Press Release

A Response to God Bless America Bill

H.CON.RES.248 "That it is the sense of the Congress that public schools may display the words `God Bless America' as an expression of support for the Nation."

When Rep. Henry Brown, S.C. said "To threaten a public school for showing the same type of patriotism that we all showed on the Capitol steps is the opposite of what this country is all about" he overlooked a significant potential impact of this legislation. Members of Congress, voluntarily and as adults, sung "God Bless America" on the steps of the Capitol. This resolution, on the other hand, forces on America's children a particular religious statement isolated from its historical, lyrical context. It also presents this statement as the sole recognized, and official expression defining patriotism for this moment in history.

Congress must be careful not to respond with a permanent answer during a moment of crisis. What is truly the "opposite of what this country is all about" is ignoring those who believe differently by publicly endorsing religious doctrine.

Already, children and adults across America who are part of the community of reason are feeling excluded by the religious rhetoric flouted in this time of national crisis. Congress is misguided in codifying such rhetoric and asking our public schools to support a religious statement.

Of course, many will argue that this is a traditional, patriotic phrase that does not violate constitutional separations of church and state. What they will likely be forgetting in making such an argument is the Buddhists, Hindus, Humanists, Shintos and others. The popularity of this phrase and now its potential presence in schools is effectively alienating millions of patriots.

America is defined by its diversity, which includes both theists and non-theists. There are other statements that effectively express patriotism in an inclusive and non-divisive manner. I, for one, am proud to be an American!

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