An email that was forwarded to me

[aaskie]

A Proposal to End All Religious ArgumentsIt's becoming increasingly difficult to do anything without running into a pointless religious argument. Because these arguments never go anywhere, I say it's high time to put an end to them. However, due to the level of passion that people hold for their religion, this won't happen without compromise. This

Comments

[spiffychocolate]

Funny you have Atheists #2. Big drama at my school at the moment. You see, we have the Pledge of Allegiance pretty much every morning at school, and we're expected to stand for it. But some of us really don't want to, and some of my friends have been particularly adamant about it, rightly so since so many of us have been yelled at for sitting, so they're taking on the administration. Since there is no law and no school declaration that we have to, and yet it is enforced rigorously that we must stand.

So yeah, fun stuff. Personally I'd have no problem saying the Pledge if it was optional, but the fact that we are forced to do so and rebuked for not (though I never actually say it anymore) seems too fascist for the America I want and love.

I've actually been thinking of putting up signs around my school to protest, but I'd have to make sure my friends don't get blamed for it and that I wouldn't get suspended or anything. That would suck.

[aoibhe]

That's really interesting. D'you mind if I ask why you all don't stand? (Based on the post, I'm guessing it has to do with the line "under God" ?)

♥♥♥

[spiffychocolate]

Well I stand, but I know that most don't because they just don't feel comfortable doing it. My friend leading the campaign, as it were, is an atheist but I don't think that it's the "under God" bit that has caused this (though that is a general thumbs down from everyone involved), but just the fact that we are forced to do it and it makes her feel very uncomfortable. Personally, the more I think about it and deal with the issue, the more I feel my personal political rights are compromised. Some of my friends are not US citizens and so can get out of it by that excuse, but as a US citizen why should I be required to pledge to my nation's symbol every morning? I live here, I plan on being an active citizen once I get the right to vote, I don't think it requires a verbal confirmation - a pledge of allegiance for frak's sake. I don't think my teachers have any right to make me do it either

[aaskie]

I know what you mean. It is weird to do something just because you HAVE to do it.

[agguss]

No compromise for you. You aren't a religion, you're a cult. Crash and burn, you fascist bastards!
Hahahaha.

[aaskie]

Heee, I know right?

[aoibhe]

No compromise for you. You aren't a religion, you're a cult.

Funny, I feel that way about all religion. Hm.

[aaskie]

*is saying it again, but

lol..ilu <33

Also, I might want to agree with that.

[mindykim]

ditto

[aaskie]

I got it in an email fwd.

I agree with what you say. Don't do what you don't want to, don't stop others from doing what they want.

[bloodyowl]

"have abortions or same-sex marriages, TOUGH SHIT! It's their right to do those things"

On the first one I'd put the Constitutional right to life first. 9 months vs someone's whole right to live? No question: props to that little baby and help, love, and support for that mom's pregnancy. We have it all cockeyed in the U.S. Abortion is so bad, and it does fuck up someone's right to live. It stops a heart. Just 'cause they can't get on NPR or vote about it doesn't mean they have no rights. They're people. Little and helpless. Truth.