...young age with the premise of inspiring patriotic feeling and held in high esteem due to it’s historical significance, the Pledge of Allegiance is surrounded by controversy. The Pledge of Allegiance should not be enforced in schools due to it being a clear violation of the First and Fourth Amendments, its conflict with other people’s beliefs, and it’s blatantly false promise of equality. We live in a world where expression and freedom of thought is, thankfully, somewhat allowed and even encouraged. Why then should we, as a free country, be forced to say a Pledge that most haven’t even bothered to analyze? Can we truly believe that the children currently attending elementary school understand what they say when they repeat after their teacher? Is their level of comprehension high enough to be able to feel and understand what loyalty to one’s country is? Certainly not, and it doesn’t stop there. While it is understandable why our country enforces the Pledge early on, it is not understandable why it is continued into high school and even into college. If a child attending high school makes the conscious decision not to stand up for the Pledge, then he should be allowed to do so and exercise his rights. We live in a world where a teacher reprimanded her student for being “un-American” and “un-patriotic” because he did not recite the Pledge of Allegiance. (Jacksonville News, Sports and Entertainment) A Judge ruled the case unconstitutional and stated that it was a violation of...
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...Student Concerned about the Pledge of Allegiance In th~ essay, "Why the Pledge of Allegiance Should be Revised" by Gwen \Vilde. a writer in a composition course at Tufts University! Gwen Wilde vigorously asserts to eliminate the phras~ "under God" from the Pledge of Allegiance. Primarily, Wilde assens the indigenous pledge was issued in 1892, recited as " I pledge allegiance to my flag, and the republic fur which it stands: one narion indivisible, with Liberty and justice for all.". Then, in 1923, "my flag • was revised to '1he flag of the United Stat.es," for immigrant purposes, as a way to show loyalty to the United States. Eventually, the Pledge of Allegiance has been rephrasing throughout the years. But. according to President Dwight D....
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...Should the Words “under God” be removed from the U.S. Pledge of Allegiance? The Pledge of Allegiance was first written in 1892 by Francis Bellamy and ever since President Eisenhower and Congress added the phrase “under God” in 1954, controversy has arose in several facets of life. Although the phrase supposedly makes sense, due to its ongoing presence within society, as a large sum of Americans believe in God and the fact that the pledge is recited every day in practically every school facility, the ideal that America is a “melting pot of diversity” has evidently been neglected. The abandonment of the specifications regarding this ideal have led many to wonder— do the words “under God” align with the current and past ideals of society? Many...
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...The Pledge of Allegiance Shantae Lovelace Strayer University SOC 205 Society, Law And Government Professor Gregory Smith March15, 2015 Each day elementary school teachers in the Elk Grove Unified School District lead their classes in a group recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance. Respondent, Michael Newdow, is an atheist whose daughter participates in that daily exercise. Because the Pledge contains the words "under God," he views the School District's policy as a religious indoctrination of his child that violates the First Amendment. A divided panel of the Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit agreed with Newdow. In light of the obvious importance of that decision, we granted certiorari to review the First Amendment issue and, preliminarily, the question whether Newdow has standing to invoke the jurisdiction of the federal courts. We conclude that Newdow lacks standing and therefore reverse the Court of Appeals' decision (Findlaw, n.d.). Summary of Court Case Petitioner school district requires each elementary school class to recite daily the Pledge of Allegiance. Respondent Newdow's daughter participates in this exercise. Newdow, an atheist, filed suit alleging that, because the Pledge contains the words "under God," it constitutes religious indoctrination of his child in violation of the Establishment and Free Exercise Clauses. He also alleged that he had standing to sue on his own behalf and on behalf of his daughter as...
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...of the United States. Schools across the nation have placed the American flag in their classrooms where children can view this symbol of their nation. A pledge of allegiance to this symbol became part of the flag code in 1942 (Source A). This implication involved students pledging their allegiance to their flag and nation with their right hand over their heart. Yet, today, the Pledge of Allegiance has become a controversial topic in schools across America. Now the question is debated over frequently, should the Pledge of Allegiance be allowed in schools? The Pledge of Allegiance has a core message of liberty and pride in our nation and, although it has reference to religion, its...
