Why would NBC edit out part of the Pledge of Allegiance before the U.S. Open?
Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland poses with the trophy after his U.S. Open victory. (PHOTO CREDIT: GETTY IMAGES)
FROM CNN's Jack Cafferty:
A 22-year-old from Northern Ireland won the U.S. Open Sunday at Congressional Country Club outside Washington. It was a stunning performance. It's too bad the same can't be said about NBC, the network televising our national championship.
At the beginning of the telecast, NBC aired a patriotic montage featuring video clips of national monuments and soldiers raising an American flag, cut around a group of school-aged children reciting the Pledge of Allegiance. Only during the pledge, the phrases "under God" and "indivisible" were edited out, twice. The piece was supposed to play up the whole patriotism theme with the golf course hosting our national championship so close to our nation's capital and all. But a lot of people couldn't get past the missing lines. Who does this?
Angry viewers immediately took to Twitter bashing NBC and suggesting a boycott of the network. Others called into their NBC affiliates to complain. And before the broadcast ended, announcer Dan Hicks issued an on-air apology of sorts, saying the omission was not meant to upset anyone and that the network was sorry to those who were offended. It wasn't nearly enough.
Today, NBC went one step further, releasing a statement:
"We are aware of the distress this has caused many of our viewers and are taking the issue very seriously. Unfortunately, when producing the piece - which was intended to capitalize on the patriotism of having our national championship played in our nation's capital - a decision was made by a small group of people to edit portions of the Pledge of Allegiance. This was a bad decision."
The network also said if disciplinary action is taken, it will be handled internally and not be made public.
The original Pledge of Allegiance, of course, did not include the words, "Under God." They were added by Congress in the 1950s. As a result, they are as much a part of our salute to our flag as the rest of the words in the pledge. And it boggles the mind that a bunch of morons at NBC can take it upon themselves to decide which part to include and which part to omit. Those responsible ought to be fired on the spot.
Here’s my question to you: Why would NBC edit out part of the Pledge of Allegiance before the U.S. Open?
Interested to know which ones made it on air?
Dennis in Florida:
There is no logical or responsible reason why the Pledge of Allegiance would be edited, particularly by one of the three major networks. It seems like someone had their own agenda and those in charge let it slip by. It was obviously a very bad decision. However, in the statement they released, ‘if disciplinary action is taken, it will handled internally and not be made public.’ It sure seems that the whole thing is going to be covered up. This is corporate jargon for doing nothing.
Carol in Massachusetts:
It was jarring to me that they so blatantly cut it, paused and then continued without the 'under God' part of the pledge. Twice. I'm not hyper vigilant about this stuff, but it seemed an intentional editing job. Someone had an agenda. Very strange.
M.D.:
Keith Olbermann and Rachel Maddow must have been directing the show and figured most of the viewers came over from Fox News. Whatever the intent of the omission, it was a double bogey.
Lincoln:
The whole god "issue" has us quite divided as a nation. Why would we ever allow such language to exist in a pledge of our allegiance to our flag and to our nation? I, like millions of Americans, pledge no allegiance to any god, and many more millions of Americans who do believe in god do not ask me to pledge my allegiance to their god.
Larry in Denver:
Gosh they apologized for their stupidity. Is this major news? They wanted to be politically correct and incorrect at the same time. Good job, now let’s move on to the important stuff. Where is Sarah Palin today?
Nardo:
It's because NBC has a liberal agenda, but conservative networks are called subversive. Funny how that works, Jack.
Gregory in Auburn, Alabama:
In the highly polarized, politicized air in America these days, the smarter move would be to avoid any pandering, either full or partial. This was partial pandering.
Jay:
Because God hates golf.
John:
I tried to answer your question Jack, but it was edited out.
Stephen:
Jack I'm speechless after reading this. I'm not surprised however; this country is in deep denial of its roots and I'm for starting over. Who owns NBC now by the way? Disgusting lack of respect for America.
Lisa in Shelton, Connecticut:
Had to be self-importance and a blatant disregard for consequences. Obviously choosing to air this patriotic clip met with NBC's approval though it remains (a) unclear who made the call to edit some of the spoken words twice, and (b) why NBC is hiding the newsworthy truth?
Pat in Michigan:
Wouldn't want “Under God” on the airwaves now would we, Jack ? Might anger some "other faiths" who could raise the price of our heroin - I mean oil.
@jackcafferty on Twitter
Why would NBC cut the Pledge of Allegiance before the U.S. Open?
Jack,
The pledge was recited as it was originally written. The line "One nation under God" was NOT part of the original pledge and only inserted in during the "Red Scare" brought to us by the GOP.
Funny, it appears that the GOP and a rather LONG history of FEAR MONGERING here in America.
I like the original pledge.
No harm done!
Jenna
Roseville CA
Why? Because they are arrogant secular elitists who wish to denigrate people of faith and eliminate God from public discourse.
San Diego CA
Because they hate America?
Jack: I do not believe NBC cut out the Pledge of Allegiance on purpose. I believe there was technological clitch which cut the Pledge out of the US Open. Do not make it more than it was a"clitch". Believe me when I say there was no Communist Conspiracy to cut the Pledge out of the program.
I imagine they must be Commie Pinkos who value ad dollars over patriotism. Where did you find this one? I searched the CNN home page and there was no mention of it anywhere.
Considering how much corporate welfare (billions) the United States gives to GE you’d think that at least they would show some patriotism and loyalty to the country that supports them. But then, when did a big corporation ever show loyalty to anyone but itself? Shhheeeeesh!
Jack, are you the only person in the world that does not know that the "pledge" is now offensive to millions of people ? I mean, really; taking an oath to "defend and protect". How old fashioned canyou get ?
Jerry
Blairsville, GA
They cut the pledge due to the fact they are pandering to the left. They do not "feel" good about having 'Under God" in our pledge and thought they could get away with it. They were sorely mistaken
I really don't know Jack but i can guess,
Possibly the liberal media strikes again. Dumbing down the reality that America is the best country in the world. May be NBC is not proud to be an American.
They did come back and apologize saying it was just a mistake, but I doubt anyone believes that. NBC and other liberal media outlets are pushing the "godless agenda". They want it to be hip to be an atheist. Their only religion is beleif in big government and their god is Obama.
Because the world is being run by moronic people anymore.
That is an interesting question: why should one be pledging allegiance to a government that continues to send it's citizens into unnecessary and undeclared wars? Why should one pledge allegiance to a government intent on destroying the value of it's currency at the expense of the average citizen? Of course, one could be pledging allegiance to the NOTION of a true, free republic, rather than the polluted government that now seems to exist in the USA.
Ron Paul in 2012...
Jack, I honestly do not know. The pledge of allegiance is part of the opening ceremonies and should be broadcast. People who do not believe in the pledge of allegiance can turn the volume down or switch to another channel until after the pledge of is read . If we are afraid of hurting people's feelings for something simple as this, then we're in deep trouble. I mean, come on! Wishing someone a Merry Christmas is now politically incorrect. There was a time when nothing was thought of wishing someone a Merry Christmas. We need to get back of those times.
Why would NBC cut the Pledge of Allegiance before the U.S.Open?
Because they are ignorant of the fact that God cannot lie, they are
included in Acts 4: 12 only ONE way of salvation for human beings.
(Hebrews 9: 22).
Because not all pariiticpents or spectators are Chritian. If we allow someone to say "undr God" it would be insulting and/or scraligious to a great many people.This country was founded upon freedom of religion, so one is not more important than all the others. By the way, I am a Christian.
Their list of commercial advertisers was probably a bit lengthy and they had to cut something so why not a non-paying piece like the pledge. After all, money talks.
Gary in Scottsdale, Arizona
Why would they televise it? Does the Pledge of Allegiance now have to be recited before major sporting events? ! What is the point? Is it to make the international players feel awkward?
Liberal bias? Desperate ploy for attention? Misguided edit? Sheer stupidity? The most likely answer is that someone sat too long in production truck and the heat cooked their brain.
The Lord knows, but if they start editing in "who's father is Satan", then you know we have a problem.
Jack,
NBC would cut the Pledge of Allegiance so they would not offend anybody. It seems that they have to be politically correct to make money. If they kept the pledge some people might not watch the sport and the sponsors would loose profits. If people don't like something too bad – turn it off, don't watch, stay home or leave the country and go back to where you came from. The minority should not rule the majority. The pledge, the American Flag, prayer are what this county is about. Its our heritage. The people who are objecting to these things knew about them before them came here so stop complaining and put up with them. I have to put up with your trying to change things to suit yourself.
I guess the ACLU would be offended if 'God' was included in the Pledge. Boy, are we going down the tubes, quickly.
Wayne,PA
Jack these are strange times we live in. The select few from NBC that made the decision not to air the words "under God, indivisible" with the rest of the pledge of allegiance are surely regretting that choice now. When the original version was written by Francis Bellamy, a former Baptist minister in 1802 the words, "under God" were not in it. In the 1950's congress added the words, "under God" in a response to communism. Those very same words are a part of the citizenship process when someone chooses to become a U.S. citizen. I guess that is what makes America such a great place Jack. You can decide for yourself what you say and what you watch on television and if NBC keeps this type of idiocy up their ratings will plummet. At least among true American patriots.
Jack, didn't you get the memo? This is no longer the United States of America, we are now the divided states of some new country to be nameless. Just watch the news channels and listen to the bashing of each other.
I'm sure it is a business decision that has more to do with additional time to run another money-making ad than any nefarious unAmerican activity.
First let me tell you I'm a Pledge of Allegiance type of guy.
That said, I vote no to a Pledge of Allegiance for a golf tournament, U.S. Open (at Congressional, no less) or not. On NBC, or at the golf course, or otherwise, let's just see great golf.
Because in this nut house society, some crackpot organization would be complaining because they didn't delete it, so they were probably just trying to avoid a problem.
Maybe they just wanted to remind EVERYONE that the original pledge did not contain the words "under God" in IT when it was penned by Francis Bellamy in 1892.
Oddly enough the author, was a Baptist minister considered a Christian socialist. Congress was lobbied by religious groups to add those words which they did in 1954.
If one researches the pledge on line you will find that Bellamy's granddaughter said he would have resented this change.
At either rate, now that the right wing talkers do not have the distraction of Congressman Weiner, they need some other issue to grab ahold of instead of actually trying to find solutions to the problems of the unemployed and the fragile economy. NBC gave it to them by playing the pledge without the added word in it. In my opinion NBC doesn't have anything to apologize for even though they did.
Can we PLEASE get some thicker skin, America!
Jack: All I can say is that "Stupid is as Stupid does!"
Although not every American believes in God....NBC should apologize for 'editing' the Pledge of Allegiance....but.......I'll bet that there are fewer Americans that believe in 'Golf' ...so...NBC should also apologize to the rest us for a lack of family oriented programming on father's day.
I believe the network had technical problems. To say its part of some grand conpiracy by NBC is bit oever the top. But then again we all would love another weinergate type story to dull the pain of the reality we witness every day in our nations capital. Many people don't buy into either parties full agenda. They like a little of each parties ideas.
The dems are struggling with this right now. This summer is the moment of truth for our president. Create jobs or loose the election in 2012.
Political correctness, Jack. The democratic wieners in charge (no pun intended), are trying to limit our right to offend people. Pacify a few crybabies, and anger the masses, brilliant marketing, se ya NBC.
I don't know. Maybe they didn't know it. Most talking heads and staff know presious little about the country they grew up in.
Maybe they used the original pledge. Now I am sure that like you there a lot of people who profess to read minds and will come up with a bunch of differant reasons which all will profess to be one and only
It don't matter one wit. A lot of people leave the words under God ,or god with a small g, simplly because they do not bieileve.
Pick a reason and I would bet it is as good as any.
The one certian thing kin all this is that you are a trouble maker.
METALWORKER in IL
I personally think the POA is an anachronism. As I understand it, it was invented by a Baptist Minister right after the Civil War as a way to show unity and common purpose to one flag and to one country. Old habits are hard to break but it's about time we leave some of these antiquated rituals along with 200 year old thinking just where they belong. In the history books.
I think someone made a mistake....An error...boo boo, call it what you wish
It's a golf game. As long as you got to see the game, that's the important thing.
