- NEW!
by Aristocles on January 8th, 2007
I'd like it out, just as it was originally.
Although we're not certain who wrote the pledge, it is believed to have been an American journalist who was a Socialist [edit: it was Francis Bellamy]. The God reference was not included in the original version, as it was added by Congress in an Anti-Communist 1954.
Look it up, maybe someone can give more info.
[edited again to get rid of extraneous parentheses]
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by Answerbag Staff on February 27th, 2010
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Is it really worth trampling upon The Constitution to prop up the régime of B. Hussein Soetoro Obama?
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You're reading Do you want "under God" out of our pledge?
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Comments
That's true ! It wasn't in there originally. I remember a few years ago, seeing a "Looney Tunes" cartoon with P-P-P-Porky P-P-P-Pig reciting the P-P-P-Pledge of Allegiance without "under God" in it.
by mac1896 on January 8th, 2007
Take it out! This is my country too and I support separation of church and state. Christers have tried to hijack this country for their very own little playground from the beginning.
by WoodyT on January 11th, 2007
What are Christers? If you mean Christians-we didn't hijack nothing. This country was founded with God fearing men. Tis the Athiest (the minority) who are trying to hijack this country. Majority rules, it's time for those of us in the majority to stop the minority running all over us, if you don't like it either sit down and shut up or leave. We've kissed ya'lls butts long enough, morality and ethics have tanked. You took prayer out of the schools and now we have guns and knives!! I prefer God at least that way innocent people weren't being slaughtered by godless freaks.<:))))<><
by sleeppro on March 18th, 2007
Great answer sleepro..I agree with you totally.
by Babycakes on March 20th, 2007
There are "Christians" who go to church on Sundays, lead a good life, and they don't try spreading the Word of God to those of us who politely convey our satisfaction with our current belief system. Then there are are those Christians (like you, apparently) who proselytize incessantly to the point where people like me want to commit violence just to get your message out of our ears. Now, are you a Christian or a Christer?
by 8 Jan 2004-10 Dec 2009 on March 20th, 2007
I am a Christian-NEVER, EVER heard Christers before, sounds like belittling to me (or coasters spelled wrong!!) I don't force anything down anybody's throat so DON'T force your life style on me. It is a fact that there were NO children killed by other children wielding guns/rifles in schools when there was prayer in school. I'm not saying that all of ya'll are that way-just pointing out one way that the MINORITY view forced something down my throat and what has come about because of it. I could care less if your name is on that list in Gods' hands or not. That's a decision you have to live with not me. One day we will know who made good choices and who didn't. I wouldn't belittle you, please be respectful enough not to belittle Christians. Thank-you, <:))))<><
by sleeppro on March 21st, 2007
sleeppro: Prayer in schools has absolutely nothing to do with violence or the lack thereof. And I've seen nothing to support your assertion that athiests are trying to hijack this country. As for jervinator mentioning that he wants to commit violence to get "your message out of [his] ears," well that's strange; it's in no way a common sentiment among atheists. I wouldn't even have commented but it seems that you two are getting heated rather than discussing the issue in a civil manner. That's my two cents.
by Aristocles on March 21st, 2007
Jervinator..What about Madaline Murray O,Hare..you dont think she proselytized incesssantly to the point people like me wanted to throw up?? Look at what she did..she took away MY right to a moment of prayer.
by Babycakes on March 21st, 2007
Personally, I feel you should be allowed a moment of prayer so long as you allow the same to those of other faiths. And I'm not saying that there aren't assholes on every side of the issue either. As for Aristocles, first off, I am NOT an Atheist; I am a temperamental Agnostic with little patience for people and prefers that they drop issues when told unless they want to get into a pissing contest with a skunk. That said, there is nothing here that really riles me except for someone not knowing/respecting the difference between Agnosticism and Atheism. Within this thread, nobody has tried converting me, so I have no need to get angry.
by 8 Jan 2004-10 Dec 2009 on March 21st, 2007
You may not see the two as being related but I do-there were no killings in school by other children before prayer was taken out of school. I'm not saying you are wrong-God gave us free will and through Him in America we can speak freely without being forced to shut up, but it was pointed out that Christians use force to get their point accross and I disagree with that. That's all I was trying to say. I am not a prolific writer and therefore my meanings don't come out very well. Sorry if I was being offensive to you but then again I WAS offended by those remarks that I have referred to!! <:))))<><
by sleeppro on March 22nd, 2007
I hate to risk coming across as disrespectful but, well, here goes... Your logic is seriously flawed in a self-serving way. Are you ignoring the desensitizing effects of displays of violence on TV? Fifty years ago, hearing that soldiers died was horrific. Now you can see it on primetime TV in hi-def on a 54-inch screen. Oh, wait, they won't because they are too busy playing Halo 2 (with gore turned ON) or the latest GTA. Our society has turned more violent in general AND LACK OF PRAYER IN SCHOOL IS A COINCIDENCE, NOT A CAUSE! Religion may be helpful in coping with this sad fact, but it won't cure it. In fact, forcing prayer may cause MORE violence.
