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'In God We Trust'

Commissioners Approve Plaques For County Courthouse

It is such a simple phrase, one that implies faith and looking toward new horizons. It has roots to when development of the nation was a bloody reality.

There is an effort to keep society connected with American history, including the phrase with a 200-plus year history.

The "In God We Trust – America, Inc" organization is working to promote patriotism by encouraging elected officials to "Vote Yes" to legally display our congressionally approved national motto, according to the organization's mission statement. The organization was founded by Bakersfield, Calif., city councilwoman Jacquie Sullivan. Her efforts started in 2001. The effort started when she heard about a group protesting the words "In God We Trust." She initiated a non-profit agency in 2004 called In God We Trust – America.

Monday morning, the Cheyenne County commissioners discussed adding In God We Trust to the identity of the county building. In the discussion, county attorney Paul Schaub confirmed that the courts upheld displaying the motto in municipal buildings. The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals unanimously agreed in a decision filed in 2010 that displaying the motto is not unconstitutional. The court ruled the motto is a reminder of the America's national heritage and identity as the national motto is unquestionably constitutional.

"I think it is a fantastic idea," said commissioner Randall Miller. "After we approve it, I think we should discuss where to post it."

Miller encouraged one display to be near the Cheyenne County District Courtroom.

The resolution cites the motto as historic, with presence on currency since 1864. According to allabouthistory.org, the phrase is linked to "The Star-Spangled Banner" written by Francis Scott Key in 1814. In God We Trust was first seen on U.S. coins in 1864 and President Dwight Eisenhower in 1956 declared "In God We Trust" be engraved on all U.S. currency.

The resolution states that the "historic and patriotic words of our national motto, 'In God We Trust' shall be permanently and prominently displayed in the Cheyenne County Courthouse."

 
 

Reader Comments(2)

BrianWestley writes:

Just more selfish Christians peeing their god all over.

przxqgl writes:

i'm hindu. how would people respond if i wanted to put a placque up in a publically owned place that said IN GANESHA WE TRUST? how would people respond if muslims wanted to put a placque in a publically owned place that said IN AL'LAH WE TRUST? it's a bad idea, regardless of what deity you use, and endorsement of a deity (ANY deity) by the elected government is a violation of the U.S. Constitution. it would be better to put stickers on publically owned vehicles that said E PLURIBUS UNUM.

 
 
 
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