Lawmaker protests censorship of 'God'

An Ohio lawmaker on Thursday demanded that Capitol officials change a policy that resulted in the word "God" being removed from a certificate accompanying a flag being sent to one of his constituents.

Yahoo reports that Republican Rep. Michael Turner urged House Speaker Nancy Pelosi to review and reverse a rule followed by the Architect of the Capitol that bans the use of religious expressions on flag certificates. Turner said in a letter to Pelosi and also signed by other Republicans, the policy "puts at risk our religious freedoms and heritage." Turner said the constituent, Paul Larochelle, and his son Andrew had requested a flag flown over the Capitol on Sept. 11 which 17 year old Andrew, was to give to his grandfather after he was inducted into the Eagle Scouts. They requested the certificate of authenticity accompanying the flag read:

"this flag was flown in honor of Marcel Larochelle, my grandfather, for his dedication and love of God, country and family."

The Architect's office, citing its own rules, returned the certificate with the word "God" deleted.

"The word 'God' is carved into the walls of both chambers of Congress," Turner said in a statement. "The Architect is the custodian of the Capitol and currently maintains several religious symbols in the building. If permitted, removing 'God' from the Capitol flag ceremonies will be the precedent for removing 'God' from the Capitol, and this cannot be permitted."

With the flag program, started in 1937, people can and often do request through senators and House members one of the many flags raised and lowered over the Capitol every day. At present time, the Architect of the Capitol fulfills more than 100,000 flag requests from members every year. I would say stop being indecisive and make a rule and stick to it, people.