For the second time in two weeks, an overflow crowd filled the sixth floor hearing room of the Clark County Public Service Center to debate the motion of Councilor Tom Mielke to display our country’s motto “In God We Trust.’’
After more than 80 people spoke over the span of four hours, the Clark County councilors voted 2-1 to approve Mielke’s motion. Now, the councilors and other county staff are working with members of the community to develop a strategy for where and how to display the motto, which was officially adopted by our federal government in 1956.
A lot of time was spent on this debate over the past month. Way too much time if you ask me. I told you two weeks ago that I don’t understand the fuss over the county displaying an official United States motto in a public building. Detractors were obviously focused on the word “God,’’ which raises all kinds of debate over the separation of church and state and which God the motto is referring to, etc.
For me it’s simple, our forefathers built this country on a foundation of their beliefs. I believe they were wise beyond their years and their time, and I also believe things have worked out pretty well for us since. And, scoff at me if you wish, but I also believe they cared just as much for those Americans who didn’t believe in any God, or a different God, as those who believed in their God. Isn’t that the whole premise of which our country is built on? We’re free to believe what we want to believe?
You might want to tell me I’m wrong. You often do, and I appreciate that you are loyal and engaged readers. But, I hope I’ve never done anything to discourage anyone from believing what they want to believe. Remember, I’ve shared with you before, I grew up with a father who taught me what goes on in my neighbor’s yard is none of my business and what goes on in my yard is none of their business. Right or wrong, I’ve tried to live my life that way. I have my say and I let you have your say and it doesn’t keep me up at night if we don’t agree.
After the councilors voted to approve the motion to display the motto, there were a number of passionate residents who indicated that they felt betrayed. Some said they would not feel welcome any longer in a public room where the words “In God We Trust’’ were displayed on the wall.
Among the many rights we all hold in this life, we have the right to feel betrayed, to feel excluded, to feel offended. But, if we feel those things, what does that entitle us? I believe it doesn’t entitle us to much, if anything.
I’m sick and tired of the over-sensitive emotions of a few affecting our society as a whole. If someone is denied employment, housing, access to virtually anything, or the right to the freedoms that are promised by our Constitution, then I will be happy to champion their cause. If all that’s happened is that you’ve been offended, or someone has disagreed with your perspective or beliefs, then I say put your big boy or girl pants on and put one foot in front of the other toward a new day.
And, I’m sick of the divisiveness that exists in our community. Right now, the liberals are miserable because they’re feeling tortured living in a county presided over by three conservatives. If you’re one of those who are miserable, be part of the solution instead of being part of the problem. Exercise your rights. Participate in the process. It might seem futile when the numbers are temporarily against you, but be patient, these things don’t last forever, or for very long, for that matter. Wasn’t it only yesterday that the majority was tilted in the other ideological direction?
So, our country’s motto will soon be on display in a county building. We don’t know where. We don’t know how big the letters will be, what color or what font. But, what I do know is this: Life will go on. Regardless of your individual beliefs, you will always be welcome in that building or any other and you will always have the right to express your beliefs and live your life however you want to live it. Isn’t that what’s great about this country?
Ken Vance
Editor
