Lordarkside_X

I am all for the removal of the word god from our coinage, public buildings and I also want prayers and invocations removed from public forums. I am a firm believer that and connection between Religion (the most undemocractic institution in this country) and our governement is a destructive one. Religions (mostly, but espicially Fundie Christians) are based on a rigid hierarchy and strict laws. They are not based on the fundamental ideas of freedom and individual worth that democracy is. If you create a bond between them its only a matter of time before the religion tries to subsume the democracy. See the neverending efforts of the Religous right to teach creationism and post the 10 commandments in our country.

As for the Declaration of Independence, I am a little biased. TJ was not only a diest, but also a Unitarian, like myself. So take my opinion with that grain of salt. I think creator is a good way to show that Democracy is based on the ideas of rights that are higher than man (ie he cannot take them away) but also does not require a god in the equation (although you can choose to personally believe that).

Just my own opinion......