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Should the words 'under God' be removed from the pledge of allegiance?

I. Introduction II. Ethical a. First argument i. The phrase “under God” was not introduced into the Pledge of Allegiance until the 1950’s when Americans were afraid of the communists taking over. Do we really want to continue a tradition founded in fear and discrimination? ii. Con b. Second argument iii. The term ‘under God’ can be viewed as exclusive of other beliefs. As a country founded on religious freedom, shouldn’t we respect all beliefs? Isn’t ‘one nation, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all’ more appropriate and just as powerful? iv. Con III. Moral c. The pledge of allegiance reflects America’s civic culture. v. By saying "under god" is not referencing a certain religion or making this a religion statement. ii. By definition the word "God" has ties to religion. According to webster's dictionary God is "the perfect and all-powerful spirit or being that is worshipped especially by Christians, Jews, and Muslims as the one who created and rules the universe
: a spirit or being that has great power, strength, knowledge, etc., and that can affect nature and the lives of people : one of various spirits or beings worshipped in some religions."

d. The Pledge of allegiance is not mandatory vi. Everyone has the right to freedom of speech and can opt to leave out the word God individually. vii. That even though one can opt to not say the word god, children who are too you to know the meaning of god will not know any better and involuntarily say "God" thinking that it is the right thing to do since it is something that is being presented in School. IV. Legal e. First argument viii. Pro ix. It is a violation of the

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