Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums General Common Interests One nation, under Jesus, with Thought Police and facism for all

Wouldn't my own child be prohibited from saying "under God"?

I honestly think this whole thing is ridiculous. Newdow claims that his daughter is injured when she's compelled to watch and listen to her classmates in a ritual proclaiming a God.

These arguments can go back and forth all day long and it's great to see everyone's thoughts.

"Compelling students to recite the Pledge was held to be a First Amendment violation in West Virginia State Board of Education v. Barnette, 319 U.S. 624, 642 (1943) (?[T]he action of the local authorities in compelling the flag salute and pledge transcends constitutional limitations on their power and invades the sphere of intellect and spirit which it is the purpose of the First Amendment to our Constitution to reserve from all official control.?). Barnette was decided before the 1954 Act added the words ?under God? to the Pledge."

"If as Barnette holds no state may require anyone to recite the Pledge, and if as the prayer cases hold the recitation by a teacher or rabbi of unwelcome words is coercion, then the Pledge of Allegiance becomes unconstitutional under all circumstances, just as no school may read from a holy scripture at the start of class."

By the time my daughter is old enough to go to school, no one will be able to tell her to say anything.

First off, I'd just like to mention that I do realize that being an agnostic, I'm in the minority. Most from this country are some form of christian and could take this post the entirely wrong way by thinking that I'm bashing religion. That's neither my intention nor a goal.

Now, in regards to this thread: http://www.contour.org/forums/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=38;t=007759 which I'm not even going to comment in. The title isn't based on just this one event. It merely describes my feelings and opinions of the following:

One Nation, under Jesus - Much of this country's government and culture revolves around the christian flavors of religion.

with thought police and facism for all - In the last two decades, our ruleset (or ideals, if you will) has evolved into more of a digital (think correct/incorrect) instruction pamphlet on how we are all supposed to feel about and view our lifestyles. Today if you're smart and can back yourself up on how you disagree with the norm - people call you open minded or a Free Thinker, so long as you don't offend them or their beliefs. However, if you can't easily back yourself up - the labels of delinquent, lose cannon, anarchist and even terrorist (don't even try to warp that statement by saying that I promote terrorism) are thrown down upon you.

if ($religious == $true) { print 'Amen.' }
elseif ($religious == $false) { print 'Good Night.' }

I think political correctness is a tool of the thought police.

Brian