Should the clause "under God" be removed from the Pledge of Allegiance? NO
Priscilla Woo
Daily Staff Writer
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In my 15-something years of public education, I have recited the Pledge of Allegiance more than a thousand times, and never in my opinion did I feel like I was being brainwashed into believing in God.
The two-word reference to God inside our routine civic exercise is not a prayer, nor was it meant to be one.
When the words "under God" were added to the Pledge on Flag Day of June 14, 1954, it emphasized the American tradition of faith written in the Declaration of Independence.
President Dwight D. Eisenhower approved the addition, saying, "In this way we are reaffirming the transcendence of religious faith in America's heritage and future; in this way we shall constantly strengthen those spiritual weapons which forever will be our country's most powerful resource in peace and war."
Those who go against the Pledge know nothing of the values placed by the U.S. Constitution and basically are spitting in the face of our Founding Fathers. These are the grounds on which our country stands.
Had there been a question of the meaning of the added clause when it was first presented in 1954, perhaps we wouldn't be having this debate now. But for more than 50 years, this has been the law, and it should stay that way.
Plus, this issue must be examined in context. Taking out the words 'under God' would start a whole series of ridiculous modifications, each affecting every little aspect of our lives. Will we be banned from singing "God Bless America"? Will the term "so help me God" be taken out of the pledge as the president is sworn in? Are the mints going to need to reproduce billions in new currency because "In God we trust" just won't cut it? And I'm sure even Michael Newdow, the man who took the case to court when he said the Pledge was unconstitutional, uses His name in vain like many of us do.
No, there is no need to take out or substitute the words "under God" from our Pledge of Allegiance. In fact, the law doesn't even require teachers to force their students to say the pledge if they choose not to. If you've got a problem with saying the pledge, then don't say it. It's that simple.
Citizens are so lucky to be in a country as free as the United States. Other countries, where religion is the way of life, aren't so flexible.
Stop trying to change the words. They were put there for a reason. And they have worked peacefully for half a century.
The Pledge is not just words - it represents our restored faith in our country. If people want to change the Pledge, then perhaps they should change countries.
Priscilla Woo is a Spartan Daily staff writer.
Viewing Comments 1 - 10 of 16
Tedriii
Tedriii
posted 9/28/05 @ 6:24 PM PST
Look how they've attacked each major field that proves the existence of a perfect God: The first thing they attacked was religion itself!--Various religions were just religions, probably fabrications of man, so how could you say which was right or wrong? In other words, there were no religious absolutes. (Continued…)
brooke
posted 4/19/07 @ 8:18 AM PST
I dont think that Under God should be out of the pledge either because that is kinda like predidgeism
Violet
posted 9/17/07 @ 7:34 PM PST
I like how you put your opinion.
It was to the point and clear.
I also agree that "under God" should not be taken out.
That is ridiculous. People can be dismised from saying it, rather than completely abolishing. (Continued…)
csacasc
posted 1/07/08 @ 7:57 AM PST
hell no
Summer
posted 1/09/08 @ 6:57 AM PST
under God should not be taken out of the pledge because as a Christian i personally think that peopel should believe in God because how do they think that got here ''Monkeys'' all im saying is that if they dont believe i hope god will place a miricle on there heart and help them
God Bless you ALL!!!
corey kadake
posted 4/22/08 @ 5:02 PM PST
I think that they should not take out the words under god because the words are not hurting any one because it is not a prayer
John Doe
posted 4/23/08 @ 12:33 AM PST
Haha, wow Heather, you didn't need to say you were 15, it's pretty evident with they way you were presenting your argument. (and how do you know Summer isn't even younger than you?) She's probably written one of the nicest things anyone's written on this website for a while. (Continued…)
Hope Anderson
posted 12/02/08 @ 8:31 AM PST
John Doe: She isn't 15, she said in her 15 years of education. That means she is 20... O!
samantha
posted 1/09/09 @ 10:17 AM PST
i am doin a project on this. and idk what to do i mean i belive in god but then i dont i dont know i he is real until i see. but i am looking for arguements on weather they should take it out or not. (Continued…)
Beans
posted 4/28/09 @ 11:31 AM PST
I think that by taking the phrase "one nation, under God" should be left alone. If we take this out it will be true. God will leave this country and we won't survive for too long. (Continued…)
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