Americans are free to heed
or ignore nation’s motto
Regarding R. Howard Andrews’ July 10 letter, the psychic network would be proud of his prognostication, though I doubt Germany and France will hand their countries over to the Islamic fundamentalists. Terrorism seems an effective ploy to draw attention to their demands; however, both countries have elected conservative leadership and will deal with the Islamic situation when it reaches critical mass.
Our Founding Fathers did fight for rights, including religious freedom; a gun isn’t necessary for participation. Freedom from tyranny and securing of rights were worthy incentives and rallied support for these causes. Although they sought independence during the American Revolution, the underlying reason was preservation of endowed rights; in fact, the Declaration of Independence states people have the right to alter or abolish any form of government destructive to these ends (i.e., securing rights).
Additionally, we do have the right to ask our elected officials to display out country’s motto. The establishment clause of the first amendment states our government cannot establish a religion; however, the next line, the free-exercise clause, allows for complete freedom to practice religion. The Founding Fathers never intended to take God out of government; rather, they recognized the creator’s role in endowing all men with unalienable rights ó among these: life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.
Finally, our country’s motto, “In God We Trust,” doesn’t violate the establishment cause as a religious statement; to be religious, a commitment (i.e., trusting in God) would be required. However, the government doesn’t force us to trust in God. It’s just another statement that may have religious connotations to some but is meaningless to others. If you conclude simple statements with God or creator to be unconstitutional, then you’d have to throw out the Declaration of Independence, which is the basis by which this great country was formed.
ó M.J. Smith
Salisbury
Put more focus on speeders
I was on Interstate 85 last Sunday morning before the accident (at the Yadkin River bridge). There were lots of holiday travelers going home. Most of them were speeding. I drive I-85 most every day. The majority of the people are going more than 10 mph over the posted speed limit.
When will people learn that speeding will kill you? Fortunately, no one died in that accident. I try to stay within 5 mph of the speed limit. If everyone else tried to do the same, there would be fewer accidents. Evidently, high gas prices haven’t slowed people down. I think we need speed cameras like they have in England. If you speed, it takes your picture and you get a bill in the mail. Maybe this is what it takes to slow people down.
Personally, I am all for it!
ó Rene Flynn
Salisbury