Kissimmee Florida Trusts in God, and Wants You to Know

The city commissioners in Kissimmee, Florida are considering adding “In God We Trust” to the city’s logo. We have a better idea.

As you can see, the proposer has artistically and thoughtfully crammed the words into the existing logo:

Why would they want to do this? Well, certainly not religion: Patriotism!

Commissioner Art Otero, who proposed the addition, said he was prompted to suggest the change because he doesn’t agree with the direction the country is going under the Obama administration, which he referred to as “socialist.” He said his initiative was not based on faith but on patriotism.

Mr. Otero has an issue. Well, he has several, but what’s coming to mind is this:

• Saying “In God We Trust” has nothing to do with love of country. Atheists, Buddhists, and Hindus do not trust in God, but can all be equally patriotic.
• Patriotism has nothing to do with socialism. While I do personally agree with Mr. Otero that we’re moving down a socialist path and I don’t like it either, that doesn’t mean that socialists aren’t patriotic.
• Socialism has nothing to do with rejecting God. Many socialists are people of faith, and some are fundamentalists.

In short, adding “In God We Trust” to their logo says nothing about patriotism or the nation’s economic model. It says, quite simply, “We all believe in a specific god, whom we have cleverly named ‘God’.”

Mr. Otero, if you would like to promote capitalism, try this option:
Ayn Rand’s “Who is John Galt?” says exactly what Otero claims he wants to say: “We Love Capitalism”.

It makes a great sticker, and an even better T-shirt! Get your John Galt logo tee or sticker HERE while they last!

Note: In response to your poll responses, I’ve added “CTHULHU FHTAGN!” t-shirts and stickers as well. Here’s what they look like!

Kissimmee Loves Cthulhu!

A fellow commissioner is at least honest about his motives:

Commissioner Carlos Irizarry expressed concern about the potential lawsuits the motto could invite. In an interview later with the Sentinel, however, he said it was important “to support Christianity and faith.”

And, when told that it would cost $250 to carve the words into the seal in the Council Chambers, Mayor Jim Swan chimed in,

I do want to see ‘In God We Trust’ added. I’ll pay for half of it.

The Orlando Sentinel has a poll asking whether adding IGWT is a good idea: http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/local/osceola/orl-kissimmee-in-god-we-trust-poll-072309,0,5982262,post.poll What do you think?

We’ve also got our own poll. Vote, and comment below!

Related articles:

1. Kissimmee Trusts in Cthulhu
2. Florida Supreme Court Denies Review of Council for Secular Humanism v. McNeil
3. Corporations you know are supporting Florida faith-healing fraud
4. Christians Vandalize MSNBC Poll
5. Florida Senate moves to allow state funding of religion

Mike Daniels is co-editor of Secular News Daily.

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