Less Praying

By Melissa August, Val Castronovo, Matthew Cooper, Daren Fonda, Ellin Martens, Benjamin Nugent, Julie Rawe, Eric Roston and Josh Tyrangiel

CHURCH, STATE Last week Ohio's 41-year-old state motto, "With God, All Things Are Possible," was declared unconstitutional because it quotes Jesus. When choosing a new motto, Ohio could take lessons from states that keep their higher powers vague, such as Arizona ("God Enriches"), South Dakota ("Under God the People Rule") and Colorado ("Nothing Without the Deity"). The national motto, "In God We Trust," has survived multiple lawsuits because it only resembles a line from the Old Testament. Of course, to play it really safe, Ohio could opt for a motto like that of Texas: "Friendship."