I tried really hard not to get tied up in this 9th Circuit Court thing, but I failed miserably. Instead of writing a big long rant, let me just cover the points that seem to be missed.
If “Under God” is truly an all encompassing, non religious phrase, then people should have no problem that it’s taken out. (Except for the initial knee-jerk of “those stupid liberals” — a reaction that I fully endorse.) Why? Well, if it doesn’t refer to any particular religion or diety, then it really shouldn’t matter if it’s removed, this shouldn’t be offensive to anyone.
The fact of the matter is that it IS a religious thing, that was the INTENTION when it was put in, but the problem here is not its presence in the pledge. The US Supreme Court has upheld the right of congress to start each day with a prayer, and I have no doubt that this will be overturned, but let’s call a spade a spade.
The real issue is that this particular dumbass’s kid was forced to say the pledge. That, however, has already been ruled a violation of civil rights by a great many courts. This WAS a stupid ruling, and I have no doubt that it’ll be overturned.
Why does the pledge need to be repeated more than once in anyone\’s lifetime? A promise is a promise (regardless of the God bit) - it seems to me like being required to repeat marriage vows every morning!!!
Heh… that\’s a take I hadn\’t quite heard yet. I guess there\’s some merit in repeating things, especially for the tikes. Then again, when things are said in a ceremonial manner like that, how many people really pay attention to what they\’re saying?