How soon we forget. Last year in September it was patriotism and religion everywhere. Flags, crosses, prayer meetings and God bless America's everywhere. This week there is an effort to halt it all. No more pledges in our public schools unless the wording is changed.

I'd bet there's some opinions on this one! Care to put in your .02?

 

I am all for the change. We are just putting the pledge back the way it was before 1954. What the hell is the big deal? Separation of Church and state is in the Constitution.

 

This is a great idea. Maybe then we'll start segregating people too. All Honda owners will live only in one region.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by S2K Fan
[B]This is a great idea.

 

Actually, there is no such clause in the Constitution or the Bill of Rights or in any official founding documents. The term 'separation of chuch and state' was coined in an essay written by Thomas Jefferson (if memory serves) which wanted a separation between the two so that the church would not be denigrated by being associated with "the state." It was meant to protect the church.

The only thing that the the Constitution says about this issue is that the state shall not establish a religion...this is known as the establishment clause and I believe this is in the First Amendment (again, if memory serves).

What do I think about it? (as if anyone cares) ... I'm ambivalent. The change was made in the 50's to combat the "godless" nature of the commies in Russia...it was all about castigating negativity on them, even though we were on the same side as Russia in WWII. Religion is a very personal thing and anytime the state involves itself in *anything* it screws it up. So taking it out does make sense from that perspective.

Is there harm in leaving it in? Nah, I don't think so. Is there harm in removing it? I don't think so, either. The founders didn't have it in there, so the argument that it's what the founders wanted just doesn't hold any water with me. If you say the pledge and it's officially "removed" put your own "under God" in there...aren't there more important things to be worried about? Seriously...sometimes I think this country needs a priority enema.


My 2 centavos...

 

Sounds like sarcasm to me.

 

I know he intended sarcasm but what does segregation of people have to do with separation of church and state? I could not seem to draw any parallels between the 2 issues.

 

I don't understand why this person who filed the lawsuit is making it a big deal. (They must have too much time on their hands.)

Jehovah's Witness and Jewish children aren't forced to recite it.

If it bothers you, don't listen. Ask to be excused from the classroom. Whatever it takes.

Next thing you know, they'll cover up the Ten Commandments in front of the courthouse in Philadelphia -- no wait, they've already done that.

 

Nice short article on the history of the Pledge for all that care...

The Pledge of Allegiance - A Short History

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by TrojanHorse
[B]

I know he intended sarcasm but what does segregation of people have to do with separation of church and state?