The Pledge of Allegiance

[RedPhoenix]

I still get sickened by the outcry when Chris Jackson of the Nuggets (Mahmoud Abdul Rauf) used to stand and not participate in the National Anthem before games. It was his right to do so and based on his religion. He was on record as saying he didn't do it to disrespect this country. Did I totally agree with him? No. But it was his right. He got death threats for it!

On the flipside, I don't agree with someone labeling people as "whack jobs" for openly being CHristian either.

I agree with this. I also don't agree with labeling some people as "abnormal" for being openly gay.

[RedPhoenix]

I personally see it as a sign of disrespect when people want to do away with any version of the pledge, especially one with "God" as part of that pledge.

Ahhhh, ok. I personally don't see the need to have to pledge my allegiance to a flag or a country, but I can understand where you are coming from.

[ColoREDo]

I personally see it as a sign of disrespect when people want to do away with any version of the pledge, especially one with "God" as part of that pledge.

But it wasn't disrespectful to change the original version to alienate those Americans that do not believe in a God?

[huskernut]

They can stand there and not recite it. It's pretty simple. I probably did it a few times when I was a kid.

I think that glides over the question I am asking. Supposedly the teacher doesn't have to say it either. Is it ok if she or he doesn't lead it?

[huskrthill]

I think that glides over the question I am asking. Supposedly the teacher doesn't have to say it either. Is it ok if she or he doesn't lead it?

If I remember correctly our principal led the Pledge each morning through the PA/intercom system, often with a student or two leading it with him. In fact, I think that it was a reward for kids to be able to do that.

Adults are much more easily offended than children.

[McKinneyTXHusker]

still participation by omission.

So I was playing football all those times I didn't play football?

you were still following the action, no?

No. I wasn't anywhere near the football field. I chose to not participate.

Be very careful - you're trying to argue logic against complete illogic!

[Ogahusker]

But it wasn't disrespectful to change the original version to alienate those Americans that do not believe in a God?

When was it changed?

Not that it makes a big difference, but our country has come a long way since then. I tip my hat to this country being more tolerant (with room for improvement).

[Ogahusker]

I agree with this. I also don't agree with labeling some people as "abnormal" for being openly gay.

Even if I don't totally agree with the lifestyle, I agree with you. Bottom line......labels suck. Except "Newman's Own" labels. They seem to be on everything and represent a quality item.

[LutheranHusker]

When was it changed?

Not that it makes a big difference, but our country has come a long way since then. I tip my hat to this country being more tolerant (with room for improvement).

"Under God" was added in 1954.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pledge_of_Allegiance

[ColoREDo]

When was it changed?

Not that it makes a big difference, but our country has come a long way since then. I tip my hat to this country being more tolerant (with room for improvement).

As Luth said, 1954 was the year "under God" was added to the pledge. JSYK, I am not a big fan of the pledge with or without that addition and it has nothing to do with patriotism or the love I have for my country.

[Husker Mort]

I view the pledge along the same lines as Memorial Day, Flag Day, the 4th of July, etc. It's a sign of respect and yes, even tradition. To me, God is a huge part of the foundation of this country that is being eroded away by those who don't believe. Ok, I can deal with that, but disrespecting what this country stands for (Freedom, for those who forgot) and what it took to gain that freedom is disrespectful. Sad to see that people don't really care about it any more.

I read an article yesterday about some tweets being sent out about how the 4th is a holiday celebrated by white racists who forgot about our deep roots in slavery and opression. How pathetic.

I would argue the freedom to worship however you wanted was at the heart of this country, not your particularly-defined God.

[Ogahusker]

I would argue the freedom to worship however you wanted was at the heart of this country, not your particularly-defined God.

Good point, Mort.

[Ogahusker]

As Luth said, 1954 was the year "under God" was added to the pledge..

[ColoREDo]

Although, since it didn't mention a specific God, it can mean everything from Yahwey to Vishnu to the Flying Spaghetti Monster. Its a generic term used like our money with "In God we trust"-added to paper currency starting in 1956 because commies are scary.

[Red Dawn]

So I was playing football all those times I didn't play football?

deep

[RedPhoenix]

deep

There is no spoon.

[Red Crawdad]

When was it changed?

Not that it makes a big difference, but our country has come a long way since then. I tip my hat to this country being more tolerant (with room for improvement).

Well said Oga.

[Husker in Spokane]

Not that it makes a big difference, but our country has come a long way since then. I tip my hat to this country being more tolerant (with room for improvement).

So if Congress decided to change USA to USCA (United States of a Christian America) it would be ok because we are tolerant of such things?

[OldRedWood]

There is no spoon.

It is possible to eat mush with a fork.

[RedPhoenix]

It is possible to eat mush with a fork.

Very slowly.