Should we remove "In God We Trust" from our currency?

While everyone awaits the outcome of the race between Lynn Daucher and Lou Correa for the 34th Senate seat there is a bigger story unfolding today. The following announcement was just received from Pacific Justice. Perhaps you might wish to weigh in with your thoughts on the freedom that Dr Newdow enjoys in creating these lengthy legal debates. Only in America can this wacko idea even be considered.
Larry Gilbert
11.20.2006

Briefs Filed by U.S. Dept. of Justice and PJI in Support of National Motto

San Francisco, CA— Today legal briefs were filed by the U.S. Department of Justice and the Pacific Justice Institute in the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. The Department of Justice is representing the federal defendants who were sued late last year by an atheist, Dr. Michael Newdow, to remove “In God We Trust” from coins and currency. PJI intervened as a defendant because of its longstanding interest in representing people of faith.

Last June the District Court ruled in favor of the defendants finding that the national motto does not violate the First Amendment’s Establishment Clause. In addition to arguing that the inscription appearing on coins is an unlawful establishment of religion, Dr. Newdow is also asserting that the motto interferes with the exercise of his religious rights as an atheist. Dr. Newdow was thrust into the national spotlight when he successfully convinced the Ninth Circuit to declare the phrase “one nation under God” to be unconstitutional. The U.S. Supreme Court reversed finding that Dr. Newdow lacked standing. However, he re-filed the case with other plaintiffs and the District Court found in his favor. Along with the national motto case, the pledge of allegiance matter is also pending in the Appellate Court.

While a number of organizations will be filing amicus (friend of the court) briefs in support of and opposition to the national motto, attorneys for the Department of Justice and PJI will be the only lawyers that will be actually appearing in court to argue the case. Oral argument has not yet been scheduled in the Court of Appeals. “Our attorneys are committed to work hard as we diligently represent people of faith throughout this country in this very important case,” stated Brad Dacus, President of Pacific Justice Institute.

Poll question: Please visit our website, www.pacificjustice.org , to respond to our poll question: Should the Ninth Circuit declare “In God We Trust” unconstitutional?
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The Pacific Justice Institute is a non-profit 501(c)(3) legal defense organization specializing in
the defense of religious freedom, parental rights, and other civil liberties.
P.O. Box 276600
Sacramento, CA 95827-6600
Phone: (916) 857-6900 Fax (916) 857-6902
Internet: www.pacificjustice.org


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