If you want to hear the Pledge, recite it yourself in your living room.
You can even recite an opening prayer in your living room if you want.
I don't know, but I couldn't tell you why it has to be recited at any sporting event, is some deity to choose sides? I've a Vietnam Veteran and patriotic as the next person so spare me the "anti-American" stuff. Years ago before movies started the "Star Spangled Banner" would be played. No one was adversely affected when it stopped being played
wouldn't want under God on the airwaves now would we Jack ? Might anger some "other faiths" who could raise the price of our heroin...I mean OIl
Because the producer does not believe in God and was trying to make a point about that. Hope he is fired.
Few people know that the original "Pledge" made no mention of God. The "Under God" part was only added in the 1950s.
If we truly believe in the separation of church & state, it should have NEVER been added.
It was jarring to me that they so blatantly cut it, paused and then continued without the 'under God' part of the pledge. Twice. I'm not hyper vigilant about this stuff, but it seemed an intentional editing job. Someone had an agenda. Very strange.
Massachusetts
Did you ever think Jack that the Pledge of Allegiance is more of a political tool in our modern era, than for what it is meant to stand for? The fact you mention this incident makes me think you are politicizing the pledge, so when is the last time CNN played the Star Spangled Banner at the beginning and end of each of your terrific segments? If not, then why not? Probably you would reply with the same reason NBC chose not to spend their time with this "modern-day political statement." It is more of a statement of politics Jack, then its original suggested meaning. With time, meanings of simple words change, as well as pledges and words, such as the word "gay," who would have thought the change of this word's meaning 70 years ago?
Joe, Binghamton, NY
Why ??
This media outlet.............NBC................which is run by a never ending assortment of northeast ivy league liberal elitists who, sometime over the past 30 years, were no longer satisfied with just reporting news events. They wanted to "create" the events.
Then, to America's horror, they became bored with that deed and now they must try to "shape" American values and culture.
This is what out of control egos, with the help of an endless treasure chest, do.
God help America.
In the highly polarized, politicized air in America these days, the smarter move would be to avoid any pandering (either full or partial). This was partial pandering.
it's because NBC is on an liberal agenda, but conservative networks are called subversive, funny how that works Jack, "I pledge allegiance to my Flag and the Republic for which it stands, one nation, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all."September 8, 1892
No question NBC has a definite Liberal Bias. However, I don’t think the editing was intentional.
I thought that maybe they used a version which was made before they added "under God" .. like back in the 30's .. just a thought ..
Rick Mason
Palm City, Florida
Gosh they apologized for their stupidity. IS this major news? They wanted to be politically correct and incorrect at the same time. Good job, now lets move on to the important stuff- where is Sarah Palin today?
It's called secularism Jack.
Sorry I misread the question. The phrase "...under God..." was not in the original pledge, and in my opinion should not be there since we are all free to believe or not. So, it should never have been put in, but I have no problem with it, in or out.
You took the words right out of my mouth Jack! Thousands of people have made the ultimate sacrifice so this small group of poor decision makers have Freedom of Speech and All of the Liberties that go along with being an American. If they don't enjoy the American way and our values–one is the correct Pledge of Allegiance-then get OUT of our Country. I will boycott NBC and All of its' Sponsors until I hear that these ungrateful morons are dismissed form NBC. ...No collecting unemployment either!
I believe this is called being too politically correct.
Why because it may offend some one or some group or they do not belive in god.
When we appoint judges who rule or what they like or believe and not on the law this is what the result are. This is a country of the people for the people. Now it's for who complain about words like god ,freedom or any dislike they feel is a out of order. Most of us will not stay around were something being said or done we do not like not have it removed from song wrting or plates on churchs or our national parks .
Because they're Godless and divisive?
Patriotism beyond singing the countries' national anthem should be taken out all together. Sporting events are becoming more and more internationalized and many players aren't even American. Moreover, what is the point? It doesn't make me feel proud to be an American. It makes me sad that someone can get paid millions of dollars to hit a tiny ball around a piece of grass while I struggle to make ends meet. Under God is not really indivisible.
Jack,
It is difficult to speak to the motivations of likely 'mid-level' management at NBC. Perhaps they were seeking to avoid offending the minority of Americans who are true atheists. Instead, they offended the vast majority who are not. Congress, with the support of the courts, are the sole authority on the language of the 'Pledge.' It was outrageously presumptuous of those who chose to edit it. I, for one, am satisfied with NBC's initial response ... let's see how they follow through.
Rick,
Medina, OH
NBC feels, as do all other networks, that they are beyond reproach and will undoubtedly invoke their right to free speech on this issue. This is another clear example of what happens when being "politically correct" is taken too far by paranoid people who think they are the sole judges and enforcers of our morals.
I couldn't believe this when I read it! What is our country coming to....but a major TV Station....GOD HELP US!!! I DON'T WATCH THIS TV STATION ANYWAY.....
A wise person once told me, "If it doesn't matter, it doesn't matter".
In the whole scheme of things, this really doesn't matter.
Jack I'm speechless after reading this. I'm not surprized howerver; this country is in deep denial of it's roots and I'm for starting over. Who owns NBC now by the way? Disgusting lack of respect for America.
There is no logical or responsible reason why the Pledge of Allegiance would be edited, particularly by one of the three major networks. It seems like someone had their own agenda and those in charge let it slip by in editing.
No matter how small or large the responsible group, it was obviously a very bad decision. However, in the statement they released ‘if disciplinary action is taken, it will handled internally and not be made public.’ it sure seems that the whole thing is going to be covered up.
This is corporate jargon for doing nothing. Can you spell WEINER?????
**********************************************
Jack,
Easy solution. All televised sporting events should broadcast the national anthem in its entirety as it occurs at the live event. No more editing and no more word from the networks' favorite sponsor. Leave it to the discretion of the viewer what to edit .
This small group from NBC took it upon them self to practice there own form of sensorship. The words "UNDER GOD" and " Indevisible" are in the pledge and must be included when saying the pledge. These people do not have the right of sensoship.
When I startred school the class day started with the Lord's Prayer followed by the Pledge of Allegiance (without the words "under God"). Eight years later the day started with a reading from the Bible (Old Testament), the Lord's Prayer, and the Pledge of Allegiance with the words "under God". BTW this was public schooling.
Now in our PC world we do not wish to offend anyone, including athiests and/or agnostics so naturally any reference to God is not done.
No one really cares, Jack. Its a sports broadcast. Let ESPN cover it.
George Carlin once quipped something akin to “The flag is a symbol, and I leave symbols for the symbol-minded”. This pretend outrage over something so petty in the grand scheme of things is just silly. Please stop making mountains out of molehills. To someone losing their home, job, or health care, a TV network skipping a few parts of the Pledge doesn’t mean...well, ‘Jack’. Stick to what matters.
NBC's trying to not only tell the truth about this country in a subtle way by getting rid of "indivisible," but the network is also trying to get back to the pledge our Founding Fathers once said before a bunch of brain-dead so-con zealots hijacked our Pledge of Allegiance in the 1950's. This is NBC's way of taking things back to the roots, and good for them!
-Balcones Heights, TX
Obviously the answer is because some folks at NBC think they are a lot smarter than the rest of us, that we wouldn't notice, and that the Pledge of Allegiance is subject to rewriting at their personal whim. I guess the "political correctness" of removing the reference to God trumps Congressional action inserting it, but 142 years after the end of the Civil War, you wouldn't think anyone had any further objection to "indivisible." NBC must be expecting another revolution.
Jim McConnell, Chicago
simple because liberals control the media
Because NBC stands for nasty broadcasting company
Jack,
It seems as if NBC was simply trying to be 'politically correct' or something?In this day and age,you can't say anything without offending someone,or violating someone's rights blah,blah,blah.If they are going to show The Pledge of Allegiance,it should be shown in it's entirity with no edits no matter who is offended,or simply don't show it at all. Greg M. FL
In case you missed it, Jack, I’ll give you a hint: Because they are morons. If they aren’t immediately fired, then they work for even bigger morons.
Because those words shouldn't be there to begin with.
I will never watch NBC again. It's to bad; some of my favorite shows are on NBC. It is stricken from my television.
This is just another indication of how sad is our current spiritual and moral situation as a country, Jack. Very sad indeed.
Mr. Cafferty:
It is more than good to see media holding other media to account. Self correction is a good thing, educators, congress people , the senate and numerous "public service" agencies should take note and take it to heart. Sadly, they would rather take it to the bank !
Jack,
It doesn't make sense, at all, that NBC would edit part of the Pledge of Allegiance. I'm even more baffled that they would do it after airing a patriotic montage. So here's an idea. Why not go back to the 1923 version? Especially when the daughter of Francis Bellamy, the minister who wrote The Pledge of Allegiance, objected to the 1954 version. That's the version for which Eisenhower persuaded Congress to add "under God". I find it interesting that the original version, written by a minister, doesn't include the words, "under God".
I couldn't believe my ears until they did it twice....OMG, I thought, they purposely left God out of our Pledge. A Pledge that I have repeated for 50 plus years. Why did they leave God out? My first thought was they didn't want to offend non-Christians and then it occurred to me that they weren't so worry about offending non-Christians as they were being greedy to siphon profit from all religious groups...Christians, Muslims,Atheist, etc. As a Viet-Nam Veteran I am highly offended by NBC and I pray that God will forgive them because I am not certain that I can...
Keith Olbermann and Rachel Maddow must have been directing the show and figured most of the viewers came over from Fox News. Whatever the intent of the omission, it was a double boggie.
It was probably a dumb thing to do, considering the religious hysteria that is overtaking our political conversation....you know we have some who are scared of Muslims, the president,healthcare reform, vampire movies.......etc.
Was it edited because some thin skinned "American" might be offended.....Christmas displays are now verbotten on most public properties now so why not edit portions of the Pledge, all to appease a certain minority in this country that can't stand the thought of some of us being patriotic.
Jack,
Please remind your left wing readers that it was actually a Dem from MI that wrote the law to add "UNDER GOD". Thanks!
Had to be self-importance and a blatant disregard for consequences. Obviously choosing to air this patriotic clip met with NBC's approval though it remains (a) unclear who made the call to edit some of the spoken words twice, and (b) why NBC is hiding the newsworthy truth?
People make mistakes. I don't watch golf anyway. I'm not rich.
It was a poor choice of edit. What boggles my mind is how Ungodly the complainers are. They certainly don't know the God I know or act the way the faithfull, of our fathers, of times past. Trash talk is not Godly...
This seems to be a lot of fuss about nothing. If the nation is under god why are we totally divided with liberty and justice for the wealthy few like banks, wall street and large corporations. When are the working class on main street going to inherit something other than unemployment , more bills, foreclosures, and budget cuts.
Simply part of the coming rapture Jack, accept it, everything is happening just as it should happen.
Let's see: We had the national golf championship being played in our national capital with our national pledge being recited at the outset and the national broadcasting company decides to edit the pledge. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure whoever at NBC called that shot out to be edited out as well. As pertains patriotism, perhaps NBC ought to rename itself NO BIG COMMITMENT.
Gary in Scottsdale, Arizona
Freedom of religion, remember? All people don't believe in the same god or even A god if they're atheist. And we very clearly are divided on far too many issues. What is it you think they should be fired for? Daring to tell it like it is? Shame on you Jack!
I have no idea, Jack, but you can bet your last dollar that if they had been airing some kind of Islamic pledge they would not have slighted ALLAH in such a way.
They probably did it in the belief that the First Amendment to the Constitution prohibits it because of the "separation of church and state" interpretation.
Or maybe someone felt that, as evidenced by some of the things going on in our country, God has abandoned us and so we no longer deserve to be known as a nation "under God".
Time is money. And it's all about the money these days. Very sad.
Seems as though anything religious gets attacked these days, and it would appear to be easier to apologize after said attack than to not attack in the first place.
It has nothing to do with any politics – it's just these times in which we live.
Because they own lots of websites and want to give idiots like you a reason to create meaningless "controversies" that drive pageviews on them.
This is not news, stop trying to get ratings by saying crazy things.
It's a game of golf, not some religious get together.
The pledge should never, ever be edited. Period.
