NationStates Jolt Archive

The state of Texas has decided to add the phrase "one state under God" to its pledge of allegiance. How do you feel about this move? Poll coming.

Students must remember 'God' in Texas pledge


By MELANIE MARKLEY
Copyright 2007 Houston Chronicle

The revised Texas pledge

Honor the Texas flag; I pledge allegiance to thee, Texas, one state under God, one and indivisible. Texas students will have four more words to remember when they head back to class this month and begin reciting the state's pledge of allegiance.

This year's Legislature added the phrase "one state under God" to the pledge, which is part of a required morning ritual in Texas public schools along with the pledge to the U.S. flag and a moment of silence.

State Rep. Debbie Riddle, who sponsored the bill, said it had always bothered her that God was omitted in the state's pledge.

"Personally, I felt like the Texas pledge had a big old hole in it, and it occurred to me, 'You know what? We need to fix that,' " said Riddle, R-Tomball. "Our Texas pledge is perfectly OK like it is with the exception of acknowledging that just as we are one nation under God, we are one state under God as well."

By law, students who object to saying the pledge or making the reference to God can bring a written note from home excusing them from participating.

But adding that phrase has drawn criticism from some who say it's unneccesary and potentially harmful to children who don't share the same religious beliefs. "Most Texans do not need to say this new version of the pledge in order to be either patriotic or religious," said Barry Lynn, executive director of Americans United for the Separation of Church and State. "This is the kind of politicking of religion that disturbs many Americans, including those who are deeply religious."

The revised wording in the Texas pledge took effect on June 15, and the Texas Education Agency sent an e-mail reminding school districts about the change earlier this week.

Officials with Houston-area districts say they will notify schools and parents about the new requirement.

Rebecca Suarez, spokeswoman for the Houston Independent School District, said a letter about the change will be sent home to parents when their children return to school. And a flier with the pledge's revised wording will be sent to each campus before classes start.

Texas has had a pledge of allegiance since 1933. In 2003, the Legislature required all schools to pledge allegiance to the U.S. and Texas flags and observe a moment of silence every morning at the beginning of classes.

Texas isn't the only state that has its own pledge of allegiance. Other states include Michigan, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana and Kentucky.

Mississippi and Louisiana mention God in their pledges. And Kentucky lays claim to being blessed with "grace from on High."

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/metropolitan/5020241.html

Bush is at the ranch??

Hardly surprising. This is texas after all. Lots of people there oppose important liberties and unconditionally vote republican. Sometimes I really wonder what's wrong with those people.

Meh. Is it really necessary?

In my opinion, deference to a higher power is a critical component of one's education and the concept must be instilled in our youngsters.

Meh. Is it really necessary?

which is part of a required morning ritual in Texas public schools along with the pledge to the U.S. flag and a moment of silence.

... i don't like.

By law, students who object to saying the pledge or making the reference to God can bring a written note from home excusing them from participating.

....seems to allow those who don't want to do it, to not say it.

Which brings me back to my original point: Why? Is it really necessary?

In my opinion, deference to a higher power is a critical component of one's education and the concept must be instilled in our youngsters.

Well you're not King of the World so pardon me if I ZZZzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz......

As one who went to high school in Texas- the whole thing sucks. I refused to say the pledge in high school and would encourage my niece and nephews who currently attend school there to do the same.

Also, your poll should be, "Right, and I fear God," and, "Wrong, and I'm a Godless Pinko Commie."

In my opinion, deference to a higher power is a critical component of one's education and the concept must be instilled in our youngsters.Well, if the higher power is an invention (which the biblical "god" in fact is) then it is rather miseducation.

Pointless.

...they have a state pledge?

Read towards the bottom of the article.

"Texas isn't the only state that has its own pledge of allegiance. Other states include Michigan, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana and Kentucky."

...they have a state pledge?

I remember when I was in school, we would say the pledge to the Texas flag every morning, and it didn't bother me a bit.

But this...is just an abuse of political power to make people who aren't secure in their faith feel a little better. I'm deeply religious myself, but I don't feel the need to add words into the pledge to uphold my religious beliefs. I can do that just fine on my own.