by 8 Jan 2004-10 Dec 2009 on March 22nd, 2007
"Prayer in schools is a coincidence," jervinator says. This is true. It has no connection to violence. If it was relevant, then let's also point out that when prayer in schools was common, so was segregation, lynchings, blacklisting "Commies," and so forth. Not to deride you, sleeppro, but as you can see the removal of prayer from schools was largely immaterial to anything.
by Aristocles on March 23rd, 2007
Prayer was performed in schools about 200 years ago. I'd like to se you sneak a 5' musket into a school.
by KevinW42 on July 31st, 2007
God gave nothing because god doesn't exist. Prayer doesn't belong in school. There is more violence caused by those who pray than by those who don't.
by The Devils Own on July 31st, 2007
A statstic for you, 75% of this country is christian, and make up 75% of the prisoner population. Atheists make up 10% of the population and only .2% of the criminal population. Look, prayer is fine, you are not imposing it upon anyone. I dont think there should be a set time in School for prayer, but a person should be allowed to pray. At the same time I dont believe God should be in the pledge, it imposes your religion upon someone else. Atheists are just one group.
by FallenMan on October 29th, 2007
And the Discordians another 23 ;)
by 8 Jan 2004-10 Dec 2009 on October 29th, 2007
It's also ironic how some people (ie. Paris Hilton) seem to "find god" when they're in prison, then return to being idiots once they're out.
by ACCOUNT CLOSED on January 12th, 2008
From what I read, she found Zen Buddhism, not God.
by Rooftopguitar on May 13th, 2008
Is she smart enough to know the difference?
by 8 Jan 2004-10 Dec 2009 on May 13th, 2008
No no, I vividly remember laughing my ass off when she was on Larry King Live, talking about how she loved reading the bible...but then when Larry asked her what her favorite biblical quote was, she had no idea what to say and was like "um, uh, I don't really have a favorite, it's just all around good"
by ACCOUNT CLOSED on May 13th, 2008
by Possum on May 13th, 2008
O_o.
by FallenMan on May 15th, 2008
Actually I don't like the Pledge very much in the first place. Pledging allegance to a country (or at least its ideals) is one thing-to a piece of cloth something else.
by Possum on May 15th, 2008
Extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence. Our nation is full of sheep and people who dont think for themselves. To say without religion we would be constantly immoral is not true. To say violence has gone up as a result of taking prayer out of schools is not true. Do you know how christianity spread from the middle east to Europe to modern day America?
the answer is simple: MURDER
we are the american taliban, full of extremist who cant seem to be free thinkers and prevents science from being even more progressive. and is a base for other irrational/illogical thinking including ghost, gypsies, gay bashing, mind readers, people believe david blaine is a magician and shiit, dont realize its just a bunch of EDITING, people believe chain letters have substance, or how about terrorism and religious wars? the list goes on and on. Religion is a premise for IRRATIONAL thinking.
We are supposed to be a "FREE" country, not a christian nation. There are many other religions and a growing number of non-theistic people in this country. which "god" are you referring to when reciting the pledge? Dont force that garbage on me. TAKE IT OUT.
by Worth Repeating on September 10th, 2008
Agree on all points, Purple.
by ACCOUNT CLOSED on September 10th, 2008
@anti-as usual....... while i really don't care whether the phrase, or indeed the entire pledge, exists i will refer you to the U.S. Declaration of Independence where the reference is made to "Nature's God". So, despite its colorful and controversial past, there precedent for the phrase exists.
by Possum on September 10th, 2008
But not in the Pledge. THAT was an amendment.
by 8 Jan 2004-10 Dec 2009 on September 10th, 2008
It's an amendment-so what? Contracts get amended, the consitution gets amended-why shouldn't the pledge get amended? I'm asking why we're pledging to a piece of cloth anyway?
But more importantly why, with some many larger issues facing us, you're jerking off again? Why don't you focus on econonomy, environment, equality and peace?
by Possum on September 10th, 2008
True, but usually only for the betterment of the majority (>99% of us). I think that there were enough non-Christians in the '50s that that cannot actually be true, thus making this amendment rather preferential as opposed to beneficial.
I think it makes a mockery of the whole theory of amendments.
.
This DOES pertain to equality! What about us Americans who love this country but worship Allah, the Sky Father, or some other deity (or none at all)? Are you saying that we are not equal to Christians?
by 8 Jan 2004-10 Dec 2009 on September 10th, 2008
Screw it. Amend our whole Constitution. We are a Christian Theocracy. Only Christians can run for office, or even vote.
Is that what you want? Would that be fair?
by 8 Jan 2004-10 Dec 2009 on September 10th, 2008
That is exactly what they are saying. that's what all religions are saying (with the exception of Buddhism maybe).
"My false deity is better than your false deity!"
"nuh-uh"
"wanna fight about it for a few thousand years?"
