I got this today and would like to share it

Very true, thanks for sharing.

That's funny

I'm a true American, and a Satanist. I'm tolerant of other religions, as long as they're tolerant of mine. I don't judge on the basis of what an individual chooses (or does not choose) to believe in.

*Edited to Add*

I am offended by the 10 commandments being posted in public, because if I were to post the Satanic Commandments, excerpts from the Torah, or sections of the Koran in the same venue I'd likely be shut down. Otherwise, I could care less. I respect all veterans, regardless of the validity of the wars they fought in. I don't bow my head when someone prays, because that is not my prayer, and likely not my God. Prayer is individual, and i give it that respect. If I don't wish someone a Merry Christmas, it's because not everyone is Christian, and it's rude and narrowminded to ignore the myriad other religious celebrations in favor of one specific one. I'll give my last dollar to a friend, if they truly need it. But I will also not put myself in a bad situation just to "lend a hand". Sometimes you have to think of yourself first.

So I respectfully ask, how do these things make me more or less of an American?

"One nation, under God."

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Well, some rednecks might have some sour feelings about the first half of that

You might be a TRUE AMERICAN if: You've never burned an American flag.

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Several months ago when the Senate failed to pass the anti-flag-burning amendment (by 1 vote!), I decided that the one good reason for burning an American flag would be if the amendment did pass...

Aside from that, I must say that I'm in agreement with kingpin008 (well, except for the "being a Satanist" part ). Being a "true American" has nothing to do with being Christian.

Am I, as a quiet Buddhist, not a "true American"?

Hmph. I very much dislike loudmouth theocrats.

Besides, this has what to do with guns, now? IBTL.

I've consigned many a flag to the flames. I was always taught that that was the appropriate way to dispose of the old, tatted and worn out as per the U.S. Flag Code. Was I wrong?

Jefferson

No, jselvy. You honored the worn flag by disposing of it properly. I would like to attend a ceremony. I think I would feel so proud and honored to be there...

A "Flag Burning" is a desecration. It is intended to show extreme disrespect and hatred to theose who stand by the nation represented by that flag.
A "Flag Retirement" is a ceremony that does indeed invlove burning. Itis conducted by those who respect the nation and people represented by that flag.
A retirement is often conducted by the local Boy Scouts of America, and often the local VFW.
I once corrected a local bigwig who was wanting to retire some flags, but refered to it as a flag burning. I told him we didn't have enough hippies, terrorists or illegal aliens to have a flag burning, what he wanted was a retirement. Took him a second to figure out how to take that.

Two points:

First, it makes absolutely no sense to pay such strict attention to flag retirement etiquette and drive by every McDonalds, Ikea, and hotel which is flying some other flag as high as the US flag.

Second, I am a Christian first and an American second. With that proper perspective, I rather take exception to the idea that the one has anything to do with the other. We may be a nation comprised of Christians, but we are not, and never have been, a Christian nation.

A "Flag Burning" is a desecration.

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Yea, well..so is Gun Control, the Patriot Act, and many other choice bits of legislation.

We may be a nation comprised of Christians

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And Muslims, and Jews, and Bhuddists, and Satanists, and Agnostics, and Atheists, and....

Your a "True American" if you are not telling others what a "True American" is .

Your a "True American" if you are not telling others what a "True American" is .

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**DINGDING** We have a WINNER!

ptmmatssc, can I use that in my sig? That's GREAT!

Go for it .

Your a "True American" if you are not telling others what a "True American" is .

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Quoted for Truth.

Watch it! The grammar police are watching.

Your a "True American" if you are not telling others what a "True American" is .

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**DINGDING** We have a WINNER!

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Let's be careful that the new American way of thinking doesn't lead
to the usual historical revisionism and a revival of the old moral relativism
of "anything goes"/"do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the law"/or
the SouthPark-esque "Whatever! Whatever! I do what I want!"

You want to debate moral relativism with satanist? I wish you good luck with that....