In my opinion, deference to a higher power is a critical component of one's education and the concept must be instilled in our youngsters.

Religious Indocrination is not education.

I had to sit through a formal act of worship every day at school for umpteen years. (And say grace before lunch). :rolleyes:

While I'm sure it didn't do me any damage, I resent the twenty minutes x 9000 it took out of my life. All this stuff should be purely optional, and there should be no need for parental permission to 'opt out'. It should be up to the students. (i.e., students that want to do this sort of thing can meet in the auditorium fifteen minutes early and go through the whole rigmarole.)

As one who went to high school in Texas- the whole thing sucks.

Agreed. I didn't say either pledge as well.

(i.e., students that want to do this sort of thing can meet in the auditorium fifteen minutes early and go through the whole rigmarole.)

Minors are incapable of making suitable decisions regarding their education -- they cannot opt out of mandatory classes such as math, language art, or English. A parental note is required for them to be excused from controversial classes such as sexual "education." Why should this be any different?

Minors are incapable of making suitable decisions regarding their education -- they cannot opt out of mandatory classes such as math, language art, or English. A parental note is required for them to be excused from controversial classes such as sexual "education." Why should this be any different?

Because prayer and pledges aren't part of education?

Because it would annoy you.

I like your reason better.

Minors are incapable of making suitable decisions regarding their education -- they cannot opt out of mandatory classes such as math, language art, or English. A parental note is required for them to be excused from controversial classes such as sexual "education." Why should this be any different?

Because, once again, Religious Indoctrination is not education.

Oh, and as a side note, we're perfectly capable. For Example, the students are the ones choose which foreign language to take, not our school.

Minors are incapable of making suitable decisions regarding their education -- they cannot opt out of mandatory classes such as math, language art, or English. A parental note is required for them to be excused from controversial classes such as sexual "education." Why should this be any different?

Because it would annoy you.

Minors are incapable of making suitable decisions regarding their education

That's strange. As a minor I was well capable of making the decision to take Chemistry and Biology while dropping Physics, and taking French injstead of German.

*POP*

What was that...?

Oh right.... that was your point deflating.

God's back in Texas, eh?

*fishes around for his hammer and nails*

Say, anyone got a spare crucifix?

God's back in Texas, eh?

*fishes around for his hammer and nails*

Say, anyone got a spare crucifix?
Wouldn't touch the things. They're defective. Don't believe me?

Read this wiki article. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Death_and_Resurrection_of_Jesus)

Fuck that. I have never said the pledge (US or Texan) since I got old enough to think for myself, and I never will. This will just reinforce the whole thing. *grumble grumble* What a load of crock.

Wouldn't touch the things. They're defective. Don't believe me?

Read this wiki article. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Death_and_Resurrection_of_Jesus)

Well at least we can use it to run him out of town. Kinda useful that way.

Maybe if we cement down the grave...

In my opinion, deference to a higher power is a critical component of one's education and the concept must be instilled in our youngsters.

Would this higher concept be Dubya and the church of latter day morons, or God?

Incidentally, you are completely wrong. An appreciation of authority and an acceptance thereof is a part of maturity, and a value that should be upheld in school, however, what you suggest defies any notion of creating a sprit of enquiry.

Well at least we can use it to run him out of town. Kinda useful that way.

Maybe if we cement down the grave...

Turn into into a power line tower, if its high enough.

Let's use some logic and common sense.:headbang:

The United States of America was founded to be a nation of people who are free to be a part of any religion they wanted. Or if you didn't want to be a part of a religious sect, you are free to do so. Our founding fathers (especially Thomas Jefferson) would be rolling in their graves if they knew our current leaders in government (local and federal) are creating laws like this one.

No one should be forced to make a pledge to any god, period. There are so many different beliefs out there, you cannot consolidate into only one lone "God". How is it fair to force a child to make a pledge to "God" when they believe in a different one (example-a child who is Muslim) or do not believe in God at all.

To me, that is oppressing the people, and that is just not right.......

