PETITION TO ALL FEDERAL, STATE AND LOCAL OFFICIALS:

The words "under God" were added to the Pledge of Allegiance in 1954 to show the world the stark contrast between the United States of America and the Communist regime.  The words were added because the United States is truly a nation under God.  Our country was built on the principles and foundations of the Judeo-Christian faith.  The men who created our government were men of strong faith.  In establishing this country, they understood the inherent rights that God, their Creator, gave to all men.  The Declaration of Independence states that certain truths are self-evident.  These truths are "that all men were created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights . . . ."  The Declaration states very boldly that the United States of America were appealing to the "Supreme Judge" and that they had a "firm reliance on Divine Providence."

Why is it that a majority of Americans can grasp this concept but that men educated in the law of this country, the very law stemming from these principles, cannot?  Throughout our history, this country has turned to Almighty God, our Creator, for guidance and comfort in times of struggle. In 1775, the Continental Congress called on the Colonies to pray for wisdom in forming this great nation.  At the close of the War for Independence, George Washington directed his chaplain to offer a prayer of thanksgiving.  In 1863 President Lincoln declared a day of humiliation, fasting and prayer. When Pearl Harbor was attacked the President called on the country to pray. During the years following World War II when this country was fighting the Cold War, "In God we Trust" was adopted as our national motto.  When Apollo 13 was disabled in space the President called on the country to pray.  In 1988 President Reagan signed a bill declaring a National Day of Prayer. In Desert Storm every soldier received a copy of the 91st Psalm.  President Clinton called on this country to pray when the tragedy at Columbine Highschool occurred.  And on September 11, 2001, this country experienced a tragedy that was unlike anything we had seen since Pearl Harbor and it was to God that this country turned.  President Bush called on people across this nation to pray, a memorial service was televised across the country including many prayers, and many members of Congress, Republicans and Democrats alike, gathered on the steps of the capitol building to sing, "God Bless America."

But on June 26, 2002, a majority of two judges decided that we are no longer "one Nation under God."  This court action is an outrage.  It flies in the face of our national history and traditions.

I therefore call upon all federal, state, and local officials to do everything within your power to ensure that the Pledge of Allegiance continues to proclaim that America IS one nation under God and to allow our school children to use the Pledge.

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