In this issue:
The Michigan House and Senate have passed legislation that makes the posting of the national motto, 'In God We Trust', legal in public buildings throughout the state, including schools. Already, an anonymous doner associated with the conservative American Family Association of Michigan has offered to pay to hang framed posters bearing the motto in schools in the city of Troy.
Governer John Engler is expected to sign the bill into law this month.
The motto, which became offical in 1956, has a history unmistakeably rooted in religion. Having failed to amend the Constitution to reflect their idea that the United States was a "Christian nation" when they were members of the National Reform Association, James Pollok, the 10th director of the U.S. Treasury, and Solomon Chase, the Secretary of State at the time, schemed to put a religious motto on our coins in the late 1800s. With the help of Congress, who enacted legislation that left all inscriptions on currency to the director of the Treasury with the approval of the Secretary, Pollok and Chase chose to inscribe "In God We Trust" on our money.
The inscription went unchallenged until Theodore Roosevelt became President. He thought that having such a statement on coins was blasphemous, and moved to change the inscription. Outcry from vocal Christian groups kept the statement of monotheism on our coins. During the McCarthy era and the Eisenhower presidency, the inscription officially became the national motto, and made it onto our paper currency in the following year. Constitutional challenges to the motto have ended in disappointment for separationists. Courts have ruled that the motto does not promote religion, and has a historical, patriotic, solemn meaning.
Given the blatant, unmistakable religious history of the motto, Atheists and separationists object to these rulings.
WHAT WE CAN DO
Join us at the China Star Palace on Sunday, December 16, from 3:00pm to 7:00pm for our Winter Solstice Celebration. This is an open mike/open forum event, featuring our auctioneer extraordinaire, Robert Brooks. This event is a major fundraiser for Michigan Atheists. If you have a new, usable item, please bring it with you, and we'll see if Bob can sell it!
Reservations are required, so RSVP no later than December 12th to amarie@atheists.org, or call Arlene-Marie at 313-388-9594. The event costs $12 per person, payable at China Star. China Star is located at 270 S. Wayne Rd in Westland, MI. Please park in the rear of the restaurant.
TopWe will be having a political action planning session at the China Star Palace on January 20.
Some of the issues to be placed on the table include:
Please let Arlene-Marie know if you plan to attend this important event no later than January 13th. Make reservations at amarie@atheists.org or call Arlene at 313-388-9594.
Topfrom American Atheists
Join us at the luxurious Hyatt Harborside Hotel in Boston Massachusetts for the 28th National Convention of American Atheists. This year's event includes the usual blockbuster roster of speakers, along with workshops, social events, a memorable luxury cruise of Boston Harbor, a trip to historic Salem, and much more!
The 2002 National Convention will celebrate the 30th anniversary of the historic BAIRD v. EISENSTADT (1972) case which reversed the conviction of pro-choice activist Bill Baird, who was tried, convicted and jailed for violating a repressive law criminalizing the mere act of providing birth control information to women. After five years of legal battling, 21 judges and six courts, Bill Baird finally prevailed. We honor him and this historic case which laid the groundwork for another historic decision in ROE v. WADE. Mr. Baird is one of our featured speakers at this year's Convention.Other speakers (confirmed) include:
(Visit the Convention web site at http://www.atheists.org/convention as more outstanding speakers are confirmed!)
We also include a "Jump-start" event on Thursday, March 28, 2002 -- a trip to historic Salem. This fascinating tourist attraction includes the famous Salem Witch Museum, House of the Seven Gables, Maritime National Historic Site, along with a bevy of eateries and other destination activities.
WHAT: The 28th National Convention of American Atheists WHEN: March 29-31, 2001 (Jump-start Thursday, March 28) WHERE: Boston, Massachusetts MORE INFORMATION: http://www.atheists.org/conventionTop
The Michigan Atheists Newsletter is an electronic publication containing news about separation of state and church, the events of Michigan Atheists, and the civil rights of Michigan's godless citizens. All content of the newsletter is the intellectual property of Greg Reich and Michigan Atheists, unless otherwise credited.
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