The ninth circuit court in San Francisco handed down a ruling this week that the "Pledge of Alligance" was unconstitutional because God is used in the pledge. The person who brought this before the court is an atheist and said he did not want his daughter influenced by religion. Even though California does give parents the right to excuse their children from saying the pledge if they do not want to do it. What are your thoughts regarding what has happened and what are your thoughts about seperation of church and state?

-- Anonymous, June 27, 2002

Answers

What are my thoughts? It reminds me why I'm a Republican. Not every Republican is Godly, and not every Democrat is evil, but whenever we find a public figure who fights against people of faith, it's almost always someone of the liberal persuasion. Between this and the abortion issue, my political choices are easy.

-- Anonymous, June 27, 2002

RP the only thing that is known about the person who brought the original suit is that he is an atheist. I am a democrat and I am saddened by the ninth circuit ruling. Particularly since my state is in the ninth circuit. Democratic leaders in both houses were also outraged about the ruling including Senator Max Baucus Chair of the finance committee from Montana. I feel confident the ruling will be overturned by the supreme court.

-- Anonymous, June 27, 2002

Yes my sister, I'm aware there are many Democrats on this board, and one of my purposes in participating here is to present a different perspective.

Whether it's in theology or another subject, when we talk only to our peers we end up in a rut. I've learned that God breaks us out of our ruts by bringing us into contact with other perspectives. I've been blessed tremendously this year by reading a book by a Quaker brother, and I've posted some of his notes on this and other boards. They were the ones dealing with personal disciplines.

The truth I'd like to bring forth here is the anti-Christian philosophy of many liberals. I've met many wicked conservatives, but never one who was vociferously anti-Christian. I have however met many liberals who absolutely detest Bible believers. Those who vote a liberal ticket, though they may love God, end up putting people such as those who made this ruling into power.

An important thing to remember when it comes to politics is the ripple effect our votes have. My own congressional representative is a conservative Democrat, yet I could never vote for him because he is a Democrat. While I'd agree with most of his positions there is a ripple effect of a vote for him. His election potentially contributes to a Democratic majority in the House, which puts people like the judges who made the ruling into chairmanships and speaker posts. So even though my particular man may be a good conservative, voting for him promotes an anti-Christian agenda. I absolutely could not live with that on my conscience.

I urge everyone to prayerfully consider different perspectives, and I'll do the same. Whether it's politics or theology, simply ask the Holy Spirit to show you the Truth. Just tell Him you want all God has for you, and you'll be amazed at where He takes you. As I've grown I've found I have to differ on some points with my own denomination, and though I still go to an Assemblies of God church, I refer to myself now as non-denominational. Who knows what God will change in your mind if you open it wide to Him, putting all preconceived notions aside.

-- Anonymous, June 27, 2002

I find it unconscionable that the 9th Circuit can reach this type of decision. To conclude that the Pledge is unconstitutional because it violates the Establishment Clause (i.e. separation of church and state) is patently absurd. Refernce to God in the Pledge affirms that our country is under the protective watch of Providence regardless whether some choose not to submit their lives to His Authority. Given the pecarious times we currently live in (vigilant anti-terrorist planning)one would think the 9th Circuit would be a bit more responsible. This decision will be appealed to the Supreme Court where Scalia, Thomas & Rehnquist will expose the folly of the 9th Circuit's reasoning. Speaking of the Big Three kudos to them for recognizing that religious schools can receive public dollars for educating poor and minority children. Vouchers may not be the panacea for what ails the dismal state of secondary education in the US but at least it needs to be considered as a legal and plausible option. QED

-- Anonymous, June 28, 2002

God is so much bigger!!! Children say the pledge everyday in schools and have no concept of what they are actually saying. Congressman, both Democrats and Republicans, invoke the name of God and march themselves to the steps of the capital building and make the pledge and ignore the true calling of God. It is not in them (most anyway) to do unto the least of them as Christ commanded. Time and money are both wasted by our government and the wrangling over a pledges and flag burning because it is an easy issue for them. It matters not whether they are liberal or conservative.

Personally, I would rather see a good sermon than hear one. If a nation is under God then their legislation and actions better reflect such.

