“Get serious this year. Put your best effort into everything you do. I expect great things from each of you. So don’t let us down – don’t let your family or your country or yourself down. Make us all proud. I know you can do it. Thank you, God bless you, and God bless America.”

Justice Potter Stewart

Actually, this language is not unlike the New York Board of Regents’ prayer that was nullified in the extraordinary 1962 case of Engle v. Vitale: “Almighty God, we acknowledge our dependence on thee, and we beg thy blessings upon us, our parents, our teachers, and our country.” Earl Warren’s supreme Court, in derogation of the free exercise clause those justices were sworn to uphold, nullified that prayer. In that case, Potter Stewart (1915-1985), the only justice with prior judicial experience before taking his position on the U.S. supreme Court, filed this dissent:

“A local school board in New York has provided that those pupils who wish to do so may join in a brief prayer at the beginning of each school day, acknowledging their dependence upon God and asking His blessing upon them and upon their parents, their teachers, and their country. The Court today decides that in permitting this brief nondenominational prayer the school board has violated the Constitution of the United States. I think this decision is wrong.

“The Court does not hold, nor could it, that New York has interfered with the free exercise of anybody’s religion. For the state courts have made clear that those who object to reciting the prayer must be entirely free of any compulsion to do so, including any ‘embarrassments and pressures.’ But the Court says that in permitting school children to say this simple prayer, the New York authorities have established ‘an official religion.’

“With all respect, I think the Court has misapplied a great constitutional principle. I cannot see how an ‘official religion’ is established by letting those who want to say a prayer say it. On the contrary, I think that to deny the wish of these school children to join in reciting this prayer is to deny them the opportunity of sharing in the spiritual heritage of our Nation … For we deal not here with the establishment of a state church, which would, of course, be constitutionally impermissible, but with whether school children who want to begin their day by joining in prayer must be prohibited from doing so.

“Moreover, I think that the Court’s task, in this as in all areas of constitutional adjudication, is not responsibly aided by the uncritical invocation of metaphors like the ‘wall of separation,’ a phrase nowhere to be found in the Constitution.

“At the opening of each day’s Session of this Court, we stand while one of our officials invokes the protection of God. Since the days of John Marshall our Crier has said, ‘God save the United States and this Honorable Court.’ Both the Senate and the House of Representatives open their daily sessions with prayer. Each of our Presidents, from George Washington to John F. Kennedy, has upon assuming his Office asked the protection and help of God.

“The Court today says that the state and federal governments are without constitutional power to prescribe any particular form of words to be recited by any group of the American people on any subject touching religion. One of the stanzas of “The Star Spangled Banner,” made our National Anthem by an Act of Congress in 1931, contains these verses:

“Blessed with victory and peace,
may the heav’n rescued land
Praise the Pow’r that hath made
and preserved us a nation!
Then conquer we must,
when our cause it is just,
And this be our motto,
‘In God is our Trust’”
“In 1954 Congress added these words to the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag: ‘one Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.’ In 1952, Congress enacted legislation calling upon the President each year to proclaim a National Day of Prayer. Since 1865, the words IN GOD WE TRUST have been impressed on our coins.

“Countless similar examples could be listed, but there is no need to belabor the obvious. It was all summed up by this Court just ten years ago in a single sentence: ‘We are a religious people whose institutions presuppose a Supreme Being.’

“I do not believe that this Court, or the Congress, or the President, has by the actions and practices I have mentioned established an ‘official religion’ in violation of the Constitution. And I do not believe the State of New York has done so in this case. What each has done has been to recognize and to follow the deeply entrenched and highly cherished spiritual traditions of our Nation – traditions which come down to us from those who almost two hundred years ago avowed their ‘firm Reliance on the Protection of divine Providence’ when they proclaimed the freedom and independence of this brave new world. I dissent.”

Houston,Texas — Retired Judges of America (RJA) dedicated Court Presentation Bibles to six Harris County area trial courts while attending and speaking at the Houston Christian Legal Society’s meeting today. Receiving Bibles were judges representing the Harris County Criminal Court at Law Number 14, the 174^th Criminal District Court, the 189^th, 269^th, and 333^rd Civil District Courts, and the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas.  These judges are setting a worthy example for their judicial colleagues through acceptance of these commemorative court presentation Bibles,” said RJA’s Founder and President, Darrell White, a retired city judge and former military judge for the Louisiana National Guard.

