GOP Lawmaker: Air Force Cadets Must Pledge To God…There Is No ‘Freedom From Religion’

Another day and another Republican lawmaker wants to impose his religious beliefs on anyone and everyone he can think of. Only this time, the imposition would be upon members of the United States armed forces. Wouldn’t it be nice if the GOP decided to actually govern instead of just issuing dictates?

Today’s culprit is Texas Representative Sam Johnson. Johnson has introduced the Preserve and Protect God in Military Oaths Act of 2015. It would require that cadets at the Air Force Academy repeat the line “so help me God” when they take their oaths every year. Why is this so darn important? Well, according to Congressman Johnson, it’s because Americans do not have “freedom from religion.”

Sigh. Can anyone explain to me why so many of these harebrained members of Congress and their ridiculous ideas originate in Texas? Is it the heat? The odor of cow manure? What is causing this preponderance of the inane and moronic in the Lone Star state?

Johnson claims his bill is in response to the Air Force’s 2013 announcement that cadets would no longer be required to repeat the line “so help me God” when they recite their Honor Oath. Johnson was apparently offended by this move and said:

“Our Constitution’s very First Amendment protects every individual’s freedom of religion. But our servicemen and women who protect our county with their lives are seeing that freedom under fire.”

Yes, it is indeed a proud day in the American Republic when we start forcing a member of the military to say something he or she doesn’t want to or doesn’t subscribe to. What if one of the cadets is an atheist or an agnostic? Maybe they don’t want to pledge their fealty to a God they don’t believe in. So do we then boot them out of serving their country?

But wait, listen to how Johnson justifies his legislation:

“Let me be clear: Americans have the freedom of religion–but not freedom from religion. That’s why I am introducing legislation that requires Congressional approval before any change would be made to military oaths. The moral foundation of our country is in serious danger if we allow radical groups to dictate whether or not we can freely express our religious beliefs! It’s time to take a stand.”

Actually, Congressman Johnson, Americans have freedom of and from religion. We don’t have to believe or worship anything we don’t choose to. If you had any idea what the Constitution actually says, you’d know that. But again, I guess the heat and the cow manure has turned your brain (if indeed you have one) to mush.

Hey, I have an idea, and it’s a pledge that the Congressman can take. So repeat after me: I swear that I will stop introducing pointless legislation that is only intended to curry favor with my constituents and help get me reelected, so help me (insert deity of your choice).

This article was originally published by the same author at LiberalAmerica.org.

 

 

One thought on “GOP Lawmaker: Air Force Cadets Must Pledge To God…There Is No ‘Freedom From Religion’

  1. ““YOU PEOPLE KEEP SAYING GOD .,,,,,,, WHICH ONE?
    Alla,,Mars,Rha,Mercury,Toth,Zanzimeil,Budda,Neptune,Jehova,Crom,Venus,Osirus,Apollo,Posideion,Amund, Can you guys be more specific about which god you are talking about???? My favorite is Poseidon
    Reason why conditioning minor children into and superstitious/religious belief should be a felony. It is child abuse and destroys ability to think critically for life.

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