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Restore original pledge

The Spokesman-Review

Every day, millions of children recite the Pledge of Allegiance in our schools. Francis Bellamy, a Baptist minister, created the Pledge of Allegiance in 1892.The current pledge is almost identical to the one developed more than 100 years ago; the only difference is the phrase “under God.” This phrase was added in 1954 under President Eisenhower because it did not include any reference to deity. People who were religious wanted God mentioned to reflect the American spirit and way of life.

The First Amendment guarantees a separation between church and state. Why then would citizens endorse a pledge that includes these additional words? Eleven percent of Americans do not believe in God. One might discount the 11 percent when 89 percent believe in God.

The Constitution is designed to express not only the will of the majority but also the will of the minority. It protects the minority viewpoint, making our society truly democratic. Would Americans appreciate the pledge if it said, “under Buddha” or “under Allah”? If our country would abide by the Constitution and the views of our Founding Fathers, then the Pledge of Allegiance should be secular and return to its original form.

Amedee Martella

Spokane



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