One way or the other, I am looking forward to seeing the "beginning" of the Milky way, or "Serpents head" that the date is supposed to mark. Hopefully it won't end and we can just keep focused on who to, or not to chip. Although I must admit to being a bit of a hypocrit, I did chip my cat,hope that doesn't count!

Actually the Mayan calander predicts the "End of Civilization" not the end of the world...which is a very different thing...and I agree with Ken....if you want to be chipped..fine your choice..but to force it on a group will only open it up to be forced on others.....

Mr Martinez 3660,
"under God" was added to the Pledge in 1954. It was never in the original pledge which was written in 1892, it was added later by a Christian man ( who on a side note just passed away this month). So it was never intended to be said in the first place...it was forced on those who dont believe by the majority that does.....
I will rise....but I don't cross my heart or recite because I don't feel it acurately represents everyone as it should.Also, it is now a prayer to someone elses god...not a pledge.
I will tell my daughter when the time comes that it is her choice to "pledge" or not as she sees fit.
See below for the original pledge line.....

'I pledge allegiance to my Flag, and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation, indivisible, with equality, liberty and justice for all.'

If only it was so....

I Suggest the book "Living in Sin" buy a man named Mr. Spong ( yes I know, lots of room for jokes there). He discusses why certain things were ruled as "sin" ( such as homosexuality, but that is not the only issue discussed) in context to the times people were living in, and why some of these ideas are now outdated and that current churches should be more open to that to continue to retain members.
( He was a Bishop in his church, but after witnessing so many years of hypocrasy within the order he is now leaning to Athiest, very interesting man)
It would be enlightening to both sides of the aisle to at least read an educated opinion from someone who has studied so deeply into scripture and come away more open because of it.
( I am not criticizing, just in my personal journey I have found religous scholars to be less open to discussion, not more so)

Can I just add that marriage existed as a business and love contract long before it was apropriated by the church as a "religous" sacrement.