Why is US Obsessed with God Bless America?
Toronto Why are Americans obsessed with the words “God bless America”? A new Canadian documentary looks at the American fascination with invoking god. The six-part documentary by award-winning Canadian journalist Ralph Benmergui probes why and when faith became such an important part in the life of that country. It probes: When did it become obligatory for presidents to end every speech with the words “God bless America”? Why do so many Americans believe that their country enjoys the lord’s special favor? “God Bless America”, to be aired on Canada’s VisionTV, premieres Jan 19 – just a day before the new US president Barack Obama takes oath of office. The documentary looks at how although the American constitution separates the church and state, this dividing line is often hard to find in practice. It shows how the 50 million-strong Evangelical Christian movement has exercised enormous influence on US politics in recent years of Republican victories, said a VisionTV statement. The docum
