“If they can do a fly over at Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, where its imfamous for bikers, nudity, drinking, partying, after 42 years of a fly over to honor military...no matter who, what, or where they could of done it in honor of at least the sons and daughters that enlisted that day. These kids signed up to go fight for this country and part of this country is Christian, the least the government could of done is honor those recuits if they can honor bikers at a biker event they can honor the military at a Christian event. What is this country coming to!>

“fly over caldwell, and straff the place.

“ You can all relax as there probably is no God....

“Oh cry me a god damn river. Actually, nix that; i should be a bit more sympathetic. After all, we marauding atheists have taken so much from the persecuted Christian majority, leaving them only with the church, big business, congress, the judiciary, the presidency, and the military (for starters). In such a compromised state, it's a wonder that they manage to get by.

“I'll remember this when the US Government wants to draft my Christian sons, after they get America involved in one too many wars for the volunteer army. What's good for the goose is good for the gander. I mean -- they want separation of church and state -- surely they wouldn't want Christians in the US goverment's military.

“I don't want my tax dollars going for this garbage. If they want a "flyover" let a retired vet or someone else fly his/her own plane and do it. Our Air Force belongs defending the nation, not playing games with churches. This is not the business of our nation's military. Time to get real. I will be calling the Pentagon and The White House to tell them as much.

“Since when has a military flyover been a constitional right to be paid for by the government? If the event wants a flyover, they should pay for it themselves. Plain and simple. Why can't I get a tax-paid flyover for my backyard bbq? Quit whining & lose the christian persecution complex, will ya? Chances are the cancellation was more about money, anyways. Fighter jets don't come cheap, you know. Even so, the government shouldn't be funding/supporting sectarian/religious events to begin with. Although I admit it'd be funny to see most of you up in arms if they did this for a strictly muslim event.

“How would you feel if the Pentagon had approved a tax-funded flyover for a Pro Islam event called God and Country for the last 42 years? Do you want your tax money paying for a promotion at a Pro-Islam event? If you feel its wrong, than you must agree its wrong for Government funded promotions at Christian events as well.

“Will flying over Superbowl now be denied as special interest group (money making corporations for their mutual benefit.. am I tweeking the definition of special interest)? I agree that we need to curtail spending on fireworks, fly overs (although some crop duster may think about painting a WWI insignia, maybe a mock dog fight would be very cool, and so on, and just stick to good old community get-togethers, dishes to pass, and inexpensive family activities (families meaning 1 or more folks). We might better be doing more Family Preparedness events and learning more gardening skills at Community Events than escapist activities and "lets take home a teddy" game. Moreover, Christians should take into their own homes, the needy and not belly-ache about the needs of the needy. I recall taking in a family for about 2 years once and it was fantastic. If we all did that we would have no poor among us..just some extra extended family. This Community Event needs to be separate from, FOR EXAMPLE, "Born-Again" revivals or "Born-Again" Family Ministry events, I think. This should be a Community Event FIRST. Using the Theme itself, God, Family, etc., does not seem to violate a communitie's Constitutional Right, at least not at this point and from a legal sense. However, if the largely Christian Community is focusing on a particular sect's ministry, then this would surely be considered of that particular sect and not of the Community. Community members should be able to title their businesses or free to public booths with "Christian" or "ministry" in the title, like the "Smith Family's Facepainting Ministry". I am not concerned with atheist' reaction to me wearing my "trying to be like Jesus" t-shirt at a Community Event. I would not expect to be uncivil to someone wearing a "Muhammoud says 9 year old girls are just fine" t-shirt. I would however, have a civil comment, after chewing through my tongue. Will our Military take up arms against a GOV mandated Christian takedown and detention? I am convinced our present "President" is succeeding in his agenda to take away our freedoms. I think if the Judeo/Christian/atheist/ etc.. or American community does not fight against this presidential administrative takeover, subtle though they are not, then we will be enslaved. God Bless all of us and God Bless America and God Bless our Military.

“If god created the sky, the Earth, trees, mice, water, air, lightning, physics, gravity, food, and the Universe for that matter.....why did he need Man to write a book(the bible)? You think he might have managed to pull that one off all on his own. Wake up people...seriously!

“God only used man to write the Bible so that He could communicate His message to us in a way that man can understand. Otherwise, we are incapable of understanding God. Without the Bible, we can only guess what God is telling us. Of course, it would be so easy for God to just show up in the form of a man and tell us about Himself now wouldn't it? Oh wait. He already did that.