"Under the "anointed" would be just fine I bet
I learned about the Constitution in the fifties in elementary school. I learned "of the People, by the people and for the people". Not all of the people believe in God,, but the country is supposed to be for every citizen. In the fifties the maximum tax rate was 90% and there was a vibrant middle class, and President Eisenhower warned us of the "military-industrial complex. We have come a long way since then, in civil rights and many other areas. We have gone backwards in a lot of ways, too, and making a big deal about things like this is one of them.
Jack, they edited it out because it's a stupid line.
Because I DON'T BELIEVE IN GOD. Why are your beliefs a priority Jack?
I not sure our Supreme Court Justices or States have a clear ruling on when or where it's okay to say "under God" therefore I believe NBC was trying to play it safe by omitting it.
Perhaps NBC realizes it can't be proved that as a nation we're indivisible under god. In fact, the whole god "issue" has us quite divided as a nation. Why would we ever allow such language to exist in a pledge of our allegiance to our flag and to our nation? I, like millions of Americans, pledge no allegiance to any god, and many more millions of Americans who do believe in god do not ask me to pledge my allegiance to their god.
In short, the language should be removed.
Jack, you just can't fix stupid! This is typical of the left wingers that rule at NBC.
Because America has become filled with anti-patriotic athiests who have lost their belief in the American Dream and God. R.I.P. America
I'm a veteran of the United States Navy, and an athiest. The second doesn't make me less of a patriot. When your religion starts getting up my nose, it's wrong.
I applaud whoever at NBC chose to leave the words "under god" out of their pledge.
Why would anybody care about this? Report on real news and stop wasting your viewers' time.
Perhaps it's NBC's way of lobbying Congress to restore our Pledge to its former glory.
No one pays any attention to the U.S. Flag code. What's the big deal?
I think they did this to not offend people without religions. They tried to make it more secular.
The real question should be why Congress pushed a religious agenda in adding words to the original pledge. "Under God" adds no aspect of patriotism, its just pushing a belief in mythology. This outrage is ridiculous. This should draw attention to the fact that the original pledge of allegiance was trespassed and edited by people with a religious agenda.
Get off your soapbox Jack. The pledge does not represent everyone in your country obviously. Regardless, since there is no god, NBC acknowledged merely that it is joining the 21st century, renouncing superstition and a belief in spirits and things that go bump in the night. How about you grow up and to the same!
Jack, I could not agree with you more. How dare NBC do such a thing; I am a vet and love our country. NBC you don't get to edit anything about our country.
Here's MY question: Who CARES???
Because these NBC liberals are athestists! Boycott the jerks....I will
What has God got to do with America – nothing, but the delusional religious right zealots will make capital of their delusions.
It's about time that Under God was eliminated from the pledge, after all it was not in the original pledge. If you want to be completely PC perhaps Allah should also be included!
Not everyone in this country believes in God. Some people believe in something more, well, believable. And that's called science. Jack, you complain that NBC doesn't have a right to take out part of the pledge. On the same token, what right did Congress have to ADD it in the 1950's? America is funny, we brag about our separation from church and state, but when situations like this arrive, it becomes quite clear that there is no such separation.
Jack,
The reason seems simple... NBC is old school, back in a time when words like 'toilet, 'pregnant', and yes... 'God', were not spoken on network television, we forget that some still live in that world.
Why else? Because we are the country of lawsuits. Today everyone wants to sue anyone for anything to make a buck. And companies, although not saints, have to be weary that more and more individuals will jump to their throats for the most simple of reasons.
Because God hates golf.
The words, "..under god" should not be in the pledge of allegiance at all. I would hope that NBC removed them in order to be more inclusive of those of us who are non-believers. I commend them, there is a separation of church and state Jack.
The Pledge of Allegiance should NEVER be cut – not to be politically correct, not to avoid offending anyone, not to shorten their precious filmed production, not for any reason. NBC was totally in the wrong. Jack, I agree with you that at least one head should roll.
Geraldine
Winter Garden, FL
Because they believe in freedom! "under god" wasn't added until the 50's and it doesn't represent the United States as a whole. This is one of the many reaches of the Church of the United States. I applaud NBC, even if it was an accident, I find it to be a great one. We need to go back to being free, being secular, and stop having other peoples religious beliefs forced upon everything we do. Period.
"Under God" was added to the pledge during the 50s when we were scared of communists taking over our government, an overseas war with a communist nation was beginning to get out of hand, and our country was divided with no direction. Lets give it a go with true separation of church and state. Lets revisit this conversation in 100 years when maybe we can FINALLY let go of this irrelevant hocus pocus called religion
we are no longer one nation under GOD, jack. we are one nation under GOD, ALLAH, JEHOVAH, WHOMEVER. i think we can agree we are a nation of values and leave religion out of it. this should be an era of tolerance.
because we might offend foreign interests who give money to our current elected officials..they might be offended...ALL ABOUT MONEY AND GREED AND POWER..
Why not edit it out? We(the USA) have already let them take it out of our schools. What is next? As Foxwothy puts it....there's your sign.
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the ... " blah blah blah..
why are we one nation under god? I'm an atheist. Seems our congress violated our own constitution by even adding the under god part in the 50s.
Are you kidding me? That's the most important thing you have to be annoyed about today - whether a couple of words inserted in the pledge during the Red-baiting years of the 50s were left out of a self-serving puff piece? (And if you read the rest of the pledge's history, you'll find it was written by a socialist to begin with.)
Reality check, Jack!
Not everyone in this country is a Christian or even beleives in God for that matter. I think the edit represents a shift to be more inclusive of ALL Americans. The inclusion of God is limiting and marginalizes all of us who make up this great nation who don't share that belief.
Overall, keep your religion off my pledge!
Should be expect anything else from a news organization that is biased and left-leaning. America, wake up.
Jack,
The real question I think we should be asking is: "Why do we need a Pledge of Allegiance in the first place?"
I don't think Americans need a Pledge to remind us to be patriotic? Pledging allegiance to the state and/or government is something that happens in places like North Korea and China. I don't think we even need it.
I feel the most patriotic when I'm standing in line to vote, reading the Declaration of Independence quietly to myself, or explaining to my young nephew the values of civic responsibility.
I don't need some sort of incantation, or rain dance type attitude to remind me what our founders and forefathers did and sacrificed for me.
Jack, this was far too wild to make any more comment than want has already been said. I hope you and CNN does not let this die until those responsible are fried and run out of broadcasting.
It's a sporting event, what has the Pledge got too do with golf in thef first place?
years back in High school (early 1980's) I left that part of the pledge out .BECAUSE of the fact that i AM an Atheist . The `56 change had NO business being but in there .
Just as the "school prayer " had NO business in PUBLIC schools
I think it is wrong to leave out part of the pledge, but, as someone who is currently unemployed, I am not in favor of blindly firing people as the result of this mistake. Educate, by all means, but recognize that no one is perfect. We all make mistakes.
I completely disagree with you. Those words did not belong there to begin with, and in fact, the whole "pledge of allegiance" was originally created by a socialist. We should not entertain the idea of a nation in any way guided by some sort of deity. This will simply lead us to become another fundamentalist country, like Israel, Iran, and other such nations that have believed that "God is on our side." God is not on anybody's side, and there is, in fact, no such being. It's time to grow up and stop believing in these official fairy tales.
Martin
Martinsburg, WV
The decision to remove parts of the Pledge really upset me. I will watch Brain Williams tonight for an apology. Then I will decide whether or not to boycott NBC News. Someone needs to come forth and tell us why it was changed. I was very pissed off.
Oh come on Jack! You "progressives" have been angling for this for better than 30 years. You should be celebrating!
The rest of us, not so much.
I, for one, am not too suprised that NBC edited the pledge.
NBC continues to show how liberal it has become as it dares to change the pledge in order to play to the political left.
Your are right. They should FIRE the person or persons who did this.
Of course it was probably Jeffery Immelt.
Separation of church and state is for a reason. No favor one way or the other. Other than profanities; it should be what it should be. Now that this type of situation is out...learn from it, no knee-jerk reactions. Find the right medium and establish a standard.
Because of their fundamental dislike of christianity. It's bigotry, pure and simple.
NBC was being true to the original version of the Pledge of Allegiance. Americans need to understand that not everyone is Christian, and the phrase "under God" was added by an act of congress. Perhaps NBC was wrong to omit the phrase but it is a sign of the times.
God? Who's that?
Perhaps because they don't want to offend atheists. This line should never have been added anyway. What happened to the separation of church and state? Trampled. Again.
Much ado about nothing, in my opinion. The problem is that everyone is so sensitive to everything. The original pledge did not have under god in it – were our forefathers un American?? Give me a break – not everyone is "Christian"- non christians should be offended that god is mentioned at all.
Simple- not everyone in America believes in God. Do you really even have to ask this question? I applaud NBC for making the jump that all other networks should make. Congress in the 50's should be ashamed for adding those words in the first place- it's hardly inclusive and does not, at all, represent what America stands for. It's not political correctness, Jack- it's respecting those who don't want "God" shoved down their throats.
Jack, get over yourself. Upon listening to this it is not just "under God" that were omitted, but the whole line "One nation, under God, indivisible". And that may well have to do with the fact that the U.S. Open, like most other internatiional tournaments are just that... INTERNATIONAL! Who won it? An American? Where is Yang from???
PLEASE!
I wonder if NBC made that choice because they were afraid of offending some people, like those who are against "In God We Trust" on our money. I know some may think that Christians are the vast majority in this country, but as one, I'm saddened by how often I feel people of my faith are slighted in an effort to not offend every other religious/non religious view out there.
Thanks for mentioning the fact that the words "Under God" were not in the original Pledge of Allegiance. How about adding the fact that the original Pledge was written by a Socialist named Francis Bellamy in 1882?
They omitted the "god" out of the pledge because it is unconstitutional.
The First Amendment states that "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof."
I hate to disagree with you Mr.Cafferty but I think the flaw in today's society is the fact that we look for a mix between POLITICAL correctness and religion. As a news agency your network has the right to report on whatever stories you desire in any format you desire I don't really see the difference in that, and what nbc did. In fact how is it that nobody questions the use of our governments power to insert religion into the pledge instead we question when other countries impose religious laws on their civilians? Everything has it's place and religion is no different seems like we are ages behind europe and concepts they have.
Not everyone in this country believes in God. Some people believe in something more, well, believable. And that's called science. Jack, you complain that NBC doesn't have a right to take out part of the pledge. On the same token, what right did Congress have to ADD it in the 1950's? America is funny, we brag about our separation from church and state, but when situations like this arrive, it becomes quite clear that there is no such separation.
Danny B,
New York
Yet another example of political "correctness" gone wrong. When will Americans start complaining enough to make things like this stop?
It's relatively simple, Jack. As a leader in left-wing, slanted and biased newsreporting, overtly and overly liberal in their message, NBC has a case of deo-phobia, fear of God. Anything that doesn't fit their humanistic, "life-affirming", anti-religious world view is seen as small minded and hokey. This includes the phrase "under God"
They did it to push their own demented social agenda, of course. The left (NBC) does not like God. They do not believe in God, and they do not think that anyone else should believe in God either.
So what if "under God" wasn't in the original pledge? It's in the official pledge now, and has been since 1954. An act of Congress made this so, it will take an act of Congress to make it not so. Good luck with that.
I never say "under God" and never will.
People who are complaining about NBC "purposely" cutting out "under God" from the pledge don't seem to be as upset that they also cut out "indivisible". Calm down. This doesn't mean we are suddenly a godless divided country. It was just editing. I highly doubt it was malicious.
Shouldn't CNN be covering *real* news stories instead of this fake controversy?
Jack,
The words were edited because NBC like CNN are huge Obama supporters and this President and CNN does not want any Muslim offended, regardless of how Christens or our predecescors intented the Pledge and the Anthem to be addressed.
Brent from Idaho
Jack,
NBS edited the pledge because they thought they could get away with it.
Surprise, wrong again.
I agree with you Jack. The ones involved should be fired pronto. I watch very little NBC. Only some of the sports they air. Sincerely, Joe
Jack, you're right about being politically correct but for the wrong reason. You rightly point out that those words weren't there before 1952 and for many of us who want to pledge loyalty to our country without having to affirm a belief in God, congress made a mistake. The political correctness of this issue is that all politicians have to claim belief in God in order to be accepted. That's a shame.
