Real Kato Blog: Society: "Under God" E-mail Hoax

An e-mail hoax from a few years ago has sprung up in my e-mail inbox again. It claims that Pepsi has put the Pledge of Allegiance on a new patriotic can design, but has left off the words "Under God". For this reason, we are supposed to boycott Pepsi. Not only is this e-mail untrue... it is offensive.

There's an element of truth to this e-mail hoax that's circulating. Years ago, Dr. Pepper put out a can that said "One Nation... Indivisible", along with a picture of the Statue of Liberty. You would think people would find that to be a noble sentiment. Instead, people were up in arms because of what wasn't printed... the words that go in between, "Under God".

So let me get this straight. You won't buy soda that doesn't acknowledge your God? (And yes, I mean your God, not our God, because apparently your religion doesn't allow for free-thinkers like me to join your club.) So instead you're going to buy all those proper God-acknowledging sodas like... well, hmm, how many exactly are there? Ingredients: Water, High Fructose Corn Syrup, Natural Flavoring, and Essence of Jesus. Did I see that on a can of Cheerwine?

Here's a clue for you folks who haven't bought one yet: This country isn't based on Christianity. It is founded on freedom. And that means, freedom to believe what I want to believe, not what a loud and oppressive majority is stuffing down my throat. I'm not going to stop you from manufacturing your own Joseph and Mary Ginger Ale if you want, but don't tell me not to drink something because the package is not proselytizing enough.

I have enough reasons not to buy Pepsi, anyway.

Permalink