(AgapePress) - Even though a judge in the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals has effectively nixed his vote in the controversial ruling on the Pledge of Allegiance, reaction continues to reverberate through the hallowed halls of Washington, D.C.

In an unusual show of defiance, both the U.S. House and Senate chambers were full as lawmakers recited the Pledge of Allegiance at the start of Thursday's congressional session, less than 24 hours after a federal court in San Francisco had declared the Pledge unconstitutional. House members applauded after finishing the Pledge, then -- for good measure -- sang "God Bless America" before breaking into more applause.

Both chambers passed resolutions condemning the three-judge federal panel for ruling the Pledge unconstitutional because it says Americans are "one nation, under God." The Senate vote was unanimous; three Democrats voted against the House resolution.

Over at the White House, President Bush said the phrase "under God" does not violate rights but, instead, recognizes "that we received our rights from God." And he said he will appoint federal judges who, unlike those who found the Pledge to be unconstitutional, affirm God's role in public life. Bush has accused Senate Democrats of stalling his judicial nominees.

At War with American Values
Pro-family activist Gary Bauer of American Values sees the recent decision out of the 9th Circuit as a form of "judicial terrorism."

"They will tolerate, in the name of free speech, any attack on religion -- and they will attempt to strike down, in the name of separation of church and state, any observance or defense of religion," Bauer says. "In that sense, they really are at war with the values of the great majority of the American people."

He says the action of the 9th Circuit is a signal for Christians in America to stand up and take charge of the country.

Genevieve Wood of the Family Research Council says Wednesday's decision will reach deep into the heart of the nation. Although she does not expect the ruling to stand if it reaches the Supreme Court, Wood says if it does there will be many changes that most Americans would not be in favor of. She says if the ruling is upheld, it will mean the national anthem, national motto, coinage, and Declaration of Independence are all in violation of the Constitution.

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