Why did someone edit "under god" from the pledge of allegiance during the patriotic introduction to the U.S. Open? Perhaps they felt that mentioning someone else's mythological imaginary friend had nothing to do with a golf tournament.
Jack, they did it to be politically correct but it was a boneheaded move. Everything could be offensive to someone in today's hypersensitive world. Enough already! Firing the responsible individuals is a dramatic over-reaction but they should definitely be firmly reprimanded.
Jack, I firmly believe that there is a concentrated effort to delete God and change our American way of thinking ... of which our esteemed president is a part. And, while I'm on the subject, have you seen all the pics of Mr. Obama holding his hands together below his waist while everybody else on the (whatever) podium touches the heart or salutes. This is a deliberate offense, and it's time we speak out!
Max
Mid-Florida
Why? Because pledging allegiance to your country has nothing to do with God, and everything to do with freedom; this includes freedom to believe that God doesn't exist.
Okay now you are going off the deep end. I dont know about the rest of the listening audience, but when myself (and Jack Cafferty as well for that matter) were going to school they taught me the pledge WITHOUT the under god thingy. It was and I quote "One nation Indivisible, with liberty and justice for all!" there was NEVER under GOD in there!
That was added later. period. so what is all the noise about? Get over it!
Concerning "under God", anything is more important then this issue.. Soldiers are dying, people in Alabama and Joplin are homeless, millions of people are out of work and nosy people with too much time on their hands are upset over a 2 word mistake? Scary minds!!!!
Why do so many uneducated people think that they can control every other point of view under the guise of political correctness? I am not surprised that some of these arrogant fools have risen to the role of censor at NBC, they seem to be everywhere we look. Remember when these censors thought that the "2 minute warning" given in football games might offend the overly sensitive so we suffered a couple of years of "the two minute advisment".
Sir, when addressing this question which you have posted, we must remember the implications of religion and the impact it has had on the world when it has found its way in the everyday affairs of the state. "Why would NBC edit out part of the Pledge of Allegiance before the U.S. Open?" Perhaps it is because they want to get the concept of religion being intervened in the state (aka a patriotic showing) out of the average American's head. From the perspective of a Canadian living in Kitchener, I believe this was a good decision.
Unknot your knickers, Jack. This is Golf – a game. The real blunder was trying to turn the event into a patriotic celebration instead of a televised commercial sporting event. Excessive flag-waving jingoism, masked as patriotism, is a major disease.
Mike, Ottawa
Here I always thought NBC meant National Broading Company= Now I know that it stands for Nincompoop Broading Company!!!
For one reason, it is an NBC commercial and they have they right to do whatever they wnat on their network, just as you have the right to rant and rave about you being offended on your network. And maybe they were referring to the original Pledge that didn't include the words "under God". Get over it. Is putting "under God' in that commercial going to create millions of jobs, bring the troops home, or bring energy dependcy - no. Stop sweating the small stuff.
Shane
Memphis, TN
it dont suprise me in the least, with as many commercials they have now, that they edited the pledge of alliegence, but if they wanted to edit something, why not edit all those dam commercials and leave our pledge of alliegence alone
Jack, I don't include the wordsd "under god" in my recitations. Those words were added as part of Senator Joe McCarthy's version of political correctness. After all, what godless commie would ever say "under god?" That omission would expose every communist in the nation. Political correctness is in the eye of the beholder, Jack, and that piece of right-wing political correctness should be removed from the pledge and the pledge recited exactly as written.
Why would they even include it at all? It reaks of idol worship.
Perhaps the network employees intelligent, forward-thinking individuals who understand that our country must respect the separation of church and state. Yes, many in the bible belt will tell you otherwise but the athiest/agnostic community had grown substantially in this country over the past few years. We are not one nation 'under god'... we are a nation under whatever we personally happen to believe.
This was wrong, and I don't defend it but to answer your question I think it is because God has been co-opted by fundamentalists and politicized. There are litmus tests for "real" believers and we are losing the spirit of individual paths to faith that has always been part of our country. So the baby gets tossed out with the bath water because we can no longer live and let live.
Because there are 15% of the American population that are considered NONE's and those people consist of Atheists, Non_Religious, and secularists that are getting sick and tired of the PUBLIC God decorations. Keep God to your self's as was intended.
"Maybe it should have said 'Under Obama.' 'The Invincible.'"
I'm 75 years of age and learned the Pledge as "One Nation Indivisible With Liberty and Justice For All". It was changed later to include "under God". I'm a non-believer and didn't get my bowels in an uproar when it was changed and my beliefs weren't adhered and neither should you when your beliefs arn't adhered to. We all learn to move on.
Thank you, Jack, for courageously standing up ON THE AIR, no less, and defending the Pledge as it stands. Kudos and bravo to you, sir!
Lets be honest Jack. You called it when you sadi the statement that "under god" was not added until the 1950's. Where were you when the original writer and government officials were spat upon when it changed then? This country was not fully based on religion. Most of our constitution was not written with religion only in mind. It was based on all freedoms. Not only that but why does this matter. I have seen multiple tv syndicates censor the word "god" in all of their programs but allow other swear words...and now you are crying about it?
The words never belonged there. We have given the fairy tale of religion more time than it deserved. I am tired of pretending like these beliefs are a legitimate choice for a modern person to make.
When did a belief in "god" equate with patriotism? I'm sick of people being able to define patriotism as "what ever my belief is". Religion is terrible. God doesn't belong in the pledge. It never did.
Not believing in God doesn't mean you hate America. Furthermore, there seems to be a lot more hate from those who do believe in god.
If I were working at NBC, I would have done exactly the same thing. Growing up on the liberal west coast, I hear the old version of the pledge of allegiance (the one without the "under God") as much as I hear the newer one. In fact, the larger group of people that are participating, the less likely it is that we say "under God," just in case it causes controversy amongst the multitude of atheists, including many of my best friends. Your argument with the National Anthem doesn't hold either. We cut 4 or 5 verses of the song every single time we play it. Have you ever been to a baseball game where they sang the line "O! thus be it ever, when freemen shall stand/ Between their loved home and the war’s desolation."?
Not defending a random act of ignorance, but this country is in no way "indivisible" if you consider the past years since Vietnam. And since God, whichever one Americans choose to believe in or not, is omnipresent, I do not see where the idea belongs in a patriot poem, which it was originally not.
But, NBC got attention, no different than the Bible thumpers on television every Sunday morning....so why just Sunday?
Jack –
You took the words right out of my mouth. You said it all. Thanks.
Jack, I'm one of those people who remains actively offended by the imposition of a state religion by 1950s "politically correct" politicians. This nation isn't under God, it's under the sky. Indivisible? Hope so. But nonetheless, I'm for Underdog.
From Brian, New York City, NY
Jack, it boggles my mind. We are fighting three wars, our economy is in the crapper, scores of people are out of work, kids carry guns and NBC is afraid of GOD?????
Maybe they understood, like the guy who first wrote it, that any reference to God, in the pledge, was/is a violation of Separation of Church and State. The only "reason" it was added in the first place was as propaganda against Communism from the Cold War Era.
Having it there is also a sign that America is not the land of the free since it shows favouritism towards one belief. Having it there is a sign of hypocrisy.
-Stephen
Yarmouth, NS Canada
Pick one...
Official versions....
1892
"I pledge allegiance to my flag and the republic for which it stands: one nation indivisible with liberty and justice for all."
1892 to 1923
"I pledge allegiance to my flag and to the republic for which it stands: one nation indivisible with liberty and justice for all."
1923 to 1924
"I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States and to the republic for which it stands: one nation indivisible with liberty and justice for all."
1924 to 1954
"I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands; one nation indivisible with liberty and justice for all."
1954 to Present
"I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all."
I did not even notice the omission Jack. Actually I think the Pledge of Allegiance was unnecessary. Those people who are upset: I wonder if they actually stood while it was being recited on TV?
Jack, this was NOT a mistake. Once – maybe! But the liberal media taking control and making decisions to change things is WRONG! I WILL NOT WATCH NBC!!! Yes, I did yell that....God Bless you.
NBC was just pushing its progressive motives on us.
Obviously, NBC should not have altered the Pledge, as that authority rests with the American people alone, properly channel through Congress. However, in order to maintain a respectable state free from religion, the words "Under God" should legally be removed from the pledge, pursuant to the 1st Amendment and the paramount principle of "separate of church and state" on which our great nation was founded.
I will bury my dear Dad next week, both his father's and mother's US family roots trace back to Cape Cod in 1643. The 'editors' of the pledge clearly don't know US history. Or maybe they just dislike it. But facts are 'stubborn things'.
Seems NBC is playing God in deleting God from The Pledge of Allegiance.
Because they are idiots, and they should lose their license to operate
The word "under god" were added during the height of the 1950's McCarthy witch hunt. These words are a reminder/reflection of one of the darkest periods of our history. The Pledge of Allegiance is an expression of allegiance to our country – not to a god. I applaud whoever in NBC edited out these words. Thank you for helping restore the Pledge of Allegiance to the way it was originally written and the way it should be recited.
this "issue" is anything but. these, as you say, morons that took it upon themselves are no better or worse than those that edited it the first time in the 1950s. regardless, this is classic sensationalism. There exist pressing matters for Americans to deeply consider with the election around the corner.. this is not one of them. It’s a distraction.
Growing up in the 50's and saying the Pledge of Allegiance in school, it did not include "under God" –– and we were a very patriotic generation. When it was suddenly added in many asked "Why would they edit in something like that? It clearly does not reflect the separation of church and state we learned in the school civics classes in the 1950's."
UM jack. It was not a "mistake" or as wolf said a "blunder" let me walk you through it. Liberals do not agree with the words "under god" this has manifested its self in many ways over the last few years includeing the same words being edited by the whitehouse on 2 seperate occasions. Since we know msnbc and the mother ship nbc are the most left wing outlets known to man it comes as no surprise or "mistake" it was edited on purpose because this is how liberals wish the pledge were written. So NBC used a sports event to make a political statment and slandering us all by there stunt.
I don't understand why these people are so enraged by NBC using the original form of the pledge of allegiance. Remember, the "under god" phrase was artificially inserted by Congress after lobbying by the Knights of Columbus. Why is it that Christians must have their religion enforced upon the rest of the populous? Also, remember McCain Feingold, in-which the Supreme Court ruled that Corporations have free speech rights? I'm willing to bet that conservatives are regretting that decision now.
Mr. Cafferty sir, not only should these idiots be fired, perhaps it would be a good idea to deport them to a country that they cannot spell.
Well, I am very susspicuous of any conspiracy theories but having watched a religious program in the recent past which touched on this very subject makes me think that they may have a point. The claim was that God is methodically and slowly being stripped from the fabric that makes up this great country. I think that we the people need to be and remain cautiously aware.
I'd be offended if NBC was a relevant network.
The real question is why Congress injected a religious endorsement to the Pledge in violation of the First Amendment, - in that which in 1954 already was a multicultural nation. Like 83% of today's Americans, I believe in God, but tens of millions do not. Prior to 1954, the Pledge spoke for ALL Americans, and it should do so again. We should return to it that wording.
Really, Jack? Much ado about nothing.Firing people over deleting a reference to an imaginary being. OMG! Oops
Believe it or not there are people who live in this counrty who do not believe in God, a God, your God or my God. But their religousbeliefs, or lack there of, are protected by the U.S. Constitution. Imposing or impeding religion is not protected.
Is it not stated on the Constitution of the United States? "Protects the freedom of religion, speech, and the press, as well as the right to assemble and petition the government"
Get over it!
No one passed a law taking those lines out of the Pledge.
This is America– the land of freedom of speech, or is it???
There are wars, murders, economic issues, environmental disasters, plenty of REAL problems locally and internationally–and you spend time on this? Seriously?
The pledge is a declaration of allegiance to the USA. Why should we be obliged to include any reference to an invisible wizard? Does religious affiliation make any of us less American than others?
Pathetic. 'under God' was added during the '50's. Conservatives whine about the constitution and the Founders when it suits them. Thomas Jefferson and others undeniably warned us about organized religion. Yet the 'Faithful' just need to have it their way. McCarthyism, holding women back in the professional arena were also part and parcel of the '50's drivel. Grow up Jack; separation of church and state. It's what this country was founded on!
