Man who sued to stop pledge explains reasons for suit

SF Chronicle via AP ^ | 6/26/02 | STEFANIE FRITH

[I_Love_My_Husband]

Sacramento atheist Michael Newdow said Wednesday he was trying to restore the Pledge of Allegiance to its pre-1954 version because no one should be forced to worship a religion in which they don't believe.

But if the threatening messages on his answering machine are any indication, the American public is not thanking him.

[rwfromkansas]

If you can provide the following, I will begin to believe the Pledge is unconstitutional for having "under God":

1) historical evidence that "under God" is unconstitutional *evidence from the founding to the year 1900 in a continuous stream of similar attitudes against religion in the public sphere*
2) judicial precedents from the same time period, both at the state and national level
3) citations from the Constitution and founding fathers to support your position
4) Actions of the founding fathers in positions of power that support your position

[D. Miles]

He needs to realize that our parents (1954) had the presence of mind to see that America was headed for hell in a hand basket and needed the words under God in the Plege!

He should be on his knees thanking whom ever he prays to that they cared enough for this country to elect God fearing people at that time to give our Country a Plege of faith and loyalty!

[GatorGirl]

Gosh, I hope you're right. This might just be what wakes up the populace and drives the stake right through the heart of liberalism once and for all!

The very optimistic GG

[CARepubGal]

This idiot by his really poorly thought out behavior and actions is ensuring that poor child will be made o feel like an outcast. Although Madelyn Murray O'Hair's son is a pastor now so there is always hope! Why is it that the athiests preach more than any religion? No I am not Christian or athiest. Just tired of the Athiest games & hypocracy!

[Mad_Tom_Rackham]

The homosexual lobby is at the forefront of the Leftist attack on civilization. It comes with the territory.

These deviants want to remake society in THIER image: full of wonton immorality and chaos.

[Kaslin]

I think we ought to file a lawsuit against him for forcing his "religion" down on us

[linton59]

My his daughter come to feel the same way towards his beliefs as Madlyn's son felt towards hers!!

[Utopia]

My take on all this:

• Newdow is an ambulance chaser.
• He seemed the most put-out when the CA panel of 3 judges would not attach him to the judegment -- meaning he can't go after damages.
• I think he's looking for a big $$$ settlement and using this as an excuse.
• Whether he's a genuine athetist or not (and I doubt that he is, because he mentioned that he prayed for the safety of his daughter once all this controversy started), he is nothing more than an opportunist - a greedy ambulance chaser - using the "emotional distress" of his child to further his own ends - a form of child abuse perhaps?

[Scott from the Left Coast]

This guys hobby is filing suits against God.

I'd sure like to be hiding in the corner when this dude meets his maker. Wonder if he'll demand to have his lawyer present?

[Lessismore]

Me? I pledge allegiance to the Constitution of the United States, or what's left of it.

While we have the text open for editing, might I suggest simply "I pledge allegiance to the United States of America...". I've never understood the logic of pledging allegiance to a piece of cloth or a particular writing.

As for the "under God" phrase, I was in grade school when it was inserted. It always seemed to destroy the rhythm of the words -- sort of like when your church tries to change to some new-fangled wording of the Lord's Prayer.

[Lady Jag]

Now what kind of name is that???

It's Wodwen backwards, silly.

[Blood of Tyrants]

Even though his daughter wasn't forced to recite the Pledge of Allegiance, it was wrong to require her to listen to it when she doesn't believe in it, he said.

I really hate idiots like this. The Constitution does NOT guarantee annyone freedom FROM religion.

[Lessismore]

He needs to realize that our parents (1954) had the presence of mind to see that America was headed for hell in a hand basket and needed the words under God in the Plege!

It didn't help, did it.

[lelio]

Here's hoping to some assault and battery on the guy.
Wow, how very Christian of you. Shouldn't you leave judgment up to God?
The main problem here is the system of public schools that we have. If people could freely choose the school they wanted their children to go to (ie not having to pay property taxes for the public schools, freeing up money for their own use) they could send em to the Christian school of their pleasing. Likewise for muslims, atheists, etc.
Until then I think that since citizens are supporting public schools they should be made to accomodate most children. Pledging allegience to a state under a christian only god clearly excludes some.

[GatorGirl]

As far as I know, God is not unique to Christianity. The Pledge does not say "under Jesus" which would signify Christianity. Therefore, the insertion of the words "under God" does not constitute the establishment of a religion, IMHO. Respectfully, GG

[I_Love_My_Husband]

Just reminding you that Madelyn Murray-Ohair's son is a minister of God. We can only hope that his daughter, who is being used by her father, does a 180 and comes toward the light rather than the darkness. MMO was the founder of the American Atheists btw, and disappeared with money, and with her son that followed her into atheism. I don't know if she was ever found. She disowned and disavowed the son that followed God btw. He's a minister of a church somewhere.

[JessicaDragonet]

I loved the wording of the pledge before it (was) desecrated with religion.

Never confuse God with religion.

[Arizflash]

Haven't seen so many so angry in a long time. Everywhere I've been today, they are raging about this decision. This fella'd best do more'n pray. Move comes to mind. I'm sick of jerks like this one, too. We need to put some of these sicko's on the first bus outta America.

[Rome2000]

Hey, if he is dead tomorrow, oh well. Serves him right. I know that is harsh, but if some person full of violence and rage strikes out at him, I won't be upset.

Don't sweat the small stuff.

This situation will be easily rectified, with great dividends to the conservative cause.

About the only thing that could screw this up for conservatives is some moron hurting this freak of nature.

He will get his come judgement day.