[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 88 (Thursday, June 27, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1169]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


IN RESPONSE TO THE NINTH CIRCUIT COURT OF APPEALS' RULING ON THE PLEDGE 
                             OF ALLEGIANCE

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                          HON. ADAM H. PUTNAM

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 26, 2002

  Mr. PUTNAM. Mr. Speaker, I am fortunate to have many veterans 
residing in my district. When I heard of the appalling actions of the 
Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals--ruling that the Pledge of Allegiance 
was unconstitutional--my thoughts turned to them. We are a nation 
standing strong today because those heroes pledged their allegiance to 
America with their lives, their tears and their sacred honor. What must 
our troops in the field today think?
  Our Country came into being through a Declaration of Independence 
that acknowledged that we are endowed by our Creator with the 
unalienable rights of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. This 
is clearly an acknowledgement in the very founding document of this 
Nation that we are indeed ``one Nation under God.''
  When I conclude a constituent letter with ``God bless America'' is my 
action unconstitutional? Should that be banned, too? I stand with the 
tradition that allows the President to put his hand on the Bible, 
pledge to protect and defend the Constitution and conclude his oath 
with the words of George Washington, ``So help me God.''
  It is sad that at a time when our country is at war and Americans 
have a renewed sense of patriotism--and what allegiance to America 
costs--this court is driving a wedge between us with their absurd 
ruling. It is my fervent hope that a common sense reading of the 
Constitution will eventually prevail and that liberal judges will end 
their war on religion in America.
  As countless American leaders of all political stripes have said 
before me, God Bless America.

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