“If it has been done for the same group for 42 years someone needs to really explain. If Obama could use the jet for a date with his wife in NY this should have been allowed. Obamo sure wasn't worried if it was right to spend all that money. To have the fly over was a prudent use of public resoures. It scares me to see this. They weren't making the pilots to pray before hand. If they take military who are christians to fight and die for this country. They should also get some of the benifits of non Christians. Did it have more to do with what party the Christian group was for? Obamo played dirty to get elected. I saw all the lies he told after the elections. People need to be worried. Be afraid because we may end up home of the brave but not home of the free.

“Mr. Dooley: With regards to the story you wrote on July 3rd about the denial of a request to provide a military aircraft flyover of the festival, the following information is provided to ensure you have all the facts. The Department of Defense policy on community relations activities has not recently changed. Longstanding policy on flyovers, and other community relations support, is found in DoD Directive 5410.18, "Public Affairs Community Relations Policy," dated Nov. 20, 2001. http://www.dtic.mil/whs/directives/corres/pdf/541018p.pdf As with all DoD policy, the military services develop instructions and orders to guide their service-unique community relations efforts. The individual services determine their ability to participate in requested aerial support activities (as well as other types of community relations activities) by reviewing and evaluating each request based on its own merits and circumstances. During those reviews, service personnel authorized to make such decisions determine if the request complies with policy, if personnel and materiel resources are available to support the request, if mission requirements are impacted and if the activity is in the best interest of the service. In addition, while we did receive the query you submitted through our website, I am concerned about the sentence in your story that indicated that the "Pentagon did not respond to a request for comment..." Your query indicated no deadline, nor do we have any record that you called to speak with someone from this office. As the web query form notes, "This link is intended for requests from the media that do not require a response prior to the next business day. Media with queries during our normal business hours should call (703) 697-5131." We take very seriously our responsibility to provide timely and accurate information to the press and public. Noting that your story has generated numerous comments, I would appreciate it if you ensure your readers had the above information on this issue. Regards, Col. Dave Lapan, USMC Director, Defense Press Operations

“Col Lapan, thank you for clarifying concerns that government or military policy may have changed toward community events with a religious nature. I read through DOD 5410.18 and the only thing I saw regarding religious community events was in 4.2.3.5 which says "Community relations support to events sponsored by organizations with a narrow membership base or interest, such as commercial enterprises, religious or sectarian organizations, ideological organizations, and political organizations and campaigns, may occasionally be considered to be in the common public interest when it is clear that the support primarily benefits the community at large, rather than the sponsoring organization" and 4.2.9 which says "Community relations activities shall not support, or appear to support, any event that provides a selective benefit to any individual, group, or organization, including any religious or sectarian organization, ideological movement, political campaign or organization, or commercial enterprise, to include a shopping mall or motion picture promotion." Am I missing something? This was not a group with a narrow membership base nor do I see how the event primarily benefits the sponsoring organization or provides a selective benefit to a religious organization. Regardless, for the past 42 years, and even last 7 years under the current policy, this event was seen to be in the common public interest (unless you are saying the DOD was wrong these past 7 years) and not providing a selective benefit to a religious organization. I don't believe the event has changed in nature, purpose, intent, or name. So while official DOD policy may not have changed it is obvious that something has changed. If the nature of the event and official DOD policy has not changed, is it not reasonable to assume that there must have been an unofficial policy change (possibly coming from the current administration) that would lead to the denial of the flyover? Perhaps you could enlighten the public on how these decisions are made. Is it an individual or a panel? Perhaps TSgt Utley, who wrote the email (http://www.earnedmedia.org/God_and_Country_flyover.pdf) reply to the flyover request, needs more training in public relations? If there were other reasons for denying the flyover, TSgt Utley obviously messed up by adding the implied claim that the flyover was denied because of the event's religious nature. If budget concerns did not allow for the flyover (which as you know are almost always conducted in conjunction with a regular training mission) then it should have been stated simply and solely as such. I think the best reply would have shown how this decision was reached and on what specific policies and directives it was based, thus eliminating any public fear of discrimination against Christianity. From a recruiting standpoint I don't know why the military would want to miss out on a great opportunity to inspire the young men and women in attendance to one day serve their country, thus fulfilling the military’s real objective for flyovers as community events, recruitment. As a kid, seeing jets fly over head fast, low, and loud certainly contributed to my desire to serve my country and fly jets in the Air Force.

