NBC Apologizes Again for Omitting ‘Under God’ from Pledge of Allegiance

Shouldn’t someone be apologizing to us for adding “under God” in the first place?

Shouldn’t someone be apologizing to us for adding “under God” in the first place?

Shouldn’t someone be apologizing to us for adding “under God” in the first place?

Shouldn’t someone be apologizing to us for adding “under God” in the first place?

I have a lot of friends that have no idea that “under god” was added in the 50’s.  They think it’s original and use this as an argument when discussing religion and what the founding fathers had in mind.

This just makes me sick.

This just makes me sick.

Yup – 1954.  Sadly, that little bit of unconstitutionality was introduced by a representative from my native Michigan.  I apologize on behalf of my state.

Let’s take the letter from the congressmen and file it for later. It will come in handy when the “under god” thing gets heard in the Supreme Court someday, and their side tries to argue that it’s just “ceremonial deism” and doesn’t really mean they’re talking about religion.

Let’s take the letter from the congressmen and file it for later. It will come in handy when the “under god” thing gets heard in the Supreme Court someday, and their side tries to argue that it’s just “ceremonial deism” and doesn’t really mean they’re talking about religion.

I don’t see why the U.S. Open and NBC need to be endorsing God. They probably just wanted to be patriotic, but didn’t want that part in it. Although people still freak out.

Then congress goes on to complain about how people are trying to take God out of the pledge, when they’re the ones who should know that it’s unconstitutional in the first place. Then to be stupid enough to say something added in the 50’s by religious fanatics is a representation of our religious heritage.

Each time I think a new low has been reached, someone manages to dig deeper. Really, the words to describe this simply do not exist. The country truly is totally insane.

Each time I think a new low has been reached, someone manages to dig deeper. Really, the words to describe this simply do not exist. The country truly is totally insane.

Each time I think a new low has been reached, someone manages to dig deeper. Really, the words to describe this simply do not exist. The country truly is totally insane.

This is what is the most pressing thing to Congress? Unbelievable. 

This is what is the most pressing thing to Congress? Unbelievable. 

This is what is the most pressing thing to Congress? Unbelievable. 

Wow. My congressman didn’t sign it. I’m pleasantly surprised. On the other hand, you know something signed by members of Congress that endorses religion is really stupid if even my congressman didn’t sign it.

Wow. My congressman didn’t sign it. I’m pleasantly surprised. On the other hand, you know something signed by members of Congress that endorses religion is really stupid if even my congressman didn’t sign it.

Dear Congress,As an atheist and United States citizen, I am disturbed that the official Pledge of our nation was altered in 1958. We live in a society where there are increasing efforts to promote a national religion, and I remain dedicated to defend against such attempts. As a lone player in shaping the national dialogue through various media outlets, I am interested to know what steps you are taking to prevent America’s government from promoting a national religion. I request that you implement a policy to ensure that the Pledge of Allegiance is returned to its pre-1958 state.

Dear Congress,As an atheist and United States citizen, I am disturbed that the official Pledge of our nation was altered in 1958. We live in a society where there are increasing efforts to promote a national religion, and I remain dedicated to defend against such attempts. As a lone player in shaping the national dialogue through various media outlets, I am interested to know what steps you are taking to prevent America’s government from promoting a national religion. I request that you implement a policy to ensure that the Pledge of Allegiance is returned to its pre-1958 state.

Dear Congress,As an atheist and United States citizen, I am disturbed that the official Pledge of our nation was altered in 1958. We live in a society where there are increasing efforts to promote a national religion, and I remain dedicated to defend against such attempts. As a lone player in shaping the national dialogue through various media outlets, I am interested to know what steps you are taking to prevent America’s government from promoting a national religion. I request that you implement a policy to ensure that the Pledge of Allegiance is returned to its pre-1958 state.

