[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"$fQimJJEIU1TcwlO6vIWJ45gQG8cNpipMG4ex5PtdTC8s":3,"$f_bp9nL0Ga3U-YjWeLz_h4K1tMlsBUODxgJvgazSkHtU":12},{"author":4,"tags":11},{"author_id":5,"author_name":6,"author_name_first_letter":7,"article_count":8,"bio":9,"short_bio":9,"bio_jsonld":9,"slug":10,"image_url":9},169296,"Michael Newdow","M",54,null,"michael-newdow",[],{"quotes":13,"pagination":79},[14,23,31,37,43,49,55,61,67,73],{"id":15,"quote_text":16,"author_id":5,"source_id":17,"has_image":18,"author":19,"source":20,"quote_tag":21,"commentary":22},3835036,"Most people I know I think agree and even many theists agree with this. We don't want government involved.",7,false,{"id":5,"author_name":6,"slug":10,"author_name_first_letter":7,"article_count":8,"image_url":9},{},[],"**The Backstory**\nThis quote is likely attributed to Michael Newdow, an American attorney and activist known for his advocacy against the inclusion of the Pledge of Allegiance in public schools due to its reference to God. The sentiment expressed in the quote resonates with the era of the early 21st century, a time when debates surrounding the separation of church and state were at the forefront of public discourse. As Newdow navigated the complexities of the judicial system to challenge the Pledge, he often found himself in the midst of contentious discussions about the role of government in religious matters.\n\n**The Hidden Insight**\nOn the surface, the quote suggests a desire for limited government involvement in matters of personal faith. However, upon closer examination, it reveals a deeper tension between the ideals of individual freedom and the perceived benefits of a secular government. The paradox lies in the fact that many individuals, including those who identify as theists, are willing to accept government involvement in their lives as long as it aligns with their values, highlighting the complex interplay between personal beliefs and institutional power.\n\n**How to Use This**\nIn today's professional and creative spheres, this insight can be applied by recognizing the importance of nuance in navigating complex issues. Rather than taking a binary stance on the role of government or institutional power, individuals can strive for a more balanced approach, acknowledging both the benefits and limitations of external influence on their personal and professional endeavors.",{"id":24,"quote_text":25,"author_id":5,"source_id":26,"has_image":18,"author":27,"source":28,"quote_tag":29,"commentary":30},3285723,"Most people I know I think agree and even many theists agree with this. We don’t want government involved.",6,{"id":5,"author_name":6,"slug":10,"author_name_first_letter":7,"article_count":8,"image_url":9},{},[],"**The Backstory**\nMichael Newdow, an American atheist activist, likely uttered these words in the context of his high-profile lawsuit against the Pledge of Allegiance in 2002. At the time, Newdow was seeking to have the phrase \"under God\" removed from the pledge, citing the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment. His efforts sparked a heated national debate on the role of government in matters of faith.\n\n**The Hidden Insight**\nOn the surface, this quote appears to be a straightforward expression of a desire for limited government involvement in personal matters. However, upon closer examination, it reveals a more nuanced and counter-intuitive truth: that even those who believe in the existence of God may also value the separation of church and state. This paradox highlights the tension between individual freedom and collective morality, suggesting that the pursuit of secular values can be motivated by a deep-seated desire for autonomy and non-coercion.\n\n**How to Use This**\nTo apply this mindset in your own life, consider that even in the face of overwhelming social or cultural pressure, you have the power to advocate for your own values and principles. By recognizing the inherent value of autonomy and non-coercion, you can develop a more effective strategy for navigating complex social and professional situations, even when it means going against the majority.",{"id":32,"quote_text":33,"author_id":5,"source_id":26,"has_image":18,"author":34,"source":35,"quote_tag":36,"commentary":9},3285718,"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.",{"id":5,"author_name":6,"slug":10,"author_name_first_letter":7,"article_count":8,"image_url":9},{},[],{"id":38,"quote_text":39,"author_id":5,"source_id":26,"has_image":18,"author":40,"source":41,"quote_tag":42,"commentary":9},3285710,"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.",{"id":5,"author_name":6,"slug":10,"author_name_first_letter":7,"article_count":8,"image_url":9},{},[],{"id":44,"quote_text":45,"author_id":5,"source_id":26,"has_image":18,"author":46,"source":47,"quote_tag":48,"commentary":9},3285697,"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.",{"id":5,"author_name":6,"slug":10,"author_name_first_letter":7,"article_count":8,"image_url":9},{},[],{"id":50,"quote_text":51,"author_id":5,"source_id":26,"has_image":18,"author":52,"source":53,"quote_tag":54,"commentary":9},3285689,"But in America, if you’re an atheist, you lose.",{"id":5,"author_name":6,"slug":10,"author_name_first_letter":7,"article_count":8,"image_url":9},{},[],{"id":56,"quote_text":57,"author_id":5,"source_id":26,"has_image":18,"author":58,"source":59,"quote_tag":60,"commentary":9},3285677,"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.",{"id":5,"author_name":6,"slug":10,"author_name_first_letter":7,"article_count":8,"image_url":9},{},[],{"id":62,"quote_text":63,"author_id":5,"source_id":26,"has_image":18,"author":64,"source":65,"quote_tag":66,"commentary":9},3285667,"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.",{"id":5,"author_name":6,"slug":10,"author_name_first_letter":7,"article_count":8,"image_url":9},{},[],{"id":68,"quote_text":69,"author_id":5,"source_id":26,"has_image":18,"author":70,"source":71,"quote_tag":72,"commentary":9},3285643,"Obviously, I’ll keep fighting to uphold the Constitution.",{"id":5,"author_name":6,"slug":10,"author_name_first_letter":7,"article_count":8,"image_url":9},{},[],{"id":74,"quote_text":75,"author_id":5,"source_id":26,"has_image":18,"author":76,"source":77,"quote_tag":78,"commentary":9},3285629,"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.",{"id":5,"author_name":6,"slug":10,"author_name_first_letter":7,"article_count":8,"image_url":9},{},[],{"currentPage":80,"totalPages":26,"totalItems":8,"itemsPerPage":81},1,10]