Suit rebuffed to expel Pledge from school

YOUR COMMENTS

I'm an atheist. On one hand, the words "under God indivisible" are just words to me so I could say the pledge and either leave those words out or just mumble "under no one invisible". BUT there is a strong condemnation of atheists in our country, and the First Amendment of the Constitution says government is not supposed to advance any religion over any other. So government had no business inserting the Judeo-Christian deity into the pledge against the faith of Taoists, Buddhists, Hindus, Pagans, Wiccans, Atheists and other ways of life. The words don't hurt anyone - its the widespread assumption that only Christians can be trusted or desireable neighbors that is damaging.
- s, Manchester

So what of Tom Labrie's suggestion that the pledge be held at the END of call, when dissenters could respectfully leave? It's a plain and clear fix to this issue that allows both sides to have their cake. Wake up!
- Calley, Nashua

Another waste of time, courts and money. The schools have stated in policy, reciting the pledge is voluntary. The "Doe's" refuse to even use their real names, but want's to push their belief onto everyone else. While I do not believe in god, I understand the right's of people that do. Reciting the pledge in school did not cause me or anyone I knew , harm in any way. If the Doe's had to foot the court cost everytime they lost, how long would this go on. What I don't understand is why do people come from other parts of the world, dream of living in the US, but refuse to learn to read and write english. Soon English will be a second language.
- C Mac, Allenstown

PJM, Manchester - You are wrong, and as such wrong to criticize.

The 18th Century is not called the Age of Reason for nothing. Thomas Paine (and most of the Founders,) was no means beholding to a church, and it is easy enough to look it up here on the internet if you have not read the books. To suggest the Founders were Bible obsessed like today's evangelicals and fundamentalists is just completely inaccurate.

This ref on Paine http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_Paine:
"In December of 1793, he was arrested and imprisoned in Paris, then released in 1794. He became notorious because of The Age of Reason (1793–94), his book advocating deism, promoting reason and freethinking, and arguing against institutionalized religion and Christian doctrines."

The Founders were radically un-religious for their time. The chose Reason over Faith, and founded this nation on that new and radical preference. They were Deists not Theists. (In Deism you do not worship God, he has nothing to do with your life.) Franklin said, "I cannot conceive otherwise than that He, the Infinite Father, expects or requires no worship or praise from us, but that He is even infinitely above it."

Jefferson actually rewrote the Bible to improve what lessons he thought it was making, taking out the parts he thought were myth or supernatural nonsense. He certainly did not ascribe holiness to that book. See: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jefferson_Bible

The Church of England was indistinguishable from King George himself. When we booted out George we booted out state religion although it was a process, one that we see ongoing now. Things like "In God we Trust" on money are just decorative nods to past traditions.

It is amazing we have to fight with today's religious conservatives even over the facts of history! If you've taken a few college courses in US politics and history you know what's up, but it seems the popular knowledge is polluted by today's loud, power mad, Bible waving evangelicals.
- Calley, Nashua

Calley, I don't know what book you've been reading but they all had religious affiliations. Paine was a full time Congregationalists Minister. Ben Franklin often called for a clergyman to offer prayer for deliberations during the Constitutional convention. The list goes on and on.
- PJM, Manchester

Why not remove god from everything? Sounds good don't it? You can start with our "God Given Rights" you know, the right to happiness, life, liberty, that sort of stuff. After all, the founding principles of our democracy were that certain freedoms were self evedent under God. Well Jees take out God, and you aint got no rights son. And thats the very heart of the goal, and you sheeple keep goose stepping arm in arm toward destruction.

But it's okay, your moral high horse will grant you a great view of the messy aftermath.

Enjoy!
- Craig, Manchester

This Atheist would like to thank the people that founded this country partly on the grounds of religious freedom, which gave me the opportunity to not believe. Because of that, I will stand up for your rights any day.

Amanda, I'm sorry that person called believers that. Some Atheists are very insecure in their non-beliefs. Also, some are overly defensive because they have been told they will 'burn for eternity' for their beliefs. Excuse the pun, but that tends to get some people all fired up.
- DM, Hampton

Reading all the replies it still seems like the attack is on those of faith and not the other way around as claimed.

To those who seek the removal of the simple mention of God anywhere in public and using the separation of church and state argument, is a person of faith barred from using his religious moral principals to guide him or her if elected or are the morals of atheists the only views allowed to enter the halls of our government and justice system?