-NRJ

In my opinion, deference to a higher power is a critical component of one's education and the concept must be instilled in our youngsters.
I choose Andre the Giant as my higher power, then.
I mean, if he's good enough for House...
Minors are incapable of making suitable decisions regarding their education -- they cannot opt out of mandatory classes such as math, language art, or English. A parental note is required for them to be excused from controversial classes such as sexual "education." Why should this be any different?
Ah, but they can choose within those subjects how difficult of classes to take, and other specifics. In high school, I opted out of physics, I chose to take advanced math classes (AP Calculus in my Senior year), I chose to take French as my foreign language (and for four years!) and took a current issues class, just to name a few examples of decisions I made, without asking parental permission. So I guess you're just an idiot, huh?

Because, once again, Religious Indoctrination is not education.

Indeed. Indoctrination is the very opposite of education.

Wouldn't touch the things. They're defective. Don't believe me?

Read this wiki article. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Death_and_Resurrection_of_Jesus)
You know, I've always wondered why Christians use that as their symbol. I mean, if Jesus comes back and sees all these crosses, don't you think he'll be really offended? I mean, they KILLED him on one of those. Slowly and painfully! If that happened to me and then I came back and people rubbed it in by holding up the instrument of my torture, I'd just leave.

Let's use some logic and common sense.:headbang:

The United States of America was founded to be a nation of people who are free to be a part of any religion they wanted. Or if you didn't want to be a part of a religious sect, you are free to do so. Our founding fathers (especially Thomas Jefferson) would be rolling in their graves if they knew our current leaders in government (local and federal) are creating laws like this one.

No one should be forced to make a pledge to any god, period. There are so many different beliefs out there, you cannot consolidate into only one lone "God". How is it fair to force a child to make a pledge to "God" when they believe in a different one (example-a child who is Muslim) or do not believe in God at all.

To me, that is oppressing the people, and that is just not right.......

-NRJ

QF FUCKING T

Aren't there some starving children in Texas who could have been fed with the money and manpower that it took to pass this bit of political grandstanding?

Aren't there some starving children in Texas who could have been fed with the money and manpower that it took to pass this bit of political grandstanding?

Yes. Most of them are illegal immigrants or the children of illegal immigrants. So, of course, they don't count.

Required morning pledge? I give this a month before the ACLU steps in. If that.

They did it the whole time I was in high school. No ACLU.

My state didn't have a pledge of alleigance, and when in the morning they announced the nation's pledge, I either ignored it or simply stood with my hands folded behind my back.

I didn't even know that Texas had a pledge of its own, but I'm not surprised at this or the "God clause".

But seriously. How fucking arrogant are they?

Read towards the bottom of the article.

"Texas isn't the only state that has its own pledge of allegiance. Other states include Michigan, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana and Kentucky."

Interesting. I grew up in Louisiana and the state pledge is a new one on me. We certainly didn't say it when I was a kid.

Still a stupid idea. Allegiance to your species might make sense, but to a piece of land or a political system? Pretty sad.

Required morning pledge? I give this a month before the ACLU steps in. If that.

And Alabama does not have it's own pledge, none I've ever heard.

Required morning pledge? I give this a month before the ACLU steps in. If that.

And Alabama does not have it's own pledge, none I've ever heard.

As long as there's a way to opt out, the law is fine.

As long as there's a way to opt out, the law is fine.
By law, students who object to saying the pledge or making the reference to God can bring a written note from home excusing them from participating.
Technically, there is an opt out. But there is still the requirement and the opt out process is limiting. The ACLU will be all over this. However, even if it gets to the USSC, it is stacked with crackpots who will rule it a-ok and every state in the South and Midwest will simultaneously convene their legislatures in order to require students to say the pledge of allegiance with God in it.

Read towards the bottom of the article.

"Texas isn't the only state that has its own pledge of allegiance. Other states include Michigan, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana and Kentucky."

Again, I state:

...they have a state pledge?


just because several states have it doesn't make it any less...well...pointless.

This is simply more wasted time that could easily be better spent doing...well...anything else.