“I'm not real sure that spending tax dollars for some special group's entertainment is all that proper... or desirable. It is about time this waste was stopped!

“Ever heard of "separation of church and state"?

“Yes BJ, well known phrase, it is NOT found in the US constitution. The concept referred to maintained that the government couldn't make you be a certain religion.

“If it wasn't for the French there would be no USA. It really amazes me that god-fearing yanks are so ignorant of their own history. As well, the USA was not founded as a Xtian nation. The downfall of the US can been seen in these comments... ingnorance will be the reason.

“How did this quote make it to print without criticism? Unconstitutional? "This is unbelievable and deeply troubling," Swindell wrote. "The Pentagon does not have the authority to discriminate against Christian groups or events. This type of religious bigotry is unconstitutional. How sad to see this lack of respect and level of blatant bias surrounding the 4th of July celebration."

“So many of you try and claim that this was a nation founded by christians on christian believes, and this is wrong. Our founding fathers were, for the most part, Deists. Only two have ever been historicaly found to belive in the divinity of christs. So all of this belly aching about pulling away from what our country was founded on needs to end. This was a christian event. If it had been an athiest event, or a satanistic event that was honoring soldiers and it had received a fly over, every christian out there would have been up in arms over that. If it had been denied to such groups, you would have said the pentagon did as it should. This is not singling out the christians, since, as far as I know, they have not granted a fly over to any non-christian, religious sponsered event.

“I think that most of you are missing the point here - for 42 years the Commander and Chief of the US approved these flyovers in honor of our military. What changed? Obama-who has already stated that this we are NOT a Chritian nation -and that Muslims are welcome here. Well, you better open your eyes - if a function is not condoned because it is "too Christian" - we are in BIG trouble! The Silent Majority needs to get over being politically correct and start standing up for our rights before our country is irretreivably destroyed.Regardless of your personal beliefs, this country was founded on Judeo-Christian foundation with tolereance for all religions-as long as US laws are obeyed.

“I am sorry that you doubt there is a God. Do you know where you will go when you die? There are only 2 places you can go, Heaven or Hell. I sure don't want you to go to a place like Hell. God loved you so much that He sent His Son to die for you. I will pray that somewhere somehow before you die that you will believe in my Jesus, because if it were not for my Jesus, I couldn't get through a day or moment with out Him. I can sit here for days and tell you about my Jesus and what He has done for me.I think it is a shame that people who say they doubt or don't believe in God fight so hard against something they don't believe in. Why do people fight against it if they don't believe. If you don't believe in it, then what difference does it make that Christians want a fly over for their event.There is nothing wrong with that. You don't have to attend the event, but I would think you are more then welcome to go to it. I also think that I am very sick and tired hearing things that "OFFEND" someone because they don't want to be a part of it. I am "OFFENDED" that we can't have our rights as Christians. We don't bite like some people think. We won't force you to do anything you don't want to do. We will pray for you. They took prayer out of schools, but prayer still goes on there, whether it be silent, or the teacher praying for their students and parents praying for their children and the teachers. I am tired of listening to all the garbage that goes on in the Blessed Country that I live in the good ole USA. You have more freedoms here than anyother country and if people don't like the USA and what we stand for then they need to go to a country that is very indifferent than ours and I bet you would be begging to move back here. That is all I have to say at this time. Concerned American

“I agree all the way Ghee! Well stated.

“Umm. The last I checked Muslims are allowed here in the US. It's a free country and anyone and everyone is welcome. And Obama was right. America is unfortunately no longer a Christian nation. Too many people have strayed away from our Christian heritage, it shows in the statistics. America is rapidly embracing atheism and humanism. America is the #1 nation performing the most abortions. America is the #1 nation in producing pornography, and much more. This isn't Obama's fault people. It's our own fault. And America was not founded on Christian principles. A majority of our founding fathers were Freemasons. Freemasons worship a false god. You can't be a Christian and a Freemason. You can't serve two masters. May God have mercy upon our nation.

“Founding fathers were all Freemasons? Sounds like you have watched the movie "National Treasure" too many times and now believe it to be a documentary! One thing our founding fathers certainly got right was a belief in God-given rights, which is what this country was founded on ("all Men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Right..."). We are all valuable as human beings simply because we were created by God in His image. How is that not a Christian principle? What other faiths share this same belief?