I'd be curious to know which of the Ten Commandments some feel are bad guidelines for any society to think about, and is that not the issue really? Keeping society from simply hearing and thinking about Christian principals while ensuring your own are the only ones spoken to the young for consideration. Freedom of speech is meant to be inclusive so the views and ideas of all can be considered by all.

I for one look at mankind and the universe at night and can only pray there is something more powerful and kinder than ourselves. Humanism gave the Russian people Joseph Stalin, the killer of fifty million of the very people he ruled over. But I'm sure that is not taught in the schools today either.
- Deb, Derry

oops..i hate to put a damper on very thought provoking comments "but" look on the EDGE of the new coin..sorry
- p.lamphier, hudson

Riddle me this,

"Is God willing to prevent evil, but not able? Then he is not omnipotent.
Is he able, but not willing? Then he is malevolent.
Is he both able and willing? Then whence cometh evil?
Is he neither able nor willing? Then why call him God?
Epicurus"

You cannot honestly reconcile this with your faith. Most will ignore it but let's see if someone of faith with battle it.

If the founding fathers intended the nation to be a Christian one then why did they make it so secretive? Why not scream it from the rooftops and enshrine it in the founding documents?

Once you get past that see if you can explain which denomination they believed was the right one. Catholics believe they are the only true Christians. All of the other groups are based off of Catholicism. Atheists and agnostics can't touch the vitriol between Catholics and protestants.

Any Protestants care to enlighten me as to why the original Christians are wrong? When you get done with that let me know how you feel about the Mormons.

By the way, the God of Jews, Christians and Muslims is the same God. They all come from the same place.
- John R, Keene

Being an atheist/agnostic, I can understand the Does' case.

However, being an atheist/agnostic also means the word "god" literally means nothing to me. I can recite it or not: It doesn't matter and it certainly won't change my perception of life.

So for now, whatever, keep it in the pledge. But eventually enough people will want it removed and it will be. After all, evolution didn't happen overnight ;)
- laura, springfield

Why must we be called things such as "weak-willed and simple-minded" if we follow a religion? I don't think this way about atheists nor do I feel sorry for them. We have all made the choice whether or not to believe in a higher being(s) or to follow any religion. I don't take offense that you (atheists) do not want to say or hear the word "God" - I don't get what harm it does for you to hear it, but again that is your choice. It is NOT, however, your choice to prohibit my children from saying or hearing the word. You do not have that right. I know that many atheists are respectful of other peoples' beliefs, that it is only the few who want to force their beliefs on other people. It's ironic that these few are trying to force their beliefs on us by preventing us from exercising our beliefs.

Really, if you or your children don't want to say the pledge then by all means don't, just leave the rest of us alone.
- Amanda, Derry

First of all, it's freedom OF religion...not FROM religion. I'm sure Mr/Mrs Doe would come running to the defense of a Muslim who wished to pray to Mecca in the middle of the school day. They just don't like Christians...like so many other self-worshipping liberals.
- Mark, Bedford

This is interesting, this comment board displays the exact reasons why the government needs to protect us from religion, particular the various Christian and Islamic and Jewish FUNDAMENTALISTS! You have to have a screw loose to think some fanciful figure is going to come down from heaven and lay us to waste, saving only those who attend cult like Christian evangelical churches.

Check this scary rhetoric from Jan, Londonderry, NH:

"His judgement is coming upon this nation because of those of you who are ignorant, intoerant, and discriminatory against those of us who believe in God and know him as our savior."
- Lowell, Manchester

Harry, Atkinson - If you are, as you put it, of "christian decent," (I think you mean "descent,") then you OUGHT to care that people who believe other than you are not intimidated and coerced or even propagandized toward your faith, against their own free will. That would be the Christian and honorable thing. Christians are not supposed to be selfish!
- George, Amherst

PJM, Manchester You have it very wrong, the Founders were not all religious, not at all.

The heavy hitters like Jefferson and Madison and Paine and Franklin questioned seriously the existence of a god, and felt if there were one concepts like prayer were meaningless. The time was called the Age of Reason. They did not at any rate believe that any god interacted with man. Freedom of religion really was freedom FROM religion, as all of Europe was under one religious tyranny or another.

