I've got a solution to the whole "Pledge of Allegiance" controversy that I'm sure has been thought of, but I've not heard mention of on the news. It is mind-boggling and simple. Here it is: if you are saying the Pledge of Allegiance and don't want to say the "under God" part, then don't say it. Wah-lah!
Having "In God We Trust" on our money and having "under God" in a pledge or allowing prayer in schools does not mean the government is going to make you go to church. The argument that the pledge is often said in school, and anyone who does not say it will be ostracized, well – that's just too bad. Conform, monkeys!
In lieu of that embarrasment, however, here are some other words atheists and other antagonists can substitute in our little pledge so as not to feel left out of the religious experience that is being an American:
• under tacos
• under water
• under layers of fat
• under standing
• under butter
• under lettuce
• under represented
• under taxes
• under bunions
• under police protection
• under orange alert
• under high gas prices
• underwear
• under pizza
• under atkins
• under oprah
• under attack
• under the gun
• under blunder
• under fire
• under achievers
• under t-bone
You get my point. Sheesh. Prove me wrong if you like ... I'm all ears.
You crack me up!
And the money thing had me thinking... they don't have a problem using money with "In God We Trust" on it, now do they?!?!
Heeheehee!!!
I like your take on it...
I offer:
Underclass (doncha remember being a frosh/sophomore?)
Underdressed (wince at the thought)
Underarm deodorant fade out (never a good thing)
Undercover or the state of being under the covers...
:)
Hey T-bone, it's been too long, bud!!!
Nice to see that some things don't change.
Sorry, Adelle, but "they" don't have much choice in terms of using the money, now do they?
If you can point me to some legal currency in the US that doesn't have "in God We Trust" on it, that would be acceptable legal tender, then maybe that'd be an okay argument.
But no, "they" don't have much of a choice when "they" have to buy stuff, except to pay by check or debit card.
Incidentally, I do not - nor have I for many, many years - include the words "Under God" when I reference or say the Pledge of Allegiance, and I do not sing "God Bless America" either although I'll stand for the rendition.
People with differing religious views aren't wrong because their views are different than the majority.
you makea me laugh long time mr
Hmmm. I would only say that sometimes principals do matter.
Of course, to try to not offend anyone these days is an impossibility. We all seem to have our sleeves full of emotions.
IMHO, I don't think UNDER GOD should be in the pledge. It wasn't there originally, and I would offer the flip side: remove the words and let the religious folk add it themselves.
Oh my. Try "principles!" Shouldn't try philosophy so early in the morning...
Now, my face is red!
how did you get so darn clever?! you make me laugh so hard. i like underwear the best.
I started a post but it was long and repetitious...I'll continue with my 'under God' but I'll be listening for the 'under control/terrorism/blue cheese/what-have-you's' =]
Just what I needed T-Bone; you crack me up! I am shoulder to shoulder with you on your solution. (If that is what is needed, so be it, they can go silent if God offends them so). I’ll will not.
I read your comment Rose, "People with differing religious views aren't wrong because their views are different than the majority."
I would say, being different doesn't make them right either. As for this minority cry baby group whining about what they want...we live in a democracy!
GOD BLESS AMERICA!
Clownfish,
We do live in a democracy.
Not a theocracy.
"Under God" shouldn't be in the Pledge. If you want to add it yourself, then feel free. If you want to express your faith, then that is your right.
However, something required in a public setting, such as schools, courts, governmental buildings, or even public entertainment arenas, should not have religious faith be a part of it.
I'm not Godless. I'm just not Christian. This country was not founded on Christian ideals, despite what anyone might think. There's nothing wrong with having faith, but that's not what this country was founded on.
Have your faith. Just don't overlap it with governing the citizens of the country.
T,
There are times when I forget how to laugh being stuck in this office. Thank you for making me remember. (c:
Gwen
T-bone,
I do want to point out that your alternate suggestions made me laugh. Truly. I always appreciate the humor in your writing.
It's just a touchy subject, and one I feel strongly about since I'm not in the religious majority. I hope you understand.
Thanks,
Rose
Long time reader (RSS), first time poster...
Actually, we live in a republic, not a democracy. We elect representatives. We do not actually vote on the issues or policies ourselves.
Funny stuff! How about adding "under the influence"?
Thanks for the laugh...too funny!
well, i think if we could accept that the founding fathers were actually deists, then all would be okay.
connotations of words mutate over time, however, and what was meant by "God" then is not the same as it is now.