Political Quotes

“Madam Speaker, many of the original 13 colonies that became the United States of America were settled by men and women of deep religious convictions who crossed the Atlantic Ocean to practice their faith freely. It is therefore no surprise that a religious people rose in rebellion against Great Britain in 1776, and many American statesmen believed that religion was indispensable to the maintenance of republican institutions. Yet, when the first 10 amendments to the Constitution were ratified, religion was addressed in the first, with most Americans agreeing that the Federal Government should not choose one religion over another. Today, in response to the devastation of September 11, a surge of civic pride is sweeping the Nation. As teachers recall lessons of history and democracy, children wear their patriotism to school in red, white, and blue. Others create and display banners proclaiming 'God Bless America.' Unfortunately, instead of pulling us closer together, some believe that these acts, and the use of the words 'God Bless America,' are pushing us farther apart. I believe in the separation of church and state, and we should not ask a child to recite a prayer that is not his or her own. That said, the first amendment does not remove all traces of religion from the classroom and it does not expel God from the school yard.”