“Well, the Freemasons certainly pay homage to a Creator too, a rather vague term that can be used for just about any god. How about Jesus Christ, or Lord Jehovah, or Yahweh, or some particular Judeo-Christian terminology relating to the God of the Bible? Somehow these seem to be noticeably absent from almost ALL of our governing documents. As a Christian, I would love to believe our founding fathers were all Christians, and certainly some of them were. But most were Freemasons. I don't need any Hollywood movie to verify this. A simple stroll through Washington DC will reveal the numerous allusions to Freemason symbols. In fact, George himself was a Freemason and so were about half of the signers of the Declaration of Independence. The whole entire capitol was fashioned after Freemason symbols and secrecy. Do the homework and you will find this to be true. Here, I'll help you out some: http://www.rapidnet.com/~jbeard/bdm/Psychology/mashist.htm

“I a proud Freemason AND a Baptist minister AND a devoted Christian. You don't know what you're talking about.

“Then as a Baptist minister you would know that you cannot serve two masters. "No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other." (Matthew 6:24) There is secrecy in the Freemasons and they only acknowledge a Supreme Creator, a rather vague term used to describe some unknown god. Why the secrecy? And why not a public profession from all Freemasons about a faith in Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior? Freemasons have their roots in the occult, thus the secrecy. Does your congregation know about your Freemason background? If not, you should tell them. And if Christ is truly Lord of your life, try leaving the Freemasons.

“Oh BOY !!...here we go. Two believers in each others faces over who is the "true Christian". Do you even begin to see how this validates the Atheistic position? It's like watching two children argue over the order in which Santa hitches up his reindeer...

“Speck, guess what? Its okay to have differences. I would much rather see two Christians disagree on a topic than embrace the dark, shallow, and arrogant belief system they call atheism. We don't have to have a winner as so many atheists seem to fight for. Perhaps you should learn something from this. Take notes. And see that we two Christians still love each other. Something atheists don't know much about. Where are the atheist charity organizations?

“All of the wealth of the world given in the name of god still won't make god real.

“It seems that the God & Country people have lost touch with reality. They should be protesting the fact that unemployed residents of Canyon County are running out of benefits with no jobs in sight. The Pentagon snub does not compare with this emergency.

“My apologies. I thought you were a pacifist but I guess it depends on what definition of pacifism you use. You say that is what Jesus taught and the Bible teaches but then you were in the military and own a gun for personal defense. It just seems a bit inconsistent if you are using the traditional definition of pacifism and say you are against all violence. By the way thank you for your service in the military. Didn't mean to sound disrespectful towards you. As for the question if I could ever fight against Israel or another "Christian" nation: sure, if our nation was being attacked or to protect others from unjust actions (a lot like your belief in self-defense, just on a national level).

“This story sends chills due to the fact that for 42 yrs military planes have flown over the event, but now that Obama is in there will be no flyover! 42 years, and now he says no to God and Christianity! Whether you believe military should have a presence or not, that move away from GOD after 42 yrs. should scare the crap out of everyone! It shows what direction this administration is taking our FREE country! Do you not see the writing on the wall? They are denying GOD and his role in the founding of our Republic! CLING TO YOUR CONSTITUTION and YOUR BIBLE, and YOUR GUN! It is going to be a bumpy ride folks!

“It doesn't sound like you hold the Constitution in very high regard. Your theocratic agenda is in direct opposition to the Constitution and Bill of Rights.

“Way to go Cowgirl Im behind you 110%! I am usually a soft spoken guy but this situation really burns me up! If there is a protest petetion out there, sign me up.

“As a Christian, I am primarily interested in what Jesus said more so than what an Old Testament prophet said. And this is what Jesus said, "for all who draw the sword will die by the sword." (Matthew 26:52) This is a call to Biblical pacifism. Jesus also said, "But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also." Matthew 5:39) Jesus clearly taught non-violence and pacifism. Military jets flying overhead at a Christian gathering is truly despicable to the Good News and peaceful message of Jesus Christ.

“Faith and service in the military are not irreconcilable as you suggest. If they were then why didn't Jesus tell the centurion to quit his military job. Do you all always disregard the parts of the Old Testament that don't fit in with your personal beliefs? Wouldn't it be better to try to understand all of the Bible and adjust your beliefs so that they are consistent with both the old and new testaments?

