I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation, under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all.
The original form of the Pledge of Allegiance was changed by the Eisenhower administration in 1954, the result of which is the addition of the words "under God" in the oath.
In June 2002, Michael Newdow brought to courts a case about the controversial phrase in conjunction with a law in California that says that all schools must provide a time for the Pledge daily for students to recite it. Newdow says that his daughter is injured because she must hear her teacher lead the Pledge everyday. The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals in California agreed with Newdow that the words "under God" were not constitutional in public schools, and the U.S. Supreme Court has scheduled the case for March 24.
Even if the Supreme Court rules that the words are legal to say in public schools, "under God" should not be part of the Pledge of Allegiance.
Newdow's opposition argued that the words are part of a tradition in the United States and that the Constitution was not written to prohibit religion from the government, but to allow everyone to be free to support religion in general. They point out that "God" is everywhere. It's on the nation's money and it is part of the national motto "In God we trust," and it is not religious but a secular recognition of a deity.
People's desire to observe their religion is not at stake, but the people who do not wish to acknowledge a god are being condemned with the words included in the patriotic statement. Americans are free to acknowledge any god or no god that they choose, and the freedom to choose is what encourages them to be religious. If the government is able to say that one must pledge allegiance to this "God," it is hindering the rights of those who wish to pledge allegiance to Zeus, Allah or no god at all.
For a little history lesson, the words "under God" were added as a reaction to the Cold War. When Eisenhower signed the amendment to add the phrase, he said, "In this way, we are re-affirming the transcendence of religious faith in America's heritage and future." That statement is obviously religiously driven, and the word "God" advances the Judeo-Christian god. The Supreme Court ruled in the past that it is unconstitutional for the government to endorse one religion over others, and this expression does just that. Even though most Americans are Christian, the minority suffers from not being able to express their patriotic views because of the religious connotation.
Politicians called Newdow "unpatriotic," but his challenge is the most patriotic act that a citizen can do. He didn't blindly follow the majority; instead, he analyzed and found that the words "under God" offended him.
I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation, indivisible with liberty and justice for all.
Before 1954, the citizens of the United States were able to be patriotic without an acknowledgement of a god in it, and it is not necessary now. With regards to the individual rights entitled to Americans and outlined in the First Amendment, the words "under God" need to be omitted.
Write to Jessica at jfkerman@bsu.edu
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