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God in America
There is no attack on American culture more destructive and most historically dishonest than the secularist's relentless effort to drive God out of America's public square.
You will remember the 2002 decision by the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals that ruled the phrase, "under God," was unconstitutional and represented a fundamental assault on American identity. This Court was assuming to unilaterally modify the Pledge of Allegiance as it had been adopted by Congress in 1954, signed by President Eisenhower and supported by 91 percent of the American people.
When the "Pledge" case came before the Supreme Court in 2004, they overruled the Ninth Circuit on procedural grounds, while not affirming that saying "under God" was constitutional. Only three of the justices took that position. The other five hid behind procedural excuses, ruling that the plaintiff did not have legal standing to file the suit.
What if the plaintiff would have had legal standing?
It's amazing what Sandra Day O'Connor said regarding the phrase.
She said in her opinion that she defended the phrase only because it was meaningless. She said it merely invoked "civic deism."
Her words:
"Even if taken literally, the phrase is merely descriptive; it purports only to identify the United States as a nation subject to divine authority. That cannot be seen as a serious invocation of God or as an expression of individual submission to divine authority ... Any religious freight the words may have been meant to carry has long been lost."
But if pledging allegiance to one nation "under God" doesn't mean we believe America is a nation under God, what could it possibly mean?
The term "under God" was inserted by Congress in 1954 to draw the distinction between the atheistic tyranny of the Soviet Union and our free society whose freedoms are based on God given rights for each individual.
Washington States own Supreme Court Justice William O. Douglas wrote in Zorach vs. Clauson just two years prior, "We are a religious people and our institutions presuppose a Supreme Being."
For most Americans, the blessings of God have been the basis of our liberty, prosperity, and survival as a unique country.
As Ronald Regan put it, "A city on a hill."
I believe that if we as a nation are to continue in blessing and freedom, as we have known it, we must reaffirm our history to this generation, as a people endowed by our Creator with unalienable rights.
We believe it is absolutely necessary to affirm a patriotic education upon which we can sustain the freedom we enjoy.
History is littered with examples of failed societies drawn to the dustbin of history through Marxism, Nazism, Fascism, Communism and their kin.
Faith & Freedom is committed to advancing an understanding of our past so we as a nation can continue to enjoy the freedoms we have known.
The David Barton Forums is one expression of our commitment.
Please plan to attend.
You may also want to check out our new section of the Faith & Freedom bookstore featuring David Barton's books. Click here to view book titles.
______________
Gary Randall
President
Faith & Freedom
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36 Comments:
"History is littered with examples of failed societies drawn to the dustbin of history through Marxism, Nazism, Fascism, Communism and their kin."
Yes, and the authoritarian desires of the religious right are more than kissing cousins to these bloody 20th century abominations.
Dominionists are fascists.
Gary,
You show your basic ignorance with the following quote:
As Ronald Regan put it, "A city on a hill."
America is NOT a city on a hill. The church of Jesus Christ is. Once again you do greatly error because you have chosen to follow the flesh rather than the spirit and seeking after the world rather than Christ.
Your errors have been specifically pointed out from scripture countless times - NO ONE has refuted the fundamentals of what has been shown to be a fundamental dichotomy between Christ's narrow way and FNF's wide, worldly way.
Sincerely,
In Christ
Human
BTW - in terms of failed societys - you can add Calvin's Geneva - replete with burning alive and beheading, peaceful human beings....
This is what happens when religionists finally get their way.
COOL!
Yesterday, the state Senate approved the Healthy Youth Act (SB 5297). Its prospects for passage look good.
On March 2nd, the Cyber Bullying bill that will protect youth against harassment over the internet by classmates passed the Senate with 42 votes.
One week ago, on March 1, the Domestic Partnership bill (SB 5336) passed the Senate. With 56 sponsors in the House and support from Governor Gregoire, it is likely to be signed into law before the end of the legislative session. This bill moved through more quickly than we'd anticipated.
A bill that would establish family and medical leave insurance is gaining support; this year’s version includes domestic partners!
Your contribution today will help us continue our success as the legislative session winds down on April 22. That’s right--we have only six more weeks to get these bills passed and signed into law. Please make your donation today. We’ll put it to work immediately.