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...1 The State Judicial Selection Process Juan Banuelos Professor Sheila Farr SOC205 08/02/2014 2 The judicial selection process can complex at times and many states have different requirements that are needed to become a judge. The two states that I chose for the judicial selection process are Texas and Missouri. The judicial process in Texas require certain qualifications to become a judge. The Texas constitution establishes basic qualifications before being selected. In the Court of Appeals and the Supreme Court judges are required to have a license to practice law and must have been practicing law for ten years. Another requirement is that a judge needs to be a legal resident of the United States and a resident of Texas before being selected. In other states age requirements are not mandatory, but in Texas the age requirement is thirty-five years of age. District judges are required to have a licensed to practice law in Texas for at least four years and be a resident of the judicial district for two years, they must also be a resident of the State of Texas. In District Courts judges are to compete in partisan elections as well, the same for the Supreme Court if a vacancy occurs the Governor of Texas will appoint a replacement for the remainder of the term, again this is needed to be approved by the Senate. The requirement's to serve as a judge is to be a citizen of the United States. The nominee must have held a judicial district for two years, they also must...
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...The Pledge of Allegiance Essay What is the Pledge of Allegiance? The Pledge of Allegiance is kind of like a promise that we will support and stay true to our country. In the next couple paragraphs I will explain the how I feel about the Pledge of Allegiance, what I think about the phrase, “under God”, and what I think about people who choose not to say the Pledge of Allegiance. I think it is good that we say the Pledge of Allegiance everyday. One reason is it helps remind us of our country, our freedom, and our rights. In the Pledge of Allegiance it says, “…one Nation.” When we say the pledge it reminds us that we are one nation and we should think of everyone as a whole. It also says, “…indivisible, with liberty and justice for all,” it is saying...
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...not stand up for the Pledge of Allegiance? Every morning, Monday through Friday, students all across America stand, face the American flag, and say the 31 words that make up the Pledge of Allegiance. We pledge towards the symbol of America because of the freedom it has granted us and for all the people who fight for our country’s freedom. However, lately there has been a controversy over many elements of the pledge- should we continue to say it in schools? What about sporting events? Should “under God” be removed or should it stay? The Pledge of Allegiance should not be required to say at schools and sporting events because it violates the basic human rights like freedom of speech and freedom of religion....
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...Throughout the course of history, the infamous Pledge of Allegiance has been reworded a total of three times. The Pledge of Allegiance is one of the most vital symbol in American history, which represents what the entire nation stands for. Everyday, children within American public schools stand up and pledge their allegiance to the flag of the United States of America. Through this repetitive act, students delineate their respect for everyone who fought for our rights and freedom. Human Geography connects with various themes demarcated within the Pledge. Some of these themes include: monotheism, nationalism, migration, pop culture, and globalization. The Pledge reminds people of the sacrifices and hardships people have endured, and especially what a great honor it is to be an American citizen. The Pledge of Allegiance is an...
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...The pledge of allegiance is only 41 words that stands for freedom, yet has become a national battle. The disrespect that has been demonstrated lately, says it represents oppression. How can that be? The pledge states “with liberty and justice for all”. The pledge of allegiance was written for the 400th anniversary in 1892. It was formally adopted by congress as the pledge in 1942. The name became official in 1945. There have been many changes to the pledge in a way it is phrased. Undergod was entered in 1954. We also don’t salute the flag anymore. Now that was controversial. It appeared to be a nazi movement. Why do we say the pledge? In school it is mandated that pledge be done. It has nothing to do with christianity or any other religion.Every...