We do not have "God" in the pledge of allegiance because of the way we were founded, we have it because of the communist scare of the 50's pumped up the anti-atheist crowd.
- Calley, Nashua

We have kids running the halls, screaming like madmen, drinking on schoolyards, teachers getting physically attacked, but *OH MY* Please don't offend my kids by mentioning "God". We mustn't be exposed to so much.
- Marc, Derry

This case seems to be about money & publicity. The plaintiff's children were not forced to recite the pledge. They weren't discriminated because they chose not to say the pledge, nor were the children being "indoctrinated" into any so called religion. I agree that nobody should be forced to say the pledge of allegiance - the oath to uphold the Constitution is far more important in my opinion.

But speaking of "indoctrination", the Neo-Marxist Obama worshippers (which includes the teacher's union) seem to have no "constitutional issues" with the political indoctrination of our children and the destruction of the family. The Neo-Marxist ideology of the far Left is quite Orwellian especially in the sense that wants to replace the family with the Federal State. Just like religion and tobacco companies the Neo-Marxist Democrats have get them while they're nice and young.

Please watch the youtube video of Neo-Marxist brainwashing and Obama worship which is actually taking place in many public schools -
see; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LVjkDxtfWMk
- Mac Wade, Newmarket

This country was founded on Judeo-Christian principles which include God. If you don't like it, leave. It's really that simple.
- Brian, Farmington

I remember stumbling over the "new words" under God. I had just started the 4th grade in 1952, in a new school as my family was forced out of Newington for the Pease air base. It was added during the McCarthy years and if removed would only return the pledge to pre 52. I find the words not to be indoctrination but historical as George Washingtons bible, but if removed, the pledge should stand as love of country, as it started.
- Alexander Mackenzie, Rochester

We can settle this matter real quick. I say lets throw the Does into a lake and if the float we burn em at the stake. If they sink............oh well. God bless you all (except indians, jews, blacks, and other savages.)!
- Jake, Manchester

Desertman,
The does are cowards usid the psuedonym "Doe" because they dot not have a strong belief. They are just trying to to instigate an argument. I repeat what I have said already but that the UL refuses to post.

They are just trying to do to the other copule of hundred children that they claim is being done to their children . People are saying they are "liberal whackos" The conservatives are the ones who usually try to control what you think, control what you say, etc.

While I do not believe in telling them to leave the country or anything like that, I do believe that they should stop forcing their beliefs on me and my children.
- Steve Micke, Freedom

Tony L in Manchester: the only one who is of weak mind is you and your like minded bretheren who don't have the COURAGE AND CONVICTION to understand that there is a higher power among us who guides us through life. It is those of you who hide behind invective, intolerance and hatred of others who don't believe as you do and choose to eradicate all traces of any semblance of faith from everyday living who are losing a large part of life. That you are debasing and demeaning those of us who do believe is not lost on us.
We who don't believe as you are in number far larger than you and make no mistake - you will not succeed in erasing faith and patriotism in our country.
Watch for it. It's coming.
- SAndy, Thornton

Wow. The ignorance on this forum is astounding to say the least. The Constitution does indeed give us a Separation of church and state, this includes freedom FROM religion as the courts have ruled in previous cases.

Just because the Does are defending their rights doesnt mean they should "move to another country" as some have suggested. And they are anonymous to protect themselves against bigotry and persecution, as some have wonderfully demonstrated on this forum.

No one is trying to take away your religious rights. The FFRF is simply trying keep the govt secular and keep equality.

Why dont you religious ppl see it from the perspective of non-religious ppl? What if the pledge and our money said "under no god because he doesnt exist"? OMG, their would be hell to pay. Christians would be up in arms chanting. But its convinient to say "if you dont like it go to Iran," when your beliefs are supported.

And again, this isnt about "freedom of speech" or expression. It is about GOVERNMENT sponsorship of a religious viewpoint.
- Kuba, Riverside, CA

The original pledge was written in 1892 and didn't contain the words "Under God". They were added in 1954. It existed longer without the words than it has with them.

Were people here aware of this fact? Do you know why the words were added?

Why more people don't value freedom "from" religion is beyond me. The "God" mentioned could be any God.

Many believed the words were needed because of the godless communists. I find this to be ironic because the biggest threat to the US now is from people with too much God. Jihadists are devout believers. Perhaps most ironic is that liberalism is what is needed most in the Middle East and the biggest pushers of liberalizing the Middle East are US conservatives. Think about it.

