Leanne L'Hirondelle- Artist Statement

Then conquer we must, when our cause it is just, And this be our motto: In God is our trust! And the star-spangled banner in triumph shall wave, O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave! (Star Spangled Banner)

Traditionally, wintercount has been a way to keep track of major events that occurred over a period of time, an accounting of sorts —an inventory of occurrences that had an effect on a whole community. Within our current times, we are considered to be part of a global community tied together economically, culturally and politically. As such, it is important to acknowledge events that have had a widespread effect on us globally.

The United States has played a key role in many major international events, whether through political support/interference or economic sanctions/aid. The six gold stars in In God We Trust, represent the number of times that the American government HAS NOT been at war with another country during the past fifty or so years — gold stars that one might receive for a good grade in primary school.

All wars, it can be argued are economically based. Other factors, including cultural, religious or racial differences are just the catalyst or excuse to ground any war. Rarely do governments state the explicit: the desire for economic gain. The remaining 46 stars are in effect hollow. The bar code can clearly be seen through the empty stars, wars waged under the guise of morality, protectionism and retaliation.

The phrase In God We Trust is part of the American National Anthem. Trust in God is represented in the 4th fold of the flag, symbolic of Americans’ "weaker nature". . . it is to Him we turn in times of peace as well as in times of war, for His divine guidance, Because We Must . . . due to supposed superior morality, culture and political status, with the sanction of one almighty male God.