Not called the "two bit hillbilly state" for nothing.

Ditto the "anus/armpit/spittoon/national disgrace of America"

Technically, there is an opt out. But there is still the requirement and the opt out process is limiting. The ACLU will be all over this. However, even if it gets to the USSC, it is stacked with crackpots who will rule it a-ok and every state in the South and Midwest will simultaneously convene their legislatures in order to require students to say the pledge of allegiance with God in it.

Nope...precident states there needs to be an opt-out in place. Not that it has to be easy. Same thing with sex ed.

Technically, there is an opt out. But there is still the requirement and the opt out process is limiting. The ACLU will be all over this. However, even if it gets to the USSC, it is stacked with crackpots who will rule it a-ok and every state in the South and Midwest will simultaneously convene their legislatures in order to require students to say the pledge of allegiance with God in it.

You could make the argument that the opt out is too onerous a burden, and that any student should be able to simply refuse as long as he or she isn't being disruptive--that's the general standard in place as regards the national pledge---but my general understanding is that the law is fairly solid as long as there's an opt-out provision.

they want people to pledge their allegiance to TEXAS?

what the fuck does that mean?

they want people to pledge their allegiance to TEXAS?

what the fuck does that mean?

As far as I know, whatever you mean when you say it.

I've never seen any official documentation about a duty to defend Texas or pay taxes to Texas associated with saying the pledge.

So realistically, most of the time it means nothing.

As far as I know, whatever you mean when you say it.

I've never seen any official documentation about a duty to defend Texas or pay taxes to Texas associated with saying the pledge.

So realistically, most of the time it means nothing.

i sincerely hope that you are right. i can think of no GOOD reason to pledge allegiance to texas.

maybe they are just talking about sports...

Not called the "two bit hillbilly state" for nothing.

Ditto the "anus/armpit/spittoon/national disgrace of America"

Or the capital of Jesusland, Dubyai.

Nope...precident states there needs to be an opt-out in place. Not that it has to be easy. Same thing with sex ed.

There is a test for burden put in place by another court case I forget.

And sex ed and this are two different things. I don't recall the supreme court case that says schools constitutionally can't force students to take sex education. A number of states have tried to pull shit like this, Alabama twice, and the USSC keeps shooting it down. If this gets taken to court, which it no doubt will, it will probably get shot down.

Wait, why does Texas have its own pledge? Doesn't the national one suffice?

I thought the Texas pledge would be something like: "I pledge undying hatred of anything sane, in the name of David Duke." Or somthing like that anyways.

I'll go with that. Long Live the Goddess! :D

Damn Time jolt!

Wait, why does Texas have its own pledge? Doesn't the national one suffice?
Not in Texas apparently.

Wait, why does Texas have its own pledge? Doesn't the national one suffice?

It is a fundamentally silly state.

In my opinion, deference to a higher power is a critical component of one's education and the concept must be instilled in our youngsters.

Which is why all your children are now going to be taught to revere the Wiccan Goddess. If you accept that, you might be just insane, not an insane hypocrite.

I thought the Texas pledge would be something like: "I pledge undying hatred of anything sane, in the name of David Duke." Or somthing like that anyways.

david duke is from louisiana.

Frankly, the nation one is bad enough, adding a state one just adds more unnecessary divisions in loyalty. And anything related to 'God' should not be present in either.

It is a fundamentally silly state.

I grew up there. Maybe that's why I'm so silly?

I grew up there. Maybe that's why I'm so silly?

Well, that and your fixation with Transformers...

Well, that and your fixation with Transformers...

Transformers are awesome! How can you say otherwise?

Transformers are awesome! How can you say otherwise?

That doesn't mean they aren't silly.

Just FYI, my fixation is with cars in general, not Transformers in particular. And I've been badly neglecting my car fixation lately.

But we should probably stay on topic about the Texas Pledge and Texas in general.

Fair enough. Though to be honest, I wasn't aware God had ever been in Texas in the first place.

Is FAG a mormon?

Well, that and your fixation with Transformers...

Just FYI, my fixation is with cars in general, not Transformers in particular. And I've been badly neglecting my car fixation lately.

But we should probably stay on topic about the Texas Pledge and Texas in general.

Because forcing children to take religious loyalty oaths proves that we're more manly than the godless Commies. What a load of crap.

Sure God's been in Texas. He likes to hang out with people who have egos the same size as his.



I really have no idea.

Heh, good point.

Fair enough. Though to be honest, I wasn't aware God had ever been in Texas in the first place.

Sure God's been in Texas. He likes to hang out with people who have egos the same size as his.

Is FAG a mormon?

I really have no idea.

Is it just me, or does this new version of the pledge seem redundant?

david duke is from louisiana.
Don't remind me. The last time he ran for office, he was running for House of Representatives in the district where I lived at the time. Fortunately, he finished 4th in the primary.

Know who won? Diaper David Vitter, now the Senator with the hooker problems.

That doesn't mean they aren't silly.

Of course they are; robots in disguise? Seriously!

But that is not the issue here. The issue is whether or not Texas, and several other states with their own pledges, are inherently silly, and spread that silliness to its citizenry.

And let it be known that not all silliness need be harmful: it is what you do with it that matters.

Why the hell would you pledge allegiance to Texas?

Some people actually like Texas, nay, love Texas. So they might want to pledge allegiance to it out of their positive feelings for the state.

But isn't a pledge of allegiance an act of allegiance to your country stating your loyalty to it and its institutions? It just doesn't seem to make sense that you would pledge allegiance to your particular state...what kind of things would test that allegiance?

It's probably due to the fact that Texas has a lot stronger state identity than Ohio, but I couldn't tell you.

Why the hell would you pledge allegiance to Texas?

Because it's genuinely patriotic to pledge allegiance to your state, unlike those unpatriotic liberals up north! Wait..

Why the hell would you pledge allegiance to Texas?

Some people actually like Texas, nay, love Texas. So they might want to pledge allegiance to it out of their positive feelings for the state.

But isn't a pledge of allegiance an act of allegiance to your country stating your loyalty to it and its institutions? It just doesn't seem to make sense that you would pledge allegiance to your particular state...what kind of things would test that allegiance?

I'm not aware of anything that would, as I mentioned earlier in the thread.

Remember, I'm not suggesting that it's rational to pledge allegiance to Texas, merely that people do have reasons for wanting to do so.

It's probably due to the fact that Texas has a lot stronger state identity than Ohio?

I suspect that has a lot to do with it.

Some people actually like Texas, nay, love Texas. So they might want to pledge allegiance to it out of their positive feelings for the state.

And some probably just want to go back to the days when Texas was a country. Hmmm. Wonder if the states where they have their own pledge have a higher number of militia nuts who want to break away from the union?

Hardly surprising. This is texas after all. Lots of people there oppose important liberties and unconditionally vote republican. Sometimes I really wonder what's wrong with those people.

You've answered your own question.

Did God ever leave Texas?
Did Texas leave God?

You've answered your own question.

what i mean is what's causing this silly behaviours from them.

Did God ever leave Texas?
Did Texas leave God?

Was he ever there in the first place?

Was he ever there in the first place?

We'll never know :(

Did God ever leave Texas?
Did Texas leave God?

I'm trying to figure out how an omnipresent being can "leave" or "go back to" a place, but hadn't had much success so far.

I'm trying to figure out how an omnipresent being can "leave" or "go back to" a place, but hadn't had much success so far.

God may do as he wishes...I guess...maybe?

what i mean is what's causing this silly behaviours from them.

I lived in the Republic of Texas for 15 years. Texans are, for the most part, Fundies and Right-Wing Libertarians. They hold sacred their inalienable right to be complete asshats. They dislike the Federal government and consider others to be weak and "sissyfied".

Texas has a pledge?

I lived in the Republic of Texas for 15 years. Texans are, for the most part, Fundies and Right-Wing Libertarians. They hold sacred their inalienable right to be complete asshats. They dislike the Federal government and consider others to be weak and "sissyfied".