Dear Congress,As an atheist and United States citizen, I am disturbed that the official Pledge of our nation was altered in 1958. We live in a society where there are increasing efforts to promote a national religion, and I remain dedicated to defend against such attempts. As a lone player in shaping the national dialogue through various media outlets, I am interested to know what steps you are taking to prevent America’s government from promoting a national religion. I request that you implement a policy to ensure that the Pledge of Allegiance is returned to its pre-1958 state.

Ugggh. The proper response from NBC would’ve been no response at all to the congressmen. If a petulant child is whining, don’t respond; it only legitimizes their whining.

Ugggh. The proper response from NBC would’ve been no response at all to the congressmen. If a petulant child is whining, don’t respond; it only legitimizes their whining.

obscured America’s religious heritage? What religious heritage?

they do it because
1.  80% of the American voting public believes in some kind of monotheistic God…  good for votes
2.  Its easy, doesn’t cost anything, and they can
3.  They like to stick it to non-monotheists…  Gives them a nice warm feeling inside.
4.  They only support the constitution when it gives results they like.

they do it because
1.  80% of the American voting public believes in some kind of monotheistic God…  good for votes
2.  Its easy, doesn’t cost anything, and they can
3.  They like to stick it to non-monotheists…  Gives them a nice warm feeling inside.
4.  They only support the constitution when it gives results they like.

they do it because
1.  80% of the American voting public believes in some kind of monotheistic God…  good for votes
2.  Its easy, doesn’t cost anything, and they can
3.  They like to stick it to non-monotheists…  Gives them a nice warm feeling inside.
4.  They only support the constitution when it gives results they like.

I like it. But edit it. It was 1954, I think.

I like it. But edit it. It was 1954, I think.

The “how dare you!” tone of the letter is laughable, since it’s coming from a group of people who make a living by omitting pertinent information on a regular basis. 

The “how dare you!” tone of the letter is laughable, since it’s coming from a group of people who make a living by omitting pertinent information on a regular basis. 

The “how dare you!” tone of the letter is laughable, since it’s coming from a group of people who make a living by omitting pertinent information on a regular basis. 

The “how dare you!” tone of the letter is laughable, since it’s coming from a group of people who make a living by omitting pertinent information on a regular basis. 

The “how dare you!” tone of the letter is laughable, since it’s coming from a group of people who make a living by omitting pertinent information on a regular basis. 

Thank you Hemant for having the sense to realize it was just a mistake. I’ve read from so many atheists who think we should all send thank-you letters to NBC for doing that. It makes no sense to me. At atheist and humanist protests some people hold up signs and wear shirts saying “One Nation, Indivisible” and now those same people want to praise NBC for leaving those same words out of the pledge. It was just a stupid mistake and the “under god” omittance is sadly being sensationalized by both the religious right AND atheists.

The pledge not only asserts the existence of God, but it claims that he is in some sort of relationship with the United States. That’s not an acknowledgement of America’s religious (read Christian) heritage. It is an ESTABLISHMENT of religion.

The pledge not only asserts the existence of God, but it claims that he is in some sort of relationship with the United States. That’s not an acknowledgement of America’s religious (read Christian) heritage. It is an ESTABLISHMENT of religion.

 Oh no. I’m from Michigan and I didn’t even know that’s where it originated. I add my apology to yours on behalf of Michigan. Though sadly, I know many people who would be proud of this fact.

I’m glad my reps weren’t involved, but I don’t see why there is such a public outcry/issue made of even the hint of an omission. When atheists comment on the issue, there is a lot of “oh, it’s just one little phrase, you’re too sensitive” rhetoric, but leave it out for an ad campaign and it is worthy of congressional attention?  

I’m glad my reps weren’t involved, but I don’t see why there is such a public outcry/issue made of even the hint of an omission. When atheists comment on the issue, there is a lot of “oh, it’s just one little phrase, you’re too sensitive” rhetoric, but leave it out for an ad campaign and it is worthy of congressional attention?  

The question I’d really like to know is: Why is the pledge of allegiance part of the broadcast?