“The New Testament fulfills and concludes what the Old Testament left open. Jesus came to fulfill the law (Matthew 5:17). This does not make the Old Testament null and void. However, what Christ taught in the New Testament pretty much shuts the door on what was left open in the Old Testament. And Jesus clearly taught peace, non-violence, and love. And Jesus didn't tell the centurion to quit his job just as much as he didn't tell Pontius Pilate to quit his. Remember, render unto Caesar what is Caesars. (Matthew 22:21) The same goes for the military. Leave the planes, tanks, and weapons with the military (Caesar) and not with things of faith. PERIOD. Case closed.

“It sounds like you are advocating that we should keep our faith and beliefs segregated from the rest of our lives. Obama seems to advocate this same belief system when he says we should leave our personal faith and convictions out of government and policy making. Shouldn't our faith and personal convictions permeate all of our decisions and influence all parts of our lives? For example, there is nothing wrong with being a soldier (as the centurion) or a government official (as Pontius Pilate) as long as we serve, lead, or govern according to Biblical principles and values. As for the scripture in Matthew, weren't the Pharisees trying to trick Jesus into saying they didn't need to pay taxes so they could charge him with crimes against the Roman Empire? His clever reply thwarted their plans and seemed to imply that there was nothing wrong with paying taxes. Or do you think he was saying that our faith and religious beliefs and convictions should be segregated from all other areas of our lives?

“No. What I am advocating is for the military to stay out of matters of faith. Leave for Caesar what is Caesars. And give to Jesus what is rightfully His... your devotion, your commitment, your praise, your worship, and your love. Surrendering one's life to Christ is not a patriotic duty, has nothing to do with love of country. Its a matter of the heart and mind. Nothing more.

“I agree that "turning the other cheek" should be applied to our personal lives in situations that don't involve serious bodily harm or death, but do you think that applies in all cases? I take it you think the concept of self-defense is wrong then. I sure am glad you aren't a policeman or military member. Your personal beliefs would prevent you from ever protecting anyone!

“I strongly believe in self defense and would do all in my power to protect and defend my family even if this should include sacrificing myself to do it. In fact, I myself have a gun solely for this purpose. This doctrine is called "theocratic force". Exodus 22:2 gives us full justification in killing someone in order to protect oneself and his/her family. "If a thief is caught breaking in and is struck so that he dies, the defender is not guilty of bloodshed." (Exodus 22:2 NIV) However, I believe in the New Covenant in Jesus Christ and that He taught a pacifist message. In things related to faith we should not take up arms. And in matters related to war we should not take up arms, unless we are defending ourselves against an invading army. Could you fight against Israel? Could you fight against another Christian country? I know I couldn't. BTW, just for the record, I faithfully and honorably served 6 years in the USAF some of which was during wartime in Desert Storm/Shield. So, are you still glad I served this country, even people like you who have shown disrespect towards people who have different opinions than you do?

“No matter how you package it, military jets are used to destroy life: both good and bad. Jesus said, "I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." (John 10:10). Military jets belong where they should be... in the military or on the battlefield, not at Christian gathering and events.

“Again, just your opinion.

“Um, yep. That's what this forum is for mind you.

“Boy am I glad you wern't calling the shots back in 1776 Watchman. You would let the British tell you how and where to worship. I guess our beloved USA would never have been... Don't you think God blessed our forefathers to overcome huge problems to fight and overcome the British to form our nation? How much blood and death did it take to form our free country so that we can debate in peace today? God would not have let our forefathers win our independence if He had not blessed that war!! Now our govt is suppressing Christians by not allowing the flyover. Tommorrow they might just start suppresing you and I for our faith.( no home Bible studys for an example).

“I guess I am in the wrong place then. I just think it is better when your opinion is backed up with facts or examples to help show why your opinion is right. Otherwise, we just have to take your word for it!

“Why don't you try backing up your opinion with some facts, then? Honestly, citing WingNut Daily? What, is your cable out and you missed Fox "News"? There's no discrimination involved here; promoting a specific religion's event is just a step away from establishment of that religion.

“In May a Cal man was approched by San Diego County and told he was required to buy a permit for thousands of dollars for holding a religious gathering,(Bible Study), in in his home. I read it first on World Net Dailey, ( a reliable news source mind you), and Fox news. Look it up for yourself and get your facts straight. I tried to find the story on your favorite news site Clinton National News, (CNN), but sadley they didnt post it. Seems CNN is too busy worshiping their twim gods Obama and M Jackson!

