“In God We Trust” Reaffirmed as Official US Motto
On Tuesday, the U.S. House of Representatives reaffirmed “In God We Trust” as the official motto of the United States, passing the measure with a 396-9 vote.
The resolution, which was introduced by Rep. J. Randy Forbes, supports and encourages the public display of the 1956 motto in all public buildings, public schools and other government institutions.
Forbes, who serves as Chairman of the Congressional Prayer Caucus, said he sponsored the measure in order to provide “clarity amidst a cloud of confusion about our nation’s spiritual heritage.”
“A growing, disturbing pattern of inaccuracy and omissions regarding the motto has arisen in the public square, from speeches made by the president of the United States in foreign nations (Last year, President Obama cited “E pluribus unum” as the nation’s motto in a speech in Indonesia), to the sanitization of ‘In God We Trust‘ from the half-billion-dollar Capitol Visitor Center by American historians,” Mr. Forbes explained in a statement to the press, alluding to an effort by historians to prevent the motto from being engraved at the center.
Following the resolution’s approval, Rep. Bobby Scott, D-Va., one of the nine lawmakers to oppose the motto, called the measure “unconstitutional,” adding that congresses time would be better spent focusing on the nations larger problems, such as the economy, failing public schools and poverty.
“Instead of facing these challenges and creating jobs to help American people make sure they have a roof over their head and food on their table, we are debating whether or not to affirm and proliferate a motto that was adopted in 1956 and is under no threat of attack,” he said.
The phrase In God We Trust has appeared on U.S. coins since 1864 and on paper currency since 1957. It was conceived by Salmon P. Chase, the U.S. Treasury Secretary under President Abraham Lincoln.
Image via Shutterstock
Tags : house of representatives, In God We Trust, In God We Trust motto, National Motto, Republican House
Posted: November 2, 2011
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Nov 2, 2011
Bobby Scott is absolutely correct. Who are the other 8 of 9 who rightly thought this was a complete waste of our time? They deserve a pat on the back for taking a stand against this stupidity.
Nov 3, 2011
Not really against it cause I don't care, but it says that religion is still controlling our government.
Nov 3, 2011
God made us a great country, because we were a Godly country. People have been trying to erase God for 40 years and look where it has gotten us. I have no problem keeping God on our side.
Nov 3, 2011
All I can say is AMEN. It's about time the politicians were able to get at least one thing right.
Nov 3, 2011
Thomas Paine (and others) was a founding father and was trying to eradicate our dependence on religion, believing it weakened our independent ideals and was a way to continue authoritarian influence, which proves time and time again to be true, so this fight has gone on much longer than 40 years.
Nov 3, 2011
The national motto should be "In The Constitution We Trust" god does not protect my civil rights the constitution does. considering I think god is a myth and religion is the greatest atrocity man kind has ever committed upon himself. To pit man against man over the unknown and unknowable is a crime against humanity.
Nov 3, 2011
One thing right? This just seems like a way to placate the, I'm sorry but, kinda slow, simple folks, and avoid dealing with the actual issues at hand.
Nov 3, 2011
I congratulate those who didn't vote for this nonsense.
Nov 3, 2011
Except that the hypocrites in the GOP refused to hold a vote to honor the troops that killed bin Laden saying that it was frivolous. Just another ploy to distract the American public.
Nov 3, 2011
yes, look where it has gotten us. we have exponentially increased our technology, ideals of freedom, medical achievements, scientific research capabilities, human rights, and opportunity. all from a country founded on the basis of freedom from religious tyranny. i have a huge problem with the fact that this "issue" was ever a concern of our house of representatives.
Nov 3, 2011
Is the God being referred to in "In God We Trust" the same God that is being worshipped by Muslims, Jews, Hindus, Buddhists, and all other non-Christian faiths? Or is the God in "In God We Trust" only the Christian concept of God? If the Christians who support this resolution believe that "In God We Trust" is irrelevant to non-Christians, it seems to me that they feel Christianity takes legal precedence over all other religions in the U.S.. How can that be Constitutional?
Nov 3, 2011
In GOD we Trust, not our government, not our leaders. Yet you can't post the 10 Commandments in the court room, most children do not know our pledge of allegience and don't you DARE get caught praying ANYWHERE. I trust GOD will seperate the sheep from the goats and this is more time wasted by our government, and I am not suprised our own president doesn't know the motto of our country, bet he doesn't know the pledge of allience either.
Nov 4, 2011
Every religion has their own version of "God". Everyone has a right to their opinion. I think the government should stop trying to please every little whinner that comes along and focus on things that will improve our nation not split it because of difference of opinion.
Nov 4, 2011
Finally someone addressed the disturbing trend that is taking shape in this nation. The fact that people who want to take God out of our country and government is alarming and the reason we have so many problems. If someone doesn't like the fact that God is woven into American society they can feel free to move somewhere else.
Nov 5, 2011
For clarifications sake I think it is necessary to advise that This motto was not established until 1956. it was on coins since 1856 but did not appear on paper money until 1957. The original motto was E plurbius unum, Out of many one. Much more fitting to the United States of America. "Under God" was not added to the Pledge of allegiance until July 11, 1954.
Dec 16, 2011
Jack,my computer wants you, still wainting
Dec 17, 2011
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