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...The Pledge of Allegiance that dates back all the way to 1892, states, “liberty and justice for all”; It’s ironic that we as a nation still struggle to swallow such a statement. It is not because a lack of placed law or governmental enforcement, but rather how the public decided to handle the situation. Today, the average U.S. colored American makes an income that is one-eighth of a typical white family income. On top of that, the number of jobless blacks is steadily increasing. These cases are beyond the control of each family, but instead, it is controlled by the economics forces. Higher-degreed jobs, including technology and medical degrees, are becoming more demanding by society while minimum-waged jobs are becoming less and less. This is...
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...Francis Bellamy produced The Pledge of Allegiance In the year of August 1892 and President Eisenhower, got Congress to add the phrase under God in the Pledge of Allegiance. However, in 1954, in acknowledgment of the Communist warning of the events, President Eisenhower encouraged Congress to add the words under God, forming the 31-word pledge (Pintér, 2006). Still, are numerous of people who are against flag for they don't believe in the words God and are confused about the meaning of the flag and heritage of 13 colonies. However, to have a good understanding it patriotic stand for the flag and soldier who died to protect this Great country. Therefore, the behavior of lawsuits against the pledge allegiance by Michael Newdow because his daughter was reciting pledge allegiance with the reference under California law. However, Elk Grove educators start school daily with leading students in a voluntary recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance, including the reciting the of...
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...“Good Morning Maggie Walker, today is September 9, 2014. Please stand for the Pledge of Allegiance.” Attentively listening to the bright orotund female voice permeate through the school referencing bountiful opportunities that would give any freshmen goosebumps. Abruptly before the female finished her last sentence, a short corpulent Caucasian man entered the room. Staring at my notebook, I noticed he spoke with a rather raucous voice, “Welcome! Here is a map of China with fifty terms. You will have your first geography test on Friday, points will be deducted for spelling.” Mesmerized by the courseload, all I could think of was the clock’s tick echoing behind me reminding me of every second in the eighty-minute class. My only thought, “What have I gotten myself into?” My home district originally provided the verdict that they could not financially afford to send a student to Maggie Walker, however I was told the day before school started that I would be in attendance. I entered Maggie Walker...
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...Case Study 2: I Pledge the Allegiance to the Flag Latarsha S. Dowdell Society, Law, and Government – SOC 205 Dr. Clinton D. Gortney March 9, 2014 America. The land of the free home of the brave. These are the words that are cited when we sing the Star Spangled Banner. This is our song dedicated to our country. The Pledge of Allegiance was cited every morning before school started when I attended. It was our way of giving thanks to those that have fought and died for our freedom. Unfortunately, somewhere down the line, citing the Pledge of Allegiance became a political and religious issue. In this paper, I will summarize the points of the Supreme Court case Elk Grove Unified School District v. Newdow. I will also discuss the levels of the court through which the case evolved before it reached the Supreme Court. Next, I will briefly explain the decision of the Supreme Court and explain the fundamental impact that the court decision in question has had on American society in general and on ethics in American society in particular. Then, I will discuss whether I believe that the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance is a religious issue or a sign of respect for the United States. Finally, I will discuss whether or not I think public schools should be allowed to recite the pledge. In schools, children need to understand the importance of freedom and what it means to be patriotic in America. In doing so, every morning teachers lead their...
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...Why the words 'under God' should be in the Pledge of Allegiance The words 'under God' were in the Pledge of Allegiance since 1954. They added those words to show the contrast between the United States of America and the communist regime. They also show how we are a true nation under God. Having a nation under God is very important because we get are freedom from God, not the government or anyone else. Everything we got from this country came from God. We ask him for help when in need or if we need guidance. He will protect this country and the words 'under God' need to be kept in America’s Pledge of Allegiance. Christian people have a huge say in if 'under God' should be kept in the pledge. The United States was brought by the Christian background. Our nation was developed and established that way. Christians made up most of are country and fought for it under Gods name. Every constitution of the fifty states that make up are union, contain a reference to God. Oaths sworn in court use the phrase “so help me God.” The Supreme Court summons with a prayer, “God save this honorable court.” We use these phrases because we put are faith and trust into God. The people that want 'under God' to be removed from the pledge say that...
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