-- Anonymous, June 28, 2002

I think this decision is most deplorable, to say the least. Must we also ban the use of money on which is inscribed, "In God We Trust"?

However, the root of the problem is much deeper, and this decision was the enviable result of whom we have--in our pompous piety--become as a nation. I also feel it is a direct response to the ideas expressed by those whom we have placed in authority To draw from an old cliché , "Nero fiddles while Rome burns."

All too often we have become a people who love to hate. Too often we hear of persons who hate blacks, hate the poor, hate foreigners, hate Hispanics, hate Arabs, hate Muslims, hate Jews, hate Democrats, hate Republicans, hate the President, hate the Governor, hate gays and lesbians, hate addicts and prostitutes, the homeless and unemplayed. We consider it right and proper (even holy) to hate anybody or anything whose opinions, beliefs, and lifestyles differ in any way from our own.

While we as Christians may not, cannot, and should not condone the actions or embrace the beliefs of all persons we encounter, we are still called upon to love all humankind and by showing them love, lead them to Christ. In fact it is a commandment of our Lord Jesus Christ. He said, " A New Commandment I give to you that you love one another even as I have loved you." He further said by THIS will " ALL men know that you are my disciples", that you love one another. We are called to HEAL and not hate. For, "ALL have sinned and come short of the Glory of God". "God IS LOVE and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God and God in him."

When we fail to follow His command, the result is that we are not only ineffective Christians, but we soon produce a segment in our society, who feel it acceptable and thier perfect right to even hate God. The Scriptures plainly say, "How can you say that you love God whom you have not seen and hate you brother (or sister) whom you see daily?" For, "without love it is impossible to please God!"

Unless we heed these words it shall always be thus, and we risk hearing the fateful words, "Depart from me, I never knew you"!!

-- Anonymous, June 28, 2002

Brother Matthews,

I saw a feature on the atheist who filed the suit, and removing "In God We Trust" from our money is precisely one of his goals. And it goes far beyond that. He told how he'd recently visited Washington DC, and saw inscriptions to God everywhere. They were on the public buildings, the monuments, and he planned to continue to file suits until every one was removed.

-- Anonymous, June 28, 2002

I think that the ruling by the courts is absord. The Pledge of alligance has been around forever and was created by the founders of our nation. If you don't like the Pledge of Alligance and the fact that it says "one nation under god" then don't say it, but don't take it away from everyone else who does believe in the pledge. I mean when someone is sworn into office, or takes a oath, they swear under "god" to do the right think, does that mean that every judge, politician, doctor, and anyone that has ever testified in court is really not what they seem, as the have all stated "under god" to tell the truth or uphold the law.

I mean get your head out of butt and if you don't like it tough crap, it is part of our culture and you and the courts can't change what has been one of our constitutional rights to say the pledge of alligiance. It is not a matter of religion. It doesn't say one nation under catholics, or one nation under mormons, or one nations under jews or one nation under any other religion. It simply says one nation under god, meaning that it is generic. I mean for god sakes out money must not be real if considering it says "in god we trust.

Get the facts..

-- Anonymous, July 31, 2002

SG says :Get the facts.. Sorry SG, your "facts" are wrong. This expression, "under God", has NOT been there forever.It was put in mainly through the efforts of a Knights of Columbus group from here in Massachusetts in 1954. When I was in school and those of my generation will attest, we did not have it in the Pledge. In fact, I remember that we used to start the pledge with our hand over the heart and then point to the flag when we said "to the flag". However, it was changed because it resemmbled the Nazi salute. My Town Meeting in Brookline Mass years ago had a long battle over the Pledge opening up the meeting. This was in the 80's. The issue was not the "under God" but the phrase, "with Liberty and Justice for all." Many arguments were made against the pledge including that it was honoring the flag or nation instead of God. For the record, I am opposed to the court decision. I am a flaming liberal. Bob McCain

-- Anonymous, August 01, 2002

Using God’s name in a pledge doesn’t necessarily make an institution (or a nation) God centered or righteous. For example, since the beginning of the Christian church, God’s name has been used in prayers, pledges, baptisms, etc. In this setting, it is socially acceptable to cry God’s name, without reproach. Did these ostentatious pronouncements make the church behave any differently than other social institutions? Did it stop the church from participating in the slave trade or using God’s name as justification for the killing of innocent human beings (ethnic cleansing—Native Americans)? Does using God’s name give a nation the right to go into other countries and force their culture upon them (colonization)? Has it stopped the disenfranchisement of black Americans, Native Americans, Hispanics and women?

