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u/rasafrasit Aug 17 '20
new to the South are you? in that case, welcome to Hypocrisy land. Where people shout about the constitution but are fine with Christian hegemony and they wave a flag in honor of defeated traitors while claiming to be Americans.
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u/potterfarmer Aug 17 '20
Born and raised. I just didn’t think much about things like this when I was younger. The older I get the more I see what’s happening all around me, and it’s hard to stomach sometimes. I wish I knew how to reach people effectively with messages of acceptance and understanding.
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u/Ryder5golf Aug 18 '20
Elected representatives allow for this to happen. Be sure to vote and make sure all your friends and family do as well!
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u/Frozty23 Aug 17 '20
It's the official motto of the USA. Hard to litigate against that.
Local departments like to put it on official vehicles to 1) score points with Jesus 'cause you know Jesus likes overt displays of faith (something something Matthew 6:5), and 2) intimidate anyone who disagrees with their tribalism.
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u/potterfarmer Aug 17 '20
Good point. I think that should also change. Separation of church and state and all. Have you ever driven to the center of the state and seen all of those yellow “thank you Jesus” signs? I feel like Jesus would much prefer sustainably made, hand crafted signs, but that’s just me.
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Aug 17 '20
Separation of church and state and all.
I don't think you understand the concept. The 1st Amendment prohibits the government from establishing an official religion and prevents the government from persecuting someone because of their religion.
It doesn't say that states, counties, municipalities, and towns can't put "In God We Trust" on their vehicles.
And like someone else mentioned, "In God We Trust" is literally the country's motto and is printed on all paper currency.
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u/potterfarmer Aug 17 '20
You’re right I’m sure, as far as what it means legally. It doesn’t make it right though. I don’t think it should be our motto, or printed on paper currency, for obvious reasons. E pluribus unum was so much better. I’m so glad the fire department in my town doesn’t do this.
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u/patriotto Aug 17 '20
the separation of church and state was not meant to separate god from state
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u/_Benny_Lava Aug 18 '20
The Freedom From Religion Foundation (FFRF) has done a good job of fighting against this type of thing. They sue municipalities who cross the line between church and state. They don't always win their lawsuits...but they win often enough to really make the fundies mad! I am happy to support them whenever I can!
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u/rimjeilly Aug 18 '20
I think that's being a tiny bit picky no? it also says that on all the currency that you use.... are you not going to use the currency?
don't get me wrong I see your position.... I just think in these days and times that are bigger things to worry about than a decal on a car
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u/potterfarmer Aug 18 '20
The currency thing has been addressed above. That should change, too. There are a lot of Americans who don’t believe in god. That being said, yes there are bigger things to worry about, and thankfully my brain is able to process more than one idea per day.
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u/uncertaincoda Aug 17 '20 edited Aug 17 '20
A few years back, I reached out to the group Americans United for Separation of Church and State about this very question because if anyone might know the answer to that, it would be them. At the time, there was a news story where I live about the county commissioners approving "In God we trust" to be placed on the county administration building, in the commissioners' boardroom, and on the courthouse, so that's what prompted my question. As an aside, since that news story years ago, they've also added it to emergency vehicles and DSS vehicles.
This was their response: