The Pledge of Allegiance: Anti-Semitic and Pro-Terrorist

Supporters of keeping "under God" in the Pledge of Allegiance commonly argue that the absence of god in the Pledge would mean that the Pledge would support atheism - just like the absence of religion in public schools means that they support atheism. Have they really thought through the implications of such an argument?

Ian explains what some logical conclusions of this sort of “reasoning” would be:

1. As you may notice, the Pledge of Allegiance does not reflect our commitment to the existence of a Jewish state. Ergo, it is anti-semitic.
2. The Pledge contains no reference to fighting terrorism. Ergo, the Pledge of Allegiance is objectively pro-terrorist.
3. Super Mario Brothers is insufficiently glorified in the Pledge. Ergo, the Pledge knows nothing about classic NES.

There are many more possible implications that one could draw, each more ridiculous than the next. The fault, obviously, lies with the “reasoning” being used: the absence of something does not indicate that the opposite is being promoted. The absence of “under God” in the Pledge of Allegiance would not, therefore, indicate that atheism is being promoted — just as atheism wasn’t being promoted during those many years before the phrase was added.

Read More:

• Separation of Church and State 101
• Church and State News
• Pledge of Allegiance