NBC’s under God “slip” and the U.S. Open

By: American Decency Staff

By Chris Johnson Last Sunday, in their very dramatic lead-in to the U.S. Open golf tournament, NBC verbally backhanded Christians and patriots around the country by omitting the words "under God" from the pledge of allegiance. The short montage mixed short videos of past U.S. Open winners with clips of soldiers raising and saluting the American flag and school children saying the Pledge of Allegiance in what should have been a meaningful and inspiring way. The problem lies in the pregnant silence between the words "one nation" and "with liberty and justice for all." It did not take long for NBC to be dragged back to the camera to apologize for their omission, which stated that "it was not done to upset anyone, and we’d like to apologize to those of you who were offended by it.â€Â The intent, the announcer said, was "to begin the coverage of this U.S. Open championship with a feature that captured the patriotism of our national championship being held in our nation’s capital…" Now, as American Center for Law and Justice chief counsel Jay Sekulow notes, that explanation and apology are "too little, too late." We're not impressed. Another person who would not be impressed is the first president of the United States of America. It's interesting that NBC should include the word "patriotism" in  its apology for omitting "under God." In his farewell address, George Washington explained the relationship of religion and patriotism. "Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, Religion and morality are indispensable supports. In vain would that man claim the tribute of Patriotism, who should labour to subvert these great Pillars of human happiness, these firmest props of the duties of Men & citizens." That's a message that the 44th president needs to hear, also. Barack Obama has a history of omitting the words "by the Creator" when quoting the opening lines of the Declaration of Independence. Washington calls religion and morality "indispensible supports." Merriam-Webster defines indispensible as: "1) not subject to being set aside or neglected 2) absolutely necessary: essential. Like a crippled man's crutch, if America should cast aside these supports, she will fall, or at least cease to be America. ========================================================== Register for our summer event featuring Gary Bauer, Friday, July 29, at 7:00 pm https://secure4.afo.net/ada/registration.php?eventno=28 Your support is important to our ability to make a difference. Donate online at: https://secure4.afo.net/ada/donate.php American Decency Association is a member of the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability. American Decency Association Bill Johnson, President P.O. Box 202 Fremont, MI 49412 ph: 231-924-4050 www.americandecency.org http://www.twitter.com/billwjohnson

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