You are not bound to say the pledge as that would violate your first amendment rights. Say it in it's original form or don't say it at all, it's up to you.
- John R, Keene

Pathetic, a bunch of ignorant religious people complaining about the article.

And to any of you fools who say "leave the country" to people who are "weakening it" maybe you should leave as your close minded belief system that America should be a stagnant nation of a white rich hateful majority is sickening. And you know that is what you mean by weakening, white rich war mongers are losing their power. Boo Hoo.

Down with religion, time to use our minds.
- Robert the Atheist, Manchseter

How about we bring back the good old days? Back when the nation was founded, in many states certain religious types could not run for office, and heresy was punishable by flogging or death, depending on the state. Yeah gimme that old-time religion! Why stop there, how about a religious state, like Imadinnajacket in Iran runs?

The pledge with god in it is the worst kind of interference by government forcing religion against people's rights. Separate church and state please!
- Claire, Newmarket

I have two words for these parents. "Home Schooling". They are so proud and sure in their beliefs that they do not even have the courage to put their names in the complaint. If they do not want their children to be exposed to the pledge then have the school district reove their children from the classrooms until it is over. They say thet they feel their their right to express their beliefs are being violated? Then let them make this change and I will sue the parents and that organization for infringing on my child's right to express her belief by reciting the pldge. Why should seeveral hundred school children suffer to benefit three children. This just amazes me that these people have so much time on their hands. Years ago there was an organization called American's for religious freedom. This organization fouight against several of these casses and won every challenge. The president of this otrganization was a man by the name of Daniel Haime. Their cause was the fight to make sure that every American could express their religious beliefs. For your information this great man was brought up as an athiest. He raised his children as athiests, He was a true believer in allowing everyone to express their beliefs.

Why do some people feel that their rights are more important than others. My blood is boiling at this. I can't wait to see the outcome of this. I am callingmy lawyer on Monday.
- Steve Micke, Fereedom

Thank you, Judge McAuilffe. And to the.... teacher in Augusta, Maine ~

Your words were, indeed, refreshing to read!
- Jack Mac, Manchester

Fascinating case. Pledges are an un-American thing anyway, but one day, as mankind matures, people will laugh at the idea that such a concept as, "under God," would even be considered credible. Sure, the nation is under a god, right - lol!.

At any rate the obvious solution to the dilemma of theistic indoctrination is to hold the pledge at the END of the class not the beginning.

This would allow those who were not actually interested to respectfully LEAVE the room. Do the theists have the sense of fairness to do this? I doubt it.
- Tom Labrie, Rochester

Brian from Canaan, your way off the mark. All of our founding fathers had some type of religious affiliation. Whether it was Charles Carroll from Maryland (Catholic) or Benjamin Rush from Pennsylvania (Presbyterian). Some were active Ministers and sons of clergy men. "Separation of Church and State" is to keep government from choosing one over the other. So you see our country was founded on Christian values not the values of the "just do it if it feels good" bunch. That's why God is on our money and in our Pledge of Allegiance. Now, our founding fathers were under religious persecution themselves so they made provisions if you choose to worship differently. Let's hope the Doe family doesn't go to a NASCAR event anytime soon because they'll be sure to have their panties in a bunch when the Invocation is given before the race.
- PJM, Manchester

Personally I have no problem with the "Under God" as I am of Christian decent.

However I do understand why some non Christian citizens take exception to this.

Basic fact is we were founded on the basis of Christianity 400 years ago. We have moved into a more diverse society.

The bottom line is, if "Under God" were to be omitted from The Pledge of Allegiance in order to keep it in schools, that's more important.

I grew up in the military, while living in Germany in the early 60's, we had prayers and pledged allegiance every morning.

Upon returning to the states in mid 60's, the prayer was gone?? I didn't understand why.

Let's work together to ensure the same doesn't happen to the Pledge!
- Harry, Atkinson

religion is for the weak-willed and simple-minded. The sooner it is scrubbed from our society, the better. I'll depend on science and logic instead of mysticism and faith, thank you very much,
- Tony L, Manchester

We are "one nation under God". Yet, the key point here is that no children are required to recite the pledge of alliciance to our nation. The "Doe's" really don't want their children in this nation if they don't want to recite the pledge. Also, are they not forcing their brand of "religion" upon their children and attempting to do so to the shcool district(s) and nation.

