Must Atheists Trash Religion?

[MineralMan]

80. I learned the Pledge of Allegiance in grammar school,

before "under God" was even added. I've never said it with those words. Nobody has ever bothered me about that. So, yes, I suppose I tolerate it as other people say it, but I don't include those words. If asked, I explain, just as I did here.

I also affirm any oaths I am asked to make. In court, I have always said, "I will affirm my oath," and I do so. Again, nobody has ever bothered me about that. I have never said, "I solemnly swear" nor "so help me God" while taking an oath. That is why I state that I will affirm the oath.

When I enlisted in the USAF in 1965, I affirmed that oath. I also insisted on writing in Atheist on forms where I had to declare my religion. In basic training, I was issued dog tags that said Protestant on them. I insisted that they be changed. Only with the help of the Jewish chaplain was I able to make that happen. As far as I know, I was the first enlisted Airman to have dog tags with Atheist on them. It caused quite a stir.

I tolerate religion, but will never tolerate having it forced upon me. There is no chance of that happening without my protest. So far in my life, that has never cause an enormous problem, although it has been a little uncomfortable a time or two.

Nobody is require to say the Pledge of Allegiance, nor to include words, "under God" when saying it. Affirmation is accepted for all official oaths in this country, as well.

Did you not know those things, or were you hoping to sweep them under some floor covering?