The Fourth of July will have extra meaning this year because of the events of September 11^th.  The decision of the Federal Court in San Francisco could not have come at a more dramatic time.  There is outrage throughout the country and in Congress with nearly unanimous condemnation of the decision by the Court.  I personally feel that this decision was wrong and one of the strangest that has been rendered over the last 100 years.  If the decision were followed to its logical conclusion, we would have to chisel out words on monuments in Washington and change some of the basic documents such as the Declaration of Independence.  Fifty-six Representatives signed the Declaration "with a firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence."  The House of Representatives begins each day with a prayer.  Of course, many people feel that there is no group that needs to be prayed over more.  We have chaplains in the service and in the Congress.  While there is separation of church and state, the state should not be antagonistic to religion.  The first bill I introduced as a freshman Congressman was a Constitutional Amendment to allow non-denominational prayer in our schools.  I believe my public service over the last forty years including military service speaks for itself regarding my deep feeling for our country and its institutions.

However, there are several aspects of the decision that should be considered.  The first is it proves what a strong rule of law we have in the United States.  One individual who does not agree with the vast majority in America has the right to challenge one of the most basic concepts of our country.  It is truly one person against 270 million.  And even though nearly all Americans are on the other side, the Court has the ability to rule for that one person against all odds.  Can you imagine what would happen if the individual suing had lived in China, Iraq or Cuba?  You'd never see him again.  What a remarkable Constitution we have where such an unpopular decision can be made and the debate is in the press, the courts and legislative bodies and not resolved by military or government fiat.

Furthermore, many of us take our freedoms for granted.  We don't appreciate all that we have and only when it is threatened do we realize how incredibly fortunate we are to live in this great nation.  Many have said the pledge over the years, time after time, as a matter of rote, without giving any thought to what it really means nor about the people who sacrificed their lives to give us the right to pledge allegiance to our flag and our country.  This decision will not stand.  It will be reversed and, if necessary, a Constitutional Amendment will be passed.  But please, take a minute and glory in our country where all of us, no matter our race, color, creed or economic status, have certain inalienable rights, and the rights of one individual to protest and disagree are protected by our Constitution.  God bless America!

Lou Frey represented Central Florida in the U. S. Congress from 1969 to 1979. In his last election, he received 78% of the vote. He was elected one of five Republican leaders in the House of Representatives during the 93^rd and 94^th Congress. He served on...