It took 29 years to pass the Anderson-Murray anti-discrimination bill; in only one session, we are working hard to pass not just the Domestic Partnership bill, but the Cyber-Bullying bill, the Healthy Youth Act and a bill that would establish family and medical leave insurance, with provisions that cover domestic partners. ERW, the LGBT community, and our allies can be proud of the work we've accomplished.
One reason for our success this session is the election victories in 2006. ERW and the ERW PAC spent over $125,000 electing equality-minded candidates. Not only did equality-minded legislators win open seats in 2006, but with our help, equality-minded challengers unseated anti-equality incumbents.
But ERW is not resting on its electoral victories. In early February, we organized five town hall meetings across Washington State called "Vow to Take a Stand," and on February 26th, with the Religious Coalition for Equality, we organized Equality Day, which brought 1,500 people to Olympia. The event was supported by 83 organizations and congregations. Since January 1, over 6,000 e-mails have been sent to legislators by persons using our website. And recently, we added a contract lobbyist to our staff to represent us in Olympia. We are building the movement for LGBT equality in Washington State.
Please click here to help ERW continue its important work.
Thank you again,
Since when are atheists Marxists, Nazis, Fascists or Communists (or kin)?
It's spreading this kind of misinformation that Gary should be condemned for. If he has a different opinion, believes something else, that's cool. But spreading this kind of tripe is unacceptable. When did the truth and honesty leave Christianity?
Tim,
I appreciate your perspective, it certainly is understandable.
Please be assured that there are genuine disciples of Jesus Christ who maintain full integrity (only 7,000 who have not bowed their knee to Ba-al (the Right Wing Republican machine).
I know that belief in a Creator seems a little nuts - fully agree. I was essentially raised athiest. When I was 20, my life was changed. I won't give you all the gory details but there are both some reasons and personal experiences which convinced me otherwise. Admittedly the fact that you and I exist as conscious, communicating beings is nuts to - so nutty things may be real (such as Grapenuts....;-)
I will apologize for those who use the name of Jesus for their political dominionist ideas - many young disciples get caught in this as well - sad but that is how Satan works.
I hope you can understand that some God fearing people are genuinely peaceful (Mt 5:9) and genuinely love/respect others (2nd Command of Jesus) and do not hurt people (Rom 13:10). I am happy to work with anybody who will maintain these genuine precepts of Jesus Christ. Sorry for all the conflict - this is not the call of Christ - it is, in fact, Satanic.
Best,
Human
Tim,
The majority of people who have taken over this blog are not Christians . Very little discourse .
But the one call Human who has warmed up to you believes drugs should be legal and its satanic to not be for that view, that Evangelicals are by nature bigoted , and he is above the rest of us poor smucks .
I admit I believe God is above us , otherwise I think we pretty much all are on the same level .. With exceptions .
Anyway , when the hate mongers warm up to you , I would have to wonder what I said to attract them ?
For the edifation of all:
Sinclair Lewis purportedly said the following (link below):
"When fascism comes to America, it will be wrapped in the flag and carrying a cross."
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sinclair_Lewis
Does anyone hear Faith and Freedom Network??? Does anyone hear Evangelical Right leadership - wrapped in a flag and carrying a cross - AMEN!
Another article with many quotes
http://www.commondreams.org/views04/0719-15.htm
Human - I responded to your "if God commanded me to kill someone" question. Go to "McCain: Roe v. Wade Should Be Overturned" thread at http://www.faithandfreedom.us/weblog/archives/2007_02_01_archive.html
Oshtur - I responded to your personhood criteria. Go to "McCain: Roe v. Wade Should Be Overturned" at http://www.faithandfreedom.us/weblog/archives/2007_02_01_archive.html.
I also responded to your comments regarding purpose in "SB 5336: Urgent Action Needed" at http://www.faithandfreedom.us/weblog/archives/2007_01_01_archive.html
To the Anonymous poster who defends the false dilemma of the fertility clinic fire, I have also posted a response to you. Go to "A Distinct Organism" at http://www.faithandfreedom.us/weblog/archives/2007_02_01_archive.html
- Larry
"Anyway , when the hate mongers warm up to you , I would have to wonder what I said to attract them ?"
