The American flag, then, throughout more than 200 years of our history, has come to be the visible symbol embodying our Nation. It does not represent the views of any particular political party, and it does not represent any particular political philosophy. For the last fifty years, however, it has represented a particular religious view. Thus, rather than being "one Nation indivisible," America is now divided on the basis of religion by its very own symbol. That this division is most prominent in the public schools is simply impermissible.

-- Michael A. Newdow's Reply Brief

Supreme Court: On the eve of the oral argument for the "under God" case, I offer this expression of my views, submitted after the lower court ruling was handed down. Dr. Newdow (he graduated both law and medical school, currently an emergency room doctor) offered an impressive brief. A betting man would probably say that he will lose, but arguments like "it's a patriotic exercise" or a "respect of tradition" are still rather trivial (replace "God" with "Jesus" and it clearly becomes troubling, but not because it isn't "patriotic" or "traditional" any more). Another important case involving what sort of assistance one must give to the police gets the JP treatment here. I explain why "Justice Scalia is Not Scum" here.