ACLU lost one battle, but probably will wage another

If the American Civil Liberties Union hasn’t caused your blood pressure to skyrocket at least once a month, you’re probably dead and just haven’t fallen down yet.

A three-judge of the 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, in Cincinnati, handed the ACLU an early Christmas greeting last month when it ruled against the group’s suit to have the Ten Commandments, the Mayflower Compact, the Declaration of Independence, the Magna Carta, the Star Spangled Banner, the national motto, the preamble to the Kentucky Constitution, the Bill of Rights to the U. S. Constitution and a picture of Lady Justice removed from a display at the Mercer County, Ky. Courthouse.

Attorneys for the county argued that the Ten Commandments was part of a display of historical documents. The ACLU, predictably, argued that the display violated the First Amendment of the Constitution.

Judge Richard Suhrheinrich's ruling said the ACLU brought "tiresome" arguments about the "wall of separation" between church and state, and it said the organization does not represent a "reasonable person."

Here’s what the First Amendment says: “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof (emphasis added); or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press, or the right of the people to peaceably assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.”

The wording is clear and concise: The government can’t establish an official religion and it can’t prevent you or me from worshiping our God as we feel is appropriate. Understanding those 16 words doesn’t require a constitutional scholar or a Supreme Court justice.

The government cannot say the official religion of the United States is Lutheranism or Presbyterianism or Catholicism. It cannot establish a religion.

Why is that so tough to understand?

One of the founding principles of the United States was freedom of religion – not freedom from religion. Our belief in God is part of our daily lives, in large and small measures.

“In God We Trust,” our money says (although atheist Michael Newdow is suing to have that phrase removed). “God bless you” is commonly said when someone sneezes. “… if the good Lord’s willing and the creek don’t rise” is often heard when someone vows to accomplish a particular task.

“I promise to tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth, so help me God,” is sworn to every day of the week in courts across the land.

Kinston City Council meetings begin with a prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance – “ … one nation, under God …”

Since the ACLU is so opposed to anything vaguely representing God or religion, it seems only fair that members should forego Christmas or Hanukah vacations and celebrations, work weekends (Jews honor the Sabbath on Saturdays, most Christians worship on Sundays) and put in eight hours at work on Good Fridays.

But regardless of the latest legal decision, this argument is far from over. The ACLU undoubtedly will go again to the Supreme Court in an attempt to get the Appeals Court ruling overturned.

Stay tuned.