"Keep your friends close and your enemies closer." quickly comes to mind. :)
[b]Oshtur - I responded to your personhood criteria. Go to "McCain: Roe v. Wade Should Be Overturned" at http://www.faithandfreedom.us/weblog/archives/2007_02_01_archive.html[/b]
Just a Blogger link comment - as you can see you are getting the 'archive' link which shows a whole page of blog entries but none of their comments making finding your response difficult (have to check each blog entry)
If you click on the title of the blog entry itself you will be sent to a page that shows the entry AND all subsequent comments like this:
http://www.faithandfreedom.us/weblog/2007/03/god-in-america.html
That would be a better url to link to past comments with.
I will search around for your responses in a bit but in the future might want to try that.
(or just send email - unlikely anyone is actually going to be haunting incredibly old blog comments and see what's been written anyway.)
Larry,
Good to hear from you again. Thanks for your effort. I will take a look at that this weekend.
BTW - would you like to continue to address that in that thread apart from anyone else? That would be fine with me.
Human
Gary, when I think of you I am reminded of something Leann Payne wrote (she is a spirit-filled Episcopalian--imagine that!!).
She said something like "when a ground breaking ministry is at stake, you will see the most bizarre attacks and manifestations of the enemy".
So be encouraged!
This human/vishanti site domination and rantings are pretty bizarre. Sorry to use names but some of the other dissenters do not fall in that category and I wouldn't want them to think I was speaking of them.
Human Said
When fascism comes to America, it will be wrapped in the flag and carrying a cross."
At first i thought you were talking about Hilary's speech in Selma She sounded as though she was from the south , in fact she sounded as though she was black and a God loving women who felt right at home in that church .
Obama too , for a moment I thought he was a southern black also .
Facism Huamn , I wonder how you speak with your friends at Mars Hill church . Are you teaching them too ?
Thank you so much for your kind words. They are very encouraging.
Anon 10:49
The reality is that you have not substantively addressed a single Biblically based comment I have made. When you do so, you will have merit to your statements. As it stands now, you are just slinging mud. Sad that someone who claims to follow the Lord of Glory has to wallow in mud...
Sincerely,
In the Lord of Glory,
Human
That is not possible Human.
First, you don't know the bible even though you are convinced you do and proclaim you know it better than everyone else.
Second, you don't listen and haven't shown yourself to be capable of rational thought or speach. Why do you think most people don't dialogue with you?
Third, you lie about being a Christian and I don't engage liars. It is pointless.
Fourth, you have said some pretty sick and psychotic things.
Goodbye human, I won't respond to you again.
PFOX Responds to Ann Coulter Critics
Presidential Nominee John Edwards Tries to Raise “Coulter Cash”
WASHINGTON DC -- The John Edwards presidential campaign is attempting to raise $100,000 in cash this week in order to combat ‘bigotry’ and ‘hate’ stemming from commentator Ann Coulter’s derogatory remark about him. “It is hypocritical of Sen. Edwards to criticize Ann Coulter for her remarks when he hired a campaign worker who used hate speech and foul language to describe ex-gays,” said Regina Griggs, executive director of Parents and Friends of Ex-Gays & Gays (PFOX). “Coulter’s use of language in a joke was over the top, but so was the conduct of Edwards’ staff member.”
Because Greg Quinlan of Ohio Pro-Family Network is openly ex-gay, Melissa McEwan, a former Edwards campaign blogger, called Quinlan a ‘useless, self-loathing turd’ on her blog. “No one should be subjected to hateful name calling, either gay or ex-gay,” said Griggs. “Unlike Coulter, McEwan’s statement was not made in jest or for humorous purposes.”
McEwan’s statement about former homosexuals is set forth below:
Oh, and I see on your sh--bag website that “Hate Crimes Bills” are one of your priorities. What does that have to do with families? Or did you get that bug up you’re a--, Greg, when you went through your “conversion” and got out of the “gay lifestyle” you lived for the first half of your life? Just because you were “miserable” as a gay man and were “ashamed of being gay,” doesn’t give you the right to try to ungay-by-law all the other people who don’t feel ashamed of themselves, you useless, self-loathing turd.
