Whistlin’ Dixie: Part 2

May/June 1998 When this nation or its people are attacked by foreign or domestic enemies or goes to war, such as the bombing in Oklahoma City, Operation Desert Storm, or the Cuban Missile Crisis, this judge will fine or put in jail teachers and students who publicly pray to the Almighty for the protection of this nation and for the safety of soldiers, sailors, airmen, and marines.

This ruling cuts at he heart of all that is good in America and brings shame on our nation. Americans such as George Washington, who ratified and adopted the Constitution and its early amendments, participated in public prayers of dependence on God. Their children had the benefit of prayer in school. In that tradition I believe that the heartfelt prayers of Alabama citizens, whether uttered publicly or privately, are rendered to God and God alone, and that the federal government has no right to interfere.

Judge DeMent ordered the appointment of a federal "monitor" to enter classrooms to look for any teachers or students who dare to pray to God contrary to his ruling, and then report back to the judge, like secret police, about which teachers or students he might want to hold in contempt, fine, or put in jail.

I wish another George Washington would arise to hold the office of president of the United States. President Washington, based on his statements in his Farewell Address condemning change to the Constitution by usurpation rather than an explicit and authentic act of the people, would be appalled at the prospect of American citizens jailed for praying to God. The justices and judges of that time knew better than to expect federal marshals and federal troops to enforce such an order. In fact, those judges who were privileged to hear Washington's Farewell Address well knew that they, and not praying citizens, faced jail if they engaged in tyranny by the judiciary.

Until justice prevails, Judge DeMent's injunction will presumably be enforced by federal authorities in Alabama. His "monitor" will comb the schools looking for those "dangerous criminals" who might, in a public setting, pray for the Father's blessing on this nation in violation of his ruling. How many will be jailed for participating in traditional Thanksgiving programs for merely giving thanks to God? Judge DeMent will stand ready to round up these "criminals" and impose on them unwarranted restrictions on religious freedom.

It would have been a great day in the history of this country if Judge DeMent, who must know deep down that the Supreme Court has illegally rewritten the Constitution, had exhibited the personal integrity and fortitude to obey his oath of office to the Constitution itself rather than the political agendas of U.S. Supreme Court justices. The oath of office of a judge is like the oath of a witness to tell the truth. The integrity of the legal system is destroyed by judges who see their duty as owed to the U.S. Supreme Court and not to the U.S. Constitution. I will resist Judge DeMent's order by every legal and political means with every ounce of strength I posses.

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