is it wise to write down that you have been laid off from your previous employer when you write a cover letter?  (keep in mind the lay off was no fault of your own, etc. etc. etc.)

Hi stljoe1976,

Great question! Yes, I do recommend mentioning the layoff -- it helps explain what happened (you weren't fired) and why you are currently job searching. This article has verbiage you can adapt for your situation (it's the first section - "Layoff"):
How to Handle Sticky Situations in Your Cover Letter

but don't you think that now days, people move to different positions/jobs/companies for all sorts of reasons.  Most people are not fired if you have been with the company long term (1+ years) unless you do something bad.  Someone told me if the company is interested in finding out why you no longer work for your previous company they would bring it up during the interview?