“We are still waiting for the Edwards campaign to issue a statement in support of the ex-gay community,” said Griggs. “In response to Coulter’s comments, Edwards announced that he believes it is ‘our moral responsibility to speak out against that kind of bigotry and prejudice every time we encounter it,’ but we’re still waiting for him to do so.”
“Individuals with unwanted same-sex attractions have the right to pursue alternatives to homosexuality without being subjected to ridicule or marginalization,” Griggs said. “Ex-gays should not have to be closeted for fear of being publicly maligned. They do not think something is wrong with them just because they decided to fulfill their heterosexual potential. Nor do they believe others should condemn them for the personal decision they have made for their lives. All people should be treated with dignity regardless of their sexual preference. We can make our political points without resorting to name calling.”
###
Founded in 1998, Parents and Friends of Ex-gays & Gays (PFOX) is a non-profit organization providing outreach, education, and public awareness in support of families and the ex-gay community.
Parents and Friends of Ex-Gays & Gays
PFOX
Box 561, Fort Belvoir VA 22060
703-360-2225
www.pfox.org
Gary, you write about the court's ruling, but have you actually read it? It's very compelling. They found that the new pledge was clearly endorsement of a religion. This endorsement sends a message to non-adherents that they are outsiders, not full members of the community, and an accompanying message to adherents that they are insiders and favored members.
Religious endorsement at school puts school aged children who object in an untenable position.
Choosing not to say the words is in effect showing protest. The courts have ruled that school age children may not be placed in the dilemma of either participating in a religious ceremony or protesting.
The court found that the statement that the united states was a nation under god is an endorsement of religion because it is a profession of a religious belief – monotheism. To recite the pledge is to swear allegiance to the values of unity, indivisibility, liberty, justice, and –since 1954 – monotheism.
The coercive effect of this policy of particularly pronounced in the school setting given the age and impressionability of school children, their understanding that they are required to adhere to the norms set by their school, their teachers, and their fellow students.
But then, all this really as important as success in forcing your religion on everyone else.
Isn't it telling that PFOX doesn't comdem Coulter, just plays a game of "b..b...b...but he did it too!".
It's also quite telling that PFOX demands that "ex-gays" be treated with respect, but makes no such demand on behalf of gays.
Oh, and Larry, I made an attempt to read your response, but decided I've got better things to do with my time than wade trough that much incoherent rambling.
We are a nation under God. If you don't think so, just read what really happened to George Washington when our country was fighting for its freedom. David Barton's book, "The Light and the Glory" and "From Sea to Shinging Sea" show very clearly that our nation was founded under God. Therefore, we should teach it in the public schools, that we may never lose the foundation for our great system of government.
If there are children whose parents' disagree with the stated values of our government, as it was founded, they are actually free to leave or to start their own school, or to homeschool. What a great country. There are many countries, in fact, the huge majority of countries where families are not allowed to disagree with the government or start their own schools or homeschool their kids. Our freedoms are so taken for granted. That is why we need to teach how we got these freedoms in the first place, so that we can keep them. Yep, it is the Judeo-Christian heritage that we need to teach. Whether people want to believe it or not, is completely up to them, and they may leave the schools at any time.
But most people on this site are right...we should really privatize all of the schools, and get government out of it. Then our children could be taught according to the values of the parents in each community.
David Barton is notorious for just making things up out of thin air. Seriously, many of the his great quotes simply can't be documented.
I don't need to read Barton, I only need to read the Constitution to understand the role of religion in our government. btw - it's completely godless as should be our government.
You completely avoided confronting the issue of the children themselves, deferring to their their parents. The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals recognized the dilema of the children. Whether their views come from their parents or not, they are real people and are worthy of consideration in this issue. Understandably, they gain their opinions from their parents. Nonetheless, they are people and should be considered.
The American Constitution is one of the most god-less documents that I have ever read. Even the most mundate "in the year of our Lord" is akin to saying "God bless you" after someone sneezes.
I am thankful - my God, Jesus Christ, is WAY bigger than America and wants nothing to do with the current evil, right-wing, religion dominated and oppressed society except to set it free.
"For freedom, you have been set free"
Sincerely,
In Jesus Christ,
Human
The American Constitution is one of the most divinely inspired documents I have ever read.
Human perhaps you would be happier in Cuba or China.
