I need yer opinion, folks.

[wrbones]

Take a look at this website on patriotism and it's symbols and tell me what ya think.

http://www.geobop.com/Symbols/world/na/us/history/

[Barndog]

In my experience, I have found that the writer can slant the article in any way they choose.

Clearly, this is an example of such a case.

[firstsgtmike]

First comment. Much ado about nothing.

Second comment. Methinks he doth protest too much.

His theme, that "Under God" is a Christian term is fallacious. Therefore his whole argument which is built upon that, falls apart.

I don't know of ANY religion that does not have "god" as its basis. Therefore, if you follow his logic, ALL religions are Christian.

Even athiests, because by defining a word, you give it substance, you acknowledge its relevence.

I don't believe in unicorns or jackalopes, but people know what I am talking about and can even draw a picture of them. Therefore, they exist, even if only in the imagination, because people seeing the pictures will agree as to what it represents.

On the other hand, I also don't believe in jbrogthy, qivdugnd, or atnuyzhtz. I'm on safer ground there, because no two people can independently draw a recognizable picture of them.

NOW, if the phrase he objected to was "under Christ", THEN he could say it had relevence only to Christians. And to those who were secure enough in their own beliefs, (or non-belief) that they did not feel they were risking being brainwashed.

It doesn't make any difference how many times I tell little children about Santa Clause, and NO, I don't feel threatened by the fairy tale.

-----------------
Every tribe, clan, band, group, or nation has had its own totem, its own symbol of identity and unity. It was what made them different from all the rest. (Problems arose when the difference was "better than" rather than "other than".)

Even in modern times, in Africa, tribal markings are marks of distinction. Other cultures have put aside tribal markings and disfiguration in favor of a totem, an amulet, a flag to identify them as being "other than".
----------------------
The website had several variations on suggested pledges of allegience. I will add a more practical and basic one.

"I promise my loyalty and support to the entity which nourishes and supports me and mine. I acknowledge the totem which identifies my group. I offer my respect to the symbol as proof of my recognition of my obligations to our fellowship.".

Or words to that effect.

And that's MY opinion.

[Sgt Sostand]

The History of American Symbols & Patriotism:
Four Centuries of Decline :Well if it true it because we let people in the USA that dont have the same ideals as Americans do. and that cause problem in America our doors are open to easely to everyone. we still have some Patriotism in America

[mrbsox]

Let's try this out...

If we have been declining for 40 odd years, what does that say for teh STRENGTH that is instilled into a Country, by having :

A Pledge that every Citizen knows by heart
Prayer in our schools, and Teachers that cared about education
Judges and Courts that throw out B.S. frivelous law suits
A population that watched your back, just because you were a neighbor, and friend

Are we declining BECAUSE of the things this B.S. sight, and others like it stand for???

Terry,
An opinionated MARINE

[MillRatUSMC]

After reading all that b.s on that site.
We're left with a question;
"What is reality?"
His b.s or what one reads in history.
One can arrange words to fit one purpose.
But is that reality?
One can be opinionated but are we correct on our opinion.
Time is the only true test of the truth.

Semper Fidelis
Ricardo

PS How that for getting out of any opinion!
"To thy ownself be true!"
Can the author of that page, say that?

[Armory]

I think the best example of how our way of life is better than that of communism is the fact that communist countries are now converting to capitalism.

People want to run around sounding off that the USA is so evil, but name me one time we invaded a country and didn't give it back(Mexico, Cuba, Africa, Italy, Germany, France, Panama, Somalia)? Then name me one other country that can say the same.

Then look at what happens to thoose countries compared to the countries that the socialistic nations had control of. North Korea and the Russians are a good example. I was in South Korea in 94 and I could safely say that thoose people enjoyed a very good life thanks to us and their northern neighbors could not say the same.

[ivalis]

Armory, i get your point, but not to pick nits, we never gave back Hawaii, Puerto Rico, Panama (was part of Columbia), 1/3 of Mexico.

[Armory]

Panama is not ours. If it was they would have never closed down FT Sherman. I'd like to point out that we did give the canal back to Panama, which they promptly ran into the ground and sold to the Chinese. Do you remember Noriega? There's a great example of why we shouldn't give back territory.

As for Puerto Rico. Spain and the United States signed the Treaty of Peace in Paris. Spain renounced all rights to Cuba and allowed an independent Cuba, ceded Puerto Rico and the island of Guam to the United States, gave up its possessions in the West Indies, and sold the Philippine Islands, receiving in exchange $20,000,000.

"Remember the Maine" they struck first.

As for Hawaii it wasn't invaded. It was annexed so the WM's & Airwingers would have the best duty station :D

[criggleman]

Looks like I've got some more fertilizer for my garden.

[greensideout]

"As for Hawaii-----"

LMAO @ Armory!

[JChristin]

Respectfully, it's a waste of time.


semper fi
jchristin

[wrbones]

I thought the guy was misguided. Seems a site about history would be a bit more objective. If nothing else provide both takes on any issues the facts brought up.That was my gripe when I traded emails with him.