These Harris County area courts are following a tradition begun by U.S. Supreme Court when in 1906, Justice John Marshall Harlan, I (1833-1911), gave a Bible to the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS).  It has become known as the “Harlan Bible” and is maintained by that Court’s Curator.  Since its presentation, the Harlan Bible’s flyleaf pages have been signed by every justice in succession shortly after taking the oath of office.  Justice Samuel Alito recently acknowledged what a “thrilling and awe-inspiring moment” it was when he signed his name alongside “all of the Justices for the past 100 years.”

The Bibles accepted by the judges are genuine leather Thompson Chain Reference Study Bibles bearing gold imprinted covers and hand-calligraphy bookplates.  Said Judge Daniel Hinde of the 269^th Civil District Court, “I am pleased to accept this Bible on behalf of our Court and expect that its flyleaf signing custom by successor judges will become a rich tradition that is sure to enhance this Book’s value to our community over time.”

Judge White concluded, “Changing times do not change timeless truths, and history shows that the Bible has played a pivotal role in shaping America’s law and culture.  One key purpose of our Constitution is to secure the blessings of liberty to our posterity.  Calling attention to these commemorative court presentation Bibles can help secure that future here for our children and grandchildren.”

“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof….”

Erica Corder

Erica Corder, a courageous Colorado high school valedictorian has become one of the latest victims of unconstitutional political correctness.  Her 2006 reference to Jesus Christ during a 30-second statement at her graduation service prompted her principal to require her to sign a apology as a prerequisite to receiving her diploma. 

Here’s what Erica said: “We are all capable of standing firm and expressing our own beliefs, which is why I need to tell you about someone who loves you more than you could ever imagine. He died for you on a cross over 2,000 years ago, yet was resurrected and is living today in heaven. His name is Jesus Christ. If you don’t already know him personally I encourage you to find out more about the sacrifice he made for you so that you now have the opportunity to live in eternity with him.”

Her forced apology was designed to appease the interests of those who might claim to take offense at the mention of Jesus Christ.  What an irony that reference to Christ is embedded in the very Constitution Erica is accused of violating:  

Article VII concludes that the document was executed in the year of “our Lord” [September 17, 1787] and makes further reference to the Declaration of Independence, our nation’s birth certificate, that contains no less than four references to God!

I thank God for courageous young Americans like Erica who are willing to lend their influence to putting our constitutional cookies on the lowest shelf.  Consider that if she had wanted to utter words during her speech that were disparaging of the God-in-whom-we-say-we-trust, the ACLU would no doubt have jumped to Erica’s defense.  What difference should it make – in terms of the free speech clause – that Erica wanted to say something complimentary about her Savior?

If we don’t want our beloved Constitution’s text to become merely an inkblot for further misguided interpretations of federal judges, it is imperative that Americans – young and old – stand up for their free speech rights.  As Harvard Law Professor Alan Dersowitz put it, “the right to swing your fist should end at the tip of my nose, but your right to express your ideas should not necessarily end at the lobes of my ears.”

Court presentation bible dedication by Retired Judges of America

Retired Judges of America (RJA) dedicated a Court Presentation Bible to the 36th Judicial District Court in DeRidder, Louisiana while attending and participating in a recent Installation Ceremony.
“Judges Kerry Anderson and Martha Ann O’Neal are setting a worthy example for their judicial colleagues through the acceptance of this Bible,” said RJA’s founder and President, Darrell White, a retired city judge and former military judge for the Louisiana National Guard.

Judges Anderson and O’Neal are following a tradition begun by U.S Supreme Court when 1906, Justice John Marshall Harlan, I (1833-1911), gave a Bible to the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS). It has become known as the “Harlan Bible” and is maintained by that Court’s Curator. Since it’s presentation, the Harlan Bible’s flyleaf pages have been signed by every justice in succession shortly after taking the oath of office. Justice Samuel Alito recently acknowledged what a “thrilling and awe-inspiring moment” it was when he signed his name alongside “all of the justices for the past 100 years.”

The Bible accepted by Judges Anderson and O’Neal on behalf of the Court is a genuine leather Thompson Chain Reference Study Bible bearing a gold imprinted cover and hand-calligraphy bookplate. Said Judges Anderson and O’Neal, “We are pleased to accept this Bible on behalf of the Court and expect that its flyleaf signing custom by successor judges will become rich tradition that will certainly enhance this Book’s value to our community over time.”