I live there now and can vouch for this.

ya that seems like the general vibe ive been getting from them.....

There are state pledges? wtf is wrong with this country...

Texas has a pledge?

Yup. I used to say it every morning at school.

I'm surprised it wasn't in their pledge already.

When I went to elementary school in Texas, not only did we have to say the U.S. Pledge of Allegiance every morning, we also had to sing "The Eyes of Texas Are Upon You." :eek:

The fact that we have a state pledge of allegiance is news to me, though. And the fact that we've added an "under God" phrase to it is just thoroughly silly.

Edit: BTW, God never left Texas. He just has more important things to worry about than a pledge.

Wankers.

When I went to elementary school in Texas, not only did we have to say the U.S. Pledge of Allegiance every morning, we also had to sing "The Eyes of Texas Are Upon You." :eek:

The Eyes of Texas Are Upon You? Did Texas just become Big Brother? :p

Silly Texas. God has better things to do that pay attention to them. He can watch women changing you know.

Errr.... If the people who actually SAY the pledge to Texas (which is, as has been mentioned, silly at best) want to include "under God" that is, I suppose OK. If the people who don't want to say it at all skip the whole thing and the ones who don't want to say "under God" can just skip that part, then all the better.

Personally, I have not said the pledge (the US one) since I was very young and discussed with my Dad about what it meant. His advice once I decided not to say it (my choice, not his) was to stand up and when it was appropriate and just keep my hand at my side and remain silent. No teacher or administrator ever questioned this (and many did notice it) and any other students who did I told why and that was the end of it. The only grief I ever got about it was from a very right wing, religious nut of a kid in high school who wouldn't even do me the courtesy of listening to my point but just began to rant how I was unpatriotic (a point on which I agreed with him) and a pagan (a point about which I attempted to educate him, to no effect), and it caused a large group of others to do it my way in support for the rest of the school year.

Incidentally, if I happen to be attending someone's church service somewhere, this is how I also deal with prayers and hymns. It is basically respectful of others to stand, and doesn't indicate any subscription to the ideas from me, merely that I understand that YOU find this important, so I will be courteous about your beliefs.

Because it's genuinely patriotic to pledge allegiance to your state, unlike those unpatriotic liberals up north! Wait..

http://www.idrewthis.org/comics/idt20041028southernman.gif
:D

Hardly surprising. This is texas after all. Lots of people there oppose important liberties and unconditionally vote republican. Sometimes I really wonder what's wrong with those people.

Reread your second sentence. It answers a lot.

Incidentally, if I happen to be attending someone's church service somewhere, this is how I also deal with prayers and hymns. It is basically respectful of others to stand, and doesn't indicate any subscription to the ideas from me, merely that I understand that YOU find this important, so I will be courteous about your beliefs.

How I wish more people were this courteous.
For the record, *I* don't recite the Pledge of Allegiance either, even though it is recited every day in school. What I do ask my students to do is to please stand quietly for those thirty seconds. Most of them do; those who don't aren't hassled by me nor would I let someone else hassle them for it.

Yup. I used to say it every morning at school.

I just used to mumble incoherently under my breath.

As an Austinite, I'm appalled that this lousy state has actually wasted it's time worrying about infintesmal shit like this.

Then again, Texas in no way shape or form represents the people of Austin and vice versa.

This sure makes Texas look like a state of God-fearing, Ford truck driving, fag hating state, (And it probably is) but then again, I don't give a rat's ass about any part of Texas with the exception of Austin, Fredricksburg, and Ozona.

The point is, Austin had nothing to do with this.

As an Austinite, I'm appalled that this lousy state has actually wasted it's time worrying about infintesmal shit like this.

Then again, Texas in no way shape or form represents the people of Austin and vice versa.

This sure makes Texas look like a state of God-fearing, Ford truck driving, fag hating state, (And it probably is) but then again, I don't give a rat's ass about any part of Texas with the exception of Austin, Fredricksburg, and Ozona.

The point is, Austin had nothing to do with this.

Fredricksburg is an awesome town.

Fredricksburg is an awesome town.

