Ellis dredges up a meaningless vote from two years ago to slam Amash

[Lucille]

The NSA is Spying on You, the Federal Government is Spending Twice What it Brings In, But Justin Amash Voted Against Reaffirming “In God We Trust” as National Motto When Rest of Congress Had the Courage to Act
http://reason.com/blog/2014/01/02/the-nsa-is-spying-on-you-the-federal-gov#fold

In November, the GOP business establishment in Grand Rapids, Michigan set its sights on the incumbent Republican Congressman there, Justin Amash, by supporting challenger Brian Ellis, who was supposed to be a more traditional Republican than the pro-civil liberties anti-big government Amash.

Today I got my first (unsolicited as far as I know) e-mail from the Brian Ellis campaign, and in complaining about a vote against a meaningless resolution about the national motto, it manages to encapsulate a lot of what’s wrong with the Republican party, bipartisanship, and American politics in general.

The e-mail, from campaign staffer Megan Wells:

With us just celebrating the Christmas season, now is a fitting time to look back at Justin Amash’s vote on November 1, 2011 when he voted against reaffirming “In God We Trust” as our national motto. The resolution passed with an overwhelmingly bipartisan vote of 396-9, and Justin Amash was the only Republican “no” vote.

President George Washington, in his first Inaugural Address, said, “it would be peculiarly improper to omit in this first official Act, my fervent supplications to that Almighty Being who rules over the Universe … No People can be bound to acknowledge and adore the invisible hand, which conducts the Affairs of men more than the People of the United States.”

President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s D-Day Prayer began, “Almighty God: Our sons, pride of our nation, this day have set upon a mighty endeavor, a struggle to preserve our Republic, our religion, and our civilization, and to set free a suffering humanity. Lead them straight and true; give strength to their arms, stoutness to their hearts, steadfastness in their faith.”

President George W. Bush concluded his speech to the nation after the 9/11 attacks, “In all that lies before us, may God grant us wisdom, and may he watch over the United States of America.”

“In God We Trust” was first placed on U.S. coins by Congress in 1864 and officially became our national motto in 1956. Through lawsuits, atheists have attempted to impose their will and remove the phrase “In God We Trust” from our currency. They have been unsuccessful so far, but to make clear America’s commitment to our heritage and faith in God, the U.S. House of Representatives, as the voice of the people, voted 396-9 to reaffirm “In God We Trust” as our national motto and support the display on public buildings. Amazingly, Congressman Justin Amash voted “no”.

“From President Washington’s Inaugural address to President Roosevelt’s D-Day Prayer to President Bush’s speech after the 9/11 attacks, America has rightly placed her trust in the Almighty. Justin Amash was clearly not representing the people of the 3rd District when he voted against reaffirming “In God We Trust” as our national motto,” said Brian Ellis.

 

[FSP-Rebel]

 

[Kotin]

what a tool.

 

[EBounding]

Here's his explanation: https://www.facebook.com/repjustinamash/posts/215110955225042

I would have voted yes, but I can respect him for not participating in this nonsense. Half the people who voted probably have no relationship with God but saw it as an opportunity to win cheap political points.

 

[Brian4Liberty]

Here's his explanation: https://www.facebook.com/repjustinamash/posts/215110955225042

I agree with Amash. No need for a Federal nonbinding resolution. It's a waste of time and embarrassingly shallow pandering. The fewer laws the better.

On top of that, it is discriminatory towards polytheists and atheists.

 

[Brian4Liberty]

Here's his explanation: https://www.facebook.com/repjustinamash/posts/215110955225042

Well put. Not a priority.

Here's the roll call for H Con Res 13. The nonbinding resolution "encourages the public display of the national motto in all public buildings, public schools, and other government institutions." Displaying "In God We Trust" on public property is appropriate in some circumstances. There is no need to push for the phrase to be on all federal, state, and local buildings.

The fear that unless "In God We Trust" is displayed throughout the government, Americans will somehow lose their faith in God, is a dim view of the profound religious convictions many citizens have. The faith that inspired many of the Founders of this country—the faith I practice—is stronger than that. Trying to score political points with unnecessary resolutions should not be Congress's priority. I voted no. It passed 396-9-2.

 

[Brett85]

I don't agree with Amash's vote on this bill, but like Lucille said, this is a fairly meaningless vote, especially compared to issues that actually matter like stopping the NSA and stopping foreign wars.

 

[TaftFan]

https://www.facebook.com/ellis4congress

 

[Brett85]

He does have some good looking daughters.

 

[TaftFan]

He does have some good looking daughters.

You should offer your vote for one of his daughters.

 

[Brett85]

You should offer your vote for one of his daughters.

 

[Rocco]

LOL TC that comment you made was borderline to say the least. How did I get banned from that page already and you have not? LMAO

 

[TaftFan]

LOL TC that comment you made was borderline to say the least. How did I get banned from that page already and you have not? LMAO

I don't know how my Don Hall profile hasn't been banned. I harass him on nearly every post.

 

[Brett85]

LOL TC that comment you made was borderline to say the least. How did I get banned from that page already and you have not? LMAO

I put "just kidding" at the end to make sure that everyone knew I was joking.

 

[Christian Liberty]

I don't agree with Amash's vote on this bill, but like Lucille said, this is a fairly meaningless vote, especially compared to issues that actually matter like stopping the NSA and stopping foreign wars.

I agree its such a minor issue that I wouldn't care, but technically, is it really constitutional to have a national motto anyway? What's your problem with Amash's vote? Or are you just saying you'd vote yes because of the way other people would react?

At any rate, some people are just stupid... Most people, actually. Anyone who votes for Ellis for that reason is really, really stupid.

He does have some good looking daughters.

You should offer your vote for one of his daughters.

I put "just kidding" at the end to make sure that everyone knew I was joking.

LOL!

 

[Christian Liberty]

LOL TC that comment you made was borderline to say the least. How did I get banned from that page already and you have not? LMAO

I doubt Ellis really cares about anything but his power. I'm sure people who attack him for pursuing that offend him more than creeping on his daughters. Politicians ain't normal people

 

[Brett85]

I agree its such a minor issue that I wouldn't care, but technically, is it really constitutional to have a national motto anyway? What's your problem with Amash's vote? Or are you just saying you'd vote yes because of the way other people would react?

I would've voted for it because it was simply a non binding resolution, and I don't agree with this idea of "separation of church and state" where it's somehow unconstitutional to have any mention of God in government documents or buildings. I've never thought about whether or not the national motto is Constitutional, but if we're going to have a national moto, "In God we trust" seems as good as any.

 

[Christian Liberty]

I would've voted for it because it was simply a non binding resolution, and I don't agree with this idea of "separation of church and state" where it's somehow unconstitutional to have any mention of God in government documents or buildings. I've never thought about whether or not the national motto is Constitutional, but if we're going to have a national moto, "In God we trust" seems as good as any.

I don't agree with separation of church and state either (I believe in abolition of state, and I believe the church should replace many of its functions).

I don't really care either, but I don't particuarly like "in God we trust' because its kind of a lie. No way in heck this nation trust in God. Again, its not like I really care very much, but that's usually my response when people complain about "in God We Trust" being removed from wherever.

I would of voted the same way Amash did. I wouldn't have any issue voting for someone who voted differently on it.

 

[Christian Liberty]

I put "just kidding" at the end to make sure that everyone knew I was joking.

But would you have voted against the "In God We Trust" motto in exchange for one of of Ellis' daughters?

 

[Neil Desmond]

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