Newdow Refiles Pledge Case, Attempts to Halt Inaugural Prayers

[Terri]

Newdow Refiles Pledge Case, Attempts to Halt Inaugural Prayers

By Adelle M. Banks
Religion News Service

Dr. Michael Newdow, the California atheist who sued to get "under God" removed from the Pledge of Allegiance, says he has refiled a suit regarding the pledge and filed an additional suit to try to prevent members of the clergy from praying at President Bush's inauguration.

Newdow refiled the pledge suit in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of California on Monday (Jan. 3), he told Religion News Service. A court staffer said legal documents had been received but had not been officially recorded pending additional paperwork from Newdow.

More (http://www.beliefnet.com/story/158/story_15892_1.html)

[Danny]

The man from under the rock has came out to shed his skin again I see!

And Newdow is..........? Who again? Why do we care what this guy's doing? He's had his 15 minutes, POOF-BE-GONE already.

This guy is only trying to make a name for himself, and he initially USED his own daughter to do it, period.

[rangerrebew]

He feel like a second class citizen? He is one!!!!. Since over 80% of this country believes themselves to be Christians, he should have no say in the issue. The very definition of a democracy includes rule of the majority, something he is not part of. I personally am offended by minority causes, such as his and the ACLU, telling me, as a member of the majority what I must tolerate!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!
A question, who is funding this clown? Could it be the communist party?

[richard.leach]

Let's watch this one closely. We live in a republic, with democratically elected representation. Remember, we need to protect the minority, while we respect the majority. Don't fall into the "we live in a majority, and the majority wins" trap. There are plenty of things a "majority" of Americans would not care about, that conservatives would not want.

This guy is a bonehead, and has an obvious agenda. It is the ACLU who supports him, along with other ultra-liberal folks.

We need to be alert to the judiciary legislating from the bench. Remember, if prayer has been a part of official government functions since the dawn of our nation, it is hard to argue that the founders' intent was to have a purely secular government, which he maintains. It is illogical, but if the judiciary rules in his favor, the original intent of the founders will not matter.

[papajaxxx]

Richard Leach said:
<table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr class="standard"><td>Quote </td></tr><tr class="standard"><td class="QUOTE">We need to be alert to the judiciary legislating from the bench. [/QUOTE]

I agree. This is happening way too much and is a real DANGER! Those judges need to be exposed and brought to light, and our Legislators need to keep a check on them.

As far as this jerk (Newdow) who's bringing this up, it makes you wonder what his real motives are? It has to be that he wants to be &quot;front and center&quot; in the news. He doesn't give a darn, in his heart, whether &quot;under God&quot; is in the Pledge of Allegiance.

My opinion: This guy needs to &quot;get a life&quot; and move on. Remember, Madaline Murry Ohare, the atheist who was successful in getting prayer out of school in 1962? Have they ever found her body? Reckon this guy might have the same fate?

[Basheva]

<table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr class="standard"><td>Quote </td></tr><tr class="standard"><td class="QUOTE">Remember, if prayer has been a part of official government functions since the dawn of our nation, it is hard to argue that the founders' intent was to have a purely secular government, which he maintains.
[/QUOTE]

Since before the dawn of the nation. Well, before.

[steveh]

Where is the insult? *We are constantly bombarded by the politically correct elitist left and the minorities about how we are insulting their sensibilities by forcing our views upon them. *Well - I am insulted that a few would tell me what I can and cannot do with my *traditional/spiritual beliefs. *I am outraged. *Why isn't the ACLU defending my right to practice my faith anytime or anywhere? *I am being discriminated against. *

Beside, I never met an aethiest that wouldn't pray at their final hours or moments on earth - like a plane crashing.

[JustinJamm]

<table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr class="standard"><td>Quote </td></tr><tr class="standard"><td class="QUOTE">The very definition of a democracy includes rule of the majority, something he is not part of. I personally am offended by minority causes, such as his and the ACLU, telling me, as a member of the majority what I must tolerate![/QUOTE]

So, might makes right, eh? Rangerrebew, I'm curious: would you, FOR EXAMPLE, support the free speech of a minority even if the majority wanted to silence them? That would place the will of the majority over free speech.

<table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr class="standard"><td>Quote </td></tr><tr class="standard"><td class="QUOTE">Well - I am insulted that a few would tell me what I can and cannot do with my traditional/spiritual beliefs.[/QUOTE]

As am I, steveh. What the ACLU and their kin haven't acknowledged is the free speech of the majority--including the right to free speech on the part of gov't employees and elected officials! Somehow, the ACLU thinks that some magic light turns on IF YOU WORK FOR THE GOV'T, that suddenly you lose free speech and free exercise of religion because now you somehow &quot;are the gov't.&quot;

[jcuz]

Ocassionally, one of God's Children will break water and race through the birth canal while forgeting to dress with the soul provided for the grand entrance into nature live. Haste makes waste. Here in lies Mr. Newdow with his magnetic force of creative genius in the realm of stupidity. Remember, It is sometimes wise to allow others to wonder how bright you are than to display your true message and erase all doubt. Mr. Newdow needs desparately to activate his soul and allow it to mature. Good day guys and gals.