"David Barton is notorious for just making things up out of thin air. "
This according to Human/vishanti. Consider the source.
David Barton himself admits there are no primary sources for some of the quotes he made up. Check it out on his own website.
http://www.wallbuilders.com/resources/search/detail.php?ResourceID=20
Sure, he dances around the issue with a whole lot of justifications, but facts are facts, and the quotes can't be confirmed!
Also, while Cuba or China aren't attractive, Canada and Norway (and others) are completely secular and very attractive. In fact, Norway is often rated as one of the absolute very best places to live. If you get past the jingoism, and compare true quality of life metrics, you'd find that Christianity doesn't foster the paradise you believe it does.
Anon 5:59
You are a partisan shill who is totally ignorant of history. The American Constitution is a confab of English constitutional law that preceded it mixed in with a heavy dose of protect your property by rich white men who focused on exluding such groups as say - ALL WOMEN.
You have zero credibility and conclusion is less than silly - simply pathetic drivel.
Human
Please restrain yourself from attacking anyone and everyone that disagrees with you. Your response to Anon 5;59 IS COMPLETELY OUT OF ORDER.
Partiasn shill?
You have zero credibility?
That person has as much or more credibility than you do and just as much right to express themselves as you do on this site.
Pathetic drivel?
Why is it impossible for you to respect anyone who disagrees with your drivel?
Please stop atttacking people who express their opinions on this site and stick to the issues.
Thank you
FFN staff
FFN -
I agree that they have just as much right to express themselves on this site. I also know the source of who wrote this and know there was a lot more to it than meets the eye.
A larger question -
Why do you attack me but you never attack people who support you who attack and lie about me?
If you would be just (a J-C value), I would be able to better interact with your words.
The reality is the US Constitution is NOT divinely inspired - only the Word of God is. It is blashphemy to consider the US Constitution divinely inspired and historically it is simply false as any competent historian will tell you as well as those who wrote it.
I am willing to work together with you as a team if you are willing to work with me in justice and truth. I am reaching out to you in Christ - will you reach back??
Sincerely,
In Jesus Christ, who is our Justice,
Human
Human, as a lawyer, I am compelled to point out that it is you who doesn't understand history or the constitution.
--AJD--
"The reality is the US Constitution is NOT divinely inspired - only the Word of God is. It is blashphemy to consider the US Constitution divinely inspired and historically it is simply false as any competent historian will tell you as well as those who wrote it."
Human that is a very strange thing to say that it is blashphemy to consider something other than the bible inspired.
I believe that you are a liar in your claims that you are a Christian and I do believe that you are Oshtur Vishanti.
Pledge Of Allegiance comments above are interesting because the Pledge is like worshiping government as God, and we should be skeptical of it and its roots. Socialists in the USA originated the Nazi salute, robotic group-chanting to flags, Nazism, flag fetishism, and the modern swastika as "S" symbolism for "Socialism." http://rexcurry.net
Much of that history is the history of the Pledge Of Allegiance.
http://rexcurry.net/pledge-allegiance-pledge-allegiance.jpg Pledge Of Allegiance photographs expose America’s terrifying past.
Those historical facts explain the enormous size and scope of government today, and the USA's growing police state. They are reasons for massive reductions in government, taxation, spending and socialism.
The "Nazi salute" is more accurately called the "American salute" as it was created and popularized by national socialists in the USA (e.g. Francis Bellamy and Edward Bellamy and others) where its use was mandated by law in government schools for three decades before, and through, the creation of the National Socialist German Workers' Party. It was the early gesture of the Pledge of Allegiance.
http://rexcurry.net/book1a1contents-pledge.html
Many people do not know that the term "Nazi" means "National Socialist German Workers' Party." Members of the horrid group did not call themselves Nazis. In that sense, there was no Nazi Party. They also did not call themselves Fascists. They called themselves socialists, just as their name indicates.
