Quote:
Originally posted by Sonart,
Quote: | I don't have a personal problem with it either, | Quote: | The problem I DO have, however, is the bigoted arrogance of christians when they feel the have a RIGHT to force everyone to chant their god's name, whether they want to or not! | So it seems you actually DO have a personal problem with it.  |
Not at all. I am aware though, that there are a lot of people (some on this forum) who don't like to be coerced into saying it. Of course, you can always opt out and remain silent, but if you refuse to say the pledge as currently written you get branded unchristian or worse, and that's just with ADULTS! You can imagine how kids in school will be treated if they refuse. If people can be vilified, badgered and insulted (and they have been) over refusing to say the pledge with the word God in it, it is no longer a matter of a "choice" and should not be there at all.
I've said this elsewhere that my faith (or lack of it) is my business and no one else's, so I don't throw it up for all to see. I have said the pledge as written, because it doesn't bother me either way. But there are a LOT of people who ARE bothered by it and these people are who I support, not the zealots who want to impose their faith on others.