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The words "under god" should remain in the pledge
The words "under god" should remain in the pledge
The statement “under God” should not be removed from the pledge of allegiance
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There is a two word phrase in a thirty-one word sentence that has caused one of the largest debates in the U.S. history. The wording of the Pledge of Allegiance has been debated since the phrase “under God” was added in 1954. It was on Flag Day in 1954 that President Eisenhower and congress changed the phrase “one nation indivisible” to “one nation, under God, indivisible" (Haynes, Chaltain, and Glisson 154). The Knights of Columbus had urged the change to make it different than similar pledges that were recited by “godless communists” (O’Connor 1). Congress had also believed that it was consistent with the religious roots of the country at the time (Haynes, Chaltain, and Glisson 154). Ever since that day in 1954 there has been controversy whether the phrase “under God” should be incorporated into the Pledge of Allegiance. The Pledge of Allegiance was originally written and published in 1892 without the phrase “under God”. Since then the Pledge of Allegiance has been a significant pledge that children have recited in schools all across the U.S. each and every day. At one, time, refusing to salute the flag would result in expulsion, loss of friends, and even persecution (Haynes, Chaltain, and Glisson 152). The Pledge of Allegiance should continue to be recited in schools across the country, yet the phrase “under God” should be optional because it may conflict with some people’s religious beliefs, some people find it to be unconstitutional, and some people think that church and state should be kept separate.
As James Madison, the fourth President of the United States said, “The religion of every man must be left to the conviction and conscience of every man, and it is right of every man to exercise it as they may dictate” (Haynes, C...
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...the Pledge of Allegiance in general.
In the survey that was given to students in an English classroom at Riverside Community College on November 19th, 50% of students agreed that children should recite the Pledge of Allegiance while 4% of students disagree. On the other hand, 36% either have mixed views or do not mind either way. Some of the viewpoints of students differ such as the 42% who say they want to follow the traditions that they had for years while 23% do not think it matters, or they do not know enough information about it. A staggering 8% say it goes against their religious beliefs or they find it unconstitutional. The remaining 27% chose the option other such as, saying it is a good way to teach children to respect their country and goes with their religious views, or they do not want others to be ostracized because of their religious beliefs (Survey).
For this reason, I believe that the Pledge of Allegiance should continue to be recited in American Public Schools, I do however believe that for those with contrasting religious views should be allowed to omit “under God”. They should also be given the choice whether to say the pledge or not. We have amendments in the constitution granted citing freedom of speech to include freedom of religion. I believe that not allowing those with differences of opinion of the pledge would devalue those amendments and would be very contradictory. I grew up in an abusive home as a child and I was unsure of what my purpose and self worth was. I wasn’t an especially patriotic person, but I believe that my time in the Air Force was where I found those things. I was proud to protect others and it gave me a sense of pride to do for others what I could not have done for me in my
“ It remains to be noted that none of the great constitutional rights of conscience, however vital to a free society is absolute in character. Thus, while the constitutional guarantee of freedom of religion goes a long way, it does not serve to protect acts judged to be morally licentious, such as poly amorous marriages. Children cannot be required to execute the flag salute which is forbidden by religious belief… Similarly freedom of speech, often defended by the courts, does not extend to the seditious utteran...
In the 2008 the United States Census Bureau, Self-Described Religious Identification of Adult Population, The Christian faith proved to be the more dominating religion out of all religions. So it would seem the words “Under God” would be beneficial for the majority, the Pledge of Allegiance allures and supports the loyalty of the majority of citizens. The nonbelievers of religion have had the right to not recite the pledge since 1943 but have been asked to quietly stand while the believers recite the pledge in its entirety. Even though leaving out “Under God” is not a difficult task we can clearly see a division has now developed, opposite of bringing the people together. Another example that shows the pledge allures and supports a loyalty to the majority of citizens, the acceptance and encouragement to keep ...
With sounds of youthful laughter, conversations about the students’ weekends, and the shuffling of college ruled paper; students file into their classrooms and find their seats on a typical Monday morning. As the announcements travel throughout the school’s intercoms, the usual “Please stand for the Pledge of Allegiance” becomes no longer usual but rather puzzling to some students. “I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands, indivisible, with liberty, and justice for all.” Confusion passes through some of the student’s minds. With the reoccurrence of “God” in the backdrop of American life, the relationship between church and state has become of little to no matter for American citizens just as it has with American students. While congress makes no law respecting an establishment of religion, the term “freedom of religion” presents itself to no longer be the definition of “free”, while also having its effects on debates today. According to Burt Rieff, in Conflicting Rights and Religious Liberty, “Parents, school officials, politicians, and religious leaders entered the battle over defining the relationship between church and state, transforming constitutional issues into political, religious, and cultural debates” (Rieff). Throughout the 20th century, many have forgotten the meaning of religion and what its effects are on the people of today. With the nonconformist society in today’s culture, religion has placed itself in a category of insignificance. With the many controversies of the world, religion is at a stand still, and is proven to not be as important as it was in the past. Though the United States government is based on separation of church and state, the gover...
