One nation under Canada, above Mexico

By Kristen Hoverman

The Collegian

The Pledge of Allegiance celebrates national unity, wholeness and freedom.

It is recited daily in remembrance of the events that unified and strengthened our nation.

Today this historical declaration of appreciation for our nation is the target of debate and offense.

From the moment children enter school they are taught the pledge and recite it daily until the time they graduate from high school.

When I was a little girl reciting the Pledge of Allegiance in class, I never really paid much attention to the words “under God.”

They seemed naturally ingrained in the pledge as a reminder of our nation’s history stated in the Declaration of Independence and President Abraham Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address.

In school I learned “under God” was added to the pledge in 1954 to distinguish the United States from the communist Soviet Union, and to remove the appearance of flag and nation worship.

I always felt it was just a symbol of appreciation for the many opportunities available to U.S. citizens.

Either way, these words have remained in the pledge for over 50 years and are controversial for many Americans.

Americans have freedoms and abilities that are far greater than what many other countries in the world have. For a nation that has so much, it is difficult to think that U.S. citizens take their freedoms and abilities for granted.

On September 14, 2005, a federal judge in Sacramento ruled it was unconstitutional to require public school children to recite the words “under God” in the pledge.

“What’s the point of changing it?” said Jamie Darling, a liberal studies major. “Our country was founded upon Christianity.

“Why do people get so offended? It’s a part of history. I don’t think it should be changed.”

Today “under God” is optional in the pledge.

“I think that it’s offensive to some people,” said Beth Barrow, a liberal studies major. “We should make it fair and equal to everyone.

“But if we take that one thing out we’re going to have to take “in God we trust” off of our pennies, nickels, dimes and quarters.”

The pledge is an expression of national identity and patriotism. However, maybe Robin Williams was right when he said, “One nation under God” should be changed to “One nation under Canada, above Mexico.”

In this modern age where people of all ages, race, sex and religion live in one country that gives so many freedoms unavailable in other parts of the world, whether or not “under God” is removed from the pledge, U.S. citizens are blessed.

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