The two branches of government

Republicans in the House yesterday decided that three branches of government was simply one to many as they passed a law to prohibit a federal court to rule on the phrase "under God" in the Pledge of Allegiance.

This is one of the first things the House has decided to do in its fall session. Not work out health care coverage or a job recovery package, but a partisan bill designed to create a campaign issue in the fall. If you vote against the bill feeling it is unconstitutional, then your opponent will paint you as one who hates God, or this country, or both.

Any hint of sanity was voted down:

Rep. Mel Watt, D-N.C., offered an amendment that would have returned the legislation to its original form, under which lower federal courts were barred from ruling on the pledge but the Supreme Court retained its authority. It was defeated, 217-202.

There is no direct precedent for making exceptions to the Supreme Court's appellate jurisdiction, said Rep. Judy Biggert, R-Ill., who backed the original bill and the Watt amendment but voted against the final version.

"The issue today may be the pledge, but what if the issue tomorrow is Second Amendment (gun) rights, civil rights, environmental protection, or a host of other issues that members may hold dear?" she asked.

Who checks the Republican Congress and President? Apparently they want no one to do it.

Ridiculous.