“Hogwash! 42 years of flyovers no questions asked then bang no fly overs because the event is too "Christian". Looks like they are trying to suppress our freedoms just a little at a time. And your ok with that? Wake up!

“The Pentagon "gets it" - why can't my fellow Christians see that Christianity and militarism don't mix? I invite the promoters to explain to us how their agenda matches the teachings of Christ?

“Amen!

“It frustrates me to see deadly war machines at a Christian event. The same is said about God and guns. These two should NOT be together. Jesus advocated peace and non-violence, not intimidation, display of military might, or even national patriotism for that matter. When will American Christians quit "Americanizing" their faith and remember that Christianity is a global belief system with no political or military agenda. Honor the fallen soldiers in peace with reflection and prayer, not a flyover of war machines capable of killing hundreds of people with a single shot.

“God also said there is a time for war. Those deadly war machines are keeping us free. By the way Watchman, our country was founded by Christian men resorting to violence to form our great nation! The real issue here is someone high up the command chain,(Obama?) is suppressing and singling out God and Christians by refusing this flyover. My rights as a Christian and as an American have been violated. Every fredom we give up is another blow to our rights as Americans. I am an Air Force vet and I can tell you they fly around the clock (warplanes)to keep sharp. This is more than trying to conserve or cut back, this is a slam against Christians. We should all be outraged!

“Does the Bible promote and encourage war? Does the Bible promote and encourage the display of military might? At Christian gatherings? Does the Bible tell us as Christians to go to war? Does the Bible tell us as Christians to fight against others? Here, let me help you. The answer is a resounding NO. Case closed.

“Maybe you dont think God formed the USA? Read your history, common men and women many of Christian faith decided it was better to take up arms and kill Redcoats instead of being slaves to a nation who wanted to control their lives. Jesus blood pays for our sins if we beleive. Blood was shed for our salvation, blood was shed for our freedom. Also, if the Govt can control this fly over because its too God influenced, the Govt can tell you you cant study the Bible in your own home Watchman. Dont think it can happen? Last month World Net Dailey reported that a Cal man had to apply for a permit to hold a Bible study in his home! Wake up and see whats happening to our freedom!

“So many of you try and claim that this was a nation founded by christians on christian believes, and this is wrong. Our founding fathers were, for the most part, Deists. Only two have ever been historicaly found to belive in the divinity of christs. So all of this belly aching about pulling away from what our country was founded on needs to end. This was a christian event. If it had been an athiest event, or a satanistic event that was honoring soldiers and it had received a fly over, every christian out there would have been up in arms over that. If it had been denied to such groups, you would have said the pentagon did as it should. This is not singling out the christians, since, as far as I know, they have not granted a fly over to any non-christian, religious sponsered event.

“Christians need to bellyache about this wrong! The liberals are counting on us to put our little heads in the sand and say 'oh the govt is telling me what to do , I'd better just obey and not make waves'! Why did we lose our rights this year and we had rights on this the past 42 years? Bellyache people and scream. It's our American right.(at least for a while)!

“Ever heard of "separation of church and state"? Get it over it you bleading-heart right-wing extremists.

“Sorry BJ, this bleeding heart right winger is going to howl long and hard on this one! The God and Country Festival is just as patriotic as "Christian". Why is 2009 the magic year to cut off the flyovers when the last 42 were ok? Someone in the new administration is playing 'Stalin' with my rights and I don't like it one bit!

“Do you think a military flyover promotes and encourages war? The planners of the event said the intent was to honor military members who sacrifice a lot to ensure our freedom, a freedom that allows us to worhsip God as we see fit without fear of persecution. I think it really all depends on how you view a military flyover. You obviously view it a lot differently than the organizers of the event. As many cases as you close, you should be a judge! ;)

“Well put, Rod. The real issue is a government bias against anything having to do with Christianity. It is a very slippery slope we are on. Just look at what is happening in Canada with their "hate" speech laws that basically make it illegal for Christians to speak out against anything for fear that it will promote hatred. http://www.worldnetdaily.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=38268

“So what are you gonna do about this Christian persecution in America? Attack them with F-16s and tanks? PLEEEASE! Paul told us that we would face persecution and hardships all throughout the New Testament. So what if they forbid military flyovers at a Christian event. Oh no! God must be soooo upset about that. GEESH! Where do you get your theology from?

