In God we trust « Hot Air

In God we trust « Hot Air

While the Daily News only chose to profile Republicans who offered their thoughts and prayers to the victims of the San Bernardino shooting it would be wise to remember that prayer unites us and doesn’t divide us.  Prayer isn’t a partisan thing, in fact prayer has no denomination and no political affiliation.

Now is the time where it would be important to note that our currency still has printed on it, “In God We Trust.”  Our nation’s history is rich and is deeply rooted in a faith in a higher power, recognizing our human limitations.  Secretary of the Treasury, Salmon P. Chase instructed the Director of the Mint to prepare a motto for our currency back in 1861 that read:

“Dear Sir: No nation can be strong except in the strength of God, or safe except in His defense. The trust of our people in God should be declared on our national coins.

You will cause a device to be prepared without unnecessary delay with a motto expressing in the fewest and tersest words possible this national recognition.”

Congress passed the Act in 1864 and it was then that the first coins were inscribed with the words “In God We Trust.” In fact, a law passed by the 84^th Congress and approved by the President in 1956, declared “In God We Trust” as the national motto of the United States.

Clearly, our government has no issue putting its trust in a higher power and supreme being so why should we shame policymakers who offer comfort through prayer during a tragedy?  Our nation is rooted in the fact that no nation can be strong except in the strength of God.  Isn’t it only natural that we as humans turn to God, the one whom we trust, during a time of shock and despair?