This entry was published at least two years ago (originally posted on March 7, 2002). Since that time the information may have become outdated or my beliefs may have changed (in general, assume a more open and liberal current viewpoint). A fuller disclaimer is available.
Certainly, faith in God has often been linked to patriotism in the US through the pledge of allegiance, which contains the words “I pledge allegiance to the flag…one nation under God.” But God is, in fact, a relative newcomer to the pledge and was only included in it because of a right-wing religious lobby’s efforts during the McCarthyite era.