Michael Newdow
Michael Newdow
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Full Name and Common Aliases
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Michael Newdow is a well-known American attorney and anti-theist activist. He is also known for his advocacy of the separation of church and state.
Birth and Death Dates
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Michael Newdow was born on November 24, 1958. His current status is alive.
Nationality and Profession(s)
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Newdow holds American nationality and has worked as a lawyer and activist throughout his career.
Early Life and Background
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Born in San Francisco, California, Michael Newdow grew up in a family that valued separation of church and state. His interest in secularism was influenced by his experiences with religion and its impact on society. He attended the University of California, Berkeley, where he earned a degree in philosophy.
Major Accomplishments
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Newdow's most notable accomplishment is his landmark lawsuit against the Pledge of Allegiance, which led to a Supreme Court ruling that the phrase "one nation under God" was unconstitutional. This case, Newdow v. United States Congress (2004), brought national attention to the issue of church-state separation and sparked debate about the role of religion in public life.
Notable Works or Actions
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Newdow has written extensively on the topic of secularism and its importance in modern society. His book, _The True Reason for Our National Crisis: The Assault on Integrity, Tragedy, and Hope_, explores the consequences of mixing church and state. He is also known for his activism, having organized protests and campaigns to promote a more secular government.
Impact and Legacy
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Newdow's work has had a significant impact on American society, pushing the conversation about church-state separation into the mainstream. His lawsuit against the Pledge of Allegiance brought national attention to this issue and sparked debate among politicians, activists, and everyday citizens. Newdow's commitment to secularism has inspired others to take action in promoting a more inclusive and equal society.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
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Michael Newdow is widely quoted and remembered for his tireless advocacy of the separation of church and state. His courage to challenge the status quo and push the boundaries of free speech has made him a respected figure in the secular community. As an attorney, activist, and author, he continues to inspire others with his unwavering commitment to promoting a more inclusive and equal society.
Quotes by Michael Newdow
Most people I know I think agree and even many theists agree with this. We don't want government involved.
Most people I know I think agree and even many theists agree with this. We don’t want government involved.
It’s one of the nice things about this nation that when the Constitution is violated, if it affects you, you can bring a suit.
Supreme Court Justice Anton Scalia should be commended for acknowledging that his views are so strong that – should the Pledge case reach the Supreme Court – he wouldn’t be able to maintain the requisite impartiality.
Most people I know I think agree and even many theists agree with this. We don’t want government involved. When atheists become the majority in this country, I don’t think the theists are going to be glad to have “one nation under no God” inserted in the Pledge of Allegiance.
I believe in the Constitution. The Constitution says that government isn’t supposed to be infusing religion into our society, and so I asked to have that upheld.
There’s a principle here, and I’m hoping the court will uphold this principle so that we can finally go back and have every American want to stand up, face the flag, place their hand over their heart and pledge to one nation, indivisible, not divided by religion, with liberty and justice for all.
Those who deny the existence of a supreme being have been turned into second-class citizens by a government that continuously sends messages that ‘real Americans’ believe in God.