Brian, the foundng fathers almost all knew God, had a deep, abiding knowledge and faith in Him and His ways. You know not your history and obviously are blinded to and ignorant of the Word of God through Jesus Christ . His judgement is coming upon this nation because of those of you who are ignorant, intoerant, and discriminatory against those of us who believe in God and know him as our savior. Which is in direct violation of our Constitution, Bill of Rights, and Declaration of Indpendence. One example is George Washington diaries give credit to His Lord and Savior not just for the battles he won and survived but as importantly the establishment of this nation as a nation--one nation in unity under God. He experience God's miracles and grace because George Washington knew God and used His Ways to adminsiter his miliatry servce and each solider as well as this nation when he became President.. Those of you who are ahtestis or agnostics will learn He is God, I pray it won't be at the time of your death for there is an eternal Hell and an eternal Heaven. We are a spirit in a this human body only for a few years. Your choice, lack of choice, avoiding makng a clear choice to believe the Truth will decide your eternality. Scoff, laugh, belittle, berate, and promote your intoerant religious belief that their is no God as you may. God is surpreme and gave us all the breath of life, and He will judge every individual, peoples, and nations for how they have received or rejected His son, Jesus Christ. His judgements on this nation has arrived in small warning and consequential waves these days; because there are consequencesas clarly stated in His Word for nations, peoples and individuals who stray from His Truths. If and when and as the nation goes more into idolitry, the love of all self pleasures, unbelief, and disobedience to His Ways, the waves will get wrose on this nation and all. Don't believe me--I didn't say this. He did. Test my truth by going to someone who is a True beleiver and have him or her help you read the Bible.
- Jan, Londonderry, NH

One more time. When I learned the pledge at Weston Grammar School in Manchester, there was no"under God" in it . Ike put it in. I am a patriot (I Have a Department of Defense form 214) and I am a Christian,
but I do believe that religion and politics do not mix. I will not leave the country just because some people disagree with me. Kevin is not a revisionist, the writer was a socialist. Is it not obvious that countries where religion rules the politics are very dfficult places to live in ?
a true personal coservative
- Jack Sullivan, San Luis Obispo,California

There have been several vitriolic comments in this discussion suggesting that the anonymous Doe plaintiffs in this case should give up their civil rights guaranteed to them by Constitution as well as their American citizenship by moving to another country. And people can’t understand why they chose to remain anonymous? By remaining anonymous, they merely chose not to be a target of a potential figurative and/or biblical public stoning.

It is a good thing that no one said to our Founding Fathers "If you don't like it leave". Otherwise we'd still be under British rule.
- Desertman, Sierra Vista, AZ

While the words “under God” do not seem to establish a particular religion since the word “God” is generic. Many religions differ in practice and other beliefs, but hold belief in “God” as a central tenet. Accordingly, those generic words could be interpreted to allow Hindus and Muslims to recite the pledge without violating their rights since belief in God and the word “God” is not specifically Christian - despite the railings of some. The issue cannot, however, be decided quite so simply.

Although many definitions of “religion” contain the belief in a supreme deity, those definitions are challenged as too restrictive by many scholars since religious beliefs come in all stripes and some don’t contain the concept of God. Besides the complaint of the Jehovah’s Witnesses about “God” versus the “Kingdom of Jesus Christ,” agnostics, atheists, Buddhists, Taoists, and others do not subscribe to a belief in “God” as the word is generally used. Unlike religions based on a belief in God, followers of those religions could have a reasonable objection to “under God” in the Pledge of Allegiance.
- Desertman, Sierra Vista, AZ

To Mike Exeter,
I challenge you to show me anywhere in the constitution where it says anything about separation of church and state. The constitution protects us from having any laws passed that would force any one religion upon us but does not ban God! If you have any proper education at all regarding American history you would most certainly know that our founding fathers had a deep belief in God. This country was founded upon those beliefs using God’s law as a template and our country was founded on the principal of freedom of religion based on our forefather’s belief in God’s law. If not for our founding fathers belief in God's law you wouldn’t have any of the freedoms that you and we all enjoy today. If you and your children are such shrinking violets that you are offended by the mere mentioning of God in the pledge of allegiance, then may I strongly suggest you either seek professional help for you and your family, or leave the country? By the way people like you offend me. Is there a law that I can lobby for to protect me against people like you? Two edged sword isn’t it?
- Rob, Manchester

Under god was not in the Pledge of Allegiance until the 1950s. It should not have not been in there in the first place. Separation between Church and State ring a bell to any one?
- Mike, Exeter

I chose to fight for this country during the Vietnam war. That was my right, and fought for the rights of the people from this country that wanted to be a US Citizen.

