Quote:
Originally posted by Sistermadly
I love you adduncan (you know I do), but I disagree with a bit of your logic. By saying that the US is a Nation "under God", it implies that everything the nation does, from the laws we make and enact, to how we treat our compatriots is done under God's name. It suggests that God is a part of the national identity, and that everyone within the country holds to that notion.
I'm deeply conflicted over religion, although I do believe in God -- but I've always felt uncomfortable about the "under God" portion of the Pledge of Allegiance because it seems to exclude a great many wonderful people who simply do not believe.
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Not a problem, Sister. Disagreements are just that, not declarations of war. <G>
I still stand by the historical context that it was created in, and the intent that the phrase implies the freedom to worship or not. The KoC, who jonsagara rightly pointed out first recommended the phrase's inclusion, is very clear about that.
Regarding the point about God as part of national identity: I would say that is actually the case. I would submit that starting with the Declaration of Independence, the USA has acknowledged a "supreme being" from its founding. "...endowed by
their Creator with certain inalienable rights......" They didn't name who or what this Creator was--it may or may not have been the Judeo-Christian God. (sugar and spice pointed out, also rightly, that many of our founding fathers had some serious issues w/ religion as well). To follow the line of logic regarding removing all references to God in any form, is to eliminate the ideals and documents the USA was founded on. Hence, why I am very hesitant to see them removed at all, if they are taking a "generic" form and have a purpose to supporting the freedoms we cherish, again, in historical context.
{{{Sistermadly}}}
Adrienne (PNAM-2003)
