People just accept things, which bother their principles and morales. Many of these injustices are addressed in the "Declaration Of Independence" & The Bill Of Rights.\nMy belief is that most people think they are powerless to do anything about existing conditions i.e. Why has Prayer been banned from school when on our very money it say's "In God We Trust" ??? Why has the Pledge Of Allegiance been likewise banned ???\nThese are freedom's granted by our forefather's, and have been trampled on more and more by people such as the late M.M.O'Hare. The America today has no resemblance to what we are supposed to stand for. Why are we letting this happen ?? When will people stand tall, and make those responsible pay for this corruption of our values instead of propulgating them ???\nWhy are OUR Troop's being treated (in some way's) like those in Viet Nam ??? Why are we selling the soul of our country for oil ???? Why do not we take care of our starving, hungry own instead of helping others ??
133875
they are all blind sheep\nand to darn into themselves to get up and do something about it..which  if we all did ..it would work in our favor
442856
I agree with the concept, yes. I've seen way too many times where people make blanket statements, and it's annoying to no end. You'd rather your tax dollars go to unjust wars? To hike government salaries? \n\nThere are plenty of people, women and men alike, on welfare programs that NEED it, that could not exist any other way. Many times it's due to circumstances that are entirely beyond their control, and most often they are ashamed to admit it and can't wait to be independent and self supporting. Gee, I wonder why they're ashamed when the general majority makes them feel like sponges.\n\nThere are others that take advantage of the system, and this is WHY people get jaded and judgemental. However, they tend to forget that this is not the majority, that there are people out there that could not exist without it, and that it's our responsibility to help those less fortunate ... our moral responsibility.
560555
Your idea kills the whole idea of our Constitution.  People have the right to believe in different things and speak freely in America.  You are suggesting a Marxist, Totalitarian concept.  As much as some of the liberals annoy me with whining and criticizing - Occasionally they will have a good idea and it needs to be heard.  Constructive criticism is good and promotes great ideas.  Whining, Complaining, and obstructing in the name of patriotism is digusting.
484486
Bush is surrounded by hard-core Christians who feel the need to make their moral values law for everyone.  These issues are victimless and trivial in my book.  There are much bigger things going on out there and too many of us are easily diverted.\n\nP.S.  America still owes France a ton of $ for their support in the Revolutionary War!!!
81280
Good question! I think some of it might be brain washing. I cant imagine someone giving their lives for a  reason because someone tells them it ok. I am not sure what causes anyone to hate america but they dont have the same values we do on human rights or life so maybe they are ignorant to our ways like we might not understand theirs. WE all need to educate each other so we can find the common ground we all share as human beings and maybe these things wouldnt happen.
185296
It becomes an issue of public priority. There is an underlying American opinion that your supposed to be able to make it on your own if you work hard enough (even though this is some times a very silly theory in praxis). So theres a general discontent for things which some people see as freerider type things. You could argue there is probably a lack of empathy as many people favor as little government as possible by cutting social safety net programs for the poor. When people keep blaming the victim, these type of injustices occur. Not to mention there are quite a few government expenses that are on the board right now, so people who see us in a defecit think, well now certainly isnt the time to help these people out. It is certainly frusterating and sad but its a part of the american psyche and probably wont change any time soon.
364170
I guess it is because religion influences other parts of people's lifes outside of just when they go to church. Can you really expect it not to?\n\nEdit: And it is too bad everybody thinks that you are attacking them. I agree that a lot of people here are just too jumpy.\n\nAlso, I don't think it is fair to ask if we still have freedom in this country. First of all, this is the internet, and people from all different countries are on here, but more importantly, second of all, it is also that freedom we have that gives us the right to talk about god where we want to.\n\nEdit: Well with your rephrased question, I now have to agree with you 100%. We Christians are too judgmental of other people's beliefs, and I am just as guilty of it as anybody else. God tells us not to judge other people, and that is up to him. I guess us Christians are pretty hypocritical sometimes. I am sure that other people aren't going to want to read that, but it is true, so I am saying it none the less.