I grew up with saying the pledge of allegiance being recided every day in school.

To these people that want to take my rights away, why dont they just leave this country and go live in anouther country. If you want to be in America be an American.

Mac-Manchester I praise you for your beleifs. People have a right to choose their religion or no religion.

I dont care what color or nationality anybody is but if someone wants to live in this Country "Be an American" or leave.....
- Rob, Milford

A belief in God is in itself a religion. While that does not support a specific credo or series of customs, it is religious. I've always felt comfortable with the Masonic ideal that, in order to believe all men equal, it helps to believe in a supreme power beyond our comprehension or attainment. As far as a pledge goes, I have always felt uncomfortable pledging my allegiance to a war banner. I would much prefer to pledge my allegiance to a representation of the constitution.
- peter, keene

I applaud the Does for their strength of character in filing this lawsuit. Religion under any guise, is mere superstition, and that is certainly one of the reasons why our founding fathers wisely chose to keep religion out of our government. Many of our founding fathers were atheists or agnostics.
- Brian Cummings, Canaan

Freedom of religion, not freedom from religion. Freedom of speech, not freedom from speech.
- DM, Hampton

All references to God should be removed from anything having to do with our government. I wish it was off our money. I wish the president didn't swear on a bible. I don't even like the song "god bless america". If it's got god in it, I don't want it. That's my right. A big majority like all the god stuff so I'll probably just have to deal with it for the rest of my life, but don't tell me or anyone else that we don't have the right to not like it.
- Fred, Amherst

In my opinion, requiring the pledge in schools is not constitutional. Pressure from peers, teachers, and administrators should not be a factor when deciding personal beliefs. Acknowledging "one nation under God," on a daily basis is the same as the school stating that a God exists. To believe or not is a personal & private decision - students shouldn't be asked to display their agreement or objections in a public setting everyday. School is for learning - not for indoctrination or making students feel awkward and different
- FM, Manchester, NH

Since the Does can't live with listening to the pledge of allegiance to the United States of America, my advice to them would be to move themselves to another country........ say, Iran maybe ?
- Gus, Manchester

So Jack, unless someone walks lockstep with your beliefs or celebrates their supposed love of their country in the same manner as you they're not true Americans? It always amuses me when "conservatives", who as a whole claim to be for a smaller and less intrusive government, get all bent out of shape when someone tries to remove the mention of the Christian "God" from schools but not when someone else tries to force everyone in school to pray at the beginning of the day. Can't have it both ways folks.
- Jon, Hooksett

To choose to practice a particular religion or not is a personal choice.

What I find most troubling with Liberals on this topic is the mistaken belief that the US Constitution guarantees the ABSENCE of religion or separation of church and state when the 1A doesn't say that at all.

The 1A states quite explicitly that "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof;"

This does not prohibit Religion or references to Religion but rather says that Congress shall not adopt an official religion nor shall it pass laws to regulate religion.

Instead of reading other people's opinions on the US Constitution, people would be well served by actually reading it for themselves and pay careful attention to what powers are reserved for the Federal Gov, the States and the People.
- JP, Warner

Our Constitution provides as a basic foundation the freedom OF religion. The fact that the group has chosen to be called Freedom FROM religion is a glaring example they do not understand the principles this country was founded upon.

As a point of information they are making headway, the new gold dollar coin is the first currency that does not have the words In God We Trust. I refuse to use it.
- JD, Manchester

I think that the real question here has nothing to do with schools or rights. The real question is why do we mention God in any of our government sponsored institutions. As we all know, some people believe in God, some in Gods, some not at all. Religion, as spelled out by our forefathers, should be separate from government. We should have a pledge. We should have money. It just shouldn't mention God.
- Lenny, Littleton, NH

The story states that the Does . . . "argued that the school and the district had a duty to show equal respect to their beliefs." Don't they have a duty to show that same level of respect for the beliefs of others?

If you believe in God, you'd better start standing up for Him because it only takes one complaint to get Him out of the schools, as evidenced by a recent ban on a Southern high school football team's cheerleaders holding up Biblical versus for the players to run through. We have to as proactive as the atheists and agnostics.
- Doug, Gilford

The Doe family, who clearly know they are just trying to be pains in the butt or else they would have been brave enough to use their real name, are nothing but whacked out lib bullies.

