Removing the "under god" part of the pledge of allegiance

[Jay]

http://usnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2013/09 ... reme-court

Thoughts on this?

I'm not sure how I feel about it. In one hand I don't think our country should identify with any religion, but on the other hand, I don't think we need to be so steadfast on removing everything that has religious connotation to it since I believe it's otherwise harmless. I get that "under god" may not represent what some of you believe, but there's also a law stating that you can't force anyone to pledge allegiance either. As for changing historical traditions, the article states that the "under god" part was actually added in 1954 so it's not exactly old old history in relation to other American traditions. I guess to me it's not that big a deal since it's a voluntary thing.

[Zanchief]

As a person who has no belief in God and, at time, active contempt for religion, I think people should pick better battles.

[Menelvir]

I'm not even certain that the Pledge of Allegiance has sufficient meaning or efficacy to argue over particular words.

It's like George Carlin pointed out in his bit about swearing on the Bible before giving testimony in court.

(with right hand on Bible) "Do you swear to tell the truth the whole truth and nothing but the truth so help you God?" [...] "Sure!"

If there's something that's going to unite young minds in a shared feeling of patriotism, then the Pledge as it is currently worded probably isn't it -- and at the same time, reciting the pledge is far too weak a practice to be considered indoctrination, as it's pretty easily shrugged off if you've learned to question everything around you, especially things like a childhood Pledge that was learned by rote.

But, if there is value in having children recite an institutional creed that values freedom and equality above all, then it would likely be best to remove references to particular deities, as for some that would only be a point of alienation rather than unification - i.e., it's likely easier to create shared feelings of unity over shared values, rather than shared religious beliefs that are tangential (at best) to those values.

[Ganzo]

Seems like a great "Red Herring" to keep idiots occupied.

Here's another one I heard yesterday, they are planning to introduce a program to schools where they weigh kids and calculate their BMI and send a "fat letter" to warn parents. Never mind that PA class is barely there once a week and school lunches serve pizza, burgers and high fructose corn syrup deserts and drinks all day.

[Gypsiyee]

considering it wasn't in there until the 50s (just like the addition of it on currency) I don't know why it should matter that it gets taken out. it wasn't intended to be there. it wasn't what this nation was founded on. we have a country of people who truly believe the mention of god has been there since its inception, and it's unfortunate. huge pet peeve of mine when people cite the pledge of allegiance and feel compelled to capitalize under god when it never belonged there in the first place.

[Narrock]

Solution: Leave it the fuck alone, cuz if you're offended by it, A: You're fucking retarded and overly sensitive, B. Stop reading currency (pick up a hobby imo), C. GTFO of America because we are founded on Judeo-Christian values. Don't like it? LEAVE.

[brinstar]

Solution: Leave it the fuck alone, cuz if you're offended by it, A: You're fucking retarded and overly sensitive, B. Stop reading currency (pick up a hobby imo), C. GTFO of America because we are founded on Judeo-Christian values. Don't like it? LEAVE.

a) you're an idiot
b) you're an idiot
c) not even true

[Drem]

we have a country of people who truly believe the mention of god has been there since its inception, and it's unfortunate

C. GTFO of America because we are founded on Judeo-Christian values. Don't like it? LEAVE.

My own feeling in the matter is due to my very firm conviction that to put such a motto on coins, or to use it in any kindred manner, not only does no good but does positive harm, and is in effect irreverence, which comes dangerously close to sacrilege.

that's how a real christian and republican felt. not some faux wannabe vitriolic christian like you, mindia

[leah]

aw, goddammit. did someone say his name three times or what??

[Gaazy]

I dont know why but when Leah cusses it makes me giggle hehe

[Gypsiyee]

Solution: Leave it the fuck alone, cuz if you're offended by it, A: You're fucking retarded and overly sensitive, B. Stop reading currency (pick up a hobby imo), C. GTFO of America because we are founded on Judeo-Christian values. Don't like it? LEAVE.

and this is why being christian and being a historian are not the same thing.

[Menelvir]

and this is why being christian and being a historian are not the same thing.

Reminds me of two sayings:

1. "Want to change the course of history? Become a historian!"

and

2. "History is written by the victors."