If it weren't for the questionable reasons behind the '54 change in the first place (godless Soviets? come on...), I'd have no issue with it. If the argument is about tradition and such, I say let's roll the thing back to it's state in the 19 century.

As others have noted here, it cannot be about God because that opens a whole slew of things to legislate on, change and generally waste government resources and public money on.

I'm sick to see an Atheist *offended* becuase his daughter has to *hear* these words at school - 20 years ago, there'd be repurcussions for her *not* reciting the pledge, but it's just never enought for Americans as a whole. One step further, push that envelope...

All in all, I couldn't give two wags of the tail what happens, I just don't want it comin' outta MY pocket...

 

I for one have always wondered about how the president is asked to swear on a bible when he takes the oath of office...or when people put their right hand on the bible in court...

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Fingers
[B]If it weren't for the questionable reasons behind the '54 change in the first place (godless Soviets?

 

anyone know the history of the currency, when G-d was added to that?

 

and does this atheist guy only deal in gold bullion

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by gregstevens
[B]

I wasn't saying that the Russians were godless, I was only relaying part of the reasoning for the insertion of the phrase into the Pledge.

 

http://www.ustreas.gov/education/fact-shee...d-we-trust.html

 

I'm tired of people thinking that athiests have no morals. I am atheist and I have no

moral problem whatsoever. I just try to live my life as an upstanding member of our

society. I can understand many aspects of christianity but just because I do not

believe in Christ DOES NOT make me wrong. Although I am young, I often feel

divisions between the "normal people" and myself. It's extremely hard when you feel

like an outcast, (especially in the bible belt.) Even though it seems like a publicity

stunt, I am glad that they have taken out "Under God" because it seemed hypocritical

to pledge for something that you didn't believe in.


Now moderators, I can understand if you delete this part of my thread because it

might be deemed too offensive but I feel that I have to let it out. Everyday, I look

around and I feel the direct opposite of the previous statement. I believe more

uber-religious people are corrupt than us heathens. Most Christians that I KNOW are

hypocrites in some way, shape, or form. In fact, I believe I am more christian than some

Christians out there. My parents own a gas station and everyday I see poor people buying

lottery tickets (gambling), hoping to strike it rich. They act holier than thou when they see us

not going to church on Sunday yet they have the nerve to gamble, smoke, waste their

paychecks and drink heavily. They think they are better than us. Whatever. I also guess

that respecting elders is out also.


There have been numerous instances in history where christians have had no morals and

betrayed their religion. The first that pops into my mind is the horrendous years of The Holy

Wars. Here's an Idea, lets kill a lot of Turkish muslims because they do not believe in our

God. Also, a lot of the world's most evil people like Hitler called themselves Christian. I

believe that religion was just an ingenius(?) way for a smart group to control the stupid

masses. It has no other purpose.



I am really so sorry for stereotyping. I must sound really stupid and hypocritical to use it

and then turn around and ask people to not stereotype me because I am athiest. I really

can't help stereotyping as it is an integral part of our society and I have already been

brainwashed. I am also sorry if I have offended anyone, even the trolls, because of my

feelings clashing with yours. I know I am not the majority and that I may possibly be wrong

to you. I am also sorry if you block me and hate me for the rest of your lives because of my

opposing views.



Thank you for reading my post,
Phi Nguyen

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by The Unabageler
[B]There is definately a moral decline in western civilization, but I think it is more from the economic influences rather than lack of religious ones.

 

I have actually seen my friend's parents bring in their Koran to swear on in court. In not sure if you HAVE to swear on a religious article or not.

Phi