October 5, 2009

It has finally happened. Months after the Capitol Visitor Center opened - overpriced and over budget and a monument to the ego of Congress - the Capitol Visitor Center now has "In God We Trust" engraved over one of the statues.

The Center opened last December and someone noticed our national motto was absent. The Congressional Prayer Caucus lobbied the Democratic leadership and they finally relented.

My question is this: is it true? Do we - does Congress - really trust in God? Or is this a wish and a hope? Is it a motto, or a reflection of reality?

And how would we know? What cultural and moral standard could be used for us to conclude, "Yes, America trusts in God."  I'm not trying to be contrary or clever; I am merely asking a question. If we are going to put "In God We Trust" on our money and on the Capitol Visitors Center, should we expect some kind of proof? Otherwise, isn't it false advertising and a claim for which there is no basis?

Seriously, do we trust in God, or in politicians and talk radio? Just asking…and wondering.

Cal Thomas is a nationally syndicated columnist based in Washington, D.C.