In God Some Do Not Trust

PoliticalUSA.com ^ | 6/28/2002 | Mario Giardiello

[jh97]

The continuing uproar over the decision of the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals that found the "under God" phrase of the Pledge of Allegiance unconstitutional is much ado about nothing.

The decision was the logical extension of the fight to extend religions freedom to all Americans – not just Christians. After all, how can we have freedom of religion if children are indoctrinated into believing in God from the early years, throughout their education?

The original version of the Pledge of Allegiance (believed to have been written by Francis Bellamy, a Baptist minister and socialist) did not have the words "under God." They were put in the pledge in 1954 following a campaign lead by the Knights of Columbus, an extremely religious group and one that I had the privilege to be a member of throughout my childhood. MORE

[stylin19a]

The "under God" of the Pledge is unconstitutional ? I think the unconstitutional part is saying it in a public school.

[Heartlander]

"how can we have freedom of religion if children are indoctrinated intonot believing in God from the early years, throughout their education?"

Good Point. Thanks for the post.

Tell me Buck, kids will be leaning this soon…

The Declaration of Independence - July 4, 1776 (beginning and end – emphasis added)

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.--…
…And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor.

Is this offensive? Should it be changed?
At the heart of the matter, we are talking about rewriting history and setting up a new foundation – aren’t we?

[Stone Mountain]

It's not even that bad. Anyone can say it on their own in a public school. It's just that the teacher can't lead it.

[My2Cents]

Exactly what religion does "under God" establish? Is it Baptist? Methodist? Catholic? Jewish? Islamic? Sufi? The phrase "under God" says nothing definitive about God, either the nature of God or God's character. That is left to the individual to decide in his or her own way.

The fact that this is a nation "under God" is less a statement of faith than it is a statement of historical fact. The foundation of the nation, the reason the US exists at all, was based on the supposition that "all men are created equal," and are "endowed by their Creator" with certain natural rights -- rights not granted by the state, but granted by Providence and protected by the state. In our Constitution, reference is made to "Providence." Does this establish religion, or state the intent of the framers that this was a nation established "under God"? The atheists may not like it, but it is a fact that this country was established "under God." Many people today may not acknowledge God, but this dependence and acknowledgement of God is an important part of our national heritage, and even an atheist should recognize that.

[Gil4]

With all this wishy-washy faith in this country why do we have so many people and politicians up in arms about the decision of the 9th Circuit to get rid of "under God" from the Pledge?

Because the "under God" in the pledge is a pretty wishy-washy generic statement of faith that seems to accurately portray the state of faith our country. I think a lot of people get angry when atheism is made the established religion by unelected tyrants in robes.

[Malcolm]

Well, if they don't trust G-d, that is exclusively their problem. I won't back down from any atheist; we will either live under their system or under ours. It all depends on who wants it their way the most. If "in G-d we trust" offends you, don't look at it, as my LP "friends" tell me when the subject is pornography. If saying those 2 words in the Pledge offends you, then you really don't understand what it's all about, and you'll just have to suffer, because we sure ain't gonna change it for the handful of intolerant girly men who need a crying towel every time they come across it.....

[Heartlander]

You are correct, it is a historical document – but it is also the literal foundation that this country was built upon.