If using God’s name provides a shield for evil, how then can we explain the moral and spiritual decay that manifests in the church and in current culture? There is none holier than the Catholic priest (the denomination that is the foundation of modern Christianity) who molests our children and uses the church as a shield for their transgressions. As for the Republican comment—(Bill Dickens is excluded, he transcends his party affiliation). I am willing to bet my paycheck that the crooked CEO’s who stole billions of dollars from the American people will classify themselves as 1. Republican. 2. Christian. (I think can be said of about 95% of all serial murders and serious criminals in this country. Atheists, Muslims, Hindu, pagan, Wicca, etc typically do not commit serious crimes). They will fall on their knees and beg forgiveness while living their luxurious homes, laughing all the way to the bank. While the rest of us (except the big ballers on this board) scramble to recover our pensions, college funds or find new jobs.

Bottomline…God is so much bigger than religion or government. Republican, Democrats, liberals, conservatives…what’s the difference? At the very base, we are all eternal Spirit, descendents of Adam. I think that it is time to practice what we preach. If we believe in the goodness of God, then we need to sho’ somebody. All the other rhetoric is noise to the universe.

Peace, Brenda

-- Anonymous, August 02, 2002

So very well said sister Brenda!!!!!!!!!

-- Anonymous, August 02, 2002

Dear RP, I think it is unfortunate that you associate religion with politics. There are many people of all religions, on both sides of the fence (Republican/ Democrat). I also wasn't sure what you ment by liberal, there are both conservatives and liberals in both parties. I am a strict Catholic, and I am also a Democrat. The reason I am a Democrat is because of the teachings of Jesus that tell us to give to the poor, and I don't ever see this on the the Republican agenda.

-- Anonymous, August 28, 2002

Story time! Woo hoo! It's a bit long, but if anyone's interested, have a read.

I think my conservative leanings began when I was 5. I still remember it like it was yesterday. It was 1967 or 1968, and I was in the car with my mom. I saw a couple of men with shoulder length hair come out of the store, which is something I'd never seen before. I said, "Mom, that man has hair like a girl." She said "He's a hippie." After that I kept an eye on long-haired "hippie people".

Know what my 5 year old investigation revealed? I saw long-haired people throwing rocks and fighting with the police on TV. Mom and Dad told me that the policeman is your friend, and if I'm ever lost, find one and give him my address. These "hippies" must be some bad bad people if they're treating the police badly.

Then Mom and Dad told me one of the worst things a person could ever do is take drugs. Well, guess what I discovered hippies did? My 5 year old suspicions about this group were confirmed.

Mom also told me about our brave soldiers fighting in the war, and how my Dad worked on the airplanes that were fighting over there (he was an engineer for the F-105 and F-111). Then I see this same group of "hippies" demonstrating against our brave soldiers, even waving the enemy's flag. Figures.

Fast forward to my high school years. I wasn't saved yet, but I was developing a keen interest in things military and international affairs. I was also becoming a real news addict.

My dad was bringing home Air Force publications lamenting the hollow force of the 1970s. The enlisted men were inadequately housed and paid, the force was in shambles, and we couldn't get our hostages out of Iran. Jimmy Carter presided over a nation that was a paper tiger and I blamed the Democratic party, the great cutters of the defense budget. We're trying to fix things, and he's cancelling the B-1. What is he thinking??? By the time I was old enough to vote I was a staunch Reaganite.

The Gipper didn't disappoint either. Just as I enlisted in the Air Force we received a 14% pay raise, the force was rebuilt, and we regained the respect of the world.

Finally as a young adult I became a Christian. I found myself sharing the moral code of James Dobson, Jerry Falwell, and Pat Robertson. Virtually every Christian figure I respected was part of what was then known as the Moral Majority, which by the way was firmly in the Republican camp. Great! I don't need to change my affiliation now that I'm saved.