When they meet their maker... that will be interesting!

...and if reciting the pledge is so bad because of the word "God" then just don't say it. However I am certain that the brave men and women fighting for this country right now appreciate the fact that we say it out of respect for them and this country. They pray to God every day so that they may live to see the next, all so that these whacked libs can have these stupid lawsuits.

Kevin from Lancaster, maybe the Doe's will adopt you...
- Marc, Weare

People need to think about this issue and what is really taking place. I never remember anyone being forced to say the pledge growing up. But the push is on to make sure no one can say the pledge or mention God in any way.

Yes one side of this issue is forcing itself on everyone else and it's not those who believe in freedom, our nation and constitution, or God.

Every law passed is one more freedom of choice lost because of the radicals among us. Freedom is not liking everything but still being free to exercise ones beliefs and having the freedom to choose. Some want to take choice away and it's not the evil Christians as claimed but the communists we seem not to want to acknowledge are living with us.

In a free society even the enemies of freedom are free to express their beliefs and run for office, and if you don't think those who despise what this nation was built on are living with you, you're naive. It is up to us to make sure we know when our freedom and constitution are being attacked so we don't end up electing the enemies of our constitution to office and they change the constitution or create laws that rob us of our freedoms.
- Deb, Derry

To the "Doe's
1- Funny, you think you are so right but won't give your name.

2- I'll pray to God that you recover from this "illness".

3- Why would anyone subject their children to this madness?
- Pete, Somersworth

The "Doe's should go live in a cave in the Upper Valley. Their lawyer and spokesperson please tag along.
- Max, Litchfield

Kevin, while your history of the Pledge of Allegiance may be accurate, the fact remains that is was coopted not by "flag waving conservatives" as you call us, but by an entire nation. People of all political ideologies have recited the pledge for many years.
This lawsuit is a frivolous waste of court resources and the Does really would do their children a service if they would get a life. No one forces their kids to recite the pledge, therefore there is no problem. The Does should be made to pay all the associated court costs they have foisted upon the good people of NH.
- Ron, Manchester

Mac, Manchester and the Asian exchange student in Augusta, ME are to be commended, even hailed. They are true examples of embracing diversity. If many more people would behave as they do, war would be obsolete. Thank you, Mac and Teacher in Maine for sharing your stories.
- Kathy, Manchester

Our family does not use swear, off colored words or vulgarity, whatever else you may refer to such words as. They are not TOLERATED at all in our home. I am greatly offended when we hear them. Those words are used a WHOLE LOT more than "under God" or any other words reventlyused speaking about or toward God. What rights do we step out on so that we don't have our ears burning with such vulgarity in the every day coming and going of the day?
- Lynn T., Manchester

Conservatives ought not argue that you are harmed because "it's only words," as they did in the Texas monument case (clearing the way for liberals to make the same phony argument on gay marriage. That we suffer no financial harm does not mean we have no stake, and does not mean it's all right for government to endorse specific viewpoints.

And no, we don't have to stop using dollar bills to prove our seriousness, any more than anti-abortion people have to adopt all the resulting babies.
- Spike, Brentwood NH

Hey Atheist family... I have rights too. Maybe I want to say "under God" in the pledge.

Perhaps I should be suing you for infringing my rights.

BTW.. who does this? Don't you have anything else better to do?
- Hank, Hanover

Thanks to the post by the teacher in Maine. Excellent comments. In Keene the elementary schools, or some of them recite the pledge one every 6 days at assembly.

If there is any indoctrination going on in schools, all over this country, it is the elimination of religion and morals from our society.

I doubt that the "Doe" family even exists. What is sad is that a liberal activist group from Wisconsin can file lawsuits in NH and basically anywhere in the US, at will, to try and stifle local customs.

If I am not mistaken, most of these lawsuits filed by the fringe left, including the ACLU are supported by taxpayer funds thanks to the trial lawyers lobby groups and the US Congress.

