Hello. My name is Ross Llewallyn, and I'm writing this message today in opposition to this recent reaffirmation of "In God We Trust" as a national motto. While I would have been frustrated at this vote under any circumstances, I was especially motivated to write when I noticed that my representative, Tom Price, was a member of this caucus that proposed it. He also went onto Fox News to defend the vote.
I'm not interested in arguing about whether this was a waste of congress' time or not. That's not the issue for me. My gripe is something much more fundamental...
I am an atheist, meaning that I reject the existence of any god or gods, including any of yours and the one in all the phrases I’ll be talking about. When I hear things like "In God We Trust" and other phrases supported as official government institutions on money, in government buildings, and in our pledge and motto, my heart drops a little. I am an American citizen, and I am proud to be one for many reasons, especially for the many freedoms I enjoy. But each of these Constitutional infractions excludes me from being that citizen.
When I hear of this apparent distinction between "freedom of religion" and "freedom from religion", I cringe inside and outside. The phrases represent the same concept, with the second qualifying one specific aspect that is often forgotten by your caucus. What precedent does it set when you interpret the Constitution to mean only the former? That I, the nonbeliever, am allowed to have religion pressed upon me by our government?
The Establishment Clause is so clear here that I don't understand how the Supreme Court or your caucus got it so wrong. Using "God" on so many of these national institutions is obviously a violation of the Constitution that I just don’t fathom why. “Ceremonial deism” is a phrase as empty as its purpose in government, as well. At the very least, the term “God” promotes a limited subset of religions: monotheists. Do pagans and other that believe in multiple gods also not get represented? This is a slippery slope that should not even be approached.
The biggest misunderstanding concerning this topic is the notion that religion is "under attack" by making government neutral on matters of religion. In fact, it is quite the opposite. By not allowing government to take a stance on religion, persecution or favoritism of one over another is prevented. Jefferson’s letter from which “separation of church and state” is quoted is to a Christian denomination, in fact.
Children can pray in school all they want. It’s the school that can’t mandate it. People can shout to their Lord all day, as long as they don’t hurt anyone. Politicians can hold religious beliefs, of course. It’s promoting those in an official governmental capacity that breaks the spirit of the law and our nation’s foundation.
All I’m asking is for some consideration for the nonbeliever, the atheist, in this caucus’ actions. This is not “One Nation Under God”, because I’m here. In God We Do Not Trust, at least not all of us. I count. As do millions of others.
I’m not saying to ignore the majority of religious people in the country. I’m not saying to ignore the role religion has played in our history and our current day. I’m saying to respect those who do not follow one and instead embrace what truly unites us as a nation: freedom, liberty, and democracy.
Besides, “E pluribus unum” is way, way cooler.
Thank you for your time. I've even going to include my phone number, because I would sincerely appreciate a response in some form.