“I plan to speak out against this prejudice that many people in our country, including those in government, have against Christianity. If the Pentagon said we are no longer performing flyovers at any events except strictly military ceremonies then that would be fine. But to say yes to some flyovers and no to another because it is a Christian patriotic celebration is discriminating against Christianity. To say no to all religious events would be discrimination against religion. If we do nothing and let this type of thing continue to happen then it will only get worse and before you know it we will be forbidden from even sharing our faith with anyone, which would be in direct opposition to what Jesus commanded us to do. Just because we are told we can expect persecution doesn't mean we shouldn't fight it. As for my theology, it comes from a personal study of the Bible and the Holy Spirit. Where does yours come from? Are you a Jehova's Witness?

“Your right on the money Aaron! Anyone who has any idea of freedom, American history, or belief in Christ should be outraged by the govt's fly over denial for the God and Counrty Festival last week.

“Why do you have something against a piece of machinery? Isn't how we use those machines the bigger issue? How do you feel about machines capable of saving millions of people with a single shot?

“I agree Military Officer. These folks screaming peace forget that God wants to 'protect' people from evil. Don't they understand that God uses our military might to promote peace?

“Uh no Rod, God doesn't do squat with the military to promote peace. All of you people saying that this is a Christian Nation are deluded, George Washington, & John Adams who eventually signed the Treaty of Tripoli on the 4th of November in 1796, in which Article 11 states: "The Government of the United States is not in any sense founded on the Christian religion." Deal with it.

“You poor atheists are really digging the bottom of the barrel to prove how 'un Christian' our founding fathers were. Atricle 11 of the treaty was a very poor paraphrase from Arabic made by a Mr. Barlow. It was so hastily and poorly done that it is questioned as to whether it even belongs in the Treaty! As to our Forefathers Christian faith, there are many reliable quotes expressing thier reverence for the Almighty. Get your fasts straight. You're grasping at straws.

“It's seem to me that our nation was founded on precepts of freedom's,freedom of speach,freedom to assemble,freedom to bear arms,freedom of religion, which gave us freedom from persecution of the church of England at that time in our nations grouth.We as a nation have aloud prayer to be stopped in our schools,by a few that think God is not important and thay don't want thier famliy subject to a higher power as God or don't think there is a God well that fine that thier right thier freedom.now in some case's across this nation a bold few have stood in the gap and have been praying at our school's,and some have even been slain for that faith. Our President commented just a short time ago that our nation is no longer a christain nation, but a nation of meny beleifs,that may be true in today life style, but lets be clear here this nation was founded on christain foundation based on that all men and women have right,The right of life liberty and the pursuit of happnes,the 4th of July is a day that we set aside to observe our Independants,and that Independants came with a price,freedom is not free,Christ gave His life so that we could have our freedom,freedom from the sin that holds us in a prison we can't see,men and women gave thier all for our nation so you and I can have the freedoms we have today,over 200 years of freedom" now we face a new battle,a battle of separation of church and state,it seems to me that we are all American's and with out our freedom of religion at the very birth of our great nation,we would not have a nation,we would still be under English rule to this day. We are a christain nation and Gods grace has been on us thus fare,If we as a nation turn our backs on God it's only a matter of time that this nation will stop being a great nation under God and possibly be a nation no more.God said, If my people,who are called by my name,will humble themselfs and pray and seek my face and turn from thier wicked ways then will I hear from heaven forgive thier sins and heal thier Land. 2 Chroniciles 7:14.don't you think our Land needs healing,the time is now for that healing. After the Presidents comment about our nation not being a christain nation,No wounder the Pentagon said "No" to a fly-over. Dear God forgive us as a nation and as a people...

“Very well stated Raymond!

“For everyone claiming that we need "separation of church and state", how does approving and participating in a flyover for a patriotic Christian celebration violate the First Amendment? I don't see how a military flyover is equivalent to Congress making a law respecting an establishment of religion. If it is the equivalent then should we then conclude that military flyovers at sporting events should also be discontinued for fear that they may establish baseball, football, or NASCAR as our official national religion?

“I suspect it would have been more likely for the flyover to have been approced if the was more God in the event than Christianity. Would the organizers welcome participation from local synagogues? Mosques? LDS organizations? I doubt the DoD disapproved based on God but because it was a more narrow grouping of God-fearing people.

“THis is just another reason for Brandi Swindell to have her horse's mouth in the spotlight, replacing Bryan Fischer.

“Right on smitty!

“"DarwinRules"? I thought he was dead.

“Isn't Darwin dead?

