Restore the Original
- Submitted by: skydicke
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- Category: Politics
- Date Submitted: 04/25/2010 04:00 PM
- Pages: 4
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Restore the Original
Introduction
Many public schools begin the school day by reciting the Pledge of Allegiance. It is considered a patriotic practice of respect and many deem it important for children to participate. The recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance is not often a subject that parents worry about, although some are concerned about the words “under God” that were added in 1954 (Whitehead, 2002). Michael Newdow sued his daughter’s school for requiring the pledge with the included words “under God” to be recited. Michael Newdow felt that these two words violated the Establishment Clause in the First Amendment. The Establishment clause is a part of the First Amendment that prohibits Congress from showing favor toward or against any religion. Although his daughter and her mother Sandra Banning had no objection to the inclusion of “under God”, he was determined to have it removed from the Pledge of Allegiance. The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals were in favor of Newdow. The ruling was dropped because he did not have custody over his daughter and the court thought it was not suitable for his child to be included in Newdow’s lawsuit (Elk Grove, 2004).
Thesis Statement
The phrase “under God” suggests favoritism of monotheism and therefore violates the Establishment clause. Not only do these two words violate the Establishment clause of the First Amendment, but the inclusion of these words does not respect the separation between church and state. “Under God” was added with the idea that it reflected the ideas and belief of those who colonized our country. However, the historical importance of the Pledge of Allegiance can be preserved and respected without mentioning God.
Evidence
The Pledge is a patriotic practice that signifies the support of our country’s principles. It should not reflect or support the belief or existence of God in any way. Douglas Laylock argues that children are essentially reciting the fact that they believe in God....
Introduction
Many public schools begin the school day by reciting the Pledge of Allegiance. It is considered a patriotic practice of respect and many deem it important for children to participate. The recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance is not often a subject that parents worry about, although some are concerned about the words “under God” that were added in 1954 (Whitehead, 2002). Michael Newdow sued his daughter’s school for requiring the pledge with the included words “under God” to be recited. Michael Newdow felt that these two words violated the Establishment Clause in the First Amendment. The Establishment clause is a part of the First Amendment that prohibits Congress from showing favor toward or against any religion. Although his daughter and her mother Sandra Banning had no objection to the inclusion of “under God”, he was determined to have it removed from the Pledge of Allegiance. The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals were in favor of Newdow. The ruling was dropped because he did not have custody over his daughter and the court thought it was not suitable for his child to be included in Newdow’s lawsuit (Elk Grove, 2004).
Thesis Statement
The phrase “under God” suggests favoritism of monotheism and therefore violates the Establishment clause. Not only do these two words violate the Establishment clause of the First Amendment, but the inclusion of these words does not respect the separation between church and state. “Under God” was added with the idea that it reflected the ideas and belief of those who colonized our country. However, the historical importance of the Pledge of Allegiance can be preserved and respected without mentioning God.
Evidence
The Pledge is a patriotic practice that signifies the support of our country’s principles. It should not reflect or support the belief or existence of God in any way. Douglas Laylock argues that children are essentially reciting the fact that they believe in God....