Our enemies were liberal Democrats. They were promoting abortion, homosexuality, pornography, and feminism, the four great enemies we crusaded against. Were our non-Christian Republican allies all good people, and were they right on every issue? Certainly not, but at least they could be counted on in the battles we considered important, and they didn't give aid and comfort to our adversaries.

As I've grown in the Lord I've become less and less political, having learned that these things are earthly and will pass away. It's all leading up to the time of the anti-Christ. But from time to time a question like the one on the Pledge of Allegiance arises, and it only takes a minute to do the math. Yep, once again here's one of "those people", in this case a judge in San Francisco (where else?), who is going out of his way to spit at God.

It confirms everything I've learned about politics and morality since I was 5 years old, both before I was saved and after.

-- Anonymous, August 29, 2002

I think this is a sad time for our country when the anniversary of 9- 11 coming up and we take the God out of our pledge. What is next? Are we going to pull all our money and re-do it all just because it says "In God We Trust"? Where does it end?

Atheism is not a new concept so why is the dispute coming up now? Why hasn't any other Atheist filed a suit before now? Why should everything that this country stands for turn upside down and inside out because of one person?

It doesn't matter what religion you are or if you are not a religion....freedom of speech is the same .....freedom of religion is the same. Our forefathers happen to be religious men and there is nothing that anyone can do to change that fact. So get over it!!

The man who filed this suit sounds like a bitter person who is using his daughter to get back at his ex-girlfriend who is a Christian and his daughter is a Christian also. Let her have her own freedom of religion!

-- Anonymous, September 07, 2002

i truly beliece that the pledge is tottally on constiutional!! my son i doint believe should sol i am happy!!!!!!!!!!!!!

-- Anonymous, October 03, 2002

Under God not allowed??? And School Vouchers Are??? By the way (playerhater@aol.com) maybe if you had gone to church or school you typing and grammer would possible be a little better.

-- Anonymous, November 05, 2002

I know that the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals' decision regarding the Pledge of Allegiance was quite controversial. One opinion I quite agree with supports that court's decision. When you pledge "One nation, under God, indivisible..." you have immediately divided the country into those who belive in a god and those who do not. Many people said that the Pledge does not specifically refer to the Christian God. But, for example, if I were to suggest changing it to "One nation, under Allah..." their would be quite a controversy! P.S. I am a Wiccan voter and Veteran who belives that our Freedom of Religion means ALL religions or freedom from religion since atheists can also be good citizens. Don't worry, I won't file suit to change it to "One nation, under Goddess..."

-- Anonymous, November 11, 2002

I know that the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals' decision regarding the Pledge of Allegiance was quite controversial. One opinion I quite agree with supports that court's decision. When you pledge "One nation, under God, indivisible..." you have immediately divided the country into those who belive in a god and those who do not. Many people said that the Pledge does not specifically refer to the Christian God. But, for example, if I were to suggest changing it to "One nation, under Allah..." there would be quite a controversy! P.S. I am a Wiccan voter and Veteran who belives that our Freedom of Religion means ALL religions or freedom from religion since atheists can also be good citizens. Don't worry, I won't file suit to change it to "One nation, under Goddess..."

-- Anonymous, November 11, 2002

ok direct all e-Mail at my account WGAfa@AOl.com

Really people Everyone has a god. Those who do not are Republicans no just kidding I meant to say Democrats oh darn I meant Jewish wait wait its getting clearer now Pagans oooopps Uh Uh seventh day!! no hold on it's oh shit it's right on the tip of my tounge Ah ah . What is your religeon ??? ya thats it thanks. Ps you aren't one of those ah ah politacal left oh shit right no wrong Oh the heck with it , you Know who you are. Oh sorry Didn't mean to call ay an ah ???? PS I do Know who I am, can You say Normal!!!!

-- Anonymous, January 09, 2003

ok direct all e-Mail at my account WGAfa@AOl.com

Really people Everyone has a god. Those who do not are Republicans no just kidding I meant to say Democrats oh darn I meant Jewish wait wait its getting clearer now Pagans oooopps Uh Uh seventh day!! no hold on it's oh shit it's right on the tip of my tounge Ah ah . What is your religeon ??? ya thats it thanks. Ps you aren't one of those ah ah politacal left oh shit right no wrong Oh the heck with 2it , you Know who you are. Oh sorry Didn't mean to call ay an ah ???? PS I do Know who I am, can You say Normal!!!!