First, I would like to talk about the history of the Pledge of Allegiance. Many people today recite the Pledge of Allegiance but do not know the history that took place behind it. The Pledge of Allegiance was originally written more than a century ago. The original pledge was: I pledge allegiance to my Flag and the Republic, for which it stands, one Nation, indivisible, with Liberty and Justice for all . The flag serves as a symbol of our country and its proud traditions of freedom and equal opportunity. In the 1920s, the National Flag Conferences replaced the phrase “my Flag” with “the Flag of the United States of America.” In 1954, Communist threats occurred causing Congress to add the words under God to the pledge. Then 12 years later, Congress reviewed the Pledge of Allegiance and added the words “Under God .” While reciting the Pledge of Allegiance it should be recited by standing placing your
The Pledge of Allegiance is currently just the small amount of thirty-one words, and only two of these words are the source of much debate within our country today. This pledge has changed throughout the years, since it was published in 1892, in seemingly small ways. Yet these two words have threatened the constitutionality of the pledge itself, and have been the cause for many an argument. Why do these two small words make so many people uncomfortable in reciting the pledge? Although the words are small, they signify much by being placed in our flag’s national pledge. The Constitution, in the establishment clause of the First Amendment, prevents the establishment of an official religion by Congress. Some people believe that these two words, added to the Pledge of Allegiance, are unconstitutional. From the amount of information that I have gathered on this controversial subject, I have come to the conclusion that these words are not unconstitutional.
The Pledge of Allegiance is a well known symbol of liberty, freedom, and prosperity among the citizens of the United States. The Pledge of Allegiance was created in August 1892 by a socialist minister Francis Bellamy of the words “I pledge allegiance to my Flag and the Republic for which it stands, one nation, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.” (Ushistory.org) In 1954, President Eisenhower embolden Congress to add the words “under God” to the Pledge due to the threat of Communism and McCarthyism. Many people believe that the words “under God” do not belong in the Pledge due to it having affiliation with religion.This addition to the pledge provoked several controversial topics, especially having students recite the Pledge of Allegiance in public schools.
When the Constitution was submitted to the American public, many people complained the document had slighted God, for it contained "no recognition of his mercies to us ...or even of his existence." Religion was left out of the Constitution for two reasons: first, many delegates were committed federalists, who believed that the power to legislate on religion, if it existed at all, lay within the domain of the state, not the national, governments; second, the delegates believed that it would be a deliberate mistake to introduce such a politically controversial issue as religion into the Constitution. The only "religious clause" in the document--the proscription of religious tests as qualifications for federal office in Article Six--was intended to defuse controversy by disarming potential critics who might claim religious discrimination in eligibility for public office.
he Pledge of Allegiance has undergone a few minor changes since it was composed in 1892, but the most significant, and controversial change is the addition of the words “Under God” in 1954 by Congress. Since the Pledge of Allegiance is considered the official mantra of the United States Government, should our government continue to include the words "under God" in the pledge, or should it be removed? In a country where the constitution expresses separation of church and state, was the Federal Appeals Court correct when the pledge was judged unconstitutional because of the words “Under God” ?
The Pledge of Allegiance has become a major issue for students, teachers, parents and lawmakers. The original intention of the pledge was not to stir up trouble, but for a celebration of Christopher Columbus discovery of the new world. The pledge is no longer thought of as a celebration, but an infringement on children's religious beliefs. Do you believe that children's rights are being infringed on? Some people believe that the pledge is a great honor for our country. It has shown, and provided us with great pride just like our American flag. The Pledge of Allegiance being recited in the public school system does not infringe on the students religious beliefs, but is a way for us to honor our country and everything that we have done to get to this point in history.
Thomas Jefferson wrote the Virginia Statute of Religious Freedom to explain that each man has the right to practice any religion they please as long as it does not harm others. In addition, government cannot show favoritism when it comes to religion. After having the definition of “separation of church and state” laid out in front of you, it is surprising to realize what may have seemed normal growing up for most children, is in fact unconstitutional. In this paper, we will discuss the issue of the pledge of allegiance in public schools.
Why should we stand for the pledge of allegiance? Because of the veterans who died for us? Because they fought for what we call “freedom”? I personally don’t think it should be a requirement for school.
As a nation, we stand united as one trying to adhere to the values our forefathers bestowed upon us when creating this great country. Our values hold purpose and are sung throughout everyday life as an anthem for unification. One way we as a country express our loyalty to our values and our country is in the Pledge of Allegiance. Lately, the Pledge of Allegiance had become the center of attention as the question arises if we really should require schools to have children say the pledge. The pledge itself over time has changed with its wordings which are what sparked an outburst among a large number of people. And like any controversial topic people have taken their sides and are ready to debate this matter to prove which side is most justifiable. And so have I.
The True Influence of the Pledge of Allegiance. "One nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all," reads the Pledge of Allegiance, the recitation of which American citizens know by heart. The word "pledge" literally means "a promise." Now, this "promise" that American citizens are expected to make every day has been controversial for years, more so now than ever. This controversy is about two words: "under God."
Kids should have to say the pledge of allegiance is a highly controversial topic. I personally believe that they should have to. States in the past 5 years have been passing laws about this topic due to so much controversy