Those who
would like to remove all reference to God from public life have been very busy
lately as these three stories illustrate.
- Flag folding at National
Cemeteries: Apparently the traditional flag-folding ceremony entitled to
veterans is being forbidden because of its reference to God. Full story from the Associated
Press and One
News Now. Excerpts:
Complaints about religious content
have led to a ban on flag-folding recitations by Veterans Administration
employees and volunteers at all 125 national cemeteries.
Rabbi Yitzhak Miller of Temple Beth
El said he understands the ban. "It is a perfect example of government
choosing to ignore religion in order to avoid offending some religions,"
Miller said. "To me, ignoring religion in general is just as problematic
as endorsing any one religion."
- Certificates for Capitol Flags: As reported
earlier the Architect of the Capitol denied a Boy Scout from
referencing God on the certificate of a flag flown in honor of his
grandfather over the Capitol. The
acting Architect of the Capitol has reversed the decision and will allow
Congressmen to chose what wording is permitted on each certificate, but
some conservative activists are encouraging the White House to nominate a
new Architect of the Capitol to serve a ten-year term. This way the policy could not be
overturned by the next administration regardless of party affiliation.