Day429 Tuesday 11/01/11

ran 3.6 miles

The House of Representatives voted today on whether “In God we trust” should or should not remain the United States of America’s official motto. This motto was adopted by America in 1956 and it is also the state motto of Florida. A common misperception is that “E pluribus unum”, Latin for “out of many, one”, is our nation’s motto, but it is not. It appears on plenty of seals and forms of American currency but “In God we trust” is the actual motto.

"Unfortunately, there are a number of public officials who forget what the national motto is, whether intentionally or unintentionally. There are those who become confused as to whether or not it can still be placed on our buildings, whether it can be placed in our school classrooms. Almost a year ago, the president in making a speech across the world said that our national motto was 'E pluribus unum’. When the Visitors Center was opened ... they did not have the national motto in there. In fact, they inscribed in the stones that our national motto was 'E pluribus unum.' "

Rep. Randy Forbes (R-VA) in an article written by Pete Kasperowicz from The Hill

The vote to keep “In God we trust” as the national motto prevailed by a count of 396 to 9. One Republican and eight Democrats voted against it. Two additional Democrats voted “present”.

Those who voted against the bill were Reps. Gary Ackerman (D-NY), Justin Amash (R-Mich.), Judy Chu (D-Calif.), Emanuel Cleaver (D-Mo.), Mike Honda (D-Calif.), Hank Johnson (D-Ga.), Jerrold Nadler (D-NY), Bobby Scott (D-Va.), and Pete Stark (D-Calif.). Stark is the House's only open atheist.

The two who voted “present” were Keith Ellison (D-Minn.) and Mel Watt (D-NC).

792.6 miles to go.

Here is what happened one year ago on Day64.