"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."
This is repeated every morning by students all over the world, and is recited at many events. However, there's one part that many people have a problem with. "One nation, under God". Why should Americans be forced to acknowledge the existence of God to pledge their allegiance to their country?
So my question to you: Should the "under God" be removed from the pledge of allegiance?
America was founded by a group of mainly Christian men. The basis of the U.S. government was therefore heavily influenced by Christian beliefs. They did however stipulate that people in America would be allowed religious freedom, freedom of speech, and freedom of the press. It's for those reasons that schools are no longer allowed to make students say the Pledge of Allegiance. Most elementry and middle schools, as well as some highschools (as far as I know) still do the Pledge but students can choose not to participate and they can't get in trouble for not saying it. The whole Pledge goes against some religions, not just the part about "One Nation Under God". In some religions it's taboo because you're essentailly pledging yourself (your loyalty) to an object and you can't do that if you want to be a good follower of some faiths. Personally I don't think it should be changed, it's a part of American history, but I don't think people should be require to say it or looked down on if they don't.
i think that it is silly to think that it should be removed. it dosnt even have to be said, im my school everyone just stands up and dosnt say a word during the pledge, it is the students choice if he wants to say the pledge or not, therefor i dont see the big deal
It shouldnt be removed, but they really should've thought about that, of course religion was bigger when they made it than it is now. So, no it shouldnt be, the people that dont believe god or whatever you are referring to should just not say that part =/
Since it wasn't actually in the pledge originally (only added in 1954) all of the patriotic arguments fall short.
And because we're not a democracy, but rather a democratic republic, specifically because the founding fathers were seeking to remove mob rule and oppression of the minority by the majority I don't see why saying because the majority believe also doesn't fly.
So, would you be okay if instead, it said 'One nation under Satan', or 'One nation under Allah', or 'One nation under Spongebob Squarepants'?
I see your point, but it would be different because these are people we detest (except for Spongebob). For an athiest (I would assume), it's just a mythical figure they don't believe in, and counting it out wouldn't be a problem. For Allah, I would probably just ignore it. For Satan, though, that's a figure taken from our religion used against us, so I would see it as a way of the US discriminating against Christians. All in all, though, I don't see a problem with saying 'one nation, under a figure you simply believe doesn't exist', if you aren't forced to say it, that is. Of course, 'One nation under Spongebob Squarepants' would actually be kind of cool.
Lol "One nation under Spongebob Squarepants" I don't know if that would be "cool" but it might be a lot more fun.
But I do have to agree with Hidden. The use of the phrase "One nation under God" discriminates against those who don't believe in God and those who don't practice Christian faiths. (Even though Hidden doesn't really need to worry about it since he's Canadian.) I sometimes find myself annoyed by the use of God by the U.S. government. It's in the pledge and on our money, even though there supposed to be a seperation of church and state. If we want a true seperation then God shouldn't be involved in anything the government makes or does. Christians being a majority shouldn't matter in a nation where there is supposedly a seperation of church and state.
You guys have a point. I guess what I would like is for there not to be a right/wrong way to say the pledge. I like saying it that way because it's like a tradition in my religion and my country. Publicly, I suppose it could be left out... I just like it the way it is, but it could definitely get on your nerves if you don't believe in God.
