Beverly Congdon is a regular editorialist for the Grizzly Gazette. Bev argues that the Pledge of Allegiance should be proudly recited by all citizens.

For those who refuse to cite the pledge on the grounds that they do not wish to pledge to the current president: where does it ever mention pledging to the nation’s leader? Never. You should continue to cite the pledge.

The Pledge of Allegiance is not saying that our country is perfect, but rather reminds us that as American citizens we constantly are able to strive for more.  Pledging allegiance to the flag is pledging to uphold the human liberties our country was founded on and the principles our constitution was mended to better include.  It is true that at its infancy our country was far from perfect.  But with the way the Constitution works, we are always able to change and adapt our laws in the United States. Two-hundred years since America’s birth, and the Constitution is still being mended. 

Is it just too troublesome or difficult to cite a thirty-one-word pledge before school?  Is it a violation of our liberties? Certainly not as one is free to abstain from reciting the pledge. We are not ever forced to say the Pledge of Allegiance. It is another awesome freedom we have throughout the united yet diverse states in America.

 It is true that few students actually pledge out of appreciation or respect for this nation and its patriots.  However the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance in schools still serves as a reminder to children and teenagers today that we live in the land of the free and the home of the brave.  For the students a bit more on the patriotic side, they more fully grasp the content of the pledge.  I pity the other citizens who fail to realize how fortunate they are to live without fear of their government, to live the American life. 

Unavoidably, there will always be those who don’t appreciate this country, those that instead repeatedly bite the hand (America) that feeds them.  But does that mean we should stop citing the pledge?  Hopefully someday they will realize that there are more people across the globe that would trade places with them immediately.

The phrase “under God” is especially controversial in the pledge.  Why is it there if the U.S. is supposed to have freedom of religion and separation of church and state?

This nation was founded on principles of liberty, equality, justice. Where did we get these principles?  John Locke is considered the intellectual father of the Constitution. He believed these “natural, unalienable right” were God-given.  He used religious beliefs to support the argument that all men are created equal.

As Mr. Wilder, a Granite Hills History teacher, says in the Grizzly Gazette’s featured letter to the editor for this week, “religion played a role in shaping public opinion about morals and therefore it influenced laws” and that throughout history “religion played a role in shaping public opinion about morals and therefore it influenced laws.” 

Immigrants first migrated to this country to escape religious persecution, and still do today.  

If it weren’t for religion and religious movements in this nation, the principles of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness would not exist.  If it weren’t for religious leaders, the civil rights movement, the improvement of working conditions, and other privileges we enjoy today would not exist.   Religion has shaped and defined American polices and ideologies. 

Thus, the phrase “under God,” makes perfect sense. For those who do not wish to acknowledge God’s influence on this country and for the small portion of this country that claim to be atheist, it is still possible to pledge to the American flag in a non-religious way while still showing respect to the fallen soldiers who died to preserve our liberties, while still expressing admiration for this nation. Just vocally omit the words “under God” when you recite the pledge—it’s that simple! 

All this fuss about pledging allegiance to the flag—why??? As unique individuals living peacefully in the free United States of America, we should all proudly recite the Pledge of Allegiance. 

Read the opposing editorial by clicking here!