No doubt about it. :D

As if the Texas state pledge of allegiance wasn't already cumbersome enough. "One state under God, one and indivisible?" Thank god I'm in college now...




Well, our state's Constitution does have over 400 amendments. Go figure, I guess.

I choose Andre the Giant as my higher power, then.


Hulk Hogan is a better god err, higher power...:p

But isn't a pledge of allegiance an act of allegiance to your country stating your loyalty to it and its institutions?

That sounds like a fair definition to me.

It just doesn't seem to make sense that you would pledge allegiance to your particular state...what kind of things would test that allegiance?

What kinds of things test the allegiance that one pledges to the USA?

Actually I remembered this article that says something about that.

Undated- At least 9 in 10 Michiganders suggested in a Detroit Free Press-Local 4 poll based on interviews with 800 adults and conducted July 7-12 that they love Michigan. No matter our employment status, income level, sex, race, educational background, politics or age - doggone it - Michiganders overwhelmingly agreed we pretty much love the state.

And four in 10 said they recently thought about fleeing Michigan, mostly for job reasons. More ominous, a solid majority of younger residents - Michigan's future - have "seriously considered" a move: roughly 40% of adults under 35. And one-third of Michigan parents with children under 18 expect their children to move to another state once they've finished their schooling.

Which raises the crucial question about Michigan: Is it possible for us to both love it and leave it?

Is that the sort of think you're talking about?

http://www.wzzm13.com/printfullstory.aspx?storyid=57923

It's probably due to the fact that Texas has a lot stronger state identity than Ohio, but I couldn't tell you.

Very likely. Michigan has a pledge as well, and Michigan has a very strong state identity. Also, our pledge is rather more progressive than that of Texas.

I pledge allegiance to the flag of Michigan, and to the state for which it stands, two beautiful peninsulas united by a bridge of steel, where equal opportunity and justice to all is our ideal.

None of this silly "God" business.

Anyway, state pledges are no more silly than the national one. In fact, I don't see how loyalty to one's state is any more silly than loyalty to the USA. I fail to see why Washington is more deserving of my loyalty than Lansing, and in fact see many reasons why it is less so.

So in closing

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a353/tuebor/Michigan.gif

In my opinion, deference to a higher power is a critical component of one's education and the concept must be instilled in our youngsters.

Remember, gravity is only a theory.
:rolleyes:

Silly Texas. God has better things to do that pay attention to them. He can watch women changing you know.

Isn't that why he keeps a selfish social face of preventing certain religious sects from showing any skin, just so god can get a dish in private?

The Eyes of Texas Are Upon You? Did Texas just become Big Brother? :p

It makes you wonder, doesn't it?

The eyes of Texas are upon you,
All the live long day.
The eyes of Texas are upon you,
You cannot get away.
Do not think you can escape them,
At night, or early in the morn'.
The eyes of Texas are upon you,
'Till Gabriel blows his horn!

I live in Austin, so they wanted us all to grow up to be UT students (or at least UT fans), and so we all got to sing that bastardized mockery of "I've Been Workin' On The Railroad."

Yeah, the fight songs of all Big 12 universities suck. But that's another discussion.

The state of Texas has decided to add the phrase "one state under God" to its pledge of allegiance. How do you feel about this move? Poll coming.


As long as people can accept that 'God' also refers to Allah then I do not see a problem.

Once again, Texas makes me glad I'm not in it. :)

Since when is indoctrinating children to a mindless bigoted idea which is grossly homophobic, violent and sadistic, encourages suspension of critical and independent thought and opinions and objectivity in the name of an zombie jew whom you can telepathically accept as your savior for 100% man regen after death, a good thing?

Isn't it about time the US ended its illegal insurgency into Mexican territory, never mind this daft pledge thing.

They should rather have added Richard Stanz! :D

That's strange. As a minor I was well capable of making the decision to take Chemistry and Biology while dropping Physics, and taking French injstead of German.

*POP*

What was that...?

Oh right.... that was your point deflating.

