Rep. Jones Reacts To California's Pledge Of Allegiance Decision

Third District Congressman Walter B. Jones (R-NC) today reacted to the news that the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals had ruled our Nation's Pledge of Allegiance "unconstitutional" on the grounds that the words "Under God" violated the so-called Establishment Clause in the Constitution that requires a separation of church and state. "This is a sad day for our Nation. To hear that a federal Judge would make this kind of decision breaks my heart," Congressman Jones said today. "I stand shoulder to shoulder with my colleagues in Congress who believe this decision is wrong." "226 years ago, our Nation was founded on the fundamental values of Judeo-Christian principles. I have watched as America has pulled away from those principles, and I believe this decision only furthers our break from the traditions our Founding Fathers held so dear," Congressman Jones continued today. "If one supports this decision, then he or she must also believe that our currency, our Supreme Court, our House of Representatives, and our Presidential Oath of Office are unconstitutional, since each asserts a belief in God." "Decisions like these should remind us why it is so important to stop this partisan hold against 45 of President Bush's judicial nominees. The Judges who President Bush has nominated would never allow this type of nonsense," Congressman Jones said today. "I am disappointed that Senator Edwards has championed the fight against men like Judge Pickering, who understand our Constitution and would never dream of trying to rewrite elements of our Country that we hold so dear. We must put judges back on the stands who respect our Constitution." "We are a Nation founded 'Under God' and nothing, not even a federal judge, can do anything to change that." For additional information or to schedule an interview with Congressman Jones contact Lanier Swann at (202) 225-3415