Lawmaker protests expunging of word 'God' from flag certificate

[The Straight Story]

Lawmaker protests expunging of word 'God' from flag certificate

By JIM ABRAMS
Associated Press Writer
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WASHINGTON (AP) -- 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.

Republican Rep. Michael Turner of Dayton 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.

That policy, Turner said in a letter to Pelosi signed by other Republicans, "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 Andrew, 17, was to give to his grandfather after being inducted into the Eagle Scouts.

They asked that 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" excised.

http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/F/FLAG_DISPUTE_OHOL-?SITE=WBNSTV&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT

[Toots]

1. Why is it Republicans think rules don't apply to them, especially if God is involved?

God must be forced down America's throat......

[spoony]

2. It was one person's choice, not America's throat

Slight discrepancy in scope there, Toots.

[Toots]

3. Didn't the article say he wated to change the rules not just make one exception?

:shrug:
" Republican Rep. Michael Turner of Dayton 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."

[spoony]

4. And if it changed it would simply allow someone requesting a flag

to have a message like the one at issue here. It wouldn't change the certificate in a way where everyone would have "God" all over it, just facilitate a broader scope of message for those wanting it.