A Federal Judge just declared unconstitutional the reciting of the Pledge in public schools. The decision puts the issue on track for the Supreme Court again. This time the Supreme Court is unlikely to be able to dodge the issue, since Newdow has joined with other Plaintiffs who clearly have standing.
Newdow is the same Atheist whose previous battle against the words "Under God" was rejected last year by the Supreme Court on procedural grounds. U.S. District Judge Lawrence Karlton ruled that the Pledge's reference to one nation "Under God" violates school children's right to be "free from a coercive requirement to affirm God."
This is not a difficult case, despite ruminations to the contrary, and the inevitable political grandstanding by opportunistic politicians eager to use religion in a manner that divides Americans. I have included the following two important points, which Christian conservatives should take note of, even those Christian conservatives who believe "Though Shall Lie" is one of the Ten Commandments:
"Under God” formed no part of the original Pledge of Allegiance, in fact it was written by a noted Atheist.
"Under God" was inserted into the pledge by religious zealots 50 years ago out of fear of "Godless Communism".
There is no purpose in affirming God other than a religious one. For that reason alone, there is no credible argument that the Pledge is constitutional --as modified by the aforesaid religious zealots. For the Supreme Court to reverse this decision, they need to find a "secular purpose" to the insertion of "Under God".
Activist Justice Antonin Scalia aside, (who has no problem ignoring the plain text of the Constitution to achieve any decision he wants) — it is absurd to think a majority of any Court, even a conservative one, would be activist enough to spin "Under God" into the rubric of secularism.
Article comments
1 - ukexpat
I agree with you -- I don't know why there is any argument about this. The same applies to "In God We Trust" on currency (despite the ridiculous attempets of the US Treasury to argue otherwise), prayers before sessions of Congress etc.
2 - alethinos59
As I've said all over the board in the past 24 hrs or so... Aspects like this, where the Right flies into a rage over the pledge is EXACTLY why those of more moderate temperment reject them.
I am sick and tired of extremist Christians trying to paint themselves as victims at one moment while at the next claiming that they ARE and SHOULD BE the ruling majority in the US.
Make up your mind Bombastics Rednecks, you're either jack-booted, cross-carrying thugs, or whimpering pussies, you can't be both... Well, except maybe for Marti Gras...
3 - Natalie Davis
I suspect their leaders are the former and the ones mindlessly doing their bidding are brainwashed to be the latter, though they pray rather than whimper.
4 - Joey
If my theology indoctrination to Hebrew and early Christian scriptures serves.... the people of "The Way" aren't supposed to swear blood oaths, or oaths anyway... in other words it's against scriptural principle to "Pledge Allegiance" anyway.
In fact, demanding people to enact a Pledge to anything or anyone is against the Word of God.
Surprizing turn of events. Those desiring to erase the pledge out of public schools are actually doing stupid Christians a favor.
I wonder if those responsible for the act of brotherly protection even realize the implications of preventing their "brothers" from stumbling or striking "his" foot against a stone (causing one to sin).
5 - noname
Yay!
6 - The Searcher
Once again, well-said and I concur.
7 - Stefanie
If you look at all the comments on here, ya'll have nothing better to do then push Christians down. I'm sorry things have to be this way and that SOME Christians have spoiled everything, but if you're careful, and you actually have some human kindness, just listen to what we Christians have to say. Stop the degrading and target something else. By the way, if "under God" in schools is unconstitutional then evolution must be the same thing, you don't want your children saying "God" I don't want my children to think that we very detailed beings just evolved. It's a religion one way or the other, rule out "under God" then we'll talk about evolution.
8 - Bob
sweet
9 - Tinny Ray
Socialists in the USA originated the Nazi salute, robotic group-chanting to flags, Nazism, flag fetishism, and the modern swastika as "S" symbolism for "Socialism."
Those historical facts explain the enormous size and scope of government today, and the USA's growing police state. They are reasons for massive reductions in government, taxation, spending and socialism.
The "Nazi salute" is more accurately called the "American salute" as it was created and popularized by national socialists in the USA where its use was mandated by law in government schools for three decades before, and through, the creation of the National Socialist German Workers' Party. It was the early gesture of the Pledge of Allegiance.
Many people do not know that the term "Nazi" means "National Socialist German Workers' Party." Members of the horrid group did not call themselves Nazis. In that sense, there was no Nazi Party. They also did not call themselves Fascists. They called themselves socialists, just as their name indicates.
The original pledge was anti libertarian and began with a military salute that then stretched out toward the flag. In actual use, the second part of the gesture was performed with a straight arm and palm down by children casually performing the forced ritual chanting. Due to the way that both gestures were used sequentially in the pledge, the military salute led to the Nazi salute. The Nazi salute is an extended military salute via the USA's pledge.
The Pledge's early salute caused quite a Fuhrer/furor. The dogma behind the Pledge was the same dogma that led to the socialist Wholecaust (of which the Holocaust was a part): 62 million slaughtered under the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics; 49 million under the Peoples' Republic of China; 21 million under the National Socialist German Workers' Party. It was the worst slaughter of humanity ever.
The USA originated Nazism, Nazi salutes, flag fetishism, robotic group-chanting to flags, and the modern swastika symbol as S symbolism for "socialism," all shown in the research of the noted historian Dr. Rex Curry.
The bizarre acts in the USA began as early as 1875 and continued through the creation of the National Socialist German Workers' Party (German Nazis or NSGWP). American soldiers used the swastika symbol in WWI (against Germany) and the symbol was used by the American military during WWII.
The NSGWP had clear roots in National Socialism promoted by socialists in the USA. Amazing graphic images that prove the point.
The USA is still the worst example in the world of bizarre laws that require robotic chanting to a national flag in government schools (socialist schools) every day for 12 years. It has changed generations of Americans from libertarians to authoritarians. The government bamboozled individuals into believing that collective robotic chanting in government schools daily is a beautiful expression of freedom. Frightening photographs.