The question I’d really like to know is: Why is the pledge of allegiance part of the broadcast?

Yep, that is a good idea. It definitely puts the lie to prior claims.

Yep, that is a good idea. It definitely puts the lie to prior claims.

I don’t see my congressmen listed either, thank goodness… coming from the state with the largest (or 2nd largest, depending which list you believe), it would have been disheartening to find my reps there.

That said, this entire mess is so full of fail, it’s astounding.

I don’t see my congressmen listed either, thank goodness… coming from the state with the largest (or 2nd largest, depending which list you believe), it would have been disheartening to find my reps there.

That said, this entire mess is so full of fail, it’s astounding.

I don’t see my congressmen listed either, thank goodness… coming from the state with the largest (or 2nd largest, depending which list you believe), it would have been disheartening to find my reps there.

That said, this entire mess is so full of fail, it’s astounding.

I don’t see my congressmen listed either, thank goodness… coming from the state with the largest (or 2nd largest, depending which list you believe), it would have been disheartening to find my reps there.

That said, this entire mess is so full of fail, it’s astounding.

I guess it’s the heritage of using the government to promote religion.

I guess it’s the heritage of using the government to promote religion.

I guess it’s the heritage of using the government to promote religion.

Hate to be a “me three,” but me three.

Hate to be a “me three,” but me three.

Hate to be a “me three,” but me three.

Not to mention that it was written for children. Elected officials throughout the 20th century had basically taken what was the equivalent of a nursery rhyme and made it as sacred as the founding documents. Morons.

Not to mention that it was written for children. Elected officials throughout the 20th century had basically taken what was the equivalent of a nursery rhyme and made it as sacred as the founding documents. Morons.

This is just disturbing.

This is just disturbing.

This is just disturbing.

This is just disturbing.

Glad my rep didn’t sign it either, but then again my rep is Pete Stark, so no surprise :).

Glad my rep didn’t sign it either, but then again my rep is Pete Stark, so no surprise :).

Glad my rep didn’t sign it either, but then again my rep is Pete Stark, so no surprise :).

One Nation, Under Golf, Indivisible….

It’s just another example of taking carefully calculated offense to something.  I would love to see an elected official tell someone with an idiotic concern that their issue really isn’t a big deal and that they should see their doctor for a prescription of chill pills.

It’s just another example of taking carefully calculated offense to something.  I would love to see an elected official tell someone with an idiotic concern that their issue really isn’t a big deal and that they should see their doctor for a prescription of chill pills.

At least there’s this: if 107 members of Congress signed the letter, there are 328 members who were probably asked to sign and chose not to.

It was a mistake on the part of NBC and if they are concerned about it then it is well within their rights to acknowledge and apologize.  The issue is that they were pressured to apologize to Congress.  There was no need for the government to get involved in this situation at all, and by doing so in the way that they did they are merely saying, in no uncertain terms, that a lack of belief in god is unacceptable in America – ergo, America is, according to the members who signed the letter, a Christian nation.

It was a mistake on the part of NBC and if they are concerned about it then it is well within their rights to acknowledge and apologize.  The issue is that they were pressured to apologize to Congress.  There was no need for the government to get involved in this situation at all, and by doing so in the way that they did they are merely saying, in no uncertain terms, that a lack of belief in god is unacceptable in America – ergo, America is, according to the members who signed the letter, a Christian nation.

It was a mistake on the part of NBC and if they are concerned about it then it is well within their rights to acknowledge and apologize.  The issue is that they were pressured to apologize to Congress.  There was no need for the government to get involved in this situation at all, and by doing so in the way that they did they are merely saying, in no uncertain terms, that a lack of belief in god is unacceptable in America – ergo, America is, according to the members who signed the letter, a Christian nation.

Shouldn’t the rest of us write to our Congressmen thanking them for not having signed the letter, regardless of the fact that they’re probably not part of the Caucus? It would certainly give them some idea of what we expect from them.