Why omit "One Nation Under God" from the pledge?
Easy, because it's a sensible decision to make. Almost a fifth of the American population do not subscribe to religious beliefs and being constantly reminded of those beliefs everytime we celebrate our mutual Patriotism is unfair. If we want to celebrate our history and our achievements than lets do so together, preferably in a way that doesn't instantly exclude 20% of us.
Jack:
Many of the posts responding to your question make the point as to why NBC SHOULD have edited the pledge. The words "under God" were added for partisan political reasons, and remain an impediment to a feeling of truly belonging to this country if you don't subscribe to a Christian tradition. Many Muslims, atheists, agnostics, wiccans and others who didn't count themselves as monotheistic deists fought, bled and died for this country throughout its history, and it is every bit as much theirs as it it those who huff and puff over NBC (perhaps even more, since too many armchair "patriots" would never dream of stepping into my own son's shoes and wearing the uniform). NBC's mistake was in selecting the pledge instead of music...no way they could both get it right and be right.
Jack,
I cannot believe how up in arms you are over this. The words "under God" never belonged in the pledge in the first place. Whose God are we under? The decision by NBC not to include it is only a bad decision because there are more believers than nonbelievers and they also tend to be more vocal. It still boggles my mind how we are debating the existence of a bronze age deity in this age of information and science. Why hasn't Yahweh gone the way of Zeus yet?
People, quit making excuses for NBC. They did not omit "under God" because of the original Pledge, and they shouldn't be the ones to decide to go back to the original pledge. The omission was made "not to upset anyone", anyone being the liberal atheists they thought they were pleasing.
Mr. Cafferty:
NBC is full of arrogant and elitist liberals, with no respect for neither the constitution, nor our American values.
There are many examples of this behavior in NBC as well as MSNBC.
Regards
Daniel Melendez
New York City
"and that the Pledge of Allegiance is subject to rewriting at their personal whim."
Exactly, just like when "One Nation, Under God was added in 1954. It wasn't written that way, but the leaders of this country decided that we all needed to pledge our allegience to a god that many of us don't believe in.
the Pledge is the "Pledge". If these idiots don't agree with it then they need to begin a political movement to change it; but as long as it is what it is then if they haven't shed their blood or buried their friends who did they should lose thier jobs so they can devote themselves to making some useful decisions running a porta-potty franchise.
Retired RVN veteran
Oh please, people. I've watched the replay umpteen times, and my guess is when they put in the overplay, nobody really caught the fact that it happened to be covering "under God". I think it was just a happenstance. I seriously doubt they were intentionally trying to delete God from the pledge no matter what all the conspiracy theorists seem to think.
I'm as American as they come– family of lifers in the military– but for heaven sake, people, get over this left or right mentality. Can't we all just be Americans without having to take sides with some stupid political party's "platform" which is really just words on paper designed to pander to a group of voters.
There are way more important things in this world to worry about right now than whether or not a TV network accidentally blocked out some words on a lead-in. If they really wanted to, they could have not done the pledge part at all.... and probably not one single person watching would have ever even noticed that.
Jack, it seems i always agree with youy,
until NOW.
I have been listening to this quote "UNDER GOD" even though i am an atheist, even though the founders would be rolling in their respective graves had they known this would be added.
I have this shoved "UP MY NOSE" all the time, since i was a kid.
Its about time I can hear the pledge, and feel good about my country without having that phrase, that i dont agree with, nor did the framers agree with, shoved up my nose.
Thank you NBC...
Brad M.
Kenner, La
Let's not make a big deal out of an simple edit and film montage. I just listened to Jack Cafferty call for people to be fired! Seriously? You want someone to lose a job and their families lives turned upside down over something so minor? Great real folks. This is a total non-issue. This is as absurd as Weiner, Palin, and 90% of what the media pushes as news. I am appalled that Jack Cafferty, who I used to respect, would stoop so low. Shame on you Jack – SHAME ON YOU!
Jack,
Maybe that small element at NBC realizes that there are viewers out there that do not hold to the judeo-christian viewpoint, and would rather include all faiths instead of just a few. Maybe some people are just a little too sensitive about their faith (see radical Muslims).
Ya Jack. Why should NBC or anyone else be allowed to change or delete anything from our pledge? After all we as Americans CHOSE this pledge along with a lot of other allegiance's in this country and a lot of agency's are changing these at their will!
Maybe NBC needs to be subject to deletion... Bobby Johnson Lakewood colo.
It is a reflection of the bias of the individuals who produced the piece. They don't believe God has any place in anything related to this country. They hollar "separation of church and state". The constitution does not mandate total eliminationof any religious referance, it simply states that congress cannot establish a state religion. As to eliminating the "indivisable', I'm stumped. Did they think the south had a right to seceed prior to the civil war?
Laura
Hawthorne, CA
I see all this talk about Liberal bias and God.. But once again the original pledge did NOT contain the phrase "One nation under God"
Question: whose GOD are we talking about here? The Chrisitan God, the Jewish god, Allah?
How soon Americans forget that we are a nation of MANY religions and spiritual people who do not recognize a singular God AND those who do not believe in God Period.
Forcing God down one's throat isn't going to do any good for anyone.
Even though it wasn't intentional by NBC the network was correct not to force it.
Jenna
Roseville CA
O Jack yer sounding like a Tea Party banshee; relax the Republic will survive ...the 'Knights of Columbus' phrase was stuck in there in the 50's to show the world we weren't like "those' Godless Commies.....it was a PR stunt that stuck and nothing more.
Why? because at every turn civil liberties movements are forcing everyone to be so politically correct. Take the "In God We Trust" on our currency for example. Or the issue that surfaced over the Christmas tree at the White house. It's been a Christmas tree ever since I can remember. Now we have to call it a Holiday Tree to be politically correct. And you wonder why the very fiber of the American way of life and timeless traditions are being torn apart.
There's too much political correctness going on. At a certain point some things just need to be accepted and left alone.
Jack-
I am 62 years old and have said the pledge many times in my life. To leave out those phrases gives me the feeling something has been lost.
We change a lot of things from the original, with amendments. This pledge was amended and should be left as it is today. It is just one more aspect of our life that is slowly going by the wayside due to political correctness and such a shame it is God and an indivisible country.
Jack,
HOW DARE NBC alter our Pledge, especially since the words 'under God' were added by an act of Congress. This is most infuriating.
NBC has long had a reputation of ultra-liberal views, and I am sure that this ambiance and thinking has permiated their offices and all the workers.
It's time to crack down of this type of broadcasting and hold the Corporations responsible for all their employees plus the CEO's that actually foster the thinking and the resulting actions.
It's also time to get back to reporting accurately and not editorialize what viewers hear and see on any news reporting!
First of all I was shocked that such a liberal base would even have an ad with the Pledge of Alliance in. Than I thought what school does these children on this ad go to school, because that is definitely a school where I would want my children to attend. Because of the minority our court system has done so much damage to who we are when it comes to saying prayer or reciting the Pledge. And yes that is a shame when so many fight and die under our flag, and what is laughable is that the same courts that rule now against prayer has those 4 words on the wall behind them. "In God we trust."
Jack, you yourself are being moronic. Don’t conflate patriotism and a salute to our flag with God. Should NBC have edited out “under god” – perhaps not. But believing in God and patriotism are mutually exclusive.
No doubt NBC's weekend staff are relatively young, maybe just out of college, 'eager to please' individuals, the network could hire cheaply, but clearly people who weren't thinking beyond the time limits they were given to edit the video. Many today fail to stop and consider 'the big picture'of their actions, but insist they can multi-task. Firing these ya-hoos would send a badly needed wake-up call to all single- focused people who spend too much time on technology and not enough on all the responsibilities every adult and professional must appreciate if they want to be respected and paid well.
Jack, you're imposing your beliefs on me by adding God. Is it a requirement to believe in God in order to be patriotic? No, therefore the fuss over this is ridiculous. The last time I checked we weren't a theocracy. Americans believe in many different types of God(s). I believe they made the right choice in leaving religion out of allegiance to our great country.
Maybe these folks at NBC did it because unlike you holier-than-thou types at CNN they respect the US Constitution – specifically the separation of church and state – one of the founding principles of our country.
I saw the spot this morning and it really did not appear to be purposefully edited at that specific point it rather it seem to be the timing and not the words that dictated the audio fade to the narrator. Either way, I actually suspect that the big stink is being made, mostly, by those religious zealots who try to shove their god down our throats anyways.
If it is a mistake, it is a mistake that is it, if it was on purpose it is no more egregious that you forcing your right wing conservative view now is it? Better yet, let us fix the original mistake, remove your god line that you all forced in to the pledge back in 1954 and allow it to speak for all of us Americans.
This was added to the pledge the same time hiding under your desk would save you from a nuclear attack. Case closed? Doesn't matter. Now, if NBC had said "There is no God" then I could see the problem.
Well, Jack, perhaps NBC is simply taking a page from the Republican who are in control of the House of Representatives who staged a reading of a heavuly edited version of the U.S. Constitution that omiited much of its actuial text on such issues as slavery and the limitation on voting rights and other matters.
It troubles me that we focus so much attention on the symbols of our democracy -the flag, the pledge of alligence, and this business of inserting God into secular affairs, while we ignore the desecration of the actual founding document that established our democracy: the Constitution.
Katrina van den Broek
Some of the comments here are amazingly similar to what some ardent National Socialist would be fuming and hissing had an observer failed to launch a stiff-arm salute when Htler passe by. The "under god" language does not belong in this stupid pledge, on coins, or in any other place that represents the nation as a whole. There are a great many people who do not believe in fairy tales, magic, astrology, and religion, and it is highly offensive to rational people to be lumped in with the morons who do. Th pledge is crap. Free people are not strong-armed into reciing meaingless oaths.
Jack,
NBC forgot what (Under GOD) actually means. It's so plain to see that NBC went to the D.O.G.S (DOGS)... This country has changed and television isn't helping much.
(Indivisible) means that NBC has lost sight that God actually exists. Now all that NBC has to do is open up there closed glued up eyes.
Luke
Huntsville, Arkansas
The omission was not only disheartening, but disgusting. These folks probably haven't had the heartpounding experience of watching our veterans marching in a parade or attending the funeral of one of our soldiers who has sacrificed his or her life for the freedoms of those blunderers. I, for one, plan to watch as little on NBC as possible. They've become a venue solely for progressive thought and one only watches if you really buy and enjoy the koolaid.
So if the addition of "under God" was made in the 1950's, then anyone born since the 1940's know's the Pledge of Allegiance to include the words, "under God". Since it is now 2011, then only those that are over 70 or over the last decade begun to become unglued about the inclusion (those under 10) should possibly see an issue with under God. The phrase has been used for over 60 years. What is happening to this country? Funny, NBC has no problem waving the Flag at the olympics when profit is involved...no agenda here!
Editing the Pledge was a DECISION. Generally that kind of decision is made by a PRODUCER. If you follow the chain of command at NBC, you will find the Producer who made that decision.
And no offense to anyone, but I strongly suspect that person will be Jewish. Jews are very opinionated about the separation of church and state and resent having Christianity thrust upon them. This may have been a form of impulsive "activism" on his or her part.
My guess is that the incident will dealt with internally and the producer's name will never be made public.
Because they included the Pledge as originally written? What a concept...
This is yet another episode of liberal progressive media squeezing God out of the national conscience.
They will not be content until they abolish all worship, prayer and religion out of our lives!
Folks in this country had better wake up!
I don't watch NBC anymore due to their astonishing bias and hypocrisy.
I hope millions of Americans will stop watching NBC along with me!
Mike Hyland
for those of us who believe that the abrahamic god of the bible, koran, and torah is a genocidal maniac, we hold out the hope that our government is not operating under his guidance nor advice. It seems to us as if the stresses of running the universe have gotten the better of him and that he needs a time out.......maybe some therapy....??
Jack, wake up and get off your pedestal. This country hasn't been " under god" since the republicans started calling the shots years ago. No matter what the pseudo christian right might claim, "One nation , under greed", would be a more appropriate phrase for our national anthem. There is nothing christian about this country.