-- Anonymous, January 09, 2003

ok direct all e-Mail at my account WGAfa@AOl.com

Really people Everyone has a god. Those who do not are Republicans no just kidding I meant to say Democrats oh darn I meant Jewish wait wait its getting clearer now Pagans oooopps Uh Uh seventh day!! no hold on it's oh shit it's right on the tip of my tounge Ah ah . What is your religeon ??? ya thats it thanks. Ps you aren't one of those ah ah politacal left oh shit right no wrong Oh the heck witho 2it , you Know who you are. Oh sorry Didn't mean to call ay an ah ???? PS I do Know who I am, can You say Normal!!!!

-- Anonymous, January 09, 2003

I am all for the children saying the "Pledge Of Alligance" in school, & I feel that if someone else does'nt like it, as in this mans case the child had no problem with it, the so called adults did but not the child.I am 52 years old & I said the " Pledge Of Alligance"all my life in school & it never hurt me, nor was I ever afraid of it.There is a God & some day this man will stand befor him & have to tell him why he hurt so many people & especially his own child. I just wonder if he will believe in him then?

-- Anonymous, March 03, 2003

I am a 19 year old college student and even though everyone passes me off as young boy still, I have a lot of passion on this subject. In fact, I just gave a speech on this particular subject Monday March 3, 2003. First of all, the phrase separation of Church and State is not a Constitutional phrase as people may say because it does not appear at all. In fact the Constitution on affirms that America should not establish an official or required religion. Second, I have received public school education all my life and I have seen God being taken out more and more over the years. And with God out, Satan has been let in. More and more of the youth is bringing weapons, drugs, and other negativities into the schools. Now, I do believe that the the Constitution of the United States of America grants anyone the right to deny God and to not participate in anything for religious reasons, but when everyone is prohibited from anything based on religion, then we are inversely being denied our Constitutional right of freedom of religion and I think the Courts are forgeting that.

-- Anonymous, March 05, 2003

Cory thank you for your passion on the subject. I live in Montana and we are in the ninth district and will be one of the states affected by this ruling, along with california, oregon, utah etc. It is indeed very unsettling. I am quite surprised that the supremed court has not yet decided to take on this decision. We will have to watch and see, thanks for your insights on the issue.

-- Anonymous, March 05, 2003

This is our country!!!! We have the right to say our pledge. Do you think that other countries would give a care if some one from a different country or religion asked them that their pledge is interferring with their beliefs. NO!!!!!! People who don't believe in God or in our country don't have to say the pledge but to make it unconstitutional is totally out of control. It is for our country and people! Who ever doesn't want it has the right to not say it!!

-- Anonymous, September 22, 2003

I an in favor of the Pledge in School and if it is taken out, God help us. We are a Christian nation as stated in the Decloration of Independence. Why are we letting one person control what we, the rest of the Nation, are to do. I God we had better trust if we as a Nation are to servive. God Bless Us, Everyone.

-- Anonymous, October 14, 2003

First of all this nation is not a Christian based; We have several different religions among us and obviously all of us our blind and can't see just because someone is a different religion they aren't like you. Well just for my little input i don't say the under god part only because i don't believe in having to say it if you don't believe in god.. but i feel for the people that do and it's a shame that they would do that, but you got to think they are doing it because there are different religions/people that get offened by that statement "One nation under God". I think that it should be your own free will to say that part of the Pledge.

-- Anonymous, October 15, 2003

Excuse me stacie sallee (Xfireangel420X@yahoo.com), but we are infact a "christian based" nation. The whole reason that any of us are here at all is because back in the day, people were opressed in Europe because they couldn't worship GOD in the ways they felt lead to. The U.S was discovered and was going to be used for it's resourses and the oppressed thought, hey...let's go over here and worship God however we want to. Not, hey...let's go worship Satan, or Buddah, or no God at all or all 500 billion of our gods...no. God. The one and the only. I am a Senior at a public school in Washington, I don't know a lot about the politics, but I am a Christian, and I am proud to be in a nation were I can pledge alligance to my country and to the One that we all stand firmly...or fall flat on our faces from, which is God. Not to single you out, but I disagree with your statement that this is not a christian based country. Oh...and for whoever said they were following Jesus's teaching on giving to the poor, what about the one that said (in paraphrase)these are my CHILDREN, it would b e better for you to have a millstone tied to your neck and thrown over a cliff then to hurt one of these??? Sure... give money to the drunks on the corner, but heaven forbid that a child should be able to live and not be aborted becasue it's an inconviennce to the mother... or whatever.

