Pledge decision may be reversed

[webfoot]

WASHINGTON — One day after a federal appeals panel ruled that saying the Pledge of Allegiance in public schools is unconstitutional, the Justice Department announced it will seek a rehearing. The judge who wrote the opinion put the ruling on hold.

Attorney General John Ashcroft said Thursday that his department will request a full hearing by the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in an attempt to overturn the 2-1 ruling. The ruling from California applied to nine Western states.

"At this time when citizens from all backgrounds have come together to express their solidarity as Americans, this Justice Department will spare no effort to preserve the rights of all Americans," Ashcroft said.

Senior Judge Alfred T. Goodwin, who wrote that the phrase "under God" violates separation of church and state, stayed his ruling until other 9th Circuit judges decide whether to reconsider the case. He gave no reason.

Goodwin's move has no immediate impact, because the ruling already was on hold for 45 days to allow challenges.

Earlier Thursday, President Bush denounced the ruling as "out of step with the traditions and history of America."
On Capitol Hill, lawmakers recited the Pledge and emphasized the words "under God." Later, both the House and Senate overwhelmingly approved resolutions condemning the ruling.

The Senate vote was 99-0. In the House, 416 members voted for the resolution, but 11 Democrats voted "present" and three voted no.

Please go to the web site and vote "NO" today!
USA Today is taking a vote on whether the words "Under God" should be removed from the pledge of allegiance.

USA Web Poll

[peewee]

Just voted, as of right now 70% of people are voting no.

[Haymaker]

I just voted and the percentage of people voting NO is still around 70%. I am glad to see that the majority is standing up for something that they want and not letting the minority decide what they will accept.

Darrell

[jamiebrown33]

Just voted, hope more will join in