America bless God - who said this at the March on Washington?

[Woodstock]

I remember one of the speakers said this & was looking for his speech on the internet. Really powerful turn around of the right wing smug "God bless America" nonsense - he said it's time for America to honor God's ways. Anyone?

[GainesT1958]

1. I wish I knew...

I DO know that's one phrase that Billy Graham--not Franklin; he's too far right-wing fundy "gone"--should use in his next crusade. And, quite frankly, that EVERY minister, priest, rabbi, and mullah should use in his or her next sermon or homily!

B-)

[Woodstock]

2. Apparently the smug right wingers have glommed onto this too

They are blabbing "America bless God" all over the internet, too, failing to see the distinction. They are the chosen ones with the inside track to God, and flipping the saying about, instead of for reflection on the error of their ways and how much they have strayed from God, is just used to glorify themselves by advertising that they are the chosen ones. They've even got bumper stickers, the hypocrites. :eyes:

The person at the march Saturday said it really well, but I couldn't find it. I did find this (typically, the Canadians get it):

http://www.anglicanjournal.com/129/06/oped09.html

...The authors fear that at the present time the United States has adopted the model of zealous nationalism in the form of a monomyth giving rise to civil religious fervour to fulfill its "manifest destiny" and "to be a light to the nations." Evil has been identified, far beyond the boundaries of terrorism, and it must be destroyed so that the light, American style, may shine into every corner of the world.

Canadians certainly share a common family background with Americans but not, I think, as brothers. More like distant cousins who developed in a different way following the family row in 1776. Visions of apocalypse and Armageddon have not taken root among the majority of Canadians although there are those who believe we should share the American Dream, especially economically.

In conclusion, the authors want the United States to retain and transform its sense of mission. "It is not our adversaries alone who must change; it is ourselves. But we cannot accomplish this alone. It calls for the transformation of the mythic forms that shape our culture and define the patterns of our politics. It calls for a creative rechanneling of Captain America's impulse to 'fight for right' toward a religious commitment that is shaped both by self-critical questioning and a sense of hope about the possibilities for peace."

Can there ever be such an entity as a Christian country? Has there really ever been one? Perhaps our prayer should not be God bless America, but rather, in a traditional understanding of blessing, may America bless God!

[tlcandie]

3. Don't hold me to it, but I want to say it was Sharpton ...

:shrug:

[Duncan Grant]

5. It was Sharpton...

and I loved the idea of the "beloved community". Inspiring!

[beanball]

4. GOD has blessed america

but most of our citizens seem to forget God never listen to disobedient people.We should remember the greatest of the commandments "Love thy neighbor as thy self"