I suspect that I am not alone in thinking that Councilor Tom Mielke’s proposal to erect the words “In God We Trust” in the county hearing room is both outrageous and offensive. Posting those words in our meeting space is not representative of Clark County residents, many of whom do not believe in God and/or do not believe that the county should be mixing business with religion.
Perhaps the county council could consider posting the following alternatives in our meeting hall:
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“Allahu akbar” (God is great).
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“In science we trust.”
If you find these statements exclusionary or inappropriate, perhaps it will help you to understand why I find “In God We Trust” inappropriate. Our meeting space should be welcoming to all of the people in Clark County, not just to those who believe in God.
Two things I value about America are our freedom to practice religion (or not) and the separation of church and state. Having “In God We Trust” forced upon us in a public meeting space reflects neither of these things. I suggest that if Mielke wants to trust in God that he should attend a house of worship.
Elisa Wells
Camas
