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CNN Live Today

Look at Man Who Sued Over Pledge of Allegiance

Aired June 27, 2002 - 10:08   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
LEON HARRIS, CNN ANCHOR: Let's go right back to James Hattori, and apologize to James for interrupting that report of yours.

But you know how it is here with breaking news.

JAMES HATTORI, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Sure, Leon.

Let me just add on that this lawsuit about the Pledge of Allegiance began about two years ago. Michael Newdow filed it then. But before that, what initially sparked his interest was one day he was in a store buying some soap, and he looked at his money. And it suddenly dawned on him that all of his money has on it the words "In God We Trust." And in fact, he filed a lawsuit to try and overturn that.

He realized after that that that wasn't going anywhere. In fact, I think he lost in court. So he later changed his strategy to tackle the school district here in Elk Grove, where his daughter attends school.

Now, he is very reluctant to say much about his daughter, who is 8 years old now. In fact, he says he is somewhat fearful for her safety. He is already receiving threats, some of which have been received on his answering machine at home.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: You need to sit and think about what you're doing. It is completely out of whack.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Anti-American, liberal, atheist -- what a bunch.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Michael, what in the hell is wrong with you, you dumb son of (EXPLETIVE DELETED). I say you're a dead man walking, man. Somebody is going to kill you -- not me, but somebody will. Because if -- you're treading on thin ice, pal. You'd better change your (EXPLETIVE DELETED) view.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

HATTORI: In fact, when we talked to Mr. Newdow yesterday, he said he had received about 40 such crank calls or threats on his answering machine, and that was just a few hours after the decision, Leon. But of course, he says he is not going to be thwarted from his pursuit of what he believes to be the right cause.

HARRIS: Boy. Despite the fact that he may be an unwelcome visitor no matter where he goes out there for a while, huh?

HATTORI: Absolutely.

HARRIS: James Hattori, thank you very much. We'll see you later on.

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