A federal judge in Wisconsin declared [last] Thursday that the US law authorizing a National Day of Prayer is unconstitutional.
US District Judge Barbara Crabb said the federal statute violates the First Amendment’s prohibition on government endorsement of religion.
She issued a 66-page decision and enjoined President Obama from issuing an executive order calling for the celebration of a National Day of Prayer.
The National Day of Prayer was first authorized by Congress in 1952. Since 1988, the date has been set as the first Thursday in May.
I don’t see “endorsement” in the First Amendment.
It’s quite obvious that history wasn’t one of Judge Barbara’s best subjects. In fact, she must have never read any US history at all or she thinks that the vast majority of the nation’s presidents, senators, and congressmen throughout our history have all acted in violation of the constitution. Gee, what does she know that none of them knew…especially those that actually wrote the document? It seems rather odd that if those that wrote the document thought that national prayer was unconstitutional, they would initiate, participate, and encourage the activity.
[Judge Barbara]…come on, crack the books a little and read some history. Doesn’t she know that starting in 1787 the Continental Congress began each day with prayer as they struggled to write the constitution?
[blockquote]January 1, 1795, George Washington
It is in an especial manner our duty as a people, with devout reverence and affectionate gratitude, to acknowledge our many and great obligations to Almighty God, and to implore Him to continue to confirm the blessings we experienced. Deeply penetrated with this sentiment, I, George Washington, President of the United States, do recommend to all religious societies and denominations, and to all persons whomsoever within the United States, to set apart and observe Thursday, the 19th day of February next, as a day of public thanksgiving and prayer, and on that day to meet together and render sincere and hearty thanks to the great Ruler of nations for the manifold and signal mercies which distinguish our lot as a nation…[/blockquote]
[blockquote]March 23, 1798, John Adams
I HAVE therefore thought it fit to recommend, that Wednesday, the 9th day of May next be observed throughout the United States, as a day of Solemn Humiliation, Fasting and Prayer; That the citizens of these states, abstaining on that day from their customary worldly occupations, offer their devout addresses to the Father of Mercies, agreeably to those forms or methods which they have severally adopted as the most suitable and becoming: That all religious congregations do, with the deepest humility, acknowledge before GOD the manifold sins and transgressions with which we are justly chargeable as individuals and as a nation; beseeching him, at the same time, of his infinite Grace, through the Redeemer of the world, freely to remit all our offences, and to incline us, by his holy spirit, to that sincere repentance and reformation which may afford us reason to hope for his inestimable favor and heavenly benediction;[/blockquote]
[blockquote]March 30, 1863,Abraham Lincoln
Now, therefore, in compliance with the request, and fully concurring in the views of the Senate, I do, by this my proclamation, designate and set apart Thursday, the 30th. day of April, 1863, as a day of national humiliation, fasting and prayer. And I do hereby request all the People to abstain, on that day, from their ordinary secular pursuits, and to unite, at their several places of public worship and their respective homes, in keeping the day holy to the Lord, and devoted to the humble discharge of the religious duties proper to that solemn occasion.[/blockquote]
In fact, from 1789 to 2009, presidents have issued 135 national calls to prayer, humiliation, fasting and thanksgiving.
And now, [Judge Barbara] says it’s against the constitution.
[Slightly edited by Elf]
Thank you Elf. I was not in the best mood when I wrote that, and it was less than charitable. I appreciate the help.