-- Anonymous, October 15, 2003

I think that there is no such thing as seperation of church and state. for the simple fact if there was then we wouldn't have In God We Trust on our money. If people have a problem with the words don't say them. But by taking the right away from those who do believe in the words is the real unconstitutional act.does the constitution guarentee us the right of freedom of speach and freedom of religion? by the courts rulings they are infringing on our rights.

-- Anonymous, October 15, 2003

Wow. I've just read everything everyone has written and I must say that most are right on but a few answers were disturbing. I know little to nothing about politics and not overly much about the constitution but I will say that I go to a private Christian school and I'm grateful that I can say the pledge, and pray, and talk about God. I personally think that it would be absolutly ridiculous to take out "under God" in the pledge. For those who disagree, think about it. It's just causing more and more problems and dissent when you pick on things as simple as this. I never even would have believed that people could hate God so much that they would want Him out of our PLEDGE that has been around for quite some time. Why do people want God out? Because they know, in their hearts, that He really is the way and the truth and they can't stand to have a higher authority than themselves out there. That's all I have to say for now. I'm just disapointed that our country could get this low.

-- Anonymous, October 16, 2003

I agree with you Elizabeth. I went to a private Christian school for several years before I came back into the Public School System. At my old school we were always told not to take adavantage or forget the fact that we are priviledged enough to aknowledge God in our pledge nation wide, it never occured to me before that people refuse to say it because it had the word God in it. I think that it's really sad how our nation turned out and what it is becomming as whole. I think that if you don't belive in God it's one of 3 choices, 1) you are living in sin and are not willing to change, 2) flat out ignorance or 3)rebellion. There may be other circumstances, but those are the main ones that I have been taught.

-- Anonymous, October 17, 2003

I think people over work the words a little.I dont like the idea of putting my had on a bible.That means Im not truthful.Having a god is just a beleif it isnt a theory or a truth.Ive not seen any miracles or even one thing other than someones stong and sometimes overly stong beleifs at work.Even the pope cant heal the sick. and he is in some eyes the number two man.Im getting down to the part about justice for all and feeling left out.Im part of the all.McCarthyisum put under god in the pledge.It means alot not to be put out by the beleivers.

-- Anonymous, October 17, 2003

You want a miracle? Ok, here's one. 9/11. The intent was to knock one tower into the other and have them both tip over onto the streets. There is no logial reason that tower 2 ddn't fall over, instead it collapsed inward on itself preventing potentially hundreds of thousands of deaths; the people on the streets and in the buildings that could have been crushed by the tower. Just because you don't see people walking out of fires unharmed or comming out a fatal situation or terminal disease alive doesn't mean that miracles don't exist. They probably just aren't the ones that you're looking for. So don't think that just because you've never seen an angel or a demon that they don't exist, they do.

-- Anonymous, October 18, 2003

That tower not falling is not what I would call a miracle.Its good engineering.And the people who tried to knock it down were the kind of people that take god and force it down your throat.Binladen Thought he could make us all convert to islam by that act.If you dont include god in every aspect of your life, then you are marked for death.That is the problem here.Indivisable is a good word I see happening here.United we stand and devided we fall. So the president of the USA finished putting (under god) in the pledge and started the devideing.That is where the government did wrong.Thats not freedom for all,its freedom for believers out to nonbeleivers.I dont want you or any government telling me I have to beleive in anything.The word miracle is one of those words that is used to loosely.It would be a miracle if noone had died.Those were religios people who caused the world trade center to fall,and they killed alot of religious people (innocent ones).Im going to check my E mail to see how many death threats I have because of my freedom of speech.