Judge White concluded, “Changing times do not change timeless truths, and history shows that the Bible has played a pivotal role in shaping America’s law and culture. One key purpose of our Constitution is to secure the blessings of liberty to our posperity. Calling attention to Beauregard Parish’s Court Presentation Bible can help secure that future here for our children and grandchildren.”

Unable to attend the presentation, Retired Judge H.I. “Buddy” Stewart of the 36th Judicial Court of Beauregard Parish, was able to take part in signing the Bible at a later day.

Retired Judges of America is a 501c3 not-for-profit organization that networks retired and former judges committed to securing the blessings of liberty to America’s next generation-our prosperity-by upholding the principles of America’s “Organic Laws” as identified by Congress (the Declaration of Independence, Articles of Confederation, Northwest Ordinance and Constitution.

Source: Beauregard News, 1/15/09

Chief Justice Wallace Jefferson and his colleagues were keenly interested to hear the story of how SCOTUS Justice John Marshall Harlan (1833-1911) donated what has become known as the “Harlan Bible” to the U.S. Supreme Court, and were most receptive to launch that tradition in the Supreme Court of Texas.

By Vickie Welborn • vwelborn@gannett.com • December 12, 2008 5:25 pm

History was made and remembered today as the first district attorney and first judges to represent the newly created 42nd Judicial District of DeSoto Parish received their formal oaths of office.

District Attorney Richard Z. Johnson Jr. and District Judges Robert E. Burgess and Charles B. Adams got a head start on their swearing in to get it out of the way of the upcoming holidays. And also because the legislation this year that created the 42nd Judicial District calls for them to begin their terms Jan. 1.

The DeSoto courtroom was full of family, friends, local and visiting elected officials and even three classes of elementary schoolchildren from Pelican All Saints High School.

With the new district came a new tradition for Burgess and Adams. Darrell White, a retired city judge and former military judge for the Louisiana National Guard, presented the judges with a leather Thompson Chain Reference Study Bible.

Following a tradition begun in 1906 by the U.S. Supreme Court, Burgess and Adams signed the flyleaf of the Bible.

White, president of the Retired Judges of America, explained that former U.S. Supreme Court Justice John Marshall Harlan, who served from 1833 to 1911, gave a Bible to the high court and its flyleaf pages have been signed by every justice in succession shortly after taking the oath of office – a tradition of more than 100 years. The original, known as the Harlan Bible, is maintained by the court’s curator and only removed during signing ceremonies.

The tradition is encouraged as a reminder to the judges to stay true to the principles of the U.S. Constitution and Declaration of Independence. “Changing times to not change timeless truths, and history shows that the Bible has played a pivotal role in shaping America’s law and culture. One key purpose of our Constitution is to secure the blessing of liberty to our posterity. Calling attention to DeSoto Parish’s court presentation Bible can help secure that future here for our children and grandchildren,” White said.

Johnson, too, received a Bible from the Black Lawyers Association. His wife, Fredrena Johnson, held the Bible as Judge Carl E. Stewart, U.S. 5th Circuit Court of Appeals, administered the oath.

Betty Burgess, Robert Burgess’ mother, and Susan Adams, Charles Adams’ wife, took turns holding the Bible that White donated as Louisiana Supreme Court Associate Justice Jeffery Victory, of Shreveport, administered their respective oaths. Burgess begins his fourth term, and Adams his third.

As of Jan. 1, DeSoto Parish no longer will be part of the 11th Judicial District that had included Sabine Parish. Sabine retains the 11th Judicial District label, and District Attorney Don Burkett and District Judge Stephen Beasley will be the officeholders there.

It has been reported that Judge Alex Kozinski, Chief Judge of the Ninth Federal Circuit Court of Appeal, posted – on his publicly accessible web site – content that included sexual-fetish videos and bestiality images. Meanwhile, this judge had been presiding over a highly publicized obscenity trial, which was suspended when the prosecutor handling the case detected a potential conflict of interest for a judge with a sexually explicit website to hear this case. When confronted by the media, Kozinski said that the photos were for his private use and he was unaware the content could be viewed by the general public. Apparently unrepentant, Kozinski explained, “It’s part of life.” California U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein has remarked, “If this is true, this is unacceptable for a federal court judge.”

