header image

[Sign Up Now] to Receive Our FREE Daily SCVTV-SCVNews Digest by E-Mail

Inside
Weather


 
Calendar
Today in
S.C.V. History
March 29
1928 - Little dam victim, thought unidentified & buried in SCV, actually ID'd & buried in Chatsworth [story]
Newhall Cowboys


The Real Side | Commentary by Joe Messina
| Monday, Sep 9, 2013

joemessinamugIn the continuing saga of the attack on religion, the lefties are at it again. You know, that same group who tried to remove God from their platform … and failed. Remember them? Well, they just won’t go away, like a bad rash in the summer heat.

My home state of Massachusetts has decided once again to waste mega-taxpayer bucks fighting the words, “Under God,” in our Pledge of Allegiance. So what’s the big whoop?

To my Christian friends, do you really believe the phrase, “one nation under God,” actually means anything? We’re a nation that sanctions killing babies in the womb. If we were truly “under God,” we would protect the unborn. We’re a nation that sanctions same-sex marriage (marriage is a religious institution) when God’s word is very clearly against it.

And here’s my prediction – you heard it here first: Next will be legalization of polygamy, then lowering the age of consent, and then who knows what will come next?

We’ve become a nation that pushes its citizens to trust in the government and not God. My Bible says  God is my sufficiency, not almighty America or almighty “insert government name here.”

The words “under God” in our pledge mean nothing more today than telling your wife you love her as you beat and abuse her. They are just lies and empty words.

My Christian friends, I’m challenging you to come out of the closet and stand up with God. He stood up for you.

The Massachusetts Supreme Court will be ruling on Doe v. Action-Boxborough Regional School District and whether the pledge violates students’ rights. The battle over the pledge has been lost several times around the country in many federal courts. The new angle this time is “students’ rights.” Previously, they have used the non-existent separation-of-church-and-state law. This time they are using the infringement of student rights. (I could do a book on the infringement on conservative students’ rights.)

Interestingly, any time a conservative group mentions revisiting the issue of Roe v. Wade, we are told by the left, “It’s a done deal, set down in law, you can’t bring it back.” Shouldn’t you lefties have to take your own medicine?

Michael Newdow

Michael Newdow

Remember that guy who thought he was speaking for all Americans, Michael Newdow, when he said the words “under God” need to be removed from the pledge?

Our very own United States Supreme Court refused to hear an appeal of a lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of the Pledge of Allegiance in January  2011. The decision ended a seven-year battle over the pledge’s inclusion of the words “under God,” referring to two separate cases, one originating in California and the other in New Hampshire. Both cases were brought by Mr. Newdow. Too bad he didn’t have to pay for them.

The Supreme Court rejected the argument that “saying the pledge of your own free will creates an official state religion.” I guess the left doesn’t understand the meaning of “free will.” Because they work so hard at taking it away, they must perceive it as a bad thing.

There are many children who don’t stand during the pledge. Kids whose religions don’t allow them to pledge to anyone but God also don’t get involved. If they would actually go out on campus and interview the kids they would find there is virtually no problem. The stigma of not saying the pledge doesn’t exist anymore. In all actuality, you’re kind of considered goofy if you actually do it. If these people would get out of their offices and actually do some research, they would see this is a non-issue.

The very liberal lefty loons known as the Ninth Circuit in California, who have on more than one occasion reversed themselves, upheld the constitutionality of the pledge in March 2010, and the Supreme Court refused to hear an appeal of the California case in March 2011.  The First Circuit then upheld the constitutionality of the pledge in November 2011, and the Supreme Court refused to listen to that case, as well. Does anyone else think they are sending a message?

Supreme Knight Carl A. Anderson of the Knights of Columbus pointed out that his organization was “instrumental” in getting the words “under God” added to the pledge in 1954.

Those words “express a fundamental belief that we have held as a nation since our founding, that we ‘are endowed by our creator with certain unalienable rights,’” he said. “The notion that this somehow violates the First Amendment has now been soundly rejected by both the First and Ninth Circuit Courts of Appeal, and the Supreme Court has now allowed both decisions to stand.” What else do you people need?

You blast conservatives for fighting for the right of the unborn using science, not God or the great Universal Spirit, but science – letting us know that abortion on demand has been settled in the Court.

Well, guess what? “Under God” has been settled in the court, many times. Get over yourselves.

Christians and conservatives, stop with the lip service and do something.

 

Joe Messina is host of The Real Side (TheRealSide.com), a nationally syndicated talk show that runs on AM-1220 KHTS radio and SCVTV [here]. He is also an elected member of the Hart School Board. His commentary normally publishes Mondays.

Comment On This Story
COMMENT POLICY: We welcome comments from individuals and businesses. All comments are moderated. Comments are subject to rejection if they are vulgar, combative, or in poor taste.
REAL NAMES ONLY: All posters must use their real individual or business name. This applies equally to Twitter account holders who use a nickname.