[pRIMrose]

Hi steveh http://www.gopusa.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wavey.gif ~ welcome to http://www.gopusa.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/gopusa.gif

<table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr class="standard"><td>Quote </td></tr><tr class="standard"><td class="QUOTE">It is illogical, but if the judiciary rules in his favor, the original intent of the founders will not matter.[/QUOTE]

This is the scariest part of all Richard. The damage that has already been done to this nation through liberal judicial mandate is extraordinary. Liberal judges who legislate from the bench are to be as feared as terrorists. If allowed to proliferate, either of these entities will eventually destroy the country. At least the country that our forefathers established and died for. Very sad. http://www.gopusa.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/shake.gif

[bakedbones]

We need to start an organization called the ARLU!The American Religious Liberties Union could sue every entity that seeks to infringe upon religious expression in public forums.
I believe the clause states that the government shall not establish an official state religion, . . not that it will prohibit any and all religions! This New-dope's interpretation is tantamount to establishing Atheism as the state endorsed belief system.
Clergy at the inaugural are there to bless the candidates and endorse them, not to represent each citizen or force us all to pray! If this guy is ever elected President, then he can put his hand on a toilet seat to make the oath, if he likes! If Joe Lieberman were elected, he could have a Rabbi and exclude all Christian clergy from the dias, and I would have no objection. If a Wiccan became the first woman President, then she would be completely within her rights to have her coven perform some Wiccan rite! Its HER inauguration, so SHE gets to choose! I heard somewhere that this Bush fella is Christian, . . so I reckon he can have who he wants, too!! http://www.gopusa.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif

[termind]

I'm curious. Has Newdow ever turned down a paycheck 'cause the money says &quot;In God We Trust?&quot;

Just wondering...

[Original Rebel]

http://www.gopusa.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/star2.gif *http://www.gopusa.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/star2.gif *http://www.gopusa.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/star2.gif

<table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr class="standard"><td>Quote </td></tr><tr class="standard"><td class="QUOTE">Why isn't the ACLU defending my right to practice my faith anytime or anywhere? *I am being discriminated against.[/QUOTE]
Because the Anti-Christian Lunatics Union IS BEHIND ALL OF THIS CHRISTIAN ELIMINATION FROM THIS GOVERNMENT!!! *They aren't about to defend a Christian since it is their aim to DESTROY CHRISTIANITY.

<table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr class="standard"><td>Quote </td></tr><tr class="standard"><td class="QUOTE">I'm curious. Has Newdow ever turned down a paycheck 'cause the money says &quot;In God We Trust?&quot;[/QUOTE]
Now, termind, I think you KNOW the answer to that one. http://www.gopusa.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/rock.gif

http://www.gopusa.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/bird16.gif

[Corgie Girl]

Once again the separation of Church and State clause is being deliberately skewed to cause division in this country. The clause means that Congress or government cannot create or annoint a &quot;State&quot; religion, not the complete annihiliation of religion. What the left and atheists have effectively done IS create a new religion - secularism. By so doing, they are infringing on any religious person's rights to their own faith and the expression thereof. I know that I have suggested this before, but there is a very simple solution to the pledge. A person not willing to invoke any deity, they can say &quot;one nation under law&quot;. In any mass chanting of the pledge, no one will be singled out and the pledge can be tailored to fit whatever weird proclivity you may have.

[Old Man]

<table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr class="standard"><td>Quote </td></tr><tr class="standard"><td class="QUOTE">We need to start an organization called the ARLU!The American Religious Liberties Union could sue every entity that seeks to infringe upon religious expression in public forums.[/QUOTE]American Center for Law and Justice (http://www.aclj.org/) is currently taking on some of these cases to fight the ACLU. *More people need to be made aware of this organization.

[efildrah]

Old Man, you are an incredible font of knowledge, thanks for the link.