Well, if it is unacceptable, is it also contrary to the “good behaviour (sic)” requirement for a federal judge to hold office? Historically, impeachment has been used whenever judges disregarded public interests, affronted the will of the people, or introduced arbitrary power by seizing the role of policy-maker. Previous generations used this tool far more frequently than today’s generation. And because the grounds for impeachment were deliberately kept broad, articles of impeachment have described everything from drunkenness and profanity to judicial high-handedness and bribery as reasons for removal from the federal bench.

While there may be 300 million opinions in the United States today, only 435 opinions really count concerning Judge Kozinski’s misconduct. And those belong to the congressmen whose sworn responsibility it is to initiate impeachment proceedings under Article I, Section 2, Clause 5 of the United States Constitution. If they fail to act, Congress will have issued a continued smiley face of “good Behaviour” (sic) to Judge Kozinski under Article III, Section 1 of that same Constitution. Most importantly, like it or not, that silence would send a message to America’s youth concerning what is now acceptable conduct. As we pray for Judge Kozinski and his family, may we pray for our sick nation.

Why is that? Because since 1958, May 1st has been set aside as “Law Day” – a special day of celebration by Americans to appreciate our liberties and reaffirm our loyalty to the United States. By statute (36 U.S. Code Section 113), it is set aside to cultivate respect for law.

On May 1st of 2008, America will celebrate the 50th anniversary of “Law Day” with the following theme: The Rule of Law: Foundation for Communities of Opportunity and Equity.

What better way to celebrate Law Day this year than to give your local court a presentation Bible so that its judges now and in perpetuity may have a tangible reminder that, as Justice Story wrote in 1833 (the same year Harlan was born) that: “I verily believe Christianity necessary to the support of civil society. One of the beautiful boasts of our municipal jurisprudence is that Christianity is a part of the Common Law. . . . There never has been a period in which the Common Law did not recognize Christianity as lying its foundations.”

PINEVILLE — Local judges Tuesday signed their “John Hancocks” at a Pineville Kiwanis Club meeting in replicas of the Bible that holds the signature of every U.S. Supreme Court Justice since 1906 to start a new tradition in local courts.

Judges who received “Harlan Bibles” for their courts said they will follow the lead of the U.S. Supreme Court by inviting all judges who serve to sign their names in the inside leaflets of the same Bible. The four Bibles, copies of the Harlan Bible held by the U.S. Supreme Court Curator, is similar to the Bible donated to the U.S. Supreme Court by Justice John Marshall Harlan in 1906. That bible has been signed by justices joining the Supreme Court for more than 100 years.

The Bibles were donated by Retired Judges of America and presented by retired Baton Rouge City Judge Darrell White. White said he has presented 20 to 30 similar Bibles on behalf of RJA since the organization began a campaign last year to distribute them.

The campaign, White said, is designed to encourage judges to hold fast to principles inherit in the U.S. Constitution and Declaration of Independence.

White said those principles include a belief in God and the teachings of the Bible and often are absent in today’s court rooms.

“That might make some people uncomfortable, but it’s the reason that ‘In God We Trust’ is on our money and all over Washington, D.C.,” White said.

Judges who accepted the Bibles were Pineville City Court Judge Phillip Terrell, 9th Judicial District Court Judge Harry F. Randow, former Alexandria City Court Judge George Foote, 9th Judicial District Court Judge John Davidson and 28th Judicial District Court Judge J.P. Mauffray Jr.

“If we look at history, a lot of nations have come and gone,” White said. “America is a great nation, but a nation can’t shake its fist in God’s face and still expect God’s blessings.”

Terrell said he is proud that his name will be among the first in Pineville’s copy of the Harlan Bible.

“It’s a honor to accept the Bible on behalf of (Pineville) City Court,” he said. “I was very touched and moved. We frequently forget that the laws we use every day in court come from the laws of God.”

Justice Harlan, who donated the original Bible that bears his name to the Supreme Court, is best remembered as the lone dissenting voice in the 1896 Plessy v. Ferguson case, in which a Louisiana statue that called for “equal but separate accommodations for the white and colored races” was upheld as constitutional.

The Town Talk – http://www.thetowntalk.com/ – Alexandria-Pineville, Louisiana:
http://www.thetowntalk.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080130/NEWS01/801300322/1002

One day in the U.S. House of Representatives, a bill was taken up appropriating money for the benefit of a widow of a distinguished naval officer. Several beautiful speeches had been made in its support. The Speaker was just about to put the question when Congressman Davy Crockett arose to object.

Click here to find out why!