-- Anonymous, October 19, 2003

i stumbled upon this page as i was doing research for a speech for public speaking. as i read what the man had done with the ninth circuit court, it was all i could do to keep from crying. how can someone be so selfish to only think of themselves and even bring a child into the situation. let the kids be kids. just because the pledge says under GOD doesn't mean you have to believe in GOD. this nation was founded UNDER GOD and just because one man doesn't believe in GOD shouldn't mean we should take it out because that's what he wants. everyone has a god, whether it's buddha, allah, or even the absence of GOD. the point is, you have your beliefs and you're happy with that. everyone has different beliefs and no one's trying to change it just by having under GOD in the pledge. if you don't like it, don't say the pledge, or don't say under GOD. but don't say it's offensive because it's offensive to the majority of people who do believe and worship GOD. suck it up and go on with life. it's not a life-changing thing to have under GOD in the pledge so stop making a big deal about it. i would like to add that it pleases me to see so many young people like myself (18) who care so much. that leaves some hope for the future...

-- Anonymous, October 28, 2003

What is this world coming to? I think America is a great nation, founded by great men. The courts have far too much authority to change things and are not law makers. In the effort to be fair to all people, America has bent over backwards. First we lost prayer in schools, now they want to take "under God" out of the pledge of Allegiance? And we even heard they want to take "in God we trust" off our money. What about the Christian's rights? Seems we have catered to everyone else! If we keep taking any representation of God out of our culture, how can God bless this nation!

-- Anonymous, October 29, 2003

The direction this nation is taking is becoming more evident: Removal of prayer from schools. Removal of "one nation under God" from the Pledge of Allegiance. Is the removal of "In God We Trust" from our money next? How can one atheist's wishes to keep his daughter from being influenced by religion, OUTWEIGH wishes of many parents to have their children influenced by religion???? If you take a poll from this nation, you would more than likely have a majority voting to keep prayer in the schools, "under God" in the Pledge and "In God We Trust" on our money. It is disheartening to me that our nation is folding to the wishes of one atheist to remove God in so called "Separation of Church and State" in lieu of our nation being attacked "9-11-01" because of our Christian beliefs and backing of Israel. My understanding is that in Muslim countries, if you don't pledge your allegiance "under Allah", you'll be jailed and/or executed. There is no freedom. In our nation, our freedom to pledge allegiance to this great nation under God has been bought by the blood of many brave soldiers throughout the years. To remove it as well as any mention of God in the future, spits on the ideals built by our founding fathers and the very reason they included God in the laws of our country. In hopes God would protect and bless our country.

-- Anonymous, October 29, 2003

Man can change, munipilate and re-arrange the seed of life. Man can not and never will be able to make the seed of life. Every thing made by GOD is either round or has a curvaturve of some kind. "Take one hour and search your wood's for a spiritual field trip and find something that contradicts this". Man is the "Most Dangerous Animal On Earth".

Thank God our fore-fathers, had the insight and the wisdom, to provide us with the US Constitution and the Bill of Rights.

It's a pitty that level of intelligence is not available in today's world.

-- Anonymous, October 30, 2003

As I predicted nearly two years ago, the US Supreme Court today in a 8-0 decision (Scalia recused himself) overturned the 9th Circuit's ban on school kids making reference to "Under God" in the Pledge of Allegiance. I'm fully aware that the High Court based its decsion on the the fact that the father was not the custodial parent of the child thus nullifying him legal standing. I am also aware that the Court did not address the issue about the consstitutionality of "Under God". No doubt, a future credible challenge to the pledge waits in the balance by an arch foe of religious freedom. However, four Justices (Rhenquist, Scalia, Thomas & O'Connor) are on record as supporting the Pledge with "Under God". There is no denying that the history and heritage of the USA can't be divorced from the influence of Divine Providence. As I stressed several years ago the specious arguments advanced by the 9th District and supporters of the ban like Rev. Barry Linn about violation of the Establishment Clause were without legal merit. Today's ruling represents an unambiguous victory for Christians and restoring a sense of moral clarity in our routine activities. Kudos to all 8 members of the High Court for confirming a self-evident truth and allowing our children to appreciate the significance of patriotism and religious liberty. QED

-- Anonymous, June 14, 2004

AMEN & Amen

-- Anonymous, June 14, 2004