Let’s take a lesson from before the xenophobic 1950s, when it was “one nation indivisible with liberty and justice for all” and god had nothing to do with it. That would help a lot.
Let’s take a lesson from before the xenophobic 1950s, when it was “one nation indivisible with liberty and justice for all” and god had nothing to do with it. That would help a lot.
I'm old enough to remember the previous wording. The change prompted me to start thinking about the pledge itself. Better to not mince words and pledge allegiance to the Constitution IMO.
America has never been "under God." The New World was a place where people from the Old World came to make their fortunes. Expeditions were funded by the wealthy, who wanted a return on their investment. Those on the lower rungs of society came seeking opportunities. During the time of European settlement, some areas of the country were penal colonies, places to get rid of the "dregs" of society. There is always the need to hold America to the ideal of "All men are created equal," even though Jefferson had a different interpretation of that idea back in his time.
Yes-Georgia was one such penal colony and look at how today it is a “swing state”. For enslaved Black people Georgia, Alabama and Mississippi were the most treacherous. Most were afraid of being sold to people in those states.
I appreciate your point. Way too many Americans use religion as a way to divide us… to engage in the “culture war”. Three years ago I moved from New York City to a small town on Route 66 in Oklahoma. I joined the local United Methodist Church and found it to be a true expression of the first principal I had heard religion is about as a non-religious child… Love thy neighbor. For this reason, I believe it’s possible to speak of religion as having a positive effect on America. It all depends on which religion or religions you are talking about.
Speaking of Route 66. We lived 3 houses away from old Route 66 in Springfield, IL. One of the great US Highways across the US. It was replaced by I-55 in Illinois, I-44 in MO and OK and I-40 across the Southwest, but so much great history remains along the route. About 1/2 mile south of us in Springfield, the old highway dead-ends into Lake Springfield for about a quart of a mile.
Let’s take a lesson from before the xenophobic 1950s, when it was “one nation indivisible with liberty and justice for all” and god had nothing to do with it. That would help a lot.
I've never said "under God" when reciting the Pledge of Allegiance. That was put in for the Cold War, to distinguish our fascists from the "commies."
I'm old enough to remember the previous wording. The change prompted me to start thinking about the pledge itself. Better to not mince words and pledge allegiance to the Constitution IMO.
America has never been "under God." The New World was a place where people from the Old World came to make their fortunes. Expeditions were funded by the wealthy, who wanted a return on their investment. Those on the lower rungs of society came seeking opportunities. During the time of European settlement, some areas of the country were penal colonies, places to get rid of the "dregs" of society. There is always the need to hold America to the ideal of "All men are created equal," even though Jefferson had a different interpretation of that idea back in his time.
Yes-Georgia was one such penal colony and look at how today it is a “swing state”. For enslaved Black people Georgia, Alabama and Mississippi were the most treacherous. Most were afraid of being sold to people in those states.
It was called "being sold down the river," the origin of the term.
Yes indeedy. Having grown up in the South, I routinely use the phrase about something “going South” to mean something going to shit.
TC? How do you feel about "In God We Trust" on our currency?
Maybe VISA, MasterCard, Discover and American Express should be required to put "In God We Trust" on their cards. /S
A song for that, Joan Baez "God Is God": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5oT4qpi0Vec
I love Joan Baez! Thanks.
I always preferred “E Pluribus Unum”.
I agree with your snark. :-)
Not since third grade.
God is the divider, not the Uniter. Ye hear that Alito. Oops, he already knows that and has chosen his side.
I appreciate your point. Way too many Americans use religion as a way to divide us… to engage in the “culture war”. Three years ago I moved from New York City to a small town on Route 66 in Oklahoma. I joined the local United Methodist Church and found it to be a true expression of the first principal I had heard religion is about as a non-religious child… Love thy neighbor. For this reason, I believe it’s possible to speak of religion as having a positive effect on America. It all depends on which religion or religions you are talking about.
Religion is what keeps the poor from murdering the rich - Napoleon
Religion is regarded by the common people as true by the wise as false and by the rulers as useful - Seneca
Speaking of Route 66. We lived 3 houses away from old Route 66 in Springfield, IL. One of the great US Highways across the US. It was replaced by I-55 in Illinois, I-44 in MO and OK and I-40 across the Southwest, but so much great history remains along the route. About 1/2 mile south of us in Springfield, the old highway dead-ends into Lake Springfield for about a quart of a mile.
Agreed!