I have been confused by this seperation of church and state thing for many years. The Bill of Rights Clearly states: &quot;Freedom of Speech, Press, Religion and Petition - Congress shall make no law, respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press, or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.&quot;

To my mind these are simple words, with a simple meaning, we as Americans have the right to practice our religions (whatever they may be) without fear of government interference or coercion. Why is there such a debate?

http://www.gopusa.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/usflag22.gif

[rangerrebew]

Justin - there is absolutely nothing in the Constitution that allow a minority CAUSE to have more weight than a majority belief. Newdow, and many of the minority causes such as PITA, the protectors of the batbladder snorgel minnow, moveon.org, etc. have to do with causes, not individual rights. The Constitution, in fact, deals with INDIVIDUAL RIGHTS, not political action committes and the like. They have a right to free speech as INDIVIDUALS but are in no position to tell me that there athesism is more protected than my right to worship my God. In fact, the Supreme Court has ruled that &quot;secular humanism&quot; is a religion under the law and since Christiantiy is also a religion protected by the First Amendment (at least for now) the humanists have no right to talk about their beliefs either. That is if the Equal Access Law is properly administered by the courts. They claim that Judeo/Christians are evil and have no right to &quot;offend&quot; them. What right do they have to offend me with their atheism? If someone who is offended by anything has the right to tell the majority they have to stop, then we should all just stay inside our houses because each and every person in this forum &quot;offends&quot; someone by their mere existence. The offended claim is a cheap means of silencing people and is the a aim of socialism and communism. If you want to be one, great, but if you don't, you had better wake up and see what is being done to you under the guise of such terms.

[Charie]

I'm here to tell you I'm twice as offended as anyone here by Newdow and his addled, arrogant atheists.

P.S. THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS SEPARATION OF CHURCH AND STATE IN OUR CONSTITUTION, AMENDMENTS OR ANY OTHER ORIGINAL DOCUMENT. And I don't give a rip about any letter that Jefferson wrote to anyone about any so-called separation. That is not a legal government document! This is all just hogwash!!

[notable914]

I just find it amazing that someone like this can get so much attention.
But it seems to happen all the time.
What are people so afraid of? We have
a President who knows there is Someone bigger out there than he is. Phew.
If there wasn't a God out there who listened to our prayers and President Bush's prayers like he apparently believes there isn't --
then the prayers could go on and nothing would happen. Unfortunately
way too many of these people have found a sympathetic court or judge who really
has no idea that we are a Christian
nation based on Christian ideals such
as things that are so threatening as
the 10 Commandments. I find it comforting to say the least that we abide by &quot;Thou shall not kill&quot; or at
least have principles against it.

We have to watch these cases and fight for what is right or stupid ideas and causes of people like this are found
to be legitimate by someone in power.
It has happened too many times already.

[rangerrebew]

We also have to get over this politically correct hogwash that has been foisted on America under cover of terms such as &quot;phobia&quot;, &quot;offensive&quot;,
&quot;diversity&quot;, &quot;justice&quot;, and the like. They are terms used by the left to induce feelings of guilt and minimize resistence of people who disagree with them. If they don't like the right speaking the mind, the h*ll with them. They can go to Cuba and become leading citizens.

[KathrynSmith]

To the tune of Leslie Gore's &quot;It's My Party&quot;

It's Bush's party and he can pray if he wants to
Pray if he wants to
Pray if he want to
Hope you pray too if your my President too.

Michael Newdow keeps planning all night
Can't leave it alone for a while
'Til prayer is totally gone
He finds no reasons to smile

But..
It's Bush's party and he can pray if he wants to
Pray if he wants to
Pray if he wants to
I hope you pray too if your my President too.

[anyone care to write the next verse?]

[Froufrou]

KathrynSmith - Just Beautiful! I am mulling if over as we speak...or is that the whine?

[PatriotPA]

Where are Jesse Jackson, a self proclaimed leader of &quot;his&quot; people, and Charlie Rangel, an outspoken member of congress, on the issue of public prayer? Both are members of the clergy and very vocal but seem to clam up when the display of Christian faith is threatened.

[lovingarmywife]

I received an email pertaining to this him, and his current attack. Now, I noticed something new about his name (or maybe it isn't new, and I just never noticed before)...but on the article I received...his name was preceeded by 3 little letters that seem to condradict him... Rev. So now he's the Rev. Dr. blah blah...did he go to the Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton Seminary? I'm confused! Atheists don't usually go for Pastor status, do they? a petition by the ACLJ (http://www.aclj.net/entrance/enter.cfm?dn=1008&source=2036&CFID=535281&CFTOKEN=93185296)
Ah, found some info on him... he is ordained by the Universal Life Church and is the founder of the First Amendmist Church of True Science. background information section of this website (http://www.dcd.uscourts.gov /02-1704.pdf#search='Rev .%20Dr.%20Michael%20 A.%20Newdow')
OK looked up the Universal Life Church...you can become ordained, for free in 3 minutes! ULC (http://www.ulc.org/)
So, we know that he didn't put much info into his ordination...done to attempt a slap in the face to Christians? Didn't work for me! LOL Just wish that he had actually spent some $$ on his ordination...you know, you can buy them on Ebay too!

I also see that he is busy selling music CD's complete with explicit lyrics! What a loser he is! website (http://www.restorethepledge .com/)
OK, now, back to the sane world!