Persuasive Essay On The Pledge Of Allegiance

The original Pledge of Allegiance was meant as an expression of patriotism, not religious faith and made no mention of God. The pledge was written in 1892 by the socialist Francis Bellamy. He wrote it for the popular magazine Youth's Companion on the occasion of the nation's first celebration of Columbus Day. It’s wording omitted reference not only to God but also to the United States. “Under God” should be removed from the pledge for purposes of creating equality in different beliefs and allowing each American their right laid out in the constitution. These are the original words to the Pledge of Allegiance.

Why the pledge of allegiance should be revised, by Gwen Wilde, is a very well written essay that the reader would most likely deem convincing. Gwen Wilde states that the Pledge in its latest from simply requires all Americans to say the phrase “one nation, under God,” when many Americans do not believe in God. She uses many different writing strategies to get her point across in a very precise and appropriate manner. Although there are some minor problems, this analysis will explain how Gwen Wilde uses certain writing strategies that are able to back her argument with a very convincing approach.

The allegiance was originated in August, 1892 but did not include the words “Under God”, which was added in 1933. There was some concern of the change, considering separation of church and state. By forcing students and American citizens to cite the allegiance, you’re there by forcing them into a certain religion, which violates the first amendment, “Freedom of Religion”. By forcing them to stand during the allegiance they are there by betraying their own beliefs of where they come from or who they are. Some may look at it, as disrespect towards America or our war veterans, but it also shows disrespect towards those individuals. We are not only ignoring their beliefs but we are disrespecting their history, their family, and where they originally come

It is often thought that people should be forced to say the Pledge of Allegiance. However, what people fail to realize is it is not an american practice to force something on someone. For example, people for the most part

(Harrison, Maureen. Gilbert, Steve. Landmark Decisions of the United States Supreme Court II.) The public schools systems are not trying to offend anyone. They are trying to uphold the system of educating American students. The views of a few people should not influence the greater good of the Pledge of Allegiance. It has been recited for many years and for many years people have fought against it. People are not fighting against the statement “In God We Trust” that is imprinted on each and every coin in the United States. There is no need to change the Pledge it is there for Americans to recite to show their appreciation to a grateful nation and as a way of saluting the American Flag. Mudhillun Muqaribu wrote a letter to the editor of the New York Times titled God and the Pledge: My Brother’s Quest. Mudhillun writes that he is a Muslim who grew up in America. When he was younger, other students made it clear to him and his siblings that “Under God” in the Pledge of Allegiance did not apply to them. He says that he began sitting out of the Pledge in the sixth grade. The main point of his letter was to applaud Michael Newdow for upholding religious diversity in America. (Muqaribu, Mudhillun. Letter. New York Times). Mudhillun was not persecuted by anyone for his decision in sitting out in the Pledge; it was his decision and he was respected for that. Michael Newdow and the others who argue against “Under God” in the Pledge have the right

I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America... the first thing we are taught when we start school is to respect our flag and those who defend it. And to the republic for which it stands… so why are we so quick to disregard the sacrifices they make to protect our freedom? One nation under God... we are all different. Indivisible… but at the end of the day we are all Americans, so why do we try to tear each other apart? With liberty and justice for all… if we just celebrate our differences we could be so much more. My hope for the future is that we learn to accept each other and come together the way that our forefathers did in their fight for freedom.

Those are the words that are said every day by students from elementary school to high school. But these words are unfair to many in America who either do not believe in God or, even if they do, desire a clear separation between church and state. This author will argue that the phrase “Under God” does not belong in the Pledge of Allegiance of the United States of America.

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. Everyday of our pre-college educational lives, we stand and recite this pledge as a routine instead of an actual pledge. We go through school not knowing the actual meaning and not caring if we did. But for some people, the pledge is a forbidden text, not to be said through their lips even if forced for they feel the pledge has taken on a different fate. Instead of being a secular oath, it instead has become a religious prayer to God. Many have fought against the pledge, wanting change for their atheistic children. Many have been bashed for reciting it but in a way close to home, like saying it in a different language or adding in their ethnical god. Over the years, the phrase "Under God¨ has been put through a lot of controversy; Atheists and Agnostics have attacked it while Christian and Jew Americans have defended it, showing "Under God" is important in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Although numerous school say the pledge and others do not, it would be befitting to discourage reciting the pledge in school. Reasons for this vary, but one major reason is that countless members of a population feel they still belong to the country they grew up in, and they have a religion they believe in but they do not believe the words of the pledge. “Considered by some to be an outdated and unnecessary ritual with a constitutionally questionable religious reference and false promises of liberty and justice for all,” (Tucker). Most likely, the schools do not wish to enforce a pledge in which many do not believe in it religiously, spiritually, verbally, and mentally. If they do not mean it, then why is somewhat enforced?

“Discipline is giving yourself a command and following it up with an action” (Bob Proctor). Many teens today dislike saying the pledge for many reasons such as, the thought of it ruining their reputation as the cool kid. Or it can be something as simple as, their view on America and how America doesn't allow “outsiders” to live in their so-called, “free country”. I support those who have the courage and respect for the flag because I believe that, they can become someone important in the real world.

Someone may be refusing to say the pledge for other reasons than obvious (Byrnes). Someone may not believe in God, or be very anti-religious. Since the pledge does have “Under God” in it, someone may be fully against supporting it. Someone could also be refusing to recite the pledge just to exercise their rights as an American. There are many cases currently happening that show examples of this. Colin Kaepernick, an NFL player, refuses to stand and recite the pledge. Many people are following him, while many are also opposing him. (Freedom from Religion).

It is unpatriotic to be forced to say the pledge. Reciting a pledge does not make someone patriotic or a good American. Relating very much so to the way that reciting the same prayers in church does not make someone religious. It is defying everything that anyone from the U.S. has fought for when you are being forced to recite the pledge. As Scoot states, “No student or staff member will be compelled to participate in patriotic exercises, nor will any student be penalized or ostracized for failure to participate (Scoot).

Schools make students say the pledge to show some respect to the people that are serving for our country and the people that have passed away for our country. The pledge does not nessiarly teach students to believe in God or any type of religion. It is just a salute to the flag, and an honor of respect. In my opionion i feel like kids that do not believe in God, have the right to not say the pledge, but they should really show respect and they should stand up.

"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 the Pledge of Allegiance, which reminds Americans to be loyal to their country, to stick together as a nation and to provide equality and righteousness to everyone. One might ask “why should we be reminded and asked to make a promise every day?” In order to answer this question, one must dig down to the roots of the history of America. The United States of America has been through many political and social conflicts and now it is a Nation that believes in providing “liberty and justice” to every person.

Now when I don’t recite the Pledge, it’s not out of laziness, or disrespect, or even lack of patriotism, and no, it is definitely not out of protest (all things I’ve been accused of). I stopped saying it years ago and I’d like to give you, the readers, my reasons why.