Cassinelli
"One nation, under God:" Religious discrimination or a nice thing to say during the pledge of allegience?
Anyone who has taken a course in early american history (even in public school where the textbooks are tweaked to create opinion) should know that this country was founded on Judeo/Christian ethics and principles. These principles are interwoven into the most basic facets of our government. That's why officials are sworn in "under oath", why it says "In God We Trust" on our currency, etc. etc. etc.
I am not religious in a traditional sense and probably never will be. I also do not take offense to such things as prayer in public schools or the Pledge of Allegiance. I probably have more doubts about the so-called "morality" this country uses to defend against it's actions both domestically and abroad than anyone I know, but I also recognize that the only chance this country has of surviving and thriving in the future is to return to the basic principles on which this country was founded.
The United States has (or at least had) a national identity, separate from many of the groups who came to populate it. At one time being an American was something to be proud of. Today, people are rewarded for not assimilating and it's setting a dangerous precedent. If someone has a problem with the principles on which this country was founded, then by all means, stay in your own country and don't come here. The bottom line is that there are more opportunities here than anywhere else in the world. Anyone who gains entrance and is granted the gift of citizenship should be damn proud of it and understand that they are no longer a citizen of their native country. If you find the United States' Constitution repressive and not in line with your religious beliefs, then DON'T LIVE HERE.
