[MissMillie]

We are all harmed by the words "under God" being forced on us by government agencies. In America, we are all free from such religious establishment.

If the mom wants her daughter to utter those words, let her find the time of day for her daughter to say it. It's not the government's job.

[Sally II]

We are all harmed by the words "under God" being forced on us by government agencies.

Please, if you're going to make a sweeping statement like that, back it up with some facts. Who do you know that is harmed by the words "under God"? How are you harmed by the words "under God"? Please, give a thorough explanation.

[MJemison]

We are all.....

You have no authority to speak for ME.

[egarvue]

We are all harmed by the words "under God" being forced on us

Oh, you poor dear...how positively dreadful of the government to force us all into the same religion...no, wait...um, nevermind.

[kidd]

Saying "under God" in the Pledge does not "establish" a religion. There is nothing unconstitutional about it. But in case you do think it does establish a religion, please explain to me what this "government established religion" that is based by the phrase "under God" is like. This government-established "under God" religion has been around for about 50 years and I don't believe that there has been any kind of worship meeting yet, nor has there been any kind of designation of leadership or any kind of rules. Someone out there has done a real poor job of getting this thing going!

On the other hand, taking "under God" out of the Pledge can be construed as restricting the freedom of religion (ie it implies that it is illegal to mention "God").

[Mark Bahner]

I actually found this suggested change to the Pledge at TomPaine.com (knew if I visited liberal websites enough, I'd find something worthwhile):

"Perhaps we could put the proper focus on things by rewriting the Pledge this way: 'I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation, under the Constitution, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.'"

Of course, since neither Democrats or Republicans follow the Constitution, the Pledge would be pretty naive!

Mark (Libertarian)

[My2Cents]

We are all harmed by the words "under God" being forced on us by government agencies. In America, we are all free from such religious establishment.

The statement that this is a nation "under God" is less a statement of faith than it is a statement of historical fact. The foundational principle of the nation – and it may be a unique foundational principle among nations – is the supposition that "all men are CREATED equal," and are "endowed by their CREATOR with certain inalienable rights" – rights not created or granted by the state, but rights bestowed upon man by God. Since they are bestowed by God, these rights that are absolute; they are not based on the subjective or capricious whim human rulers. This is a critically important distinction. Eliminate this concept of God-given rights from the basis of our society’s political values and what we have to revert to are rights and liberties that are derived from the power of the state – and the state will always have the power to take those rights away. God-given inalienable rights cannot be taken away; and where they are denied by the state, the state has lost its legitimacy to exist (so says our Declaration of Independence).

The founders clearly acknowledged that this was a nation founded "under God" or Providence. Many people today may not acknowledge God, but this dependence and acknowledgement of God is an important part of our national heritage. The atheists may not like it, but this is historical fact, and as Americans who love their country, they should be willing to acknowledge that historical fact.

[He Rides A White Horse]

Hi troll.........

[eyes_only]

I refuse to have a battle of wits

with an unarmed person...

[zerosix]

Quit using U.S. Money, since it also says "In God We Trust."

I'd just like to suggest that you strongly consider moving to a country where God is banned - China would be good for a start.

[Xenalyte]

Can dish it out but not take it yourself, eh?

[artios]

MissMillie asserts "We are all harmed by the words "under God" being forced on us by government agencies. In America, we are all free from such religious establishment."

We are to accept it as true because MissMillie says so.

I assert "all frogs are red"

I am incredulous that you doubt my assertion.

[Wondervixen]

>>We are all harmed by the words "under God" being forced on us by government agencies.

Speak for your damn self. You don't speak for me, MY family, nor anyone else for that matter. Where you people think you have that right is beyond me, because you DON'T!

[syriacus]

It depends on what your definition of "harmed" is, I guess. Newdow lied when he said his daughter was being harmed. It sounds like the person whose sensibilities were really harmed was Newdow. (Amazing how many people are lying under oath lately!)

Does Newdow suffer from obsessive compulsive disorder? It's so easy to picture him stuffing his fingers in his ears when he has the misfortune to walk by a school with open windows at 9 AM.

(Muttering under his breath, "I can't hear those words. I can't hear those words. I can't hear those words")

[William Terrell]

Judge Fernandez, the disenter in the case, made a good point. the object of the separation of church and state is to prevent a state establishment of religion. The prhase "under God" cannot do that. He uses the de minimis doctrine:

De minimis non curat lex.

The law does not care for, or take notice of, very small or trifling matters. The law does not concern itself about trifles. Provision is made under certain criminal statutes for dismissing offenses which are "de minimis." See, e.g., Model Penal Code § 2.12.

And he proves its application by simply stating the phrase was put in over 40 years ago and has not cause a state establishment of religion to date.

Therefore no injury, including you. He did send a personal message to you however:

"Some people may not feel good about hearing the phrases recited in their presence, but then others might not feel good if they are omitted."

PLease go somewhere else to declare your hatred of the very Spirit that give you life and consciousness.