So, who are we supposed to trust now? Flying in the face of separation of Church and State, the State Legislature passed a law that required every school in the Commonwealth to display the nation’s motto, “In God We Trust.” The maxim, according to law, must be displayed in a “prominent place.”
Noble in sentiment, sloppy in the execution. From the “You had one job to do” Department: the law did not specify what form of display the message should take. So, schools got creative.
Simons Middle School in Flemingsburg has the motto displayed in a large font above doorways. Larue County High School’s sign displays the adage above the outline of Abraham Lincoln, like a penny.
Other school’s designs include Eagles, the American flag and more, displayed on plaques, walls, and banners, each with the words “In God We Trust.”
And then there is the Fayette County School system.
Proving that disgruntlement is seen as the new patriotism, Lexington, the birthplace of traffic congestion, displayed hanging framed photos of the back of an enlarged one-dollar bill (the motto is above the ONE).
Governor Matt Bevin was not amused. “Here’s the thing, if that’s meant to be cute or clever,” Bevin said, “What are we hoping to accomplish by trying to circumvent the intention of a law?”
The system’s Superintendent, Manny Caulk, contends the move was not part of a “political game.”
The bill’s author, Republican Representative Brandon Reed of Hodgenville, said, “It is extremely disappointing to see Fayette County Public Schools spend time searching for silly loopholes to a law that passed with broad support from both Democrats and Republicans and received over 70 votes in the House of Representatives.”
Where do you land on Fayette County’s move, and why? Looking at the coverage of the tempest in a teapot, an Atheist was quoted praising Fayette County’s move, since it followed the letter of the law without forcing religion down their child’s throat. Most others, like Reed, consider it a shady move to make a political statement.
I think I personally have reached Peak Umbrage. The Trump Crazy Train left the station over two years ago and shows no signs of stopping. I seriously did not think people foaming at the mouth over the 2016 election results could keep their anger and ire roiling for so long. I suppose it could be chalked up to the American’s will to persevere, even in the Unhealthy Obsession Department. As a result, I’ve become numbed to the outrage du jour.
Remember when Democratic Governor Ralph Northam of Virginia was the Flavor of the Day due to his blackface scandal? It’s only been a handful of months, yet he is still in office, having apparently weathered the firestorm over his actions.
News outlets spend airtime 24/7 obsessing about whatever they think will give them the most viewers. Until the next “crisis” has social media “outraged” again.
I guess what I am trying to say is, don’t give politicians, the media, or anyone else free rental space inside your head. They don’t deserve the room, and you don’t need such noisy tenants.
