If there's one thing Oklahoma needs, it's more visual reminders about the almighty God and the divine influence he has on our society and culture. Seriously, you can't find that stuff anywhere ever since Obama banned it in 2008.
Fortunately, some astute, fair-minded, not-in-any-way pandering Oklahoma lawmakers have noticed this problem and offered a solution to fix it.
Via NewsOK.com:
Oklahoma House Speaker Charles McCall wants the national motto, "In God We Trust" to be displayed prominently in all state buildings.
American Atheists, which advocates for the separation of church and government, criticized the proposal, saying it would be exclusionary to people with diverse religious beliefs.
House Bill 3817 would require the Office of Management and Enterprise Services to display "In God We Trust" in a prominent place in all state buildings, except for those owned by school districts.
That's nice and everything, but shouldn't the messaging be on brand and say "In God We Trust... Imagine That!"
Either way, I think this is a swell idea. First of all, the slogan is already printed on our money. If we can trust God with that, we can surely trust him with blessing our government.
Second, maybe placing these hallowed words in state buildings will inspire God to wave his magic wand and give us new lawmakers who actually care about real, important issues facing the state, and not just pandering to the theocratic Evangelicals who elect them.
Here's more:
The size and placement of the phrase would match how the motto is displayed in the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center. OMES would be required to cover the costs.
HB 3817 says displaying "In God We Trust" should not be construed to mean the state favors any religion over another. It also charges Oklahoma Attorney General Mike Hunter to defend the displays if they are legally challenged.
McCall, R-Atoka, said he does not intend for the bill to be a religious statement.
"It is important for government to acknowledge history and project the values that make America great," McCall said in a statement. "'In God We Trust' is on buildings, currency and more across America because it is our motto and an important part of our history and founding principles."
Yes, don't fret my liberal ACLU brethren – there's no religious indoctrination here! Our state isn't favoring any religion over another, or overstepping any boundaries. They're simply doing this to "project the values that make America great" and honor our "founding principles," like – you know – equality for landowning white men. God really trusted them, huh?
