NBC’s selective patriotism at the U.S. Open

In what was billed as a patriotic expression to celebrate the final day of the U.S. Open at Congressional Country Club near our nation’s Capital, NBC opened their coverage with a montage of military personnel, American flags, great golfing moments and children reciting the Pledge of Allegiance. The problem is that, for some inexplicable reason, NBC – or at the very least an NBC Sports producer – omitted the phrase “under God” from the Pledge of Allegiance. Twice!

This cannot be chalked up to an editorial decision made for timing purposes. It was clearly intentional. The montage included the (partial) recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance twice.

The first time, NBC omitted the phrased “under God, indivisible,” and the second time, they cut the phrase, “one nation under God, indivisible.” There is no excuse for this kind of selective patriotism. What makes it even worse is that after the Pledge of Allegiance, the NBC Sports announcer said that those words “are the virtues that have been passed down through generations.”

The entire Pledge of Allegiance has been proudly passed down from generation to generation.

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Please note that in discussing political issues, candidates’ positions and political party statements, Jordan Sekulow is offering analysis in his individual capacity as lawyer and commentator. He is not speaking on behalf of the American Center for Law & Justice. The ACLJ does not endorse or oppose candidates for public office. Nothing contained in this article should be construed as the position of the ACLJ.