Sounded more like a rupture. Deflate would be more *sssssssssssssss...*

The state of Texas has decided to add the phrase "one state under God" to its pledge of allegiance. How do you feel about this move? Poll coming.


Pathetic, as usual. God-botherers are amazingly insecure on behalf of their supposedly-omnipotent deity. If their God truly requires them to blather his name at every opportunity, then he's one lame-ass God. And if he doesn't, then they're just being lame all by themselves.

Since when is indoctrinating children to a mindless bigoted idea which is grossly homophobic, violent and sadistic, encourages suspension of critical and independent thought and opinions and objectivity in the name of an zombie jew whom you can telepathically accept as your savior for 100% man regen after death, a good thing?

Since 1954. Goddam Ike Eisenhower.

Hulk Hogan is a better god err, higher power...

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y138/Dragonkirby/Non-Kirby/911.jpg

Michigan has a very strong state identity.
http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a353/tuebor/Michigan.gif

To be fair, a non-negligible part of that is "better than Ohio", but still. :p

To be fair, a non-negligible part of that is "better than Ohio", but still. :p

True, true, but isn't that something to be happy about? :p

But wouldn't you say that a similar part of Canadian identity comes from being "not American"?

True, true, but isn't that something to be happy about? :p

But wouldn't you say that a similar part of Canadian identity comes from being "not American"?

Oh, definitely. As soon as I got outta Dodge and over to Luxembourg I incorporated a bit of that myself.

Oh, definitely. As soon as I got outta Dodge and over to Luxembourg I incorporated a bit of that myself.

I need figure out some way to get back to France. Damn being broke!

I think they should add in brackets 'OF WAR' to truly pay homage to one of the most well known Texans in history.

Huh. I grew up in Texas. I went through many years of public schooling there. I consider myself a proud Texan. And yet I have never heard of the pledge until opening this thread. Good sweet Buddha, the pols embarass us again. (>_<) At least it wasn't one of those Godamnnedyankeebushnuts who keep embarassing us by claiming to be Texans.

And texans wonder why everyone else makes fun of texas...

As an Austinite, I'm appalled that this lousy state has actually wasted it's time worrying about infintesmal shit like this.

Then again, Texas in no way shape or form represents the people of Austin and vice versa.

This sure makes Texas look like a state of God-fearing, Ford truck driving, fag hating state, (And it probably is) but then again, I don't give a rat's ass about any part of Texas with the exception of Austin, Fredricksburg, and Ozona.

The point is, Austin had nothing to do with this.It has been said, "the only problem with Austin is it's in the middle of Texas." Keep Austin wierd.

And texans wonder why everyone else makes fun of texas... Not all of us do. Some of us take a perverse pleasure in noting how fucked up the state is.

Yes, but the few sensible texans are rendered meaningless by the endless hordes of Dubya lovers. :(

Once again, Texas makes me glad I'm not in it. :)

I suspect Texas is happier without you too. They wouldn't get your brand of humour. It's far too highbrow for them.

I suspect Texas is happier without you too. They wouldn't get your brand of humour. It's far too highbrow for them.

I suspect you're right. *pushes you into a vat of tapioca pudding* :)

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a353/tuebor/Michigan.gif

QFT. The Legislature may be full of dumbfucks, the jobs market sucks ass, the Constitution may have a narrow and homophobic view of marriage, but Michigan rules! (I love living twenty minutes away from one of the best beaches in the country...)

I remember when I was in school, we would say the pledge to the Texas flag every morning, and it didn't bother me a bit.

But this...is just an abuse of political power to make people who aren't secure in their faith feel a little better. I'm deeply religious myself, but I don't feel the need to add words into the pledge to uphold my religious beliefs. I can do that just fine on my own.

Word.

QFT. The Legislature may be full of dumbfucks, the jobs market sucks ass, the Constitution may have a narrow and homophobic view of marriage, but Michigan rules! (I love living twenty minutes away from one of the best beaches in the country...)

Oh, and don't forget our ridiculous ban on affirmative action in state institutions. But despite these many shortcomings, I do love Michigan. We were the first democracy to abolish the death penalty, so at least we've got that going for us.