By the way "In God we trust." first appeared on US coinage in 1795.
keith_w wrote:
Tom Reese wrote:
Keith wrote:
The Pilgrims arriving on these shores in 1630 [or so] were fleeing
religious persecution, and when they came here, it was with a fervent
desire to practice their religion as they saw fit, without interference
from any government!
Our bill of rights even recognizes that as a fundamental right of a
citizen of the United States, the freedom of religion. The right to
practice what you believe without a government saying you may not, you
CAN not.
So, our currency and our Pledge of Allegience to the symbol of our
country recognize that 375 year old break from persecution, and says
proudly "under God."
I ask you, how much better can it be?
and I ask you how much worse can it get?
Ahhh, the old "point of view" rears it's head...
Religion and government make a
deadly combination. See the Spanish Inquisition, the Salem witch
trials and
the Crusades for examples. The founding fathers well knew that danger
and
wrote the amendment to avoid it.
Okay, we don't disagree. I'm aware of history.
Religion has been subverting that amendment ever since. "In God We
Trust"
was added to our money in 1861 at the urging of religious people.
'Scuse me? It was the *Government* that caved! It was *they* that
added it, not some group of religious activists. If you think it was
someone else, name them please. The Government could always have said,
"NO." But they didn't.
It wasn't always on there.
Indeed not.
[The words] "under God" was added to the Pledge of Allegiance in 1954.
It wasn't always in there.
Again, no it wasn't. I remember quite clearly when it was added. I
personally resented the addition, and have never voiced it when saying
"the pledge."
Not because I have anything against the word God, spoken under other
circumstances, but because it purely doesn't belong.
See here for some interesting thoughts on government and religion:
http://earlyamerica.com/review/summer97/secular.html
Excellent reference, Tom!
I've bookmarked it for further reading, for when I have a little more
time.
I can see it will be a real eye-opener!
Thanks,
keith whaley
Tom Reese
--
When you're worried or in doubt,
Run in circles, (scream and shout).
