Topic: Pledge

The phrase "under God" was added to the United States Pledge of Allegiance in 1954 during the Eisenhower administration. The change was encouraged as a response to the perceived threat of "godless" communism during the Cold War. Modern critics of Christian Nationalism often point to this relatively recent addition to argue that the U.S. was not originally intended to be an officially Christian nation.

The hosts discuss the specifics of Georgia's racketeering laws, noting that prosecutors only need to prove two predicate acts to establish a RICO charge. Meanwhile, Donald Trump indicates he may skip the first Republican primary debate in Milwaukee, hosted by Fox News. Trump has refused to sign the RNC loyalty pledge, which requires candidates to support the eventual nominee as a condition for appearing on stage.

A Project Veritas investigation exposed a Sacramento high school teacher, Gabriel Gipe, who admitted to indoctrinating students with communist propaganda and Maoist imagery. In Southern California, another teacher is under investigation for encouraging students to pledge allegiance to a Pride flag instead of the American flag. These incidents have fueled a national debate over the political neutrality of public school educators.

Amazon has purchased the naming rights to Seattle's Key Arena, renaming it "Climate Pledge Arena" despite reports of a 15% increase in the company's carbon footprint. Meanwhile, the CDC is reportedly considering using TikTok to reach younger audiences with social distancing messages. This move is criticized due to TikTok's ties to the Chinese Communist Party and its potential use as a messaging tool for foreign influence.

The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation is scrutinized for its transition from traditional philanthropy to a model resembling a profit-making investment firm. Through "donor-advised funds" and the "Giving Pledge," wealthy individuals can gain immediate tax benefits while maintaining control over how billions are invested for a return on investment. Critics argue this system is more about exerting global control than pure charity.

Viral videos of high school students giving Nazi salutes in California and Florida have sparked national outrage. The hosts question the media's lack of detail regarding the specific "Nazi songs" allegedly sung and compare the gestures to historical versions of the American Pledge of Allegiance.

A clip discusses the idea of "positive gangs" as an alternative for youth. This is followed by a critique of Hillary Clinton, looping phrases about her being "never satisfied" and the historical significance of a president having a vagina.

The hosts discuss the hypocrisy of Republican candidates who pledged to support the eventual nominee during the primaries but have since abandoned Trump. They highlight Paul Ryan's "sinister" behavior, noting he was accepting an award from the Boy Scouts while Trump was campaigning in Florida. The segment characterizes the GOP establishment's actions as a betrayal of their own rules.

The leadership of Global Citizen is identified as a group of New York elites, including representatives from the Gates Foundation, Forbes, and TED. The hosts criticize the organization's "Pledge of Dependence," characterizing it as an anti-American globalist agenda promoting a borderless world.

The U.S. Flag Code was formally adopted in 1942 to change the way Americans saluted the flag during the National Anthem. Previously, the "Bellamy Salute" involved an outstretched arm with the palm down, which was abandoned after it was adopted by the Nazi regime in Germany. Historical photos from the Library of Congress show American schoolchildren using the salute prior to the legislative change.

Adam Curry observes that Olympic television coverage heavily emphasizes "weeping and sobbing" athletes to create emotional drama. The hosts debate the proper protocol for the National Anthem, specifically whether one is required to place their hand over their heart during the "Star Spangled Banner" versus the "Pledge of Allegiance."

The production of the DNC is critiqued for its heavy use of identity politics and "boxes" for different demographic groups. Observations include a perceived demeaning of a Hispanic congresswoman and a deliberate avoidance of the phrase "God bless America" by most speakers. The convention is described as a highly polished show designed to pander to specific audiences.

The pre-rally program included prayers, the Star Spangled Banner, and the Pledge of Allegiance, reflecting the local culture of Arkansas. Disrespect is noted among the press corps, who remained on their phones or laptops during these patriotic rituals. The history and appropriateness of the national anthem at sporting events are briefly debated.

Donald Trump officially signed a pledge to support the Republican nominee and not run as a third-party candidate. Trump used the occasion to criticize the Iran nuclear deal, claiming he could have negotiated a much better agreement. He also suggested that the current deal might require the US to defend Iran if it were attacked by Israel.

Senator Bernie Sanders is gaining significant momentum in the 2016 Democratic primary, drawing large crowds of millennial voters with his socialist and progressive platform. The discussion critiques the practice of politicians signing third-party pledges, such as tax or environmental pledges, arguing they should remain accountable only to their constituents. Sanders is characterized as a disruptive force similar to the "Ron Paul effect" seen in previous cycles.

Following the suicide of hedge fund manager Robert Wilson, an email exchange between him and Bill Gates was released. Wilson declined to join the "Giving Pledge," calling it a "worthless" loophole that allows billionaires to avoid giving while alive by using family-controlled foundations. Wilson advised young successful people to focus on wealth creation rather than philanthropy until later in life.

A 60 Minutes segment featuring Warren Buffett and other billionaires discussing their "Giving Pledge" is criticized as a "Marie Antoinette moment." The hosts mock the glib nature of the ultra-wealthy and Charlie Rose's perceived sycophancy. Buffett's struggle to recruit more billionaires to give away half their wealth is highlighted.

Craig Porter is officially knighted as "Sir Craig Porter" for his contribution of $1,000 or more to the program. The hosts contrast their listener-supported model with NPR's pledge drives, which they claim are unnecessary given NPR's significant corporate underwriting. The segment includes the traditional knighting proclamation and a call for support for the upcoming Sunday show.

Reverend Al Sharpton is featured in an MSNBC promotional clip reciting a version of the Pledge of Allegiance that omits the phrase "under God." The hosts note the specific inclusion of various minority groups in his speech while highlighting the secular shift in the delivery. They joke about Sharpton's true religious convictions.

Reverend Al Sharpton is criticized for omitting "under God" from the Pledge of Allegiance during an MSNBC promotional segment. The ad's focus on specific demographic rights while excluding others is analyzed as a form of cultural propaganda. The hosts question Sharpton's status as a religious leader given the secular nature of the broadcast.