House Attempts to Block Courts From Ruling on “Under God”
The AP is reporting that the House of Representatives has passed a bill to forbid federal courts from ruling on cases regarding the inclusion of the phrase "under God" in the Pledge of Allegiance. This is beyond my comprehension for a number of reasons. First, the proponents of the bill talk about "destroying the national heritage" as though the Pledge is a fundamental part of US history. Here are some facts, courtesy of Wikipedia:
- It was originally written by a socialist
- It was written in 1892 (that would be over 100 years after the Declaration of Independence)
- The phrase "under God" was not included UNTIL 1954!
So any argument that the entire Pledge, much less the "under God" part, is fundamental to our "national heritage" is patently false.
Second, the entire idea that Congress can pass laws to restrict the ability of the Supreme Court to rule shows a complete lack or respect and understanding about the fundamental principles on which our government is founded. I find it difficult to believe that our lawmakers would be so ill-educated on Constitutional principles. It is incredibly ironic that one of the major backers of this law is quoted as saying that the Supreme Court eliminating the phrase would have "emasculated the very heart of what America has always been about." Todd Akin (R-MO), the person who said this must have a completely nonsensical conception of our country, if he thinks that attempting to shatter the balance of power among the branches of government is "what America is about."
Finally, the thing I DO understand about this legislative attempt is that it is a blatant attempt by the Republicans to make hay on a divisive issue going into the election. Lawmakers that understand the destructive implications of an attempt to void the checks and balances set up by the Founding Fathers (who in this case are mostly Democrat) can now be labeled as "against God" in the political campaign. I find it saddening that anyone who sits in Washington and passes legislation would be so ignorant and so unscrupulous as to try to irreparably damage the Constitution in order to win a few extra votes this November.
Where will these Republicans be when they have set the precedent and the tables are turned? What would they say if the Democrats made it illegal for the Supreme Court to reconsider Roe vs. Wade? Or perhaps they would make it illegal for federal courts to consider overturning gun laws? Why can’t the other side of the aisle consider these preventative measures against "activist judges" in the same manner that the Republicans do now?