I feel terrible that I have the urge to throw in my own two cents as one who disagreed that the video was "harmless" and simply expressing a love of faith and country. I saw it as shameless propaganda, too.
The one clip that brought tears to my eyes - and not tears of joy - was the quote from Andrew Johnson. I can't remember the exact quote, but from what I remember it stated something along the lines of this:
"I pray for the day in the future, that all citizens of the United States shall bend their knee to the cross of Jesus Christ, and cry out, 'Christ first, my country second!' I pray for the day that the flag shall not be flown on the flag pole, but nailed to the cross of Jesus Christ!"
Statements with this nature were littered throughout the video. If Andrew Johnson expressed his own allegiance to his own faith and then to his country, that's perfectly fine. Where I parted ways was his desire for ALL citizens to pledge allegiance to Christ. I can understand that the founders' faiths and/or appreciation of the Christian religion made an impact on the formation of our country, but I don't see the detractors of this video as being hypersensitive at all..............non-Christians feel threatened by these expressions.
I love this country for my personal freedom to practice my faith and for the opportunities I have as a woman and as a citizen who can openly criticize federal and local government leaders. I know I can do all these things without threats of death, torture, or exile because this country has promised to protect me.
I do not feel that this the love for my country can be shared with someone like me by watching this video.
I feel that this video was only meant to be enjoyed by U.S. citizens who are Christian.........and therefore, I feel marginalized and uninvited to celebrate Independence Day with this crowd.
Perhaps that is the reason why the reactions by non-Christians are so emotional?
Peace,
Mystic