Home > Politics > Political Punch

Political Punch

Power, pop, and probings from ABC News Senior White House Correspondent Jake Tapper

« Previous | Main | Next »

In (blank) we trust

October 09, 2007 10:01 AM

A conservative cause is emerging on Capitol Hill with House Republicans calling for the termination of Architect of the Capitol Stephen Ayers.

The issue: Can the certificates members of Congress write for constituents to accompany flags flown above the Capitol include the word "God"?

The kafuffle began after Rep. Mike Turner, R-Ohio, requested a certificate for 17-year-old Eagle Scout Andrew Larochelle, stating: “This flag was flown in honor of Marcel Larochelle, my grandfather, for his dedication and love of God, Country, and family.”

Ayers approved the document only after removing the word “God," complying with a guideline prohibiting any “religious or political expression” from flag certificates.

"The word 'God' is carved into the walls of both chambers of Congress," Turner said in a statement. "The Architect is the custodian of the Capitol and currently maintains several religious symbols in the building. If permitted, removing 'God' from the Capitol flag ceremonies will be the precedent for removing 'God' from the Capitol, and this cannot be permitted."

130 House Republicans have asked Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., to change the rules. It seems it may become one of these values debates that catches the larger mainstream media unawares …

-- jpt

October 9, 2007 | Permalink | User Comments (7)

User Comments

why does the image of Nero fiddling while Rome is burning come to mind? Or of rearranging deck chairs on the Titanic?

Posted by: chuck | Oct 17, 2007 9:11:21 AM

This just really makes me wonder what our country is coming to.

Posted by: Chelsea | Oct 11, 2007 6:56:21 PM

Anna - Well then maybe it should go back to the basics. First of all the inscription is written by a private citizen to give to another private citizen, thus congress is passing no law, and that is the only thing in the Constitution, Congress shall make no law recognizing a religion (wording is off), What is political about the flag anyhow?

Posted by: spock | Oct 11, 2007 9:47:42 AM

Excuse the pun, but this is being done to be politically correct. This country was founded on Christian principles, but it is no longer a place consisting soley of Christian principles and symbols. If people wish to include "God" into Capitol Flag ceremonies, then perhaps we should consider including Buddha or Allah or other religious deities. It is more practical to keep religion in people's hearts and out of politics.

Posted by: Anna | Oct 10, 2007 3:48:13 PM

Noting that you are flying a flag to celebrate someone else's love of God, etc. doesn't appear to be "religious expression." Noting that you are flying a flag because God is Great, or because God is broccoli, or because there is no God, now that would be religious expression.

Posted by: DKNY | Oct 10, 2007 9:52:16 AM

spock is correct:God is not a religion.

It is Our Protected Right:

"Freedom OF religion", per the Constitution, NOT freedom FROM religion!

Posted by: karen | Oct 10, 2007 9:38:47 AM

GOD is not a religion, religion the way you believe (or not) in GOD. An no where in the Constitution does it say Religion is not allowed, this is a made up lie from Libs.

Posted by: spock | Oct 9, 2007 10:38:24 AM

Post a comment