Issues@Hand

AFA initiatives, Christian activism, news briefs

October 2002 – AFA’s campaign to protect the Pledge of Allegiance and the national motto from tampering by activist judges has bolted out of the gates with a strong kick, as political leaders and average citizens begin to register their strong feelings on the issue.

A constitutional amendment has been proposed in both houses of Congress which would ensure that the words “under God” could not be stricken from the Pledge of Allegiance, and also protect the national motto, “In God We Trust,” from being declared unconstitutional.

AFA has established a Web site, www.wepledge.com (no longer active), to allow people to sign on to the amendment effort. Thus far nearly 400,000 Americans have signed the petition.

Don Wildmon, AFA founder and chairman, said eight governors have also endorsed the proposed amendment, including Mike Foster, Jr. (R- LA), Mike Johanns (R-NE), William J. Janklow (R-SD), Ronnie Musgrove (D-MS), Mike Huckabee (R-AR), Bill Owens (R-CO), Frank Keating (R-OK), and Bob Taft (R-OH).

“We are thrilled that these governors have endorsed the proposed amendment,” said Wildmon. “We expect many more will join them in the near future.”

Wildmon said the amendment proposal became necessary after a three-judge panel of the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco struck down the Pledge of Allegiance because it contains the words “under God.” The unexpected ruling stunned most Americans, including liberal members of Congress