Getting Behind God

March 11th, 2008 at 08:31am Aaron Chambers

Just in case their constituents weren’t convinced, certain lawmakers appear determined to show them that they’re serious about God. They’re backing legislation to create yet another license plate in Illinois, this one saying “In God We Trust.”

Last week, the House overwhelmingly approved the bill, sending it to the Senate for consideration. The Rock River Valley’s four House lawmakers — Rep. Chuck Jefferson, D-Rockford; Rep. Ron Wait, R-Belvidere; Rep. Dave Winters, R-Shirland; and Rep. Jim Sacia, R-Pecatonica — all voted for it.

Here is the complete roll call.

GateHouse noted that Rob Sherman, this state’s crusading atheist, has his own take on the bill:

Atheist Rob Sherman believes that if Illinoisans are able to buy license plates saying “In God We Trust,” they also should have the right to purchase “God is Make-Believe” plates.

Sherman, a resident of Buffalo Grove, said he wouldn’t put such a plate on his car, “but if some Christian wants it on their car, that’s fine.”

Initiatives such as this tend to come from lawmakers representing the more conservative areas of the state. In this case, Rep. John Bradley, D-Marion, is the lead sponsor. Other lawmakers generally find it difficult to oppose them, so, as was the case here, they get behind them too.

The “In God We Trust” plan is just the latest in a series of measures that lawmakers have used over the years to reassert their commitment to God. In 2005, Rep. David Reis, R-Olney, sponsored a resolution affirming his commitment to keeping the words “under God” in the Pledge of Allegiance.

It’s not that anybody was threatening, at least not seriously, to remove “under God” from the Pledge. Nonetheless, Reis wanted to make a statement. The House approved the resolution with a voice vote.

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