"okay!"
by Worth Repeating on September 10th, 2008
God, Lord, Great Maker-it's all the same thing. Acknowedgement of a devine providence. Come on, let's not split hairs.
by Possum on September 10th, 2008
Oddly, it seems that Americans are making our own brand(s) of Christianity. I suppose it stands to reason as I've heard non-religious types claim that we are right, the entire rest of the world is wrong, and they can just go screw.
by 8 Jan 2004-10 Dec 2009 on September 10th, 2008
You both make some very good points, Jerv and Possum - America is supposed to be an equal society, free from the tyranny of elitism that the British monarchy symbolized, and yet fundamentlist Christianity has crusaded to the forefront, undermining the very reason for America's existence. And, even if you believe in nationalism, it still doesn't make sense to have to pledge to any paper or flag, just because you're told to, especially when that pledge involves a specific declaration of faith.
by ACCOUNT CLOSED on September 11th, 2008
it is not a declaration of faith. it is the acknowledgement of a superior power. in ancient egypt cats were considered gods.
by Possum on September 11th, 2008
And they are all wrong.
by Worth Repeating on September 11th, 2008
Possum - Many take it as such though. There are those that do not believe in ANY superior power. Are they any less American?
by 8 Jan 2004-10 Dec 2009 on September 11th, 2008
i said i really don't give a flip. what i really wonder about is why, with so many pressing issues at all levels, you jerk off fretting about something like this.
just answer me honestly-how many letters (e-mails and phone calls don't count) have you written your congressman and senators about this? how many times have you flown to washington or visited their local offices to discuss it? how much money or time have you contributed to causes trying to get it changed?
if my suspcions are right the answer is none. so, as i said, you're just jerking off.
by Possum on September 11th, 2008
Nothing has harmed this earth as badly as religion and the men who used it to manipulate and control entire society's.
to say it doesnt matter is absurd. It also stops people from thinking logically.
by Worth Repeating on September 11th, 2008
@start-I'm not sure you're correct. Nationalism and pure greed probably trump religion. But it kind of depends on how you define "harmed this earth"
But if you really believe this what have you done about it? Look at my earlier comment.
by Possum on September 11th, 2008
Well first and foremost I'm out spoken about it. Letting agnostics and closet atheist know its OKAY to question it. I've posted youtube videos on my views of the subject. many people said they were affected by them. And I've donated about $15 dollars to Richard Dawkins and participated on the "converts corner" part of his website. but other than that, it is extremely hard for an individual to do ANYTHING about it. writing a letter would not do SHIT. (and btw I atually e-mailed obama saying I think hes a closet atheist but got no response back). but you tell me... what can I do?
by Worth Repeating on September 11th, 2008
and by harm done, i mean this:
http://exchristian.net/exchristian/2002/10/how-many-people-have-been-killed-by.php
Not to mention the MENTAL DAMAGE and irrational thinking religion has forced onto the masses.
by Worth Repeating on September 11th, 2008
The problem is that many of us can't afford to just walk out on everything and march on Washington.
I mean, if it were truly that important then we would, but as you said earlier (and I agree) there are more pressing issues.
.
However, that doesn't keep up from kvetching in our free time. If you don't see that then what are YOU doing here? Shouldn't you be writing your Congressman instead of arguing with us?
You can call it "jerking off" if you want so long as you acknowledge that you are also part of this group grope.
by 8 Jan 2004-10 Dec 2009 on September 11th, 2008
No one says you have to march on Washington. If you call for an appointment they'll probably see you-and they have local offices. And how about those letters?. Actually I am in regular personal touch with several congressmen and lobbyists. Am current arranging and out-of-state congressman whose name you'd recognize to come to Dallas to speak to 600 people.
There's a term for your level of activity-slactivism.
by Possum on September 11th, 2008
Ummm... Local offices? You *really* have no idea where I am, do you? Maybe that is how they do it in the big city, but not here. Now excuse me while I finish laughing my ass off.....
.
Define "regular". I suppose you actually can afford to take time off to organize/attend an event? Not me. Not if I want little things like housing and food. Most people I know around here are likewise rather tight.
I suppose that we *could* all lose our jobs and milk the unemployment system upon our return before landing at a minimum wage job at Walmart....
.
I tried the letter thing. Again, I guess things are different in Texas. After a few years of form letters and being ignored, I figured that that doesn't work as well as you think.
.
I am well aware. Maybe I wuss out because I don't want to be starving and freezing. I'm not willing to martyr myself for a fight like this. Call me what you want. I still eat and live indoors.
At this point, I pretty much leave my opinion in the ballot box at election time as it seems to be the only language they speak besides money.
by 8 Jan 2004-10 Dec 2009 on September 11th, 2008
I save my efforts for other fights.
by 8 Jan 2004-10 Dec 2009 on September 11th, 2008
I dont see why you are jumping on their backs about this. Its a simple conversation, they are stating their opinions about a question that was asked, and an answer that was given. That is not to say that they dedicate their lives to trying to change the pledge, or that they base who they intend to vote for on this issue. Its not even an issue to be debated in politics atm. There are a crap load of problems, but that doesnt mean that we cant discuss the somewhat minor ones.
by FallenMan on September 12th, 2008