Letter: U.S. thrives while it is ‘under God’

Sunday, July 11, 1999 | 9:27 a.m.

We do not consider our popularity due to a recently acquired "GM jalopy," sitting in our spanking new garage. We obtained it while "under God." There has been an effort, during this past century, to try to disallow "God" as the central strength in our nation, states, counties, cities and school systems.

Our strength is not in the guns we put in our citizens' hands, nor in the nuclear bombs we have in our arsenal. It is in the consideration we have for our fellow citizens.

There are people who hate others in our nation. These will be the first to falter on their own discontent. They are overwhelmed by those who love their neighbors. These latter citizens have no trouble living in a "nation under God."

The United States has survived two world wars, a massive depression, a monumental educational boom, a health system causing the mortality rates to move from death at 40 years of age to death at 80. This cannot be blamed on the passing of time. A nation devoted to its own self-interest is not likely to recognize success. Its recognition of a force far greater than itself is more likely to be honored.

Lastly, consider this fact. Paris has it's Notre Dame. Paris also has it's Champs d'Elysees. Tourists are thrilled when they line up for a "Big Mac, fries and a Coke." Their happy faces dissolve when the cashier sings out "Twelve bucks."

They can't wait to come home to our "Great Lady" watching over New York harbor, with these final words:

"Give me your tired, your poor,

your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,

The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.

Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me,

I lift my lamp beside the golden door!"

HUGH S. "CASEY" JENINGS

archive