One Nation, Under God
The Supreme Court punted today – deciding that athiest Michael Newdow did not have the authority to sue on behalf of his daughter. Her mother opposes the lawsuit, and no doubt the little girl probably doesn’t want to be in the middle of this. Effectively, the Supreme Court reinstated the Pledge of Allegience’s “under God” phrase without actually ruling on the issue. The vote was 8-0.
The most encouraging part to me, though, was that Chief Justice Rehnquist wrote a separate opinion that a) agreed with the outcome and b) stated his opinion that the Pledge does *not* violate the Constitution. Justices O’Connor and Thomas agreed. That means any further attempt at a lawsuit on this issue is already down 0-3. If Scalia doesn’t recuse himself next time, that’s 0-4. A lawyer would have to unanimously win all 5 of the other Justices in order to strike out “under God,” a huge uphill battle.
Ironically, this came on the 50th anniversary of the words “under God” being install in the Pledge.
Stephen
June 14, 2004
I was disappointed–I wanted to see them rule on this.
Lawren
June 14, 2004
Wow the historical development of the country was recognized and legitimated. Now lets tell the ACLU to get away from Los Angeles.
Jane
June 15, 2004
I wouldn’t mind the ACLU so much if once in a while they filed suit to protect freedom *of* religion instead of freedom *from* religion.
Michael
June 15, 2004