Moral relativism has a place in historical analysis. It is improper to apply current moral codes to the past and will always produces incorrect results. Past events must always be examined within the societal framework prevalent during said events.

Jefferson

"You might be a TRUE AMERICAN if: It never occurred to you to be offended by the phrase, "One nation, under God."

"You might be a TRUE AMERICAN if: You've never protested about seeing the 10 Commandments posted in public places."

As far as religion goes, i believe that NO religion should be (overtly) honored in state or fed. facilities or schools. Separation of Church and State is what kept the Catholic Church and others from stepping in and taking over when this country was in its infancy. Private schools who teach religion should not be given federal funds, and "Intelligent Design" should not be taught in public schools.

As far as "One Nation Under God" goes, the "Under God" was added in the 50's by Congress, after it was lobbied into place by the Knights of Columbus - who bill themselves as the "Strong Right Arm of the Catholic Church."

Freedom of religion means freedom for ALL religions - not just yours. ("You" in general, no one specifically) Or no religion at all. Many Founding Fathers were Masons. The Masons were excommunicated by the Catholic Church as heretics by Papal Bull for teaching themselves about science. It was forbidden under Catholic Law for a Catholic man to become a Mason under threat of excommunication. Many Founding Fathers were of English decent, and therefore belonged to the Church of England, which had no problem with the Masons or science.

We would not have this country if the Founding Fathers bowed to the will of ANY religion. Period.

You might be a TRUE AMERICAN if: You still say "Christmas" instead of "Winter Festival."

Some of us don't celebrate any holiday. Are we then not Americans?

"You might be a TRUE AMERICAN if: You bow your head when someone prays."

If you are a Christian, would you bow your head (and kneel and face Mecca) when a Muslim prays? I thought not.

"You might be a TRUE AMERICAN if: You stand and place your hand over your heart when they play the National Anthem."

I agree on this point, however, if an American Citizen does not do this, it does not make them any less of an American - it just shows them to be the ignorant, disrespectful person they are.

"You might be a TRUE AMERICAN if: You treat Viet Nam vets with great respect, and always have."

Respect is earned, not given. And Viet Nam vets have earned it. They do deserve it (all vets do), I believe, and should get it. However, if they don't, it does not diminish one's standing as an American. Vets are not "heroes". They are warriors. The "Hero" concept was imagined by poets and storytellers - in other words, by those who were NOT warriors, to exalt those who were (or are). I am not a warrior - or a vet - but if I were, I would do what needed to be done for its own sake, not for accolades. Accolades are given by those with guilty consciences (like Bill Clinton for instance...)

"You might be a TRUE AMERICAN if: You've never burned an American flag."

I have never burned one. But if it continues to become a twisted symbol of a corrupt government, then I will be forced to burn it in protest of what my country has become. Then I will kill myself.

"You might be a TRUE AMERICAN if: You know what you believe and you aren't afraid to say so, no matter who is listening."

I know what I believe and I say it. Many Americans do not. They parrot what TV says or say nothing at all for fear of reprisal. Being an American gives you the freedom to say what you want, but if you don't, you don't lose your citizenship, just your voice.

"You might be a TRUE AMERICAN if: You respect your elders and expect your kids to do the same."

The Chinese were respecting their elders LONG before America arrived...

"You might be a TRUE AMERICAN if: You'd give your last dollar to a friend."

Economics has no bearing on citizenship, just government. Don't really think that one was thought through...

"God Bless the U S A! Amen"

We need all the help we can get.

First: IBTL!

Second: +1 to ptmmatssc and lanternlad1(except for one thing)

Insulting, pointless, and WAAAY off topic.

The original post is very shallow and simple-minded. Beware of people who tell you what you must do or believe to be a "true American."

K

I almost hate to close this; most of the responses are great. But it would be hypocritical to close religious silly chest-beating only when it goes unremarked and leave it open when people beat it down.

Besides, I'm not a real American, anyway.