"Under God" does not belong in the pledge, I do not say that part of the pledge. I spent over 22 years defending this country not God. We as a nation trust in God. the pledge needs to be changed back to the orginal and by the way whos' God are we under? The bible separates church & state. Pretty soon we will be having ho;y wars as directed by who ever clame to be Gods' spokeperson.
As to why? Simple
NBC is just one of the other media channels that is doing a head-long push to "remove" God from the American society. Pre-planned, setup, developed, with "cheap" excuses when they are called out for it by the American people who are standing up and say "enough"!
The reason that NBC or anyone might do this is to make human progress. Many of us do not believe that there is one male, father God (which the word God as used here connotes) which we are "under". Our pledge needs a huge makeover! I suggest: We pledge allegiance to the truth, and to the hope for which it stands. All nations working together to create peace and economic justice for all. You could help human progress along, Jack, instead of slowing it down. Much of our history has been "rewritten" and apologized for. We have much more work to do to be the "leader" of democracy that we claim to be.
No news service should edit factual evidence. News should be reported truthfully, accurately WITHOUT
In the media time is money. NBC was saving money, the bottom line for all media on tv. Nothing is more sacred than MONEY. It is a godless business,and why would they care about our country being indivisible, as civil war would generate a lot of news (money).
Why? Because they are afraid of offending someone. I'm not sure whom. I consider myself to be more liberal than not, and quite frankly, I am bothered by this. It seems trivial, but language reflects how we think, and small changes here and there begin to add up to a shift in how we think about who we are. So language matters. Our founders frequently referred to "God" in official writings, and we fought the Civil War to be "indivisible." I'm OK with that.
The pledge is a declaration of allegiance to the USA. Why should we be obliged to include any reference to an invisible wizard? Does a lack of religious affiliation make any of us less American than others?
I am a lifelong Christian and I have never been comfortable with the mixing of government with religion.
I can't stand that "In God We Trust" is on our money. The main problem with our society is we don't follow the wisdom of Timothy 6:10 - "Love of Money is the Root of all Kinds of Evil."
When Congress put "under God" in the Pledge of Allegiance, it opened a Pandora's Box that gave license to every sneaky politician who wraps themselves in the Bible while preaching for economic policies driven by Greed.
I don't Care that NBC edited out the words "under God" from their patriotic montage. Leaving those words in isn't going to change the reality that our country is self-destructing in an Orgy of Greed and Wealth-Worshipping. Our motto might as well be in "In Money We Trust."
Seriously, people!! It is not a big deal. Those who watched were tuning in to see GOLF. The video was not intended to be a training film in the correct way to say the pledge, just a representation-art-entertainment.. They left out "under God, indivisible" the first time through and then left out "one nation, under God, indivisible" the second time.
Actually the pledge flows much better as "one nation indivisible" It makes more sense that way and that's the way it was written. Where are those "original intent" folks when you need them??
I have lost so much faith in this country. I do not trust the Federal government anymore (either party) and have pretty much lost faith in our news media. It is so sad that such a great country is rapidly becoming a third world country. What has happened to things like integrity, morality, ethics, etc.? My greatgrandfather fought in the civil way (Illinois Volunteers), grandfather was a Marine in WW1, dad in WW2, me in Vietnam. What the hell did we fight for? It is just so sad.
Its ironic how many ppl don't think it should be edited and yet that is exactly what our government did when they put that phrase in 50 yrs ago.
Probably Jack the work of some liberal atheist fanatict manager who believes in the literal interpretation between the separation of church and State.
Cal from Kihei, Maui
Maybe they want to take a stand. And I for one applaud them. I'm sick of patriotism being tied to religion, then shoved down my throat. Our founding fathers understood the dangers of mixing politics and religion and they were right. And for the record, I am a christian.
Say Jack, I guess NBC thinks they are the President and they think they are getting rid of any extras they deem not needed.
Problem with their edit, it shows NO respect for our country or anything it stands for. I agree with you, they should be fired and it should be more public then they want it to be. (Hummm, they must be hiding something)
Teri
Misunderstanding? "one nation, under God, indivisible"
is how we got this far. Fire the fools.
It took 62 years for anyone to add "one nation, under god" to our pledge...so what's one day without it? Srsly...folks are too damn sensitive these days.
somewhere George Soros sponsored this event, and Mr. Finchem fell victim to the almighty $$
Why? Maybe because religion should not be included in any political system. It should be separate, as the founding father's wanted it to be. People, we need to join the 21st century and the modern age. LEAVE RELIGION OUT OF POLITICS!!!
Thank you NBC for having the courage to start this argument up again and bringing to light the fact that things need to change.
They cut it out because there's a portion of golf viewers who are atheist or agnostic who might have been offended. I mean geez, it's not like they replaced it with "one nation under the devil" – I mean with all the commotion and dissing of NBC you'd think it was sacriligious. And the original pledge did not carry the overture to "god" it was then and is now just the paranoid republicans demanding it.
I am a lifelong Christian and I have never been comfortable with the mixing of government with religion.
I can't stand that "In God We Trust" is on our money. The main problem with our society is we don't follow the wisdom of Timothy 6:10 – "Love of Money is the Root of all Kinds of Evil."
When Congress put "under God" in the Pledge of Allegiance, it opened a Pandora's Box that gave license to every sneaky politician who wraps themselves in the Bible while preaching for economic policies driven by Greed.
I don't Care that NBC edited out the words "under God" from their patriotic montage. Leaving those words in isn't going to change the reality that our country is self-destructing in an Orgy of Greed and Wealth-Worshipping. Our motto might as well be in "In Money We Trust."
Dean in Pittsburgh, PA
Usually agree with you, but your making a big deal out of nothing here. Forget about it.
In the grand scheme of things, it really doesn't matter. If someone does want to say " Under God" or "Indivisible" in the pledge they should have that right. There's no law against it. It's not threat to nation security. So what's the big deal.
"Under God" was added as pushback to the communest threat, which is pretty much over. I personally don't think that "God", or "Satan", or any other deity has anything to do with anything on our planet, but still take insult with a T.V. station editing our national anthem. What nerve! At any rate, I'd vote for taking "Under God" from our anthem, as we really don't know if it's true, any more than the old Norsemen "knew" that "Odon" would protect them. And also, we have a secular government, like it or not, and I take the seperation of church and state to be far more sacred than any forced fealty to the Christian religion.
I have a question for NBC. NBC why don't you move your operation to my country of Venezuela? Then you and Hugo Chavez can decide what is aired or not aired on TV.
It boggles the mind that they would have the Pledge of Allegiance at a golf tournament that invites players from various nations. But since I don't bother to atch something as boring as televised golf I guess I am guilty of deleting the whole thing.
This is just another media inflamed, if not media created, tempest-in-a-teapot. Patriotism springs not from a particular wording of a pledge, but from the way our government & citizens interact. If the media focused on the tough issues of the day, such as job creation & economic stimulus, & educated the electorate beyond the sensationalized newsbyte du jour, maybe Washington would move out of deadlock. As long as the media is little more than gossip columnist/peeping Tom rolled into one, our uninformed electorate is doomed to focus its aspirations on the sham reality-TV faux fame demagogues such as the likes of Palin-Trump-Bachmann and Beck. I would expect better of CNN and Blitzer/McCafferty. South Hadley, MA
I was a little boy when the Christians managed to insinuate their God in to the Pledge of Allegiance that we recited every morning in class. We came back from summer vacation and suddenly had to add "under God" to our Pledge. I remember being bothered by it and never included the phrase in my vocalisations. And..of course, it was a stupid thing to do at the golf game but, "That's the way Saint Stupid would have wanted it..."
With all the really important issues that we are facing why is this so important???? Come on guys – it was a stupid judgement but give it a rest. Let's deal with the real problems in this country and this society!
I think the pledge should be changed to, "I pledge allegiance to the United States of America and to the principles for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all." When I served my country in uniform, I was serving my country, not a flag, It is a great symbol, and it stirs my heart when I see it fluttering in the wind, but it is only a symbol. Leave the flag out of the pledge because it is a distraction, but keep God in.
Jack,
I am surprised at you. NBC should not apologize for leaving God out of the pledge. They should be applauded. As you should know, the original pledge does not have "under God" in it. The ultra-religious leaders of this country inserted this nonsense into it 60 years ago. Can you imagine if someone wanted to add "under God" to the Hippocratic oath? I don't believe in God and I don't believe I live 'under God". It's the 21st century, Jack. Leap into it.
NBC says that " a decision was made by a small group of people to edit portions of the Pledge of Allegiance." I'm sure that's exactly what happened. And I don't think it's all that complicated. We all know what type of political thinking would produce this. I have no problem with NBC simply not broadcasting the Pledge. The idea of editing out the politically incorrect parts is about as subtle as putting a bra on the Venus de Milo.
The politically correct devils here are the people (like you) calling for NBC to apologize and fire people! "Under God" has no place in our pledge... it was added in 1954 after a Catholic group petitioned congress and it's only a matter of time before it's removed permanently.
Jack,
Obviously they do not want to be on any groups watch board. It's a shame and insulting that the american people are portrayed as they are by the media. We're all big boys and girls and are not offended by such a small thing as the phrase "One Nation nder God". No one was being asked to receit the pledge, so there was no reason to edit that out. It should only be considered offensive if you were being told you had to receit it and that conflicted with your beliefs. This is a sad commentary on our country that we have become so PC we will now edit out pieces of our history (regardless of when it was written).
My guess would be to not exclude the nonchristian among us. After all, this country is founded on freedom of religion, and that includes the multi-god and godless ones as well. Was it a smart move? Probably not. However, what is even MORE pathetic is the sheer number of christians up in arms about it. It's trivial! Are you all that insecure with your own faith that this disrupts your personal relationship with your god?
Seriously, it is a non issue. The original pledge didn't have it, the current pledge does. It isn't going to change anything, as the meaning behind it is for country...not for a god.
Feel free to be whatever religion you are, and keep it away from me. I am as entitled to my beliefs as you are to yours. Stop being hypocrites. Those christians who want preferential treatment give the good, god-fearing, decent ones a bad name.
Jack you said it yourself: The original Pledge of Allegiance, of course, did not include the words, "Under God." They were added by Congress in the 1950s.
Not all patriotic Americans believe in “God” as written into the Pledge of Allegiance in 1950. Freedom of religion also means freedom from religion if one so chooses. There is also separation of church and state. Kudos to NBC finally recognizing and acting on this.
The phrase "under God" was incorporated into the Pledge of Allegiance June 14, 1954, by a Joint Resolution of Congress amending §7 of the Flag Code enacted in 1942. This was a direct response to the public's fear of Communist expansionism by equating the economic philosophy of Communism with non-belief in the supernatural-knowing full well that the American electorate would buy into this nonsense. Regardless, it must always be remembered that our nation is founded on the secular document of our Constitution, which makes no mention of God, god, Jesus, or any such sectarian beliefs.
A lot of these reponses are dealing with the "Under God" omission but "Indivisible" was also omitted.
This "small group of people" who edited this out probably didn't spend a lot of time thinking this through and, hence, their fleeting, liberal bias came through in omitting two important phrases of that pledge - under God and indivisible.
I think this "small group of people" didn't think that Americans were smart enough to notice the small subliminal change they made in wanting to say we ARE a "divisible" nation "not under God"; in essence, they were creating the nation as they saw and want it.
I agree that they "felt" the "under God" might offend some and/or to promote their godless ideology.....but they also probably felt that we ARE a divided nation...and not indivisible.
Not hard to figure out why the Romans were throwing the Christians to the lions...
I am glad that someone has decided to stand up for the ideals first put forth by the founding fathers. We have a freedom of religion and from religion if that is our choice. Ad in the fact that the united states government is supposed to be separated from any religious organization and I want to know why someone hasn't challenged this earlier. Any bias means that some one is getting the short end of the stick.
The decision in 54 was one made to draw the country together. Now those words are forcing those who disagree apart. Anyone who disagrees, regardless of if they believe in a god, gods, or nothing at all, is attacked as being left wing or atheistic. In that light I think the words should be removed. They never belonged in the first place.
