In honor of this holiday, celebrated since the late nineteenth century, right-wingers around the country will be holding press conferences in conjunction with the congressional Pledge Protection Act today.
Concerned Women for America will hold a press conference in support of the Act, as they claim:
[...I]t is...appropriate to remember the importance of keeping God in our Pledge...Our country's founding fathers were men of faith who intentionally included the phrase 'under God' in an oath that serves as a symbol of loyalty and patriotism to our great country.
Quick history lesson for these ladies: our founding fathers did no such thing. The phrase "under God" wasn't added to the Pledge of Allegiance until 1954.
If any Americans are uncomfortable with the inclusion of this phrase, we must respect their opinions and allow them access to court hearings on the subject. After all, we are a nation that was founded upon religious freedom and that includes the freedom to practice any religion one wishes or to practice no religion at all.
U.S. Rep. Todd Akin (R-MO) is also conducting a press conference today in support of "pledge protection". Akin said:
'The idea that there is a God, and that God grants rights to humankind and that the essential purpose of government is to protect these rights is a fundamental principle...'
This may be fundamental to Akin and his religious beliefs, but not necessarily to all Americans.
Defeated Alabama gubernatorial primary candidate Roy Moore will also be advocating for this issue today with his Foundation for Moral Law.
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