As for Kevin's comments, you need to crawl back in your left wing revisionist history hole and stop your far left postings of hate and paranoia.
- Melvin, Keene

Not standing or reciting the Pledge of Allegiance goes way beyond being a "choice". It's not an option. It's what you do. When did it become OK to disrespect our flag and country,by not standing ? It's a show of disrespect and defiance. It's time to draw the line. If you don't want your kids "exposed", then home school them. They have already been given the opportunity to sit down and shut up while the Pledge is recited, which is wrong, to begin with. God Bless America.
- BW, Candia

I am a secondary level teacher, we recite the pledge every day at my school. I have an Asian exchange student in my class who, on the first day of school and without prompting, politely stood and let those who wanted to recite... (He is a Muslim.) When others questioned why he stood up, he said it was out of respect for us and our traditions and he wanted to be polite.... Students at our school stand, no one authority questions whether they recite. There are lots of views but in this case I think respecting others who don't want to recite is OK. In over 25 years of teaching I don't believe I've seen any adverse effects (such as religious indoctrination) of standing or hearing the pledge, the only opposition I've ever heard is "Do I have to stand? I'm soooo tired!" I would like to know if the Does use money, are they going to take on the American monetary system which prints "In God We Trust?" on our dollars and cents? I look forward to that suit!
- Teacher in Maine, Augusta, ME

This has nothing to do with GOD but has to do with being Patriotic and pledging allegience to your country. I am starting to get sick of liberal ideas and finding being politically correctness to be very unpolitically correct.

I doubt these people are really Americans at all, perhaps they need an invitation to leave the country if they are really disgruntled.

Perhaps everyone trying to weaken our great country ought to be shown the door especially for their sakes. If you can't get up pledge allegience to the flag or treat our symbols and treasures with the utmost respect I have no respect for you and couldn't care less if you fell off the planet.
- Jack Alex, Manchester

If they don't like to hear the Pledge recited they should home school. My rights will be violated if I am not allowed to say the Pledge and my rights count as much as theirs.
- Dawn, Manchester

Are the parents OK with using currency with "In God We Trust" written on the back of every bill?
- Dom Paresso, Derry

Definitions of 'tolerance' (tŏĺər-əns)
Dictionary.com · The American Heritage® Dictionary - (6 definitions)

(noun)
The capacity for or the practice of recognizing and respecting the beliefs or practices of others.

Leeway for variation from a standard.
The permissible deviation from a specified value of a structural dimension, often expressed as a percent.
The capacity to endure hardship or pain.
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This is supposed to be a two-way street and as an atheist - I simply dont recite those two words when I say the pledge. Hearing those words do not offend me, in fact that is exactly what they are: words.

The school's policy is pretty cut and dry. To participate is VOLUNTARY - no one is making these kids DO it. Yeah so what, they have to hear it! Oh no, what ever shall we do?! This is an example of a frivolous case that was nothing but a mere waste of time. That judge could have been overseeing a much more important case than this rediculous attempt to push a groundless agenda.

No matter what religion is out there, it seems (and this is including Atheist and Agnostics) no one religion has the right to push their religious beliefs/teachings on one another - that is intrusive. But, to be tolerant that yes there are people who are catholic, christian, baptist, atheist, whatever belief system you have chosen for yourself, you have to put up with that fact that NO ONE WAY CAN HAVE THEIR OWN WAY.

Im still a patriot to my country whether I say "Under God" or not. I choose not to be in any religion but also choose not to be a pain up someone's arse either.
- Mac, Manchester

"Judge McAuliffe's order said the state could still argue that the law requiring schools to lead the pledge is constitutional...", and he based that ruling on finding that the Pledge is not a "prayer", either "religious" or "nonsectarian".

True enough. What it is, which McAuliffe called "a civic patriotic statement", and "an affirmation of adherence to the principles to which the nation stands", is an oath to principles the student (and/or the student's parents) might not necessarily share.

I remain amazed at flag-waving "conservatives" who don't understand that the Pledge of Allegience was written by a socialist, and the original "salute" was not hand over heart, but the hand outthrust, palm down, in what most people now recognize as the "Sig Heil!" salute.

It's funny that pseudo-conservatives rage about "indoctrination" in public schools about so many subjects, but suddenly jump to defend recitation of the Pledge.

I say "no thanks", to both the pledge, and to public schools. I don't want ideologues of any stripe educating my children.
- Kevin, Lancaster

"The Does claimed that...teachers continued to lead the pledge in the children's classes, thus exposing them to the words "under God,". . . Can't have that, can we?

Isn't it amazing that "they" have constitutional rights but "the rest of us" don't? If the Does are so grounded in their atheism and agnosticism, mere words shouldn't cause them to "convert", should they? The next thing we know, church bells and calls to prayer will be silenced because they offend someone.
- Guy Plante, Manchester