Is the phrase “under God” in the Pledge of Allegiance a violation of the 1st amendment or an acceptable traditional expression?
The phrase “under God” in the pledge of allegiances has been embroiled by endless controversy over years. Some professionals and legal experts are opposed to this idea for various reasons, while others support the inclusion of the clause in the Pledge of Allegiance. Campaigns to alter the clause have also been live and vibrant ever since its introduction in 1892. The debate on the clause under God revolves around numerous controversial religion and royalty questions. Some religious leaders argue that the clause favours a certain religion while undermining the value and importance of other religions in the country. However, based on the presented facts evidences, it is apparent that the phrase “under God” in the pledge of allegiance does not violate the first amendment.
In supporting the fact that the inclusion of the clause “under God” in the Pledge of Allegiance does not violate the first amendment, supporters of the clause argues that the America are not forced to recite the solemn oath. Instead, Americans feel comfortable and satisfying while citing the solemn oath. All public office holders and the general society feel comfortable and convinced by the fact that it is appropriate and within their jurisdiction to recite their solemn oaths when need arise. Americans use solemn oath to confirm their royalty and commitment in abiding by America philosophy and ideologies. Studies have further affirmed that a good number of Americans citizens especially young people and children have formed a habit of reciting the country’s solemn oath before engaging in any meaningful activity and other state activities. The American constitution does not provide a clause where it is mandatory for American to use the phrase “under God” while citing the solemn oath. Although the country’s solemn oath is trained in all learning institutions, American citizens are not compelled to cite the solemn oath. In this regard therefore, it is the pride of a good number of American populations to recite the solemn oath with the inclusion of the clause “under God” (James 1).
The core aim of reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the state is also aimed at showing loyalty to the founders who fought for the freedom of the country and not to discriminate Americans from other citizens. In their fight for the freedom of America, the founders of the country were showing the importance of respecting God in all their activities. According to American founder fathers, God was their guide in their fights and as a result, all Americans have a personal responsibility of respecting Him in their daily undertaking. Therefore, by deleting the clause “under God” in the Pledge of Allegiance, Americans would be underrating the contribution of the country founder fathers on the current American development trend. As opposed to individual who critics the clause, the core aim of the pledge is to respect the contribution of American founder as opposed to discriminating other American religion. Instead of discriminating Americans minority, the Pledge of Allegiance is supposed to unite and brings harmony among Americans. Therefore, the inclusion of the phrase “under God’ in the Pledge of Allegiance is justified and does not at all violate the first amendment of the American constitution (Martin 131).
As stated in the America constitutions, everyone has the right to participate in any religion belief and practice. All Americans irrespective of their religions or cultural background also has a right of being members of any religious orientations. Therefore, the Pledge of Allegiance does not set any boundary on the free exercise of religion practices. The use of the concept “under God” is in this case is used to bring unity and togetherness in the country. The “under God” phrase is also used to recognise and appreciate the role of religion in the country economic, social, and political progress. Despite the existence of the phrase “under God” in the Pledge of Allegiance, American population still holds their fundamental right of taking part to the religion of the choice (Susan 1). The America constitution is still the supreme law that regulates activities and operations in America. Furthermore, the inclusion of the controversial clause in America Pledge of Allegiance does not compel American to change their religion. Contrary to the view of individuals who are against the inclusion of the phrase “under God”, America population is composed of people from different religion and cultural background. Everyone has the freedom of choosing his or her religion without being coerced by the country’s Pledge of Allegiance. Moreover, the American Pledge of Allegiance does not aim at nationalising Christianity in America. Therefore, by considering the current encouraging impact of America pledge of allegiance, it is clear that the phrase “under God” does not at all discriminate any religion in the country (Richard 27)
The pledge of allegiance does not compel American to act in accordance to their will. For instance, students in American learning institutions are not supposed to stand up while reciting their schools daily Pledge of Allegiance. This means that the pledge does not force anyone to do things that are contrary to the religious practices and beliefs. Although there are some individuals who prefer to stand up while reciting Pledge Of Allegiance, there is no provision that discriminate American religious beliefs and practices. Instead, the aim of reciting the country Pledge of Allegiance is to bring racial and religious unity in the country. During their schools daily Pledge of Allegiance, students are trained to respect and be proud of their nationality with limited consideration of other factors that bring conflict and disharmony in the country. Studies have further confirmed that a good number of American’ student are comfortable when reciting the pledge at its current form. Contrary to the critics of the phrase “under God’, the controversial clause has played a significant role in helping students to understand the importance of recognising the Supreme power in their daily activities. Therefore, by considering the unity role of the phrase “under God” there justify the facts that the phase does not violate the first amendment (John 17)
In the light of the above analysis, it is clear that the phrase “under God” in the American Pledge of Allegiance does not at all violate the first amendment. Although various human right organisations have filled several court cases challenging the inclusion of the clause in the country’s Pledge of Allegiance, there is justifiable evidence to confirm that the phrase has led to religious or racial discrimination in America. However, instead of filling numerous cases in America courts, all actors in the government, civil societies and other nongovernmental organisation need to arrive at a consensus on issues that bring confusion in American Pledge of Allegiance. A solution that will witness the inclusion of ideas and opinions from different professionals and organisations will also be vital in addressing the confusion and conflict between the antagonists in American Pledge of Allegiance. Community members also need to be informed on the importance and role of the phrase “under God” in American Pledge of Allegiance.
Work Cited
James, Davis. Massachusetts court rules state law requiring daily recitation of Pledge of Allegiance does not violate students’ rights. (2012) 11th October 2013. Web: http://legalclips.nsba.org/2012/06/14/massachusetts-court-rules-state-law-requiring- daily-recitation-of-pledge-of-allegiance-does-not-violate-students-rights/
John, Baer. The Pledge of Allegiance: A Revised History and Analysis, 1892-2007. New York,NY: Free State Press, Inc.2007. Print.
Martin, Leisa. Examining the Pledge of Allegiance. Social Studies 9, 9 (2008), 127–131.
Richard Ellis. To the Flag: The Unlikely History of the Pledge of Allegiance. Lawrence: University of Kansas Press 2005. Print.
Susan, Mellen. Amicus Announcement. (2013)11th October 2013. Web: www.mass.gov/courts/sjc/amicus/sjc-11317.html
