WILL "IN GOD WE TRUST" SIGNS IN SCHOOLS IMPROVE EDUCATION?

The United States received a stark wake-up call this week with the release of international test results showing students in other countries are surpassing American students when it comes to math, science and reading. China and Australia outperformed the U.S. in each of the three subject areas tested.

So what do we do in Clusterfuck Nation to remedy problems in education?  Significantly cut back funds on the state level and put up signs about God in schools.  What does "trust" God mean anyway?  Save the Jews from the Holocaust, save innocents from drones?

FROM OCCUPY DEMOCRATS

Home  »  Current Events • Human Rights • Politics   »   Pennsylvania Republicans Set To Put “In God We Trust” Signs In All Public Schools

Pennsylvania Republicans Set To Put “In God We Trust” Signs In All Public Schools

posted by Lisa Martens October 30, 2013 Current Events, Human Rights, Politics

Pennsylvania Representative Rick Saccone’s agenda to plant religion in public schools took another step forward last week. Saccone, who has a history of proposing religious propoganda where it doesn’t belong, is now pushing for “In God We Trust” signs to be posted in all PA public schools.

Last Wednesday, Bill 1728, also known as the National Motto Display Act, passed the House Education Committee by a 14-9 vote. Only one Republican voted against the bill.

The bill credits James Pollock, a 19th century Pennsylvanian representative, for putting “In God We Trust” on coins. Saccone argues that the phrase fits well with the state’s history curriculum and would instill national pride. Instead of covering James Pollock and the U.S. Mint in a history class, Saccone wants to force the entire state to display this motto in every public school.

While he claims this move has nothing to do with evangelizing, need I remind you that this is the same man who declared that 2012 would be the Year of the Bible.

“The last time I checked, God was religious,” Janice Rael, president of the Delaware Chapter of Americans United for Separation of Church and State, said.

Other arguments focused on the fact that there’s no evidence that posting this sign would benefit the children’s education or sense of patriotism. Additionally, since the motto is on all dollar bills anyway, couldn’t the mandate be fulfilled by taping a dollar bill to the front door?

What about secular families, or families that do not believe in the Judeo-Christian God? What should those children do to keep from being offended in public schools?

“They don’t have to look at it because if it’s on the cafeteria wall or if it’s over the front door they can look at it or don’t have to look at it,” Saccone said. Brilliant logical argument.

In a state where 25% of schools are not making adequate yearly progress, you would hope Saccone would have something better to do. Since only 58% of impoverished students and 25% of ESL students are proficient in reading in PA, a very select group will be able to read the “In God We Trust” mandate, anyway.

Here is the complete hearing for the bill: