Preposterous Universe

 
Under God

The Supreme Court is hearing arguments about the Pledge of Allegiance. I think that the "under God" bit is an unconstitutional travesty, but honestly I don't care too much; there are more important battles to fight. But this did amuse me:

Newdow, 50, held his own under a barrage of fast-paced questions. Chief Justice William Rehnquist threatened to clear the courtroom if spectators applauded Newdow a second time.

Rehnquist had asked what the vote was when the U.S. Congress in 1954 added "under God" to the pledge. The law was an effort to distinguish America's religious values and heritage from those of communism, which is atheistic.

Newdow replied the vote was unanimous. Rehnquist said that did not sound divisive to him. "That's only because no atheist can get elected to public office," Newdow answered, triggering the applause, a rare event in the high court.

The applause must have been good to hear. I'm glad that someone takes this seriously enough to devote some real effort to demonstrating the obvious.

Update: Amanda Butler at Crescat Sententia was in the courtroom for the oral arguments, and gives a detailed account of the proceedings.

~ posted by Sean Carroll at 9:32 PM ~ link ~ ~ ~