2 Comments

  1. AudioSuede says:

    So, you’re saying that because “under god” doesn’t mean anything, we should keep it in the pledge? If it really is so offensive to conflate America with God, why not keep God out of the Pledge, and continue to pray and worship in your own time, completely separate from the government? That way, if you want to keep God as the person you really pledge allegiance to in your daily life, instead of the federal government, you can. It just feels like you’re fighting really hard for something you don’t believe in.

  2. Greyling says:

    Joe Messina’s latest argument in favor of a Christian theocracy. I really thought he’d be on Benghazi this week. Oh well.

    And buried in this blatant fiction is the lie that the separation of church and state does not exist.

    The First Amendment. The Establishment Clause. This: “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof.”

    It’s not there. As Pat Robertson says, it is “a lie of the left.” (By the way, on Robertson’s agenda is having his Christian army take over school boards. Taking over the country at the “grass roots” level.)
    http://www.nytimes.com/2010/02/14/magazine/14texbooks-t.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0

    It’s the entire foundation for their Christian Persecution Complex, which is the red herring for their ultimate goal: Dominionism. Destroying democracy and replacing it with Biblical law. Leviticus. Theocracy. Power.
    http://www.discernment-ministries.com/Newsletters/NL2010NovDec.pdf (opens a .pdf file)

    That’s why equality isn’t good enough for the rightwing religious fringe, the evangelical Protestant “Christians.” They must be superior. And they are the only Christians that are superior. Non-evangelicals won’t make the cut. Catholics (the Original Christians), Episcopalians, Methodists and others will be stoned in the public square. Remember, it’s about power, not Christ.

    Here’s Messina’s radio interview with Joel McDurmon on “Restoring America One County at a Time” on just this topic:
    http://americanvision.org/6732/joel-mcdurmon-interview-on-the-real-side-with-joe-messina/

    Who knew Socialism was Satanic? Money is how God shows his love! And He loves rich people. They are superior. Powerful. Poor people, the kind Jesus took care of and told us to take care of, haven’t earned God’s love. They aren’t worthy. They are Socialists. Evil.

    To help out, David Barton’s Wallbuilders has invented a Christian America that never existed. Messina takes a great deal of his “facts” from Barton.
    http://www.politicususa.com/2012/05/02/jon-stewart-dissects-david-barton-who-responds-by-lying.html

    Isn’t there something about not lying in the Ten Commandments? I thought I’d seen that somewhere.

    But remember, according to the religious fringe, if Jesus saves you, you can lie with impunity. Because you’re chosen. Special. Superior. Powerful.

    Not sure where that is in the Bible. Last I read, Jesus said to love your neighbor as yourself. But remember that Dominionism isn’t about Christ, it’s a power grab.

    Here’s more truth about Pat Robertson, his lies, and thirst for power:
    http://www.theguardian.com/film/2013/sep/05/mission-congo-pat-robertson-aid-rwanda

    One of the hallmarks of Fascism is the blending of the government and religion. Here are the 14 points of Fascism. Read them and see if you don’t see Joe Messina and his power hungry rightwing fringe there in every point.
    http://www.secularhumanism.org/library/fi/britt_23_2.htm

Leave a Comment


Opinion Section Policy
All opinions and ideas are welcome. Factually inaccurate, libelous, defamatory, profane or hateful statements are not. Your words must be your own. All commentary is subject to editing for legibility. There is no length limit, but the shorter, the better the odds of people reading it. "Local" SCV-related topics are preferred. Send commentary to: LETTERS (at) SCVNEWS.COM. Author's full name, community name, phone number and e-mail address are required. Phone numbers and e-mail addresses are not published except at author's request. Acknowledgment of submission does not guarantee publication.
Read More From...
RECENT COMMENTARY
Wednesday, Mar 27, 2024
Remo, Inc. is is the world's leading manufacturer and developer of synthetic drumheads and shells. They’ve been in business for 60 years
Tuesday, Mar 26, 2024
Springtime in Santa Clarita brings not only vibrant blooms and opportunities to embrace the outdoors with warmer weather, but also an array of free, family-friendly events and this Saturday is no exception.
Thursday, Mar 21, 2024
Did you know that each year, Main Street in Old Town Newhall undergoes countless makeovers for different events, such as Light Up Main Street and the Fourth of July Parade?
Thursday, Mar 21, 2024
Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger, whose Fifth District includes the Santa Clarita Valley, issued the following statement Thursday in response to an announcement by Federal Communications Commission Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel of a proposal to change how calls to the 9-8-8 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline are routed.
Monday, Mar 18, 2024
Unlike our children who enjoy a week-long spring break, we adults no longer have that luxury.
Friday, Mar 15, 2024

