful moment when one is reminded that the unique concept upon which our nation was founded was, in fact, truly exceptional. (Especially since, thanks to Mr. Putin, the question over whether our nation is still exceptional has been up for discussion all week.)
But the atheists will persist in ignoring God’s role in our national creation and as the source of our freedoms. Also, as stated above, they will likely appeal the judges ruling.
