Cline finds new advocate
PATRICK KELLY Capital-Journal'IN GOD WE TRUST'
By PATRICK KELLY
The Capital-Journal
Shawnee County Treasurer Rita Cline has found a like-minded congressman in Colorado who supports posting the motto "In God We Trust" in public buildings.
Rep. Bob Schaffer, R-Colo., on Friday said he introduced a resolution in Congress encouraging the display of the national motto, calling it an important part of American history. Schaffer's resolution was referred to the Judiciary Committee.
Schaffer offered his resolution about two weeks after the Colorado Board of Education adopted a proposal encouraging public schools and other public buildings to post the "In God We Trust" motto.
In March, Cline put up the motto in her offices at the Shawnee County Courthouse and at the treasurer's annex in White Lakes Center.
Told of Schaffer's resolution, Cline on Saturday described it as an excellent idea and said she was certain Congress would pass it.
"These types of issues are very popular with the people," the treasurer said. "If all of those people in Washington are representative of us, I think it will be a very popular thing to do, and they will do it."
Since the motto appeared in her offices, Cline said she has received "overwhelming support" from the public.
"Just this morning when I was grocery shopping, multiple people stopped me and thanked me," she said.
She also said she has heard from other county officials across the state who have hung "In God We Trust" signs.
Not everyone shares the position of Cline and Schaffer.
In Colorado, one religious group assailed the congressman's resolution, saying America has changed since it was founded more than two centuries ago.
"We've grown a lot since then," said the Rev. Michael Carrier, president of the Interfaith Alliance of Colorado, a coalition of diverse religious faiths. "I don't think stepping back in time is the solution. That's not what made America strong."
In Kansas, the American Civil Liberties Union has threatened Cline with a lawsuit unless she removes the 11-by-14-inch framed posters and makes a public apology for promoting her religious beliefs.
Topekan Mary Lou Schmidt filed a complaint against Cline with the ACLU, saying the posters don't belong in a public building.
So far, Cline said, the ACLU hasn't filed suit.
"They've been completely silent on the issue," she said.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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