Latest Additions to SCVNews.com
1928 - Little dam victim, thought unidentified & buried in SCV, actually ID'd & buried in Chatsworth [story]
Newhall Cowboys
Los Angeles County Public Works is updating the Los Angeles County Bicycle Master Plan.
April 16:  County Bicycle Master Plan Virtual Community Meeting
College of the Canyons mens golf got back on track during its return to conference play on Monday, carding a five-man score of 370 to top the eight-team field at Brookside Golf Course and maintain its unblemished conference mark.
Cougars Win Again, Keep Conference Streak
Los Angeles County Treasurer and Tax Collector, reminds property owners that the second installment of the 2023-24 Annual Secured Property Taxes becomes  delinquent if not received by 5 p.m. Pacific Time or United States Postal Service postmarked on or before Wednesday, April 10, 2024.
County Treasurer Reminds Property Owners of April 10 Due Date
Local nonprofit Fostering Youth Independence is seeking “Allies” to support Santa Clarita youth who are aging out of the L.A. County foster care system.
April 16: FYI Seeks Volunteers To Pair With Local Foster Youth
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health today unveiled the latest L.A. County Health Survey, which gathers vital data on health behaviors, conditions, neighborhood settings, and the needs of L.A .County residents, informing future public health policies and programs.
Public Health Unveils the 2023 L.A. County Health Survey Findings
Due to the projected rain forecast, Eggstravaganza will now be held indoors at the Canyon Country Community Center beginning promptly at 10 a.m. on March 30.
March 30: Eggstravaganza Now Being Held Indoors at Canyon Country Community Center
To support the mental health of California's young people, the California Department of Public Health awarded $25 million to 28 tribal and community-based organizations across the state.
California Announces $25 Million in Awards for Youth Mental Health
The College of the Canyons Athletic Department will host a dedication ceremony to unveil the Michele Jenkins Softball Team Room in honor of the longtime board member and ardent softball program supporter’s nearly 40 years of service to the district.
April 16: COC to Host Michele Jenkins Team Room Dedication Ceremony
PFLAG Santa Clarita has announced the establishment of the Peggy and Jeff Stabile PFLAG SCV Scholarship. The scholarship will provide financial assistance to LGBTQIA+ students pursuing higher education and committed to advocating for LGBTQIA+ rights and promoting diversity and inclusion.
PFLAG SCV Announces Stabile PFLAG Scholarship
1934 - Bouquet Canyon Reservoir, replacement for ill-fated St. Francis Dam & reservoir, begins to fill with water [story]
Bouquet Reservoir
The California Department of Public Health launched the “Never a Bother” campaign, a youth suicide prevention public awareness and outreach campaign for youth, young adults, and their parents, caregivers, and allies.
California Launches New Youth Suicide Prevention Campaign
The Santa Clarita Master Chorale invites the community to "Let the Sunshine In," a delightful evening of food, wine and song at the annual Cabaret & Cabernet fundraising benefit.
April 20: Santa Clarita Master Chorale’s Cabaret, Cabernet Fundraiser
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health cautions residents who are planning to visit the below Los Angeles County beaches to avoid swimming, surfing, and playing in ocean waters:
March 27 Ocean Water Warning
As an integral ingredient necessary to help the Santa Clarita Valley to flourish, feedback from the business community is the secret sauce for achieving great things.
SCVEDC Asks For the Business Community’s Opinion on Santa Clarita
Raise your heart rate while raising funds for the Santa Clarita Sister Cities Dollars-for-Desks campaign to provide school desks for students in Sariaya, Santa Clarita's Sister City in the Philippines.
April 13: Sister Cities Zumba-thon Fundraiser
Remo, Inc. is is the world's leading manufacturer and developer of synthetic drumheads and shells. They’ve been in business for 60 years
SCVEDC Company Spotlight: Drumming Up Big Business with Remo, Inc.
California State Assemblywoman Pilar Schiavo (D-Chatsworth) and Assemblyman James Ramos (D-Highland) have introduced AB 3074 the "School or athletic team names: California Racial Mascots Act."
Schiavo Introduces Bill to Prohibit ‘Derogatory’ School Mascot Names
Los Angeles County’s Justice, Care and Opportunities Department  in collaboration with Local Initiatives Support Corporation Los Angeles is proud to announce the 2nd Annual Pitch Competition for the cohorts of JCOD's Incubation Academy.
March 28: JCOD Incubation Academy Helps Grassroots Non-Profits For the Second Year
Children’s Bureau is seeking foster families and now offers two virtual ways for individuals and/or couples to learn how to help children in foster care while reunifying with birth families or how to provide legal permanency by adoption.
April 18: Children’s Bureau Hosts Virtual Orientation
The Sunburst track was constructed in 1887 by the Southern Pacific Railroad and was a part of the main line running between San Francisco and Los Angeles.
Enjoy Spring With a Ride On The Sunburst Track
California State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond hosted a Personal Finance Summit today where he announced his support for Assembly Bill 2927 (McCarty), legislation that would require a personal finance education course for California high school graduation.
State Superintendent Announces Support for Personal Finance Graduation Requirement
1847 - Probable birth date of Pico Canyon oil driller Charles Alexander Mentry [story]
C.A. Mentry
SCVNews.com