To Pledge or Not To Pledge
As a child, what is one thing you remember doing every morning before class started? Millions of children across the country would probably answer "saying" or "listening to the Pledge of Allegiance". Reciting the Pledge of Allegiance is a widely known national tradition, specifically, in on our country's public school system. Educators and administrators encourage the students to recite the pledge along with them but are not supposed to force them to say it. Over the years the Pledge of Allegiance has become an extreme controversial debate among parents, teachers, and court cases. Some parents believe that saying the Pledge in school goes against their own personal freedoms and beliefs. The pledge of Allegiance does not take away our rights but is a symbol of how we received them in the first place. Nothing in life is ever free. Someone somewhere has to pay the price. Reciting a simple poem out of respect and thankfulness to all the soldiers that have fought and died for our country should be seen as a privilege, not a burden. So, why is to pledge or not to pledge such a major issue?
The Baptist minister, Francis Bellamy, wrote the original Pledge in 1892 for a magazine celebrating the 400th anniversary of Columbus day. This simple poem read: "I pledge allegiance to my Flag and the Republic for which it stands, one nation, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all." In 1923 "my Flag" was changed to "the Flag of the United States of America." The final change was made in 1954. "Under God" was added after "nation." The last change is what has caused this government issue. Several people believe that adding "under God" was inappropriate. Is Christmas going to be outlawed next? People of all religions celebrate Christmas. Regardless of your faith, celebrating that holiday doesn't make you believe any different, if you're strong in it. Saying two simple words isn't going to make you any less of an atheist, Buddhist, or Muslim. You...