The original pledge was anti libertarian and began with a military salute that then stretched out toward the flag. In actual use, the second part of the gesture was performed with a straight arm and palm down by children casually performing the forced ritual chanting. Due to the way that both gestures were used sequentially in the pledge, the military salute led to the Nazi salute. The
Nazi salute is an extended military salute via the USA's Pledge Of Allegiance.
http://rexcurry.net/i-pledge-allegiance-to-the-flag.jpg
Media coverage about the discoveries continues to grow http://rexcurry.net/audio-rex-curry-podcast-radio.html
Fan mail for work exposing the Pledge’s poisonous pedigree is at http://rexcurry.net/pledge_heart.html
The Pledge's early salute caused quite a Fuhrer/furor. The dogma behind the Pledge was the same dogma that led to the socialist Wholecaust (of which the Holocaust was a part): 62 million slaughtered under the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics; 49 million under the Peoples’ Republic of China; 21 million under the National Socialist German Workers’ Party. It was the worst slaughter of humanity ever.
There were beatings and lynchings against people who refused the straight-arm salute in robotic chanting of the Pledge in government schools in the USA.
The USA originated Nazism, Nazi salutes, flag fetishism, robotic group-chanting to flags, and the modern swastika http://rexcurry.net/swastika3clear.jpg Swastikas became S symbolism for "socialism," all shown in the research of the noted historian Dr. Rex Curry. Although the swastika was an ancient symbol, its use was altered to alphabetic symbolism in modern times.
http://rexcurry.net/book1a1contents-swastika.html
The bizarre acts in the USA began as early as 1875 and continued through the creation of the National Socialist German Workers' Party (German Nazis or NSGWP). American soldiers used the swastika symbol in WWI (against Germany) and the symbol was used by the American military during WWII.
http://rexcurry.net/45th-infantry-division-swastika-sooner-soldiers.html
The NSGWP had clear roots in National Socialism promoted by socialists in the USA. Amazing graphic images that prove the point are at
http://rexcurry.net/theosophy-madame-blavatsky-theosophical-society.html
The USA is still the worst example in the world of bizarre laws that require robotic chanting to a national flag in government schools (socialist schools) every day for 12 years. It has changed generations of Americans from libertarians to authoritarians. The government bamboozled individuals into believing that collective robotic chanting in government schools daily is a beautiful expression of freedom. Frightening photographs are at
http://rexcurry.net/pledge2.html
The American Constitution is one of the most divinely inspired documents I have ever read.
I'm sure the potential irony of that statement zips right over the poster's head.
The US Constitution was the first document defining a government that existed not for its own sake but for that of the people. Not that some of its most important features were not in the Constitution itself but in its first 10 amendments, the bill of rights which clearly recognized that the place of government is at the feet of its citizens, not above their heads.
The founding fathers envisioned political positions where many candidates ran individually. Their mistake was missing the 'winner takes all' aspect of our government selection which makes everyone not want to 'waste' their vote on anyone other than a 'winner'. (did a paper in college about how the two party system filtered up from the grassroots).
One way we could improve this without having a Constitutional Convention is each state adopting Instant Runoff Voting (IRV). This allows people to vote for their first choice while still not 'wasting their vote' AND it can even do away with primaries saving vast sums of money.
Think about it - a 'pure' Christian conservative candidate may not win but if their second choice did win he would know exactly who he needed to please to stay in office. And the CCs would know just how many of them their were and could reach out to other '3rd' parties and organize voting blocks that could actually represent a majority ending the death grip our two major parties have on the system.
IRV allows people to vote their conscious without 'wasting' their vote - consider it and watch Vermont to see how ti works for them.
AJD,
I am a CPA and have studied American history. Your being a lawyer does not entitle you to any more knowledge of truth than being Pope entitles you to the knowledge of God.
The reality is the constitution is a derivative instrument - you know that as well as I do. All the colonies had constitution - wording and concepts from the current US constitution came from England and colonial charters among other places - that is simple fact that anyone can find by taking a basic class on the constitution (NOTE: that does not mean a class from a partisan shill who has a politcal and religious axe to grind but from an objective, dispassionate historian).
Human
Tiny,
Thanks for your very interesting and educationally oriented post.
I would appreciate getting some point - counterpoint. I have come to recognize that while I despise the JW organization because of their destruction of the individual from Christ, they are right about the pledge flag thing. I pledge allegiance to Jesus Christ - PERIOD.
Sincerely,
In Him to whom I pledge
Human
Human, I have studied Constitutional law--it is required to graduate from law school. Your history is wrong.
I, too, have an accounting background. I do not see any relevance to that.
AJD
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