Mission Viejo Votes to Display "In God We Trust"

My town is wading into the discussion regarding our national motto "In God We Trust" and the city council has voted to prominently display those important four words:

MISSION VIEJO - The nation's motto "In God We Trust" is a step closer to prominent display in Mission Viejo's City Hall after the City Council on Monday unanimously approved a recommendation by a councilwoman who championed the issue.

The motto would be displayed in gold lettering behind the mayor's seat in City Council chambers.

The City Council could order installation of the motto as soon the next council meeting on April 7 when city staff is scheduled to present a report with the details about the cost and design proposal.

If the council votes to display the motto, Mission Viejo would become the third Orange County city to do so. Cypress City Council voted Feb. 11 to display the words in its council chambers. Westminster City Council passed a similar ordinance last July and began displaying the phrase in its council chambers in January.

Mission Viejo Councilwoman Gail Reavis brought the matter up for discussion.

"Our city being not only a city of character but about four years ago we worked very hard to keep the religious displays in our city, the four corners," Reavis said. "We have been a very open city to people of all faiths and beliefs. And being fair and legally careful about what it is that we do. This one is right up our alley."

Councilman Lance McLean endorsed the proposal.

"I would imagine you could make the argument that atheism is a religion," McLean said. "I think by removing and not displaying 'In God We Trust' would be equally in conflict with the separation of church and state doctrine and so that no matter we do we are in a Catch-22."

Some residents advised the City Council to stay out of the nationwide debate.

"I think what we witnessed is called the tyranny of the majority and death of American liberty," said Mission Viejo resident Edward Fern.

I didn't think we had lefty kooks in our town, but there's always going to be a few. If nothing else we should encourage them to speak out to remind us of what strange creatures they really are. It's not unlike displaying poisonous, ugly animals at the zoo.

And where did I find this story? It's printed in the OC Register, but I found it originally on a blog the newspaper runs called "Liberal Atheist Vegetarian". I guess they'll let anybody write for The Register these days.