NBC has the mistaken idea that freedom of religion means freedom from religion. I, an agnostic am dismayed why this politically correct choice was made. The pledge of alliance should not be edited by anyone. Anyone may choose not to utter the words so offensive; all Americans have that right; but, a broadcast network does not.
I do not believe in God, and even I'm offended.
Its no surprise that the Left would like to rewrite history without Christianity. There is no place for God in socialism.
Greg Hovey
Puna, Hawaii
Jack,
Its seems today people are tip toeing through the tulips to make everything politically correct. The fear of enraging some for allegedly promoting religion or something else seems to concern people more than having a back bone to follow accepted protocol. Until the day comes that the Pledge is changed, it should be heard in its proper way. Next, the Constitution will have to be redrafted to accommodate those who don't like it in English or have "We the People of the United States" removed as the opening line because it does not include people outside of the United States......Silly isn't it?
Who cares why they did it. Having a line added by a bunch of religious zealots does not make "under God" is not as much a part of the salute to the flag as the rest of the pledge. I'm an atheist. Do I have to supplicate myself to a mythological god to declare my love of the flag?Never. The religious nuts can come up with their own pledge.
It is once again how big television networks try to control what is heard and read. We continue to take God out of everything and we continue to allow the Big Networks to get away with this type of media. Government and now Networks are trying to be so political correct that it makes me sick. We can take God out of everything, but yet we can show some of the most racey commercials to sell sex.
Horrible
Nobody knows what America is anymore. Our forefathers are rolling in their graves at the pansies we have become, unable to govern ourselves and having given up so many freedoms to government control.
Because it has no place in a declaration of allegiance to the country. We are not a country under god: we are a secular country by design, even if many or perhaps most of our citizens are themselves not secular. Though The Right would deny it, one can be loyal to the country, and be moral and upstanding citizens even while denying the existence of a god.
NBC - "Nothing But Communists."
Wow, I sound like I should be on FoxNews. Seriously, they messed up, plain and simple. My guess is that it was a case of political correctness taken to an extreme. They should just own the mistake and move on. While the pledge may not have originally contained "Under God" it does now so editing it would be the same as taking out "home of the brave" from the National Anthem. NBC you goofed.
It's outdated for all but the few who grew up reciting it each and every day for years.
Time to move on.
This country hasn't been "Under God" in a long time or at least my God. When you attack a county that hasn't attacked you and kill as many innocent people as we have as we have. It is not under God
Why?: Seperation of Church and State; one principle our country was built on. It wasn't originally part of the pledge anyway. No harm done; people need to calm down.
Congratulations to the clowns at NBC for taking political correctness to the stupidest level yet. To all the sponsors funding NBC, I will not buy your products ever again.
Jack,
Relax. Take a pill.
General Electric Corp. owns NBC and calls the shots. GE exports American jobs. Pays no US taxes. Receives over Billion dollars back from the IRS – corporate welfare.
GE, Inc. is not concerned with the US. They are concerned with all of countries where they do business. Although they do have big military supplier contracts. So one would expect them to be sensitive to our Pledge.
I find no offense in the omission. Not everyone in this country believes in God and that's what makes this country great. The freedom to choose what you believe in, to be religious or not. Patriotism should not be exclusive, like some kind of club. I hope no one loses a job over this.
I am personally not a fan of the "under God" portion of the pledge. I find it unpatriotic; the notion that our nation, founded in liberty, is nonetheless subservient to a supernatural monster invented in the Bronze Age. I do however, recognize that my opinion is in the minority and don't mind too much that these two words are important to people who think differently.
I can only speculate on what actually happened, but I do not necessarily buy the notion that the pledge was edited this way on purpose over at NBC. The footage I saw was a montage of patriotic imagery mixed with tennis-playing. A montage like that takes lots of cutting and splicing and the phase in question ended up on the cutting room floor. Perhaps it wasn't checked before it aired or perhaps the folks who did see it before hand simply lacked the sensibilities to recognize that the cut would be controversial.
– Harrisburg, PA
Maybe they just wanted to be politcally correct for atheists. What idiots!
I think it was kinda unintentional. They were using kids reciting the pledge as a patriotic backdrop, and I guess they felt they didn't need all of it. One can protest the omission of "under God" as political correctness maybe, but that doesn't explain leaving out "indivisible". Some diehard Confederates might be offended by that word, but I don't think they work at NBC.
Kudos to NBC for editing out "Under God." This part of the Pledge should be omitted or changed to "Under Educated."
It is my belief that those words should not be part of this pledge. Your offense speaks to your anti-atheist and anti-agnostic feelings. And you are so fierce about it. That's what offends me. As much as you would have it otherwise, there is nothing immoral or unlawful about not believing in god. Those who do not believe feel like outsiders every time the pledge is said in public and why must I feel like a criminal when I won't stand and sing God Bless America as has become obligatory at every baseball game. The effect of including those words in the pledge are exclusionary. I personally feel like a hypocrite when I utter those words. I feel a strong desire to pledge loyalty to my country but I do not have a confirmed belief in god. My personal spiritual feelings are serious and very private, I don't feel I should be proclaiming by beliefs or my lack thereof at every public event I attend.
The folks who wax on about our Founding Fathers on one hand and then insist on "One Nation Under God" are taking a page from the Sarah Pailin American history text – make it up as you go along. The Founding Fathers knew the dangers of mixing government with religion and insisted on their absolute separation. NBC did what I have done silently for years. I just don't utter the words. In that way, we are far more patriotic than the flag wavers.
for those of us who believe that the abrahamic god of the bible, koran, and torah is a genocidal maniac we hope that the government which represents us is not asking for, nor recieving guidance or advice from such a god. We also believe that the stresses of running the universe are wearing on him and that he probably needs a time out or maybe some therapy?
Having said all that, i also think that to exclude the "under god" phrase is just as silly as including it...
Linda ...Newport Beach. Ca
Unfortunately, our nation seems to have become so "politically correct" regarding feelings that this sort of off-the-cuff, but intentional redacting was inevitable. I guess the reasoning is that leaving in a reference to God might offend atheists or perhaps Muslims because Allah is who they worship.
In my view, it's a sad state of affairs when a major media player like NBC takes to sensoring such well-meaning and utterly harmless verbiage because they fear it may offend someone's cultural or religious sensibilities. Or perhaps they simply just fear the remote possibility of civil litigation?
its time for a new phrase, which better reflects our current situation.
"one nation, made in america using sustainably sourced materials, extremely partisan..."
Because they hired Olberman as a temp. as editor
Because we asked them to do that. Everytime we assert that "morality" can be accurately and sufficiently defined by non-believers. Great idea... just not possible.
ken, atlantic city, nj: "Under God" has a special meaning. God did not promise success for everyone. Success is not something that is inherited. For you to suggest that is how success is gained shows your complete ignorance in our republic and freedoms guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution. Just another socialist/progressive who believes that government MUST provide success rather than individuals working and earning their success.
I'm a conservative, but I still understand why "under God" was edited. Just as everyone in this country is not religious, neither are NBC's viewers.
However, to edit "indivisible" could very well be called inciting to treason. Is NBC implying that they believe there is (or should be) a division in this country?
We, as an American people, are one country, one population, and one people. That transcends race, sex, religion, ethnicity, and any other way people try to define themselves.
Those words were not in the original pledge. They should not be in it now.
Same old, same old. The majority Christian populace feigning offense so that they can continue to abuse us with their magical sky fairy. Just an excuse to manipulate and loot wallets, as always.
Original pledge should have never been changed for political means from the get go. I and my family omit "under god" every time because I do not pledge elegance to spirits, only the country I am proud to honor. It is the "under god" phrase that takes us from indivisible, to divided as it gets. Why can’t I be a patriot without some belief in spirits?
Three cheers for NBC, as it is time for Americans to separate Church from State, just as Christ told them to do in the first place when He told the Pharisees to pay their taxes.
Let's turn the tables. Who wants to say: "One Nation, under Allah..."?
Okay, then.
Americans need to understand that the words 'Under God' were not part of the original Pledge when a preacher wrote it, and if memory serves me to be correct, I believe he was a Socialist-just like Jesus was.
Uh-oh!
The words you argue about were added in 1954, so get over it and let's argue over something more important-like how to raise taxes on those who make over $250,000 a year.
The original pledge, written by the socialist Francis Bellamy, did not include " under God" so I don't have a problem with them reciting the original pledge.
One of the most disturbing trends in this Country is the attitude of Religious zealots who employ rhetoric not dissimilar at all from Muslim Terrorists. Your demand for the firing of those who chose to use the original version of the Pledge of Allegiance truly represents the decline of what makes this” Great Country of differing opinions” to that of Authoritarian rule. I do not agree with your opinion and attitude and quite frankly believe that your forum and others just like it are the catalyst that could alter what makes the United States of America different then any other country in the world. How very sad!
I assume NBC was attempting to bring its viewers into the modern age. More and more people are becoming intelligent to the abuses "religion" can perpetrate as well as the understandings of modern science making "god" much less likely. I'm an atheist and I cannot stand the blind faith of many. Maybe for most ignorance is bliss. It's refreshing that all the "believers" were forced to deal with what I am forced to put up with everyday.
Let's not only go after NBC for butchering the Pledge, let's start getting tough on the celeberties who "personalize" the National Anthem and butcher it also.
Is this ALL we have to worry about?
On those occasions when someone screws up the singing of the Star Spangled Banner (i.e. Christina Aguilera during the Superbowl) there is no cutting away. It is shown live in it's entirety (and many times after that). The individual has to take their lumps – maybe NBC should march the decision maker(s) for this out on national television and let them explain. They should not hide behind a very weak apology.
At a minimum the individuals should be required to watch Red Skelton's recital of the Pledge of Allegiance that includes a full explanation of the meaning.
I'm neither for nor against the Under God line but I'd like to know why Congress thought it was necessary to change the original Pledge of Allegiance?- Oh Yeah The Knights of Columbus (Catholic Organization) campaigned for the Under God. It was a jewel that didn't need editing in 1954. Did Congress ask the family of the late Baptist minister if they could change the pledge (I think not)? I was raised in the bible thumping state of Texas & was taught the original pledge without the Under God addition. Knowing Texas at that time you would have been beaten if you left out the Under God if it was there.
God forbid you read all the history of the Pledge you people would do away with it. A Social Baptist Preacher that believed in the equality of all men & women before it was socially & politiacally correct was the author.
Jack,
Who cares? Don't we have more important stuff to worry about?
I very rarely recite the pledge. However, every day that I live in this country and work in this country I'm pledging my allegiance through action.
Action speaks louder than words. Can't we all stop bickering so much and just work together toward making our country healthy again? In this comment thread I see all sorts of name-calling, threats, and claims that this or that person "hates America." I'll tell you: no American hates America. It's such a great country that everybody can love it for a different reason and still all be patriots.
Jack,
Do you really think it's so terrible to skip the God think once in a while? There are a few in this democracy of ours who do not believe in God and have to hear about it day in and day out. Although I don't know why NBC did it, I think you are overreacting and playing a bit into the general frenzy of the religious right. I expect more of you, Jack. Life is too short to get stuck on such small issues.
Marta
Our country was founded with a secular government. The original Pledge did not have these words in them and frankly the original is closer to the intent of our forefathers. If you believe in your God great, it is your right to believe in him and I will defend your right to believe in him. I do not believe in your predominately Christian purview. Why must I be constantly reminded every time I wish to say the pledge that your God for the sake of the Red Scare in the 50's has wiggled his way in to this form of expressing ones belief in our country and patriotism contrary to its founding Secular Principles??? Keep your God where he belongs... in your heart and in your church.
This is not a church or state issue....this is about some knucklehead feeling that the national pledge of allegiance required editing.....and editing of any kind......wouldnt we react to the deletion of "Indivisble" or "To the Republic" the same way? I certainly hope so.......
Just where does any get off editing the Pledge of Allegiance? Particularly some low level wonk or group of wonks at the sports division of NBC....
One can argue as to why the Pledge needed to be recited at a gold match...but this is just a collosal goof by NBC and its staff....they require a check up from the neck up to determine if there is anyone home.....
Political Correctness is the reason. Just don't want to offend anybody! How sad this is for our country. I cannot understand how we have become such whimps – "standing for nothing, we will fall for anything." Can you imagine their leaving out not only Under God but also Indivisible?
