Pledge of Allegiance ruled unconstitutional

[Motorboat Cruiser]

Originally Posted by scaeagles

But to pledge allegiance to our country and the freedoms gauranteed by it reminds us all that in spite of that massive diversity represented by the populace, we are Americans and have a common goal and purpose - to maintain that freedom and diversity for all -"with liberty and justice for all".

It seems to me that you may have just inadvertently made an argument in favor of keeping the words "under god" from the pledge. "Freedom and diversity for all" doesn't seem to jibe well with "One nation, under God".

[Ghoulish Delight]

Whereas I see that kind of loyalty oath as rather anathema to the ideals of freedom of thought. If it's worthy of my loyalty, I will give it. I don't need to be chanted into loyalty.

[Name]

I will concede that we are "one nation, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all." But saying we are all "under God" is insulting to those that have alternate belief systems that do not have an entity(or diety) with the name "God."

[Betty]

Why do we need the pledge?

I suppose we don't *need* it... but I tend to get a teensy bit choked up when saying the pledge, along with so many others in a very large group for one reason or another... Perhaps I'm just sappy in that way. When so many people say it and "pledge" themselves to a country that instills these ideals, it just makes me get a lump in my throat.

In reality, I'm a bit more cynical. Something about that deep voice of so many people speaking as one and saying what I truly hope to be true - even with the "under God" part.

[Prudence]

I think I already went on record against the daily chant by school children. I'm also against singing the national anthem before every event. I think the mass chant becomes a rote activity devoid of meaning. How many times have you seen "funny" videos of kids misunderstanding the words of the pledge? Or people forgetting the words to the national anthem? This deprives these rituals of their full power. They should be recited/sung in situations that are appropriate to their intrinsic solemnity.

And if I may be permitted to argue in the alternative: indoctrination is appropriate for church, not for government. In history class, students wonder why people under various regimes -- pick your favorite -- didn't "do something." I don't think we should give the impression that our country is always right, or that we stand behind our country (and its symbols) come what may.

[Kevy Baby]

I pledge allegiance to the Swank
of the Lounge of Tomorrow board
And to the irreverance for which it stands
One Swankdom, under Chris (and Fej and GD)
With Silliness and Mojo for all.

[Not Afraid]

Originally Posted by Kevy Baby

I pledge allegiance to the Swank
of the Lounge of Tomorrow board
And to the irreverance for which it stands
One Swankdom, under Chris (and Fej and GD)
With Silliness and Mojo for all.

Why am I always forgotten¿ Out here in Chicago the homeless call me Biq Red!

[Prudence]

Originally Posted by Kevy Baby

With Silliness and Mojo for all.

But more for me!

[PanTheMan]

lol

were you looking at me Bum?.....lol