2nd March 2003, 1:00 AM
Quote:Originally posted by A Black Falcon
But the whole reason that 'Under God' was added to the Pledge in the '50s was to try to get more kids to believe... thus doing what you claim you don't want -- enforcing their beliefs on others...
Oh, and of course freedom of expression should be fully protected. For example, not too long ago some white supremacists had a rally in Lewiston (Me.)... and while I don't agree with them on anything, I certainly support their right to express their opinions as long as it doesn't actively hurt anyone...
Does it really matter either way? What do kids do during the pledge other than replace America with Africa to be funny, or make fart noises?
Anyway, is it really forcing beliefs on people when almost all of them believe it to begin with? It was believed then that making kids more religious would help them to behave better, and that works to a certain degree. In all honesty I would've rather they never added it in the first place because then this wouldn't be an issue, but since it's there, I want it to stay if for no other reason than to spite the atheists who so rabidly want everyone to conform to their lack of belief. I also think God's inclusion in the pledge, regardless of it's origins fifty years ago, today is benign and harmless. There's no good reason for His name not to be there.
YOU CANNOT HIDE FOREVER
WE STAND AT THE DOOR
WE STAND AT THE DOOR