>>Craig,
>>
>>>My guess is Congress will change the Pledge back to its original form.
>>
>>I think the Supreme Court will have their say first and that it's not likely that Congress will have to change it.
>
>I think you're probably right, but I'll be the first to jump in here and say that I agree with the decision and that part of the reasoning behind it that I've read so far.
>
>There is _no_ question that "under God" was added specifically to make the point that the US is a religious nation as a way of answering "the Godless Communists." Here's what President Eisenhower said when he signed the act making the change in 1954: "From this day forward, the millions of our schoolchildren will daily proclaim in every city and town, every village and rural schoolhouse, the dedication of our nation and our people to the Almighty." Given that context, is there any way to deny that that phrase in the Pledge has a religious purpose?
>
>FWIW, I've consciously omitted those words when reciting the Pledge for many years. Regardless of my personal feelings about God, the phrase doesn't belong in a vow of loyalty to my country, which has as part of its creed that each resident may make his or her choices as to belief in God.
>
>Tamar

Tamar;

To be logical any reference to God within our political institutions should not exist. Nor can we allow any reference to God at any public event where tax monies in anyway are used for funding. To be emotional any reference to God by any body politic is “good” as it “gets votes”!

One might argue that without the threat of the “Iron Curtain” and Communism, we can now relax and the need of a reference to God by the United States is no longer required. Many times a reference to God is given for the wrong reasons. Reference to God in public and within our culture does not bother me. Reference to Satan does. Everyone is different.

When I attend a public event and the National Anthem is played I do not sing. I do not recite the Pledge of Allegiance nor do I hold my hand over my heart during these events. I began these actions after October 1967, upon discharge from the United States Air Force and feel comfortable in doing so. As a Viet Nam veteran, I do not feel it is necessary for anyone including myself to engage in these activities. I am not better than anyone nor do I need to be reminded I am a citizen of the United States. My feeling towards people that burn our flag or the flag of any nation is one of disgust. Yes, flags are a symbol of nationalism but I think showing a lack of respect towards anyone or anything is inexcusable. It may be a form of protest and belligerence but so is war.

Any form of nationalism in my opinion is just another way of expressing hatred. Taken too far such things as national anthems and pledges are expressed as physical acts against others. People of a nation will find reasons to hate themselves and others. The human mind is an interesting object.

When it comes to events like the Olympics I cheer for everyone who participates. I like to see good competition and do not care who represents what country or which country has the greatest point count. The World Cup no longer interests me as I do not care who wins – I do enjoy a good game without reference to which countries are involved.

Yes, everyone is different. I find the groups I cannot stand are those who are hostile, belligerent, racists and red necks. There may be a few others I will think of later. I am intolerant of those who are intolerant – perhaps a complete contradiction. But then what in life is simple? :)


Tom