A BuzzFlash News Alert:

A Message From Jerry Falwell. This is an actual e-mail sent out this week to Falwell's Internet list of subscribers.

FROM: Jerry Falwell
DATE: December 13, 2001

DEFENDING THE PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

Here in my home state of Virginia, a man is attempting to censor the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance in schools because he believes the words exclude foreigners and "offend" unspecified persons. These types of protests usually start with one person, or
a handful of people, who feign offense at a national tradition. They claim to be emotionally wounded and the leftist ACLU-types immediately jump to their aid.

In this case, Edward Myers, a software engineer from Sterling, Va., has filed a "civil rights" petition with the U.S. Justice Department to eliminate the Pledge from schools in favor of songs or adages that are "neutral" to religion and citizenship and thus more "inclusive."

"The Pledge is being sold as a uniform activity, but the problem is it is not inclusive of those who are foreign nationals. Certain religious groups also oppose it because it pledges allegiance to something other than their god," Mr. Myers sniveled to the Washington Times. He is urging students to boycott the Pledge every Friday.

However, Loudoun County school board member John A. Andrews asked, "What will it be next? That we are not supposed to sing 'God Bless America'? I don't know where something like that ends." He's absolutely right. Anti-God combatants are never satisfied. As long as a God-related slogan or phrase is posted or mentioned in the public square, you can guarantee they will be there to claim an affront to their "freedom." A profusion of court cases against the Ten Commandments, state mottoes mentioning God and other religious phrases provide the proof.

Gary Bauer said Mr. Myers' attempt to silence the Pledge would be laughable if it were merely an isolated incident. "But, unfortunately," he said, "there are efforts all over the country to stop the Pledge, force students to stop displaying the flag, censorship of Christmas and a host of other attacks on the basic values of country and faith. The ACLU is supporting many of these outrages, while other left-wing groups are zeroing in on college campuses to keep military recruiters out and to silence conservative students."

When I recite the Pledge, I envision the Judeo-Christian God of the Bible whom I have trusted as my Savior. But nobody is forced to do the same. Nobody!

Our 50 individual states are united as a single Republic under the Divine providence of God, "our most powerful resource," said President Dwight D. Eisenhower. It's time we once again honor that tradition - a tradition our Founders understood and painstakingly embraced.

TAKING A STAND

The Family Research Council (http://www.frc.org) has launched a program to promote a daily observance of the Pledge of Allegiance and a moment of silence in our nation's public schools. FRC's campaign is led by elected officials, veterans, and community leaders who visit schools and distribute book covers highlighting the Pledge of Allegiance and verses from "The Star Spangled Banner." More than 130,000 book covers have already been distributed.

The campaign also urges states to adopt Virginia's mandatory moment of silence law for public schools, which the Supreme Court recently allowed to stand after civil libertarians brought suit against it. Currently, eight states require a daily moment of silence while 22
states allow it.

FRC President Ken Connor said, "By daily reciting the Pledge of Allegiance and observing a moment of silence in our schools, it will help students remember that freedom is never free - and to be thankful to live in the U.S."

In addition, K12, Inc. and William J. Bennett, the former U.S. Secretary of Education, have unveiled a new "American Patriotism Program" that features cost-free Internet lessons about the history and founding principles of our nation.

Mr. Bennett, chairman of K12 (http://www.K12.com ), said: "The United States is going through some tough times, but the American spirit is rising to the challenge. Citizens from all walks of life are asking 'What can I do to support America?' and 'Why is it important that we fight this war in Afghanistan?' K12's 'American Patriotism Program' helps provide answers to those questions. We must teach the next generation why the United States is worth defending, and we can use computer technology to do exactly that. Our Founding Fathers taught us that we defend our nation when we love and cherish her, and that we fully love and cherish her only when we understand her."

I too am committed to championing the cause of religious freedom in America through the publication of my National Liberty Journal newspaper and my "Listen America" television and radio broadcasts.

In the days prior to September 11, patriotism had been characterized as a useless sentiment. We are witnessing continuing pockets of this activity. It's up to those of us who love this nation and the freedoms our Founders secured for us to ensure that the spirit of 1776 lives on in the years to come.

Let us continue to boldly beseech God to bless America. And let us never apologize for doing so or ever again relinquish the battle for the heart and soul of America to those who would purge God from our society.

A YEAR-END GIFT TO JERRY FALWELL MINISTRIES

As this year rapidly heads toward completion, I want to encourage those of you who would like to participate in our global ministries to consider making a tax-deductible year-end gift to Jerry Falwell Ministries. All gifts will go toward (1) outreach programs designed to tell people about the saving grace of Jesus Christ, or (2) to information apparatuses such as my "National Liberty Journal" newspaper, "Listen America" radio and television
broadcasts, and this publication. I have committed to not using "Falwell Confidential" as a fundraising tool, but I would be negligent in my duties to raise the necessary funds for these ministries if I did not afford my friends the opportunity to support our efforts. Those wishing to bestow a tax-deductible gift to Jerry Falwell Ministries may do so by either calling our toll-free number (800-368-3801, M-F during office hours, E.T.), or by mailing your gift to:

Jerry Falwell Ministries
"Falwell Confidential"
Lynchburg, VA 24514

Thank you, Jerry