“Do you have any basis for your claim or is this just your personal opinion?

“It shouldnt matter wether its a religious event or a thing such as a gay pride event. Yes i understand that there is such thing as separation of church and state but this was an event honoring both. it shouldnt matter if your christian, mormon, gay, straight or Anti-Christ. We should still be able to honor our troops with a flyover. I have a brother who is an armyman and not christian but i know that he would have approved of a flyover because there was a ceremony honoring the troops...ALL of them...not just the NON christians or the christians.

“To imply that Jesus would be excited about seeing war machines flying over is wrong. To salute the soldiers , that is different.

“Who implied that Jesus would be excited about a flyover? Is that really the issue here, making Jesus excited? He did say "Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends" John 15:13. Isn't that what our fallen soldiers did, veterans were willing to do, and our current military members are willing to do? Do you think he would be upset about honoring those men and women with "the greatest love"?

“Remind me why the military and Christianity should mix? In what verse did Jesus tell his followers to go to war with their enemies? It makes me sick to my stomach to see patriotism and Christianity celebrated together as if they should be on the same level.

“The military shouldn't interfere with the church but we do need people with Christian values and morals to "mix" in with the military. When a military is run by those without Christian values or morals you will often end up with selfish ruthless leaders who are hungry for power and will stop at nothing to remain in power. Just look at Myanmar, Sudan, and Iran.

“In what verse did Jesus say it was wrong to go to war in order to protect and save lives and defend your own nation? Joel 3:10 does say "Beat your plowshares into swords." Do you think we were wrong to go to war against Germany and Japan during World War II? Should we have let their tyranny and killing of millions of innocent defenseless people continue and spread throughout the world? I do believe we better make sure we have good cause for going to war but surely you aren't implying that no war could ever justified for either side?

“I wholeheartedly agree.

“I am sad that the government denied this. It just shows where thier priorities are. We are a nation under GOD. The festival did say god and country ralley it was not 100 pecent centered around Christ. There was an awsome show of respect towards all of the vetrans I dont see why the fly over would be bad. Hopefuly next year we can see a flyover

“It baffles me that this online debate is fought so rigorously by individuals who quote the Christian Bible as if it is a book irrefutable proof that trumps all logic. But let's say just for agrument's sake that it wasn't created by humans who wanted to unite the rogues and defeat Romans, and that it actually is a text of fact, the teachings of Christ and the kind of human being he was are contradictory to Hobbesian behaviors depicting us as nasty and brutish. Jesus was the ultimate pacifist and the idea of a governmental institution that represents war and conflict being welcomed at a Christian event is paradoxical. What exactly are these blowhards whining about? The truth of the arguments posted is that Christians are so threatened by the new and "different" president with the funny name, and they're so pissed that they're losing control in Washington that they're believing in and regurgitating the anti-Obama propaganda that they're hearing on Fox News and KBOI radio.

“Fox News and KBOI are pussycats compared to some of the saber rattling sites that are on the web. If you want your skin to crawl, check out "Silencing Christians" & "Silencing God"...these people are completely cracked.

“fly over will still be ok for a wal mart event, or those gay suckers.

“This should be lesson to those who insist on crossing the constitutional line between church and state. It could be a great civics lesson for Christians...but...many (if not most) of them will stamp their feet like a three year old who doesn't get his way. Any one who is a parent will know that trying to "explain" something to a angry child is a waste of breath....so I'll stop explaining and just say; GREAT DECISION by the military. (The military that we ALL-not just Christians- love and support!).

“Speck- Nobody is stamping their feet like 3 year olds, they are only pointing out the injustice of the pentagon's decision. There is no such thing as the separation of church and state. The constitution states that the government "will make no establishment of religion". Having a fly over at a christian event in which one of the main focal points is the military is hardly making an establishment of religion. The Christian event was giving more honor to the military than either you, or the military itself was willing to give. Just out of curiosity, what would your comment say if the article was about a similar event not having a flyover if the event was predominantly homosexual, or muslim, or something else??

“I served 9 honorable years in the military and I am an atheist. I don't think the God and Country folks care about my service (unless I embrace God) and I don't care to be honored by a flyover from a religious event. My tax dollars should not be spent supporting entertainment at a religious gathering.

“Should your tax dollars be spent supporting entertainment at a sports gathering? If so what's the difference?

“WHY would I wish to try and argue with someone who (just for starters)apparently equates religious preference with sexual orientation?