302781
I just want to know why it was okay to have scriptures & other signs of faith posted on government property in the past and now it's not okay. Who gave a group so much authority to think and act for the majority? If something is offensive, I turn my head away, but I respect someone else's right to do the offensive thing. I don't like it, but I don't go running to the ACLU & cry all over them because I was offended. I don't urge them to hire a multitude of lawyers to make those people stop their vile display, violating my senses. I don't like a lot of things that are happening in this world. I try to make a difference where I live, and an even smaller difference at the ballot box. But, all this talk about separation of church and state is horse hockey. Our constitution DOES NOT have that wording in it anywhere. I've read through it several times and I don't see it. Must have been written with invisible ink! But, the Russian constitution DOES have that wording. I can see how that would be important...to the Russians. This country was founded on scripture and Godly values, not matter what the history revisionists are trying print in our school books now days. And no matter if you or anyone else likes that fact, it's a fact. If it was good enough for our forefathers, why isn't it good enough for us now? I don't believe that we are so very enlightened now that we've forgotten where we've come from. I think a lot of people just don't want to be reminded of any symbol of faith. It might make them uncomfortable, and we wouldn't want that! We want everyone to be happy, right? But, in their effort to please one group, they're offending another. I guess it's okay. Those crazy Christians have had the past couple hundred of years to plaster their stuff all over this country. So, now they can just back off quietly and shut up. That's the attitude that the ACLU sends every time they force someone to remove another symbol of faith from public view. It reminds me of what happened in Nazi Germany. When Hitler was killing all the handicapped people, no one made a fuss because it didn't affect them. When he started killing another group of people, no one said anything because they weren't affected. Then Hitler came for them, with not a whole lot of people left to put up a cry. It wasn't until Hitler started taking over other countries that people stopped him. This tearing down of the symbols of faith will not stop. Many new churches don't even display a cross anymore, blending in with all the other buildings in the area. I believe that this country has been blessed with so much because of Godly people living and working here. Revelation 3:15-17 says, "I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot: I wish that you were cold or hot, one or the other. So then because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spit you out of my mouth. Because you said, I am rich, and have lots of  stuff, and have need of nothing (even God); don't you know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind and naked?" I believe we are already reaping the consequences of our departure of faith. That's why more & more bad stuff is happening to America than ever before. We will believe in anything, as long as it doesn't make us too uncomfortable. I know I am making this really long, but this is something that's very dear to my heart. I love America and I love the people who live in her. I also know that there will be a few who are offended by my long tirade. Sorry that your feelings have been hurt in any way. But, I stand firm in what I believe. Everyone has the right to live out their faith in any fashion they desire. That includes government property, because it's a part of America too. Stopping the public viewing of these symbols isn't going to stop people from believing in Jesus, worshipping God or limiting their church attendance. But,
95356
America was once a pround country! my famiy has been here since 1620's I 've had relatives die in the Revolutionary war,Civil war, WWI and WWII . I served during the 70's and 80's and early 90's. At one time as a nation we had values. But In the last 20 years we have opened our borders, Letting the Scum of the earth come in.To give an example  In Southern California pregnant Mexican women will come across the border to have their Fatherless children born here. At tax payers expence They have deminstrations in the street and carry the Mexican flag. But we don't kick they As*es back home like we should because ( oh they desirved to have better) 58% of all crimes in the U.S are commited by Illegal Uneducated scum from other countries. America is under siege and not by Osama. President Bush Acts like one of the most igmorant men that ever lived ( they say he's really not that way) but the man can't put two words together. And like in the movie "Forrest Gump" My Momma always said stupid is as stupid does!..I am to the point that I think the people have no say so. There is no way he could have been reelected. The elections are rigged. If there is even an America in 20 I'll be amazed..In the mean time we'll be lucky if the white population does get tired of it all and start a civil war, Not against Blacks but against all the other out of line people.. People that complain about the pledge to the flag or stone monements of the ten commandments in city parks.\nIt's a pressure pot about ready to explode.
549143
You infer correctly, and bravo for pointing this out.  People insist on it because that is what they want to believe, whether it is true or not.  They will insist that this is a "Christian" country, simply because Christianity is the main religion of the people.  In reality that doesn't mean squat to our Constitutional principles or freedoms.  If the founders wished to create a Christian nation they had the perfect opportunity to do so.  They chose instead to create a democratic republic in which religion has no say.  This fact gets conveniently ignored by fanatical Christians who think they automatically have the right to run everyone's lives.  They'll quote scripture as though it is civil law, but have little clue what the meaning of separation of church and state is at all.  Better education in our schools could help dissolve their ridiculous notion.\n~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~\nAce?  For every quotation from a founder supporting the role of religion in government, I can produce two from the same founder speaking against it.  This debate went on for quite some time and the founders wrote and spoke about both sides of it extensively.  The proof in the pudding is that they had a chance to install a theocracy and chose not to do so.  They chose to keep that distance between church and state in the end.  How can you even argue with that when they didn't take the opportunity to create a theocracy?
