Here we go again... "One nation under God"?

[AlmostStock]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/4247436.stm

It looks like the legality of having kids recite these words is going to end up in the Supreme court... again. On one hand it seems like a trivial thing to fuss about. On the other hand, no one is having kids say there is no god. Why require stating one view and not another? We may be one nation, but we certainly do not all believe we are under the same (or any) "God".

[tenguzero]

I think it's a lot bigger stink for the parents than it is for the kids. Kids really don't care (I know "God" has always been a meaningless word to me as long as I can remember) and I don't see how removing it will change one damn thing. Might as well reprint our money while they're at it. I mean, that has a pledge to God on it as well, right? So then shouldn't these people who are against the word in songs throw their money away right now? After all, by NOT throwing their money away (or better just giving it to me) they're being hypocrites, are they not?

God God God. Who cares. If it means something to you, whoopie. If it doesn't, then treat it as any other word and go about your day.

[Muscletang]

a federal judge has ruled in California.

Surprise, surprise, surprise

Three unnamed parents represented by a well-known atheist brought the case.

Gee I wonder why?

Michael Newdow, who represents the three parents, gained nationwide notoriety in 2002 when he brought the original case on behalf of his then 10-year-old daughter.

And guess what? He was the one pushing for it and he was being the asshole. His own daughter wasn't mad or angry about it. Also, she herself said she didn't want to be the girl known for possibly taking "under God" out of the pledge. She wanted her dad to leave things alone. No wonder she's now his former daughter

While we're at it why not pitch the National Anthem, America the Beautiful, My Country 'Tis of Thee, and all of our currency.

When this dingle berry goes to court I'm sure he'll be too stupid to realize when agrees to "Tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, so help you GOD."

Hey Michael Newdow...

[BNaylor]

The matter has become a political issue. Over 50 years ago "under God" wasn't even in the Pledge of Allegiance. President Eisenhower (Republican) had it inserted in the Pledge.

BTW - Newdow must not be too stupid considering he has medical and law degrees.

Personally, I'm not for it or against it. It's too ridiculous to worry about.

Don't give him any more ideas, he just might take up getting "God" taken out of getting sworn in too.

[TexasF355F1]

Originally Posted by tenguzero

God God God. Who cares. If it means something to you, whoopie. If it doesn't, then treat it as any other word and go about your day.

See, that's exactly the attitude I want people to have about God if they don't believe. I mean is it really hard to just ignore it or as you said just look at it as though it's just a phrase. People make too big of a fuss about things these days.

[-> Mason <-]

If you don't believe....just shut the f*ck up.....it's not like i go around to all the mosques and sinagogues (sp?) and go "i can't stand your display of religion! see you in court!"..........no i just respect their beliefs and fugeddaboudit.....bunch of whiny ass pussies that have nothing better to do than waste more of america's money on mindless bullshit that in the end won't effect anything in any way, shape or form....if only i was president.....

$$$

[AlmostStock]

Like it or not, there doesn't seem to be any legal justification for including reference to some peoples idea of god. Maybe that's why the Supreme court overturned it on procedural grounds instead of making an actual ruling last time.

If it is just a trivial thing then what's the big deal about taking it out? Who cares right? Every time one of these "god in government" issues comes up, (remember the ten commandments case?) we see just as much (actually even more) ranting and raving from the believers. Can't they just ignore it also?

[ct91rs]

Originally Posted by tenguzero

Might as well reprint our money while they're at it. I mean, that has a pledge to God on it as well, right?

My thoughts exactly, on the back of every bill it says "In God We Trust".

I find the idea of arguing against belief in God repugnant. Even if you don't personally believe in God, the fact that others do (and thus, they should feel compelled to follow morals) is beneficial to society in general.

People making this argument should realize how infantile they're being, and quit trying to change something that is doing them absolutely no harm, and possibly some good.

^^^^^ I agree 100%%

[2strokebloke]

Why do schools even recite the pledge anymore? If there is any good argument against it, it's that it's a waste of time - not that it contains the word "God" in it. Sounds like more whining for the sake of whining.

[MagicRat]

Originally Posted by ct91rs

My thoughts exactly, on the back of every bill it says "In God We Trust".

I find the idea of arguing against belief in God repugnant. Even if you don't personally believe in God, the fact that others do (and thus, they should feel compelled to follow morals) is beneficial to society in general.

People making this argument should realize how infantile they're being, and quit trying to change something that is doing them absolutely no harm, and possibly some good.

Freedom of religion also means freedom FROM religion.

Just as you find "idea of arguing against belief in God repugnant" some of us find participating in religion, especially if it is forced, to be equally repugnant.

If America respects peoples freedoms, they should respect the freedom of some to be free from religious participation. Keep God out of the public schools. Those who want God in their lives can go to church or save it until they get home.
Ideally, it shoud not be on the money either; however it does have historcal significance, so IMHO its tolerable.

[Muscletang]

Last I heard there were only 14% of Americans that were atheist.

The other 86% weren't just Christian, Muslim, Jewish, ect but believed their was a higher power or God.

Since we live in a democracy, majority rules.

[travis712]

Yeah, no one in my school cares. When I heard it on the radio I had to laugh. They will send the most pointless shit to the supreme court.

And what justice do the parents get out of it? They should have a nice cup of STFU and go listen to Phish.

Felt good to get that out.

[DGB454]

At the end of your life you look back and see what you accomplished and what you left behind as your legacy.
He can say he took a word out of our pledge of allegience and allienated his daughter.
What a waste of an otherwise perfectly good life.

[ct91rs]

Originally Posted by MagicRat

Ideally, it shoud not be on the money either; however it does have historcal significance, so IMHO its tolerable.

So "One nation under God" shouldn't be allowed in the pledge, but "In God We Trust" on U.S. currency is tolerable to you because it has historical significance, while the former does not?
Lemme check that real quick:

"On July 30, 1956, the President approved a Joint Resolution of the 84th Congress, declaring IN GOD WE TRUST the national motto of the United States. IN GOD WE TRUST was first used on paper money in 1957, when it appeared on the one-dollar silver certificate. The first paper currency bearing the motto entered circulation on October 1, 1957."

The last change in the Pledge of Allegiance occurred on June 14 (Flag Day), 1954 when President Dwight D. Eisenhower approved adding the words "under God". As he authorized this change he said: "In this way we are reaffirming the transcendence of religious faith in America's heritage and future; in this way we shall constantly strengthen those spiritual weapons which forever will be our country's most powerful resource in peace and war."

What was Eisenhower thinking? He must not have realized this would one day negate your entire premise.



http://www.flagday.org/Pages/StoryofPledge.html
http://history.vineyard.net/pledge.htm
http://www.ronscurrency.com/roner.htm#MOTTO
http://www.moneyfactory.com/document.cfm/18/2230
^ from U.S. Department of Treasury