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Right-Wing Populism in America: Too Close for Comfort
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The Pledge Protection Act.
By Joan Bokaer Thu Jul 20, 2006 at 10:36:33 AM EST printable version print story
Review it on NewsTrust
When speaking to Egyptians on a good-will tour in September, 2005, Karen Hughes, former advisor and communications director to President Bush said to a group of Egyptians, "Many people around the world do not understand the important role that faith plays in Americans' lives."  One member of the audience inquired why Mr. Bush mentions God in his speeches.

Hughes response would be funny if it were not so shockingly ignorant of American history. She asked him whether he was aware that

"previous American presidents have also cited God, and that our constitution cites 'one nation under God'.

The sad truth is that the phrase 'one nation under God' is nowhere in the Constitution of the United States, but was added to our Pledge of Allegiance by President Eisenhower in 1954.
topic: All Topics
This story would make great comedy if the House of Representatives hadn't just passed the Pledge Protection Act. This bill (which hopefully won't get Senate approval so hopefully won't become law) is nothing less than an attempt to legislate God into the U.S. Constitution. Roll over framers of the document that guides our Democracy. After taking such pains to draft a godless constitution, this Congress is determined to put Him in there. (I'm not assuming God is a He, but I expect that those trying to write Him into the Constitution assume He is male.)

There's lots more to write on this subject -- especially about court-stripping and The Constitution Restoration Act. If others don't get to it, I'll say more later (have to run now).

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The Pledge Protection Act. | 1 comment (1 topical, 0 hidden)
Your A Grand Old Pledge! (none / 0)
One of the ways that I have engaged the Pledge Protection crowd is to ask why not just go back to the original language of the Pledge of Allegiance. It was written in 1892 by a retired Baptist minister name of Francis Bellamy. It is as follows:
"I pledge allegiance to my flag and the Republic for which it stands. One nation, indivisble, with liberty and justice for all." This wording was good enough for President William McKinley who was a very religious man and President Theodore Roosevelt who was one of our greatest presidents.Why isn't good enough for the current administration?
I then go on to address each phrase stressing the unity of all Americans. That the original pledge is a wonderful testament to our motto "e pluribus unim" i.e. "one from many".
The reactions have been interesting but usually result in some hemming and hawing as the Dominionists try to answer that without looking like bigots.
Anyway, it's worked for me. I  think that it's important that we engage the Dominionists in a positive manner.

by Frank Frey on Fri Jul 21, 2006 at 02:55:39 PM EST

The Pledge Protection Act. | 1 comment (1 topical, 0 hidden)

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