203864
This is a GREAT question,(for me anyway)because it touches on two points that have been driving me crazy lately. The first is the intolerance some people display towards Christians. I have a hard time understanding how someone can call themselves a liberal and state that they stand for tolerance and understanding but then down people who are practicing Christians. It's a double standard and hypocritical to boot. Every issue in this country seems to gravitate to ridiculous extremes-there's never a sensible and practical middle ground. Though I believe firmly in seperation of church and state (which our forefathers took months to painstakingly state in the constitution, and with very good reason)I cannot think of one good reason why a child quietly saying grace over his school lunch should be so offensive to some that he should be expelled from school. It's not like he was standing on the tables preaching or anything. Just silently thanking God for the food he had that so many in the world are forced to do without. It's absolutely shameful. Such people are not liberals in any literal sense of the term, but rather small people with set ideas and closed minds-inflexible in their thinking and intolerant of other points of view. You don't like the term progressive regarding such people and neither do I. I call them "Left Wing Conservatives" because their thinking is just as rigid and inflexible as their right wing counterparts. They have an agenda, and they follow it thoughtlessly. \nI think this stems from an innate human need to feel superior and special in some way.  Many, many people find something that works for them and, out of this need, become convinced that their way is the ONLY way. Stupid, yes, arrogant, yes but that's how it seems to work.\nThat being said, let me lob one at the other extreme and say that I'm really tired of hearing certain elements of the Christian Right raving about how oppressed and persecuted the poor helpless Christians are. Let me explain something to you folks-Christianity is by far the majority religion in this country. It is also the richest and has the greatest representation in our government. The Christian Right has more politicians in their pocket than EVERY OTHER religious group in this country combined. People opposing you from passing legislation to impose your religious beliefs on others regardless of what their own beliefs may be does not constitute oppression. What they are doing is resisting YOUR attempts to oppress them.  Again, ridiculous extremes. When in all of history has the group with the largest numbers, the most power, and by far the most money been considered oppressed? It's crap! \nThe extremists on both sides are the problem.  They shout the loudest because that's the only way they can get people to listen to their idiocy. Neither side has a monopoly on intolerence and self righteousness. My solution: Take 1% out of the military budget and build a huge city on some piece of land that no one cares about-White Sands Arizona would be my vote, but other wastelands such as Detroit or Hoboken would work as well. Build a big wall around it and then move all the extremists from both sides in there where they can shout, stomp and do whatever else to each other all they want while the segment of the population with enough sense to pound sand gets on with the business of improving the country. It'll be a better world without 'em. But maybe that's just a little extreme....
28928
This is so true , its a pitty u know that,the problem is that people want everyone to follow their beliefs... and thats where everything starts wars,descrimination and all. its crazy how ppl go to war in the name of god ... while all religions never asked for anything but peace.
122574
It's one of the United State's most fundamental issues to protect each individual's freedom of religion.  Of course our government has no right to have any say in religion whatsoever (unless the religion requires others to be harmed like it said above).  It is even more important to note that its a FREEDOM of religion.  It should not be encouraged or discouraged.  Many politicians today quote biblical phrases and speak of their beliefs according to how government should be applied.  This is wrong, because there are those who do not believe in Christianity.  We have to remember the basis of this country.  The puritans came over here in the first place to escape religious persecution!
116408
People tend to fear what they don't understand. Personally, I believe it is fear that is manifesting itself rather than hate.\n\nThat doesn't justify their actions which are often times displayed by hateful acts. Most have never seen our benevolent side. \n\nWith the onslaught of natural disasters, many of these people have witnessed first hand how quickly we, as a nation, have responded to their peril. \n\nI have read accounts of how these people were absolutely shocked that we would respond faster and with more resouces than their own government. They had previously thought we were a selfish nation... taking things that don't belong to us... forcing other to conform to our vision for their lives... They fear that they might become our next victim.\n\nThe answer is not Iraq as suggested above. There are way too many people here on Yahoo answers that want to be the first to answer a question and give no regard to it's accuracy. Their misinformation is a blithe on an otherwise great site. You deserve an answer not an opinion that isn't even backed up with the flemsiest of evidence. \n\nPardon my distain. Back to the topic...\n\nYour anticipated response would be, what can we do about it? How do we let them know that we want them to be happy, prosperous and free to enjoy life under their own terms? Well, there's not much an individual can accomplish on an international scale. \n\nTrue, there are some amazing people that have a calling it would appear and these people have proven how much good or bad one person can accomplish internationally. As for you and me, we need to take the time to examine our leaders. We need to look beyond party lines and select officials that represent our country for what it really is. A melting pot of ideas and people. A place where their way of life is acceptable as long as it doesn't infringe on another person's way of life. A nation that loves it's soldiers and can hardly bear the thought of placing them in harms way. And if we do send them into battle, there is no reasonable doubt that they are dying for a worthy cause. A cause that is international in scope rather than that of the privileged few that seem to have far too much control.\n\nWe must calm their fears.
185496
Trying to respect everyones' rights is a fool's errand. There are lots of people who will never think for themeselves unless you rattle their cage a little from time to time. Plus it's just plain fun to offend people, so long as you do it with a little respect.
92342
We, the citizens of United States of America, continuously speak of Peace, and Love to each fellow man and woman.  We allege to being a nation of peaceful citizens, opposing injustice and human brutality.\n\nWe consciously and religiously worship god, regardless of our sins.  \n\nWe, the citizens of the United States of America, represent our country.  We are our government, whether we like it or not.  The sins our government may or may not have committed are the responsibility of it's citizens - us.\n\nIf our Presidents is disrespectful, we are disrespectful.  We are our country, we are our President.  \n\nWe are equally responsible for the negativity circulating around our globe.  As Americans, we are just too arrogant to admit this.\n\nIt may be wrong to continue to use god as our armor, falsly repenting during holidays and disasters.\n\nI am not proud that we are so disliked.  I personally have no fear of God, only Love.  I only wish the entire world would see us for the beautiful nation we really are.
46483
Everybody gets offended these days. Its pathetic. \n\nPeople's lives are too easy, life in general is too easy, so they need something to complain about. It truly is pathetic. \n\nNotice one thing thats missing from the Bill of Rights? There is nothing in there about 'having the right to not be offended'.