GRASSROOTS PRESSURE, NOT THE SUPREME COURT, SAVES THE PLEDGE

On Pledge’s 50th Anniversary, Court avoids constitutional question – and public pressure – but leaves door open to strike Pledge down in the future

Washington, DC – In response to the Supreme Court’s dismissal of the Newdow case, Grassfire President Steve Elliott issued the following statement:

“The nature of the Supreme Court’s ruling in the Newdow case indicates that grassroots pressure, not the Supreme Court, saved the Pledge of Allegiance.

“This is clear by the fact that only three justices signed the concurring opinion by Chief Justice Rehnquist that expressly affirmed the constitutionality of “under God” in the Pledge. Thus, a majority of justices would not go on record affirming the constitutionality of “under God” in the Pledge. Faced with the possibility of an unprecedented grassroots backlash in an election year, the Court chose to rule on a technicality without supporting our constitutional rights.

“We are thrilled that, on the 50th anniversary of the inclusion of the words ‘under God’ in our Pledge, the Pledge has been saved for our children and grandchildren. But by avoiding the “weighty question,” the Court has done nothing to stop efforts across the country to strip any and all public acknowledgment of God from our lives.”

Grassfire.org rallied over 600,000 citizens in support of the Pledge and also filed an amicus brief co-signed by 174,000 citizens in the Newdow case. This month, Grassfire is conducting a nationwide commemorative campaign honoring the 50th anniversary of “Under God” in the Pledge. This week, a giant banner will be displayed across the street from the Supreme Court marking the anniversary.

For more information about Grassfire.org, or to schedule an interview with Grassfire President Steve Elliott, contact Max Pulsinelli at 703-739-5920 or email pulsinelli@sbpublicaffairs.com.