Who are these people? What have they NOT learned from history!
It's about time someone recognizes atheist Americans. Thank you NBC!
They didn't so much cut it out but simply drowned the two parts out. There is enough time to say the two bits and carry on when the kids come around to 'And liberty...'.
Big deal.
Is that a joke? Anyone who's been paying attention to what's airing on NBC understands why. That doggone network has basically become the Democrat party's entertainment division. The Obama white house even used an NBC subsidiary – the History channel – to air a complete travesty of a 'documentary' series called America: the story of us. It was just bare naked propaganda.
Obama and Boehner playing golf while the U.S. is falling apart. And now a a censored Pledge of Allegiance?!
Our country is sinking fast.
Probably to appease Obama's narcissism. Bama brains want us all to pledge like this:
One nation, under Obama, with.....
That's the ultimate narcisstic expression for him!
for those of us who believe that the abrahamic god of the bible, koran, and torah is a god of questionable charachter, we hope that the government which represents us is not asking for nor recieving guidance or advice from such a god. we also belive that the stresses of running the universe have taken a toll upon him and that he probably needs a time out.
having said that, i also think that to exclude the phrase is as silly as it is to include it.
Because it's offensive to leave it in. Not only is it offensive to all other religions that don't believe in the same god, it's offensive to those of us that do not believe in any god. Your religious beliefs should not be given priority, nor should mine. Religion should not be mentioned on our money, in our courts, in our pledges. You are not more American than me by way of your belief in god.
It is very simple. NBC, ABC and CBS are all part of the left wing media which for more than half a century has tried to eliminate GOD from our lives....and look at the resullts the moral decline of our society....where anything goes all in the name of political correctness, free speech, etc.
I don't believe it should be culturally required to swear fealty to the State at the beginning of a sports event anyway. NBC did it in the way they wanted to. Some other network will do it a different way. Our nation isn't fragile enough to need this level of poutrage. Get over it.
Why are people stressing that "under God" was not added until the 1950's? The fact is that under God is part of the current pledge and as such should be included. As liberals always say, "if you don't like it don't listen". I'm not thrilled that President Obama is the president – can NBC bleep out his name so I'm not offended?
Pure stupidity!
A lot of posters didn't read the article.
IT WAS NOT A TECHNICAL "GLITCH".
NBC,"a decision was made by a small group of people to edit portions of the Pledge of Allegiance. This was a bad decision."
What is crap is that NBC is gonna let them get away with it.
Bravo NBC!!, Bravo Founding Fathers!!
The pledge should have never been altered in the 1950's.
Where is the similar outrage for the eroding of one of the most beautiful, primary concepts wished for a young nation and achieved via the courage and the wisdom of the founding fathers in guaranteeing a secular governance? Courage that steeled us from the tyranny of those who would rule by divine warrant.
NBC righted a wrong on principle and I cheer them for doing so.
It's quite simple Jack.....in this country money is god.
Proper call. Phrase does not belong.
Why do we ever omit certain "inflamatory" phrases? If you ask me... our government has become more religicized even though the "seperation of church and state" is so highly regarded in the U.S. Social issues have increasingly become a part of our national dialogue and as government becomes increasingly religicized, these "tragedies" will continue.
Why would NBC cut the Pledge of Allegiance before the U.S. Open?
It's called controversy...and it draws attention...good or bad, it equals cash...or in NBC's case, that would be capital "C" Cash. Now, what was that first Commandment?
We need a pledge all Americans can say, no? Not just Christians. The real meaning of freedom.
Am I the only one who found this intro package a little creepy? The listless tone of these kids reciting the pledge sounds a little like a cult. I would have gone with some audio from kids who were a little more exuberant about what they were saying. But that is neither here nor there.
As I read the headlines about Syria and Libya lately, I am reminded how lucky we are to live in a country where, if you edit out part of our country's pledge for national television, the worst that can happen to you is that you get fired from your job.
I am an atheist and do not recite "under god" when I say the pledge. That is the freedom I have in America and it makes me no less patriotic.
I doubt, however, celebrating our freedom of speech was what prompted the few people who edited this package for the U.S. Open to make this decision. Could it have been that they were limited to a specific number of seconds, and "under god, indivisible" simply didn't make the cut?
The 1950s congress that passed the law doesn't represent the values of current Americans. I don't think tolerance and freedom were a part of their beliefs. That includes skin color, race, gender, and even thought.
How do people make the connection between leaving the words "under god" from the pledge to being unpatriotic? If anything, it is anti-religious. Afterall, wasn't it the original patriots that decided to make a separation of church and state one of the tenents of the Constitution? I am not anti-religion and I consider myself patriotic. It is offensive to me when one American calls another unpatriotic so easily. Those that throw that term around so lightly, seem to me to cheapin the value of the the term "American patriot."
Hey guys, umm, god doesn't exist....... Sorry to break it to you all. We are all a part of something called evolution. Not by the wave of a single persons hand. Oh you silly people and you're silly beliefs. Take a look around. The world is changing. Start using your minds and expand yourselves and stop living in the past. It's the 21st century. I can't wait till churches and crosses were a silly thing of the past.
Instead, let's just ask ourselves why were those words added to our pledge?
Simple, the Christian majority in this country wants to continually assert the fact that they are, indeed, the majority, and they want to force their monotheistic, hearsay religion down our throats, literally.
This is a country of wide diversity, and when the majority co-opts a national treasure for their own purposes, that is not freedom, it's tyranny.
Jack, get over it! The words Under God were not included in the original version, and should have not been added in the fifties by the Republican controlled congress and White House. The Constitution prohibits the government establishment of religion, period. I am sick and tired of seeing government crony after government crony using religion to control the masses, just as being attempted today by the Republicans. I suppose that the Republican controlled Supreme Court made their decision against the Wal-Mart employee class action suit because they were guided "under God" (s) hand.
If I take them at their word, it wasn't a managment decision but rather some morons who thought they should. People in this country no longer sit back and take the 'progressive twist' and that makes me proud. As far as a reason, I can only guess they thought they'd make a statement. As you say, they should be fired.
Jack, this decision was made because there are groups of people in the country who believe they know what is best for the rest of us and will stop at nothing to promote that agenda. If you oppose, you are considered being "mis-informed." That is the common defense these people use and it is a dangerous path. If they are not continually challenged they will eventually gain leverage over the public and the freedoms we enjoy in this country will begin to evaporate. The public has to continually stand up to these groups of people and stay vocal about it.
Onyl one statement
Christianity neither is, nor ever was a part of the common law.
-Thomas Jefferson, letter to Dr. Thomas Cooper, February 10, 1814
I think NBC should just say that they were hacked. Wait... No... nevermind, thats been tried before. All joking aside, does anybody else find it odd that NBC would edit out these words during a GOLF match. When I think of Golf fans, socialist and communist really don't come to mind. Instead I think of god fearing rich white folk... to be totally honest. I think NBC needs to realize what kind of people watch Golf before they make similar mistakes in the future. Just my two cents.
Jack,
I have no idea. I suppose it may be as NBC stated that it was a small group of people with an agenda that have far to much control over the message the network is putting forth. Or it may be a desired message for the network in which they should have the guts to stand behind. What's amazing to me is that these words weren't in the original pledge but were added after the fact. Is there anything more American than fighting to add three words to our Pledge of Allegiance only to then fight court case after court case to ensure that it can't be said in school due to those words? God bless America!
After some reflection Jack, I think they omitted it because they want to remove God from our culture, which is sad because in light of our global economy meltdown, we need a little help from "our friends" and God is a pretty nice friend to have; as for the "indivisible" omission, I really don't know. Maybe they like us to be divided. God unites us all! I do know that their decision to omit "Under God" will have monetary consequences for years to come. The estimated loss of income could run into the billions. That is what happens when you piss off 90% of your potential viewers. I rarely ever watch NBC except local news! So...that's the way it is Jack.
Marshall Big Spring Texas
I would hope that NBC would have edited the pledge deliberately, as a way of underscoring in our increasingly Conservative times that it's as important to maintain a respectful separation between God and Government as it is to store bullets separately from handguns. There must be a dozen different ways in which our American ancestors chose – at great personal cost -to come here as the consequence of the misentanglement of government with religion. Likewise, I can't recall an historic incident in which an entire ethnic group was slaughtered in the name of Ethical Humanism.
NBC pandered to the left AGAIN. I will watch NBC for one week and take note of the various program sponsors. I will boycott as many of the sponsor's products as is practical. I will write the sponsors and tell them why am no longer buying their product.
why omit it? Because god is a man made entity used to control people and prey upon their fears.
I always leave out the under God part because of the reason it was added back in the early 60's: As a token to the old Confederate states for their votes in support of civil rights. It is not needed anyway, there is separation of church and state.
Why? Because some atheist editor was at the right place, at the right time and getting his 15 minutes of fame and bragging rights. Thanks to Twitter, this came out, and I hope the world will change as a result of Twitter!!! Because of Twitter, we have real world stuff as it happens without "spin" in the next days paper headlines.
It's about time. Maybe people will begin to realize that god is a myth.
I am an American and I don't believe in God. I do not say "under God" when reciting the pledge. I know this is hard for religious people to understand. Subsitute the word Allah for God and think about how it would make you feel. Millions of Americans don't believe in the Christian version of a diety and the pledge excludes all of these people, including me.
NBC left out "under God" in a misguided attempt to appeal to everyone in the audience, rather than only those who believe in God.
While I am in agreement with the belief that "under God" should be left out of anything having to do with the U.S. Government, I believe it's disingenuous to edit two words from the middle of a children's recitation. That kind of change should happen at the Presidential level...as it did when it was first altered to include "under God."
I like how "under God" wasn't added until the McCarthy era, really this shouldn't be a story, except to fan the flames of those who cry out to being "true patriots". They love to stake claim on "their" country like they have some right to it, given by God himself, that supercedes the right's of everyone else that is there or was there, even before them. And you know how Jack and Joe see eye to eye on most things, he probably wouldn't admit it in open conversation or if you were to draw the direct comparison, but they see things pretty much the same. That old-timey, country-club, white bred mentality, passed down through the generations, clinging desperately to conserve the perfect way in which things were. And in this case being off point because it was added only 60 years ago. That ain't even old-timey.
Jack,
This appears to be just another attempt to push the envelope...NBC is simply testing the waters. It is much too obvious to be anything other that purposely done. The liberal attitude of our media is contributing to the distrust Americans have for them...And the apology was pitiful. No accountability...
Mike in Arizona
America was blessed because we believe in God...as we fail to honor God in church, schools, homes, America fades away....God is our strength. If you don't believe in God -move to another country
Jack,
Thanks for your stand on the Pledge of Allegiance. God Bless our Military Men & Women who give so much that we can express our opinions. God Bless America. And i am Not apologizing to anyone.
Good for NBC! The delusional religious right continues to fight for relevance, just as they did when they introduced the God speak into our pledge. We need, and our US constitution demands, a strict separation between church and state. The rationaists need to speak up and not permit persecution by the delusionaists.
Because Retro is the "in" thing and NBC decidedly used a more generic and retro version?
This is Political Correctness gone insane. I'm sure some twit at NBC thought that the mere mention of God would upset some people. So now they've upset people like me instead, who are not affiliated with any religion but are sick and tired of this kind of stupidity. Maybe they thought no one would notice?
It was lose / lose for NBC. Put it in, someone complains... leave it out, someone complains. Although that said, those who believe in God take it to heart way to much. How many other religions are in the US? You don't hear them complain near as much as those who believe in the Christian 'God'. Being an American DOES NOT require you to believe in GOD, nor does it require you to recite those words when pledging an allegiance to the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.
I was born an raised in the heartland of America. I don't find it necessary to tell others what to do. That's not what God wants.
NBC, thanks for putting your true colors out for display. Although, if your viewers haven't figured it out by now–I guess the term "useful idiots" still lives.
Because "under God" doesn't BELONG there?
Can't we go 24 hours without getting outraged – especially at something so meaningless?
The fact that we make children pledge an allegiance (which most do not understand, and as minors could never be legally bound by such a pledge) is silly in and of itself, but since it invokes a mythical creature, I guess it can't be taken too seriously. Perhaps NBC sees the humor as well.