The Murray Brook Frog: Let us Keep our Symbols of Faith

By Brandyann Phelps

On the news the other night they showed a plain cross some folks erected out in the middle of the desert to honor our brave soldiers fallen in battle. It’s on public land, but it’s been there for many years, however now some guy has come along and said it must be removed because of separation of church and state.

From atop the magnificent granite and marble Washington Monument, completed in 1888, one can easily see the original plan of the designer, Pierre Charles ‘Enfant …a perfect cross imposed upon the landscape, with the White House to the north. The Jefferson Memorial is to the south, the Capitol to the east and the Lincoln Memorial to the west. The Washington Monument is the tallest building in Washington, D.C. and no other building shall ever be taller. On the aluminum cap, atop the Washington Monument facing the heavens, where no one ever sees them; two words are written: Laus Deo, which is Latin for “Praise be to God.”

You may ask what about separation of church and state? The Constitution of the United States does not contain that phrase and never has. The Constitution backs freedom of religion by stating the government shall not designate a state religion.

We are “One Nation, Under God,” built on faith and for many the cross symbolizes that faith. Are we to give up the reminders of our faith because one or two disagree? I say no, let the dissenters put up their symbol and leave other people alone.

I came across another bit of silliness I thought may tickle your funny bone. As you know the incumbent is always on the top row in the voting machine, which is difficult for some of us little people to see and reach. It seems that one year, in the town of Vienna the supervisor took the matter into his own hands and bought stools for everyone. The folks in the opposing party put up a real fuss, still remembered years later by some. They said it gave an unfair advantage to the incumbents, I guess they were counting on the “low” votes.

When you read this I’ll be at my home in Louisiana for health reasons. I’ve been very ill and need tests that are too expensive for my pocket book, I don’t have any insurance. I plan to go to the charity hospital there to find out what is wrong and get better if I can; then I will come “home” to you all. I hope you will remember me in your prayers.

Have a good week and God Bless. ©

The Murray Brook Frog is written by Brandyann Phelps, author and Historian for the Town of Vienna.

2 Comments on "The Murray Brook Frog: Let us Keep our Symbols of Faith"

Patrick Oden on Mon, 12th Oct 2009 4:32 am

“The Constitution backs freedom of religion by stating the government shall not designate a state religion.”

This only holds true if you ignore the words “respecting an” in the same clause. In fact, the Establishment Clause says, “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion.” I suppose, if you believe that the Constitution contains words that are meaningless, then you could ignore the “respecting an.”

Also, other things not found in the Constitution include the Air Force, a right to marry, taxation with representation, the right to vote, and a whole host of other ideas.

The foundation of the separation of church and state has a stronger foundation in the Constitution than any of these other ideas.

Instead of pointing to unauthoritative words on monuments and in pledges that were built and drafted decades after the founders, use some actual legal theory for your support.

There are three clauses in the Constitution regarding religion. First, the Establishment Clause guarantees Freedom From Religion. Second, the Free Exercise Clause guarantees Freedom Of Religion. And third, the Religious Test/Secular Oath Clause guarantees Freedom of Conscience for a person of any faith to serve in public office while never being required to swear allegiance to any religion.

Lou Best on Mon, 12th Oct 2009 7:39 am

Brandyann, You are in our thoughts and prayers. May your recovery be complete and your return quick; the Frog is needed in the pond.

Bless you,
Lou Best
Durhamville

The Murray Brook Frog: Let us Keep our Symbols of Faith

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