The Cellar - View Single Post - Atheist Plans New Lawsuit Over Phrase 'Under God'

Kitsune · 06-30-2004, 11:18 AM

is it possible that it doesn't mean anything to them because educators are too afraid to teach them in fear that someone will get offended and sue?

It is possible. I mean, if you start lecturing children in public schools that when you pledge your allegiance to the United States that this nation, its citizens, and its government are under a God, it could lead to lawsuits from atheists and those that recognize that the word "God" in the pledge specifically refers to a Christian God. Maybe that is why children don't know the meaning of the pledge. Maybe that is part of the problem.

true atheists are a small minority in this country, although there are many who reside in the cellar.

You are correct -- the percentage of people who do not believe in a god is a small one in this country, yet they are still citizens. They still vote, they still pay taxes, they fight in our wars, and they are still part of this country. To require a citizen to believe in God in order to pledge their life to our country is foolish and there should never be any religious requirement, ever. I get the feeling that a lot of people have never stopped to think of the implications -- think about the words for a second. The government is REQUIRING you to believe in God when you state your allegiance to the country. Should that ever be a requirement to be a citizen or to agree to give your life in defense of the country? Why should it? What good does it do to force someone to recognize that?

Freedom of religion didn't mean freedom FROM religion.

Bullshit. The citizens of the United States of America can believe in whatever they want, even if it is nothing at all, a sacred rock, or a god in the sky. To think otherwise is denying freedom.

it is the individual's choice, and if the majority have no problem with their kids saying "under god" then the minority still has the right to not say it themselves.

I agree -- you shouldn't have to say it. But the beliefs of the majority should never alter the fundamental freedoms of the citizens of this country. And, right now, I have to say that I'm sad to see that is exactly what is happening.

06-30-2004, 11:18 AM	#24
Kitsune still eats dirt Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Tampa, FL Posts: 3,031	is it possible that it doesn't mean anything to them because educators are too afraid to teach them in fear that someone will get offended and sue? It is possible. I mean, if you start lecturing children in public schools that when you pledge your allegiance to the United States that this nation, its citizens, and its government are under a God, it could lead to lawsuits from atheists and those that recognize that the word "God" in the pledge specifically refers to a Christian God. Maybe that is why children don't know the meaning of the pledge. Maybe that is part of the problem. true atheists are a small minority in this country, although there are many who reside in the cellar. You are correct -- the percentage of people who do not believe in a god is a small one in this country, yet they are still citizens. They still vote, they still pay taxes, they fight in our wars, and they are still part of this country. To require a citizen to believe in God in order to pledge their life to our country is foolish and there should never be any religious requirement, ever. I get the feeling that a lot of people have never stopped to think of the implications -- think about the words for a second. The government is REQUIRING you to believe in God when you state your allegiance to the country. Should that ever be a requirement to be a citizen or to agree to give your life in defense of the country? Why should it? What good does it do to force someone to recognize that? Freedom of religion didn't mean freedom FROM religion. Bullshit. The citizens of the United States of America can believe in whatever they want, even if it is nothing at all, a sacred rock, or a god in the sky. To think otherwise is denying freedom. it is the individual's choice, and if the majority have no problem with their kids saying "under god" then the minority still has the right to not say it themselves. I agree -- you shouldn't have to say it. But the beliefs of the majority should never alter the fundamental freedoms of the citizens of this country. And, right now, I have to say that I'm sad to see that is exactly what is happening.