Probably because it was written by Irving Berlin in the early 1900s and has nothing at all to do with Thomas Jefferson or the foundation of the United States.
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Graffiti outside Latin class.
Sed quis custodiet ipsos custodes?
A juvenal prank.
Even if one is "for" God, overwrought nationalism can be a scary thing in such a context. "God Bless America, to the exclusion of or at least indifference toward other countries" is the subtext here. Or if it isn't, that's at least how it plays out in a cultural setting all too often. Go to a place in the country where God and Country are critical points of pride in the populace, and I'll show you an increased likelihood of bigotry toward those of other religions or nationalities.
Well, its not the National Anthem. Its a patriotic song that some guy wrote in the 20th century. Also, the version of "God Bless America" that they sing at baseball games isn't the entire song--they only sing one verse. And its really not a religous song, its a patriotic song. Just like "America the Beautiful"; it contains the word "God" but its a patriotic song.
Granted. But it still appears to me to be an issue that pertains to the premise that God and state should be kept separate.
Again, I fully support the song but I am speaking on behalf of all those who do not wish for this song to a part of America's heritage and legacy.
So, again, why does this song continue to have a place in America? Shouldn't it be banned just like other things of a religious nature in this country?
I respectfully beg to differ with you. The moment the word "God" is mentioned the song ceases to be strictly patriotic. The song did not need to mention God nor ask Him to bless America. In fact, if the author had not mentioned God then I would agree with you that the song is patriotic.
No it isn't. The song is not used in any official capacity by the US government.
That can't be changed. Unless you somehow erased the song from history it will always be part of America's heritage and legacy simply because it was written in America.
What religious things have been completely banned in the US?
__________________
Graffiti outside Latin class.
Sed quis custodiet ipsos custodes?
A juvenal prank.
I see nothing wrong with overwrought nationalism especially if a person is an atheist/evolutionist. It is a prerogative. So you believe that God should bless other countries? That is another discussion entirely, not that I disagree. I believe that a person can be both God-fearing and patriotic without being a bigot.
Whether the song is used in any offficial capacity or not is irrelevant. For instance, there are many people who attend sporting events who do not believe in God. Why should they be subject to standing or listening to a song like this? They paid their money to see a sports event not invoke God--Someone they do not believe in--to do anything for their country.
There are certain places in this country where a person can be punished for speaking the Name of Jesus (God). http://www.wnd.com/?pageId=89096
Yes it is. The state is the government. Until the government is doing religious things separation of church and state does not come into play. It does not mean that no one can be religious, and no one argues it does.
They are in a public place going to an event between two private enterprises in a build probably owned by another private group. While an atheist may not like it he has no standing to force everyone else to change what they're doing (unless Objectivists took over when I wasn't looking).
No if he were at a government event and the person running it asked everyone to stand up and sing God Bless America he would have a valid complaint.
He was arrested for breaking an established law that prohibited approaching women trying to enter the clinic. Carrying the sign was irrelevant to his conviction.
__________________
Graffiti outside Latin class.
Sed quis custodiet ipsos custodes?
A juvenal prank.
KMC Community Forums
Oct 22nd, 2010 02:25 AM
