Word: plywacki
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Concerning the difficulties encountered by Wladyslaw Plywacki in becoming an American citizen [TIME, May 4], we can all condone the action of Judge J. Francis McLaughlin in insisting on Plywacki's taking the oath of citizenship before God. Truly this country had been founded by men of God, through God and for God's people . . . (REV.) FR. DANIEL D. DRISCOLL...
...federal judge overlooked one thing: the Federal Constitution. When the Constitution was framed, the question was gravely argued whether God should be in the Constitution or not, and after a solemn debate a Supreme Being was deliberately voted out of it ... Plywacki would be a U.S. citizen today if Jefferson were alive and could change places with Judge McLaughlin...
Judge McLaughlin directed Plywacki to take a coin out of his pocket. "What does it say on the back?" he demanded. When Plywacki had read the legend, "In God We Trust," Judge McLaughlin made a little speech...
...court immigration officer, surprised that the judge had not merely substituted an affirmation of allegiance permitted for those who object to oath-taking, suggested that, since Plywacki was about to leave for the States, the whole matter could be settled on the mainland. But Judge McLaughlin, a Roman Catholic, had his principles, too. He ruled Plywacki ineligible for citizenship...
...Plywacki appealed to the ninth circuit court of appeals in San Francisco. His argument: "If a native-born citizen is entitled to freedom of religion, which would include the right not to believe in God, then a petitioner for naturalization has the same right." Last week the Justice Department in Washington told its office in Honolulu to "confess error," indicating that it would not support Judge McLaughlin's ruling in the appeals court. But Immigration Service lawyers have so far been unable to find a single direct precedent for a case like Plywacki's, and there remains...