Washington state: Clark County's 'In God We Trust' motion shelved

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Clark County's 'In God We Trust' motion shelved

Stewart's opposition proves pivotal; Mielke says issue was 'twisted and spun'

By Kaitlin Gillespie, Columbian county government reporter

Published: February 10, 2015, 9:37 AM
Updated: February 10, 2015, 6:43 PM

After the Clark County councilors killed a motion Tuesday morning to display “In God We Trust” in the main hearing room, Clark County Councilor Tom Mielke said he was disappointed by the way the issue was “twisted and spun.”

After hearing about two hours of public testimony — during which about two-thirds of the speakers opposed the controversial proposal — Mielke moved to display the national motto in the meeting room. ... Councilor Jeanne Stewart, however, said while she would not be offended by the display, it was clear from the protests that some would feel uncomfortable coming to public meetings if “In God We Trust” was posted. Stewart pledged to oppose the motion to cheers and applause from the audience.
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Those who criticized the proposal included non-religious and religious people alike, many of whom said displaying “In God We Trust” would be divisive and ostracize those who are not Christian.
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Mielke, who proposed displaying “In God We Trust,” in the meeting room last month, said those who opposed the motion missed the point. The phrase is not a religious symbol, he said, but rather a way to honor the United States’ national motto, which was adopted in 1956. ... “It’s historical,” he said. “We are a part of government.”