The American Dreamer

One of the most riveting personal sagas that has played out over the last few years has got to be Michael Newdow’s fight to right a wrong. As an Atheist he is looked upon unfavorably by almost 60% of the US population. He has endured a great deal of abuse in the public discourse. After the 9th Circuit Court opinion all 99 members of the Senate stood on the steps and pledged to keep “under God” right where it is.

He has been savaged for bringing the case on behalf of his daughter. There he stands as alone as anyone has ever been, not even a faith in god to stand by him in the darkest hours. That’s what makes this story so great. I’d call it Quixotic if it weren’t such an American tale.

The Supreme Court agreed to hear the case and Michael Newdow chose to represent himself. Against him are Bush and Kerry, majorities in both houses of Congress, and attorneys general from all 50 states. Filing briefs against him are the National Education Association, American Jewish Congress, American Legion, Knights of Columbus, and a number of others.

The few that were on his side such as American United for Separation of Church and State didn’t even trust him enough to be able to present his arguments alone. They petitioned the court to be given some of Newdow’s argument time but were rejected.

He even asked for, and got, Scalia to recuse himself thus removing one sure vote against him and one of the Supreme Court’s toughest questioners. It’s a gutsy move that could have left him with an even more irritated justice.

With so many forces arrayed against him, including the fact that he’s not a practicing attorney, he seems to have nothing going for him except his belief that he’s right. As conservative columnist William Safire put it:

The only thing this time-wasting pest Newdow has going for him is that he’s right. Those of us who believe in God don’t need to inject our faith into a patriotic affirmation and coerce all schoolchildren into going along. The key word in the pledge is the last one. Of God and the Flag by William Safire

He had his day in court and by all accounts he not only didn’t screw up but did an excellent job. The mother of his daughter, Sandra Banning, despite filing a brief against his case, said “Michael did very well.” The superintendent of the school district, David Gordon, he took to court had this to say:

While Gordon opposed Newdow’s case, he said the rookie attorney did “an excellent job” and complimented Newdow afterward. “I may not agree with him … but all of this has been a powerful process that shows that one individual can bring an unpopular view forward,” Gordon said. Newdow reflects on his day in court by Jennifer Garza

After his day in court a NY Times columnist uttered his name with such greats as Jefferson and Madison:

The Supreme Court may embrace Dr. Newdow’s passionate plea, side with “under God” or split 4-4 and leave the lower court ruling alone, and it won’t pick our pockets or break our legs. But the sight of one man standing up to challenge God and country is something that Madison, Jefferson and Franklin would cheer, and every American can celebrate. Jefferson, Madison, Newdow? by Kenneth Davis

From the moment comes the man, and I have no doubt that whatever petty zealotry may have driven Michael Newdow when he began this case has been transformed by the process. He has stood his ground on principle and the institutions of American government have responded with the weighty majesty instilled in them by the Constitution.

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