Shouldn’t the rest of us write to our Congressmen thanking them for not having signed the letter, regardless of the fact that they’re probably not part of the Caucus? It would certainly give them some idea of what we expect from them.

In case you’d like to share your thoughts with the gentlemen behind this, here is a head start for you.

J. Randy Forbes – https://forbes.house.gov/Contact/zipauth.htm  – use zip code 23320
Mike McIntyre – http://mcintyreforms.house.gov/Contact/default.aspx use zip code 28401

I’m not registered in either of their districts, but knowing that they are wasting the time of so many members of Congress on this non-issue opens them up to fair criticism from all voters.

In case you’d like to share your thoughts with the gentlemen behind this, here is a head start for you.

J. Randy Forbes – https://forbes.house.gov/Contact/zipauth.htm  – use zip code 23320
Mike McIntyre – http://mcintyreforms.house.gov/Contact/default.aspx use zip code 28401

I’m not registered in either of their districts, but knowing that they are wasting the time of so many members of Congress on this non-issue opens them up to fair criticism from all voters.

Congress does not have a problem with obscuring other parts of American history, *cough* built on slavery and genocide *cough*. 

Congress does not have a problem with obscuring other parts of American history, *cough* built on slavery and genocide *cough*. 

NBC should never have apologized the first time. It’s not the end of the world just because the dumbest part of a pledge that’s already dumb was omitted.

And how many of the letter’s signatories read the U.S. Constitution on the House floor earlier this year while omitting all those unfortunate references to “3/5 of all other persons”?  Political theater at it’s finest….. 

And how many of the letter’s signatories read the U.S. Constitution on the House floor earlier this year while omitting all those unfortunate references to “3/5 of all other persons”?  Political theater at it’s finest….. 

And how many of the letter’s signatories read the U.S. Constitution on the House floor earlier this year while omitting all those unfortunate references to “3/5 of all other persons”?  Political theater at it’s finest….. 

As a former member of Mike McIntyre’s district, I just want to point out that in a lot of ways he is a democrat in name only.  He voted against “Obamacare” and the repeal of Don’t Ask Don’t tell and proudly touted an award he won a couple years back for his valiant efforts “in defense of marriage”.
That said, I find it particularly disturbing that he is wasting his time on this garbage.  He lives in (and represents) Robeson County, NC – not just the poorest county in the state but the third poorest county in the entire country.  His hometown of Lumberton has a crime index that is consistently one of the 20 worst in the country, and the area has the worst health statistics in NC.  They do have a whole lot of churches, though.  Not that all their praying is doing them any good!

As a former member of Mike McIntyre’s district, I just want to point out that in a lot of ways he is a democrat in name only.  He voted against “Obamacare” and the repeal of Don’t Ask Don’t tell and proudly touted an award he won a couple years back for his valiant efforts “in defense of marriage”.
That said, I find it particularly disturbing that he is wasting his time on this garbage.  He lives in (and represents) Robeson County, NC – not just the poorest county in the state but the third poorest county in the entire country.  His hometown of Lumberton has a crime index that is consistently one of the 20 worst in the country, and the area has the worst health statistics in NC.  They do have a whole lot of churches, though.  Not that all their praying is doing them any good!

It doesn’t help when we have ignorant people in the national spotlight, saying things like this:

Questionnaire: Are you offended by the phrase “Under God” in the Pledge of Allegiance? Why or why not?

Sarah Palin: Not on your life. If it was good enough for the founding fathers, its good enough for me and I’ll fight in defense of our Pledge of Allegiance.

It doesn’t help when we have ignorant people in the national spotlight, saying things like this:

Questionnaire: Are you offended by the phrase “Under God” in the Pledge of Allegiance? Why or why not?

Sarah Palin: Not on your life. If it was good enough for the founding fathers, its good enough for me and I’ll fight in defense of our Pledge of Allegiance.

Egads! Archie Bunker has been reincarnated as a woman!

Egads! Archie Bunker has been reincarnated as a woman!

Me four 🙁