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Wednesday, July 10, 2002
A Word from Joe:
Joe Responds to Pledge of Allegiance Ruling
TURNHAM CONDEMNS FEDERAL APPEALS COURT DECISION BANNING PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE FROM AMERICA’S CLASSROOMS
Vows First Action as Congressman will be to Introduce Constitutional Amendment protecting “One Nation, Under God” as part of our nation’s pledge!
Auburn, Alabama - Congressional Candidate Joe Turnham today announced his disbelief and anger at the ruling by the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals in California which because of a reference to “One Nation, Under God” has banned the Pledge of Allegiance from America’s classrooms. “If ever there has been a time when our country needs patriotism, a sense of unity, and respect for God instilled in our youth, it is now. I hope that the United States Supreme Court will promptly reverse the Ninth Circuit’s ruling. On the eve of the celebration of America’s Independence Day, I am left to wonder if the same group of misguided judges will next seek to remove the words ‘endowed by their Creator’ from the Declaration of Independence or ‘In God We Trust’ from our nation’s currency” Turnham said.
“When elected to Congress in November, I will work to amend our constitution to guarantee that America’s schoolchildren are allowed to recite our sacred Pledge to God and country. As we approach July 4th, Americans of all backgrounds and political persuasions look to stand united as ‘One Nation, Under God’. For any governmental entity to remove something as fundamental as our Pledge of Allegiance from our classrooms, leads many Americans to doubt the very institutions designed to protect them” Turnham concluded.
Regardless of this ruling, Turnham vows to accompany his son Matthew and daughter Abby to their public school classrooms this fall and stand with them to recite the current pledge.
TOTAL COMMITMENT TO NATIONAL SECURITY
A commitment to national security and homeland defense should not be a partisan issue. The Joe Turnham for Congress Campaign is clear in its support of our leaders and military/law enforcement in their efforts to defend our land against any and all threats. As a congressman, I will vote to give our men and women the tools they need to fulfill their duties. I will also keep our government's promise to them in their old age and infirmity. Our government is warning us of future terrorist attacks in our country. We must never live in fear, but always be prepared and be diligent to defend our land and people against any threat - foreign or domestic. We can debate appropriate American policy, best use and allocation of financial resources, demand and expect forthrightness from our leaders...but let me always be clear in my intention - America and her people are first and foremost in my mind and worthy to be defended at all costs! Freedom is never free and the costs incurred in the pursuit of justice, righteousness, and national security are not to be measured in dollars but by the sacrifice and faith of our people. May God Bless America and forever in peace may we reign!
