The United States should remove the words “under god” from the pledge of allegiance
I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America. And to the Republic, for which it stands, one nation, under… silence. That’s what you’ll hear if you listen in to my recital of the pledge of allegiance each morning at 7:30 a.m. After those around me say “under God,” I continue through the rest of the pledge. But in the moment of those two words – silence.
The words “under god” were added to the pledge of allegiance in 1954. That was a terrible mistake. Their inclusion goes against the very basic principles of the United States.
The Constitution of the United States, as amended by the Bill of Rights, guarantees all people the right to the freedom of religion. Throughout history, one way the government has upheld this freedom has been through its own secularism. By maintaining no national religion or religion in government, the U.S. ensures that no one feels that any religion is endorsed or disapproved of by the government. This is, of course, a good thing. If the President openly promoted, say, Catholicism as the religion of the United States, those who are not Catholic would potentially feel like outsiders in America.
The inclusion of “God” in the pledge causes that same kind of problem. Some Americans call the higher power they have faith in another name, while others believe in no god at all. The pledge is supposed to be a very American ritual, as most flag-focused actions are. So to inject religion into it pushes out those who follow no religion or those who do not believe in “God.”
It’s not just non-monotheistic people who should disavow the pledge’s added language, however. Even if you believe that America is “under God,” that does not justify the words inclusion in the pledge. Just as America is secular, its primary pledge should be, too. Any mention of any religion in any deeply American or governmental speech or text should be removed. A United States of America without religion intertwined with patriotism is a stronger, freer, better United States of America.
With the wrongness of the pledge’s (unoriginal) inclusion in mind, I urge you to join me in not saying “under God” when saying the pledge of allegiance. One person at a time, we can right the non-secular wrong that was imposed upon an otherwise great set of patriotic words.

Aiden Rood is a sophomore and Eastside Global Commentary Editor. Outside the (virtual) newsroom he can be found staffing national political campaigns,...
In GOD we Trust. That is the truth. Don’t like it . .Than go away
Or how bout you just keep doing your silence thing and let the rest of us who want to say under God.
This nation was founded on Christian values. If it offends you, move to a nation founded on your values. I will continue to express my dedication a gratitude as I was taught.
You do you,I’ll do me. If the pledge were to change,a bill supported ,and passed,should be required. God,in the general sense,has been accepted by the majority of us citizens sense the creation of our country.
Freedom of religion,and from it is guaranteed. Yet,the citizens who serve are still sworn in using the bible.
I believe its still used in court to swear in witnesses.
No traction there.
Enjoy your freedom
Everyone is entitled to their opinion and if you don’t like the pledge don’t say any of it. Just pack up and leave the USA..
Tradition shouldn’t change because of the subjective feelings of a select few. No one’s freedom of religion is being imposed upon by the words ‘under God’. No one is forcing them to say it. You can’t just attempt to exterminate anything remotely offensive or controversial from society. To live in modern society is to live with the risk of being offended.
“Under God”, Amen to that. God Denied, um, it’s like sealing yor fate..
To those of you who live in this great nation, but do not like the USA and/or the Pledge of Allegiance, know this. I will be more than happy to buy you a one-way ticket to the socialist country of your choice.
i was never religious growing up so i quietly changed it to “under hope”
“Everyone is entitled to their opinion” but if yours is different than mine, please leave the country?? Seriously, this is an adult writing these comments? Also, this country was founded by Puritans, who formally objected to and denounced Catholicism, by the way. It took a long time for us to accept all religions in this country.