...Title: The Pledge General Purpose: To persuade Specific Purpose: To persuade our audience that The Pledge of Allegiance should be recited in schools. Central Idea/Thesis: The Pledge of Allegiance is a part of history and a part of this country and needs to be recited by children in schools. Introduction I. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands: one nation under God, indivisible, for liberty, and justice for all. II. After today you will understand the importance of The Pledge of Allegiance and why children should recite it in schools. III. We all remember reciting The Pledge of Allegiance in school and it has recently been banned from being said every morning by students. IV. The Pledge of Allegiance is a part of history and a part of this country and needs to be recited by children in schools. Main Point 1: The Pledge of Allegiance has been banned from being recited in schools in several states. Main Point 2: Throughout the history of The Pledge of Allegiance, there have been several revisions and many misinterpretations. Main Point 3: The Pledge of Allegiance should still be recited in school. Transition (Internal Preview): First, Mrs. Charlery is going to tell you a little about the ban on The Pledge of Allegiance in schools, and then Mrs. Borton is going to tell you about the history of the pledge and what it is supposed to stand for. Body I. The Pledge of Allegiance has been ban...
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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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...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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...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 students in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance. The words “under God” somewhere down the line became a debate that had to be looked at. In the case of Elk Grove Unified School District v. Newdow...
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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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...Importance of Fidelity in Julius Caesar Humans have always been communal animals. They band together in groups, for social and survival needs. This sense of community brings about the values of dedication and loyalty. The alliances man has created inspires stories and plays about any number of time periods. Many examples of fidelity are illustrated in the characters of Julius Caesar. Antonius appears to be blindly loyal to Caesar. He comes off as a rash supporter in the scene that depicts Antonius viewing Caesar's body. Another situation where Antonius displays fidelity to Caesar is act one, scene two, in which the young runner pledges that whatever Caesar wishes is his command. The wild soliloquy he gives illustrates his allegiance to the slain king, and he seems to sacrifice his body to Caesar's spirit. Such devote feelings spur the reader to wonder what deed Caesar did for Antonius that the younger man would harbor said emotions. Not only the men of Julius Caesar but the women also show loyalty. Although Caesar's wife, Calpurnia, portrays herself as a needy woman, she also shows that she loves her husband very much. Fear overwhelms her when Caesar announces that, though he's been warned that the day would be his deathday, he would go outside. Calpurnia's dread of losing her husband shows that she depends on him very much. However, it is questionable in which way she depends on him: emotionally or monetarily. A woman accustomed to...
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...language! English is spoken (by at least some portions of the population) nearly everywhere you go. Everyone has the potential of being a Global Citizen if they wish to but it takes courage, commitment, and a sense of humor to become one. Global citizenship might sound like a vague concept for academics but in fact it’s a very practical way of looking at the world which anyone, if given the opportunity, can relate to. In the context of globalization, thinking and acting as a global citizen is immensely important and can bring real benefits. To have a full insight of what it means to be a “global citizen”, one needs to understand what it means to be a citizen. A citizen is a native or naturalized member of a state or nation who owes allegiance to its government and is entitled to its protection (distinguished from alien). It also refers to a person owing loyalty to and entitled by birth or naturalization to the protection of a state or nation. According to some accounts, citizenship is motivated by local interests (love of family, communal fairness, self-interest), global interests (a sense of universal equality), and concern for fellow human beings, human rights and human dignity. The key tenets of global citizenship include respect for any and all fellow global citizens, regardless of race, religion or creed and give rise to a universal sympathy beyond the barriers of nationality. At Oxfam Education, Global Citizenship is believed to be...
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...Mike Christian was a prisoner of war, along with McCain and many others held captive in facilities, who sewed the American flag on his so that he and the others could recite the pledge of allegiance. Senator McCain states, “One day, the Vietnamese searched our cell and discovered Mike’s shirt with the flag sewn inside and removed it… for the benefit of all of us, beat mike Christian severely for the next couple of hours”, illustrating the price Mike paid for his devotion to his country. Mike shares the passion and pride that Senator McCain bears within him and is not afraid to express it illustrated by “sitting there, beneath that dim light bulb, with a piece of white cloth, a piece of red cloth, another shirt and his bamboo needle, was my friend, Mike Christian”. Many would not have done what Mike did some may even call him a fool, yet to him it’s more than just a mere piece of cloth, to Mike and the other prisoners it’s a symbol...
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...This may very well result in the creation of divisive sentiment of a nation. The U.S. Supreme Court in its rulings in Texas v. Johnson and U.S. v. Eichman, held that by criminalizing those who are found to have desecrated the U.S. flag violates constitutional rights (Goldstein, 1994). Although this is the guiding law related to such acts, it is important to note that lower courts have avoided addressing whether such acts are considered protected by the First Amendment as a form of symbolic speech (Wattad, 2008). While the courts have emphasized the constitutional importance of symbolic speech, there is no reference to application of criminal law as it relates to the offense (Wattad, 2008). Although conduct such as flag burning is presumed to be constitutionally protected, this does not mean that every person, simply because they have to right to such freedom, should be allowed to desecrate the flag (Wattad,...
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...In 1954 the words “under God” were added to the pledge of Allegiance by Congress. Also, “In God We Trust” was added to the face of all U.S currencies the in 1955. These changes were symbolically subtle, but the changes to come in popular culture were not so subtle. “The United States experienced a religious revival in the 1950s, with more than 60 percent of Americans reporting they belonged to a church or synagogue, as opposed to less than 50 percent before World War II.” (cliffsnotes). 10 percent increases in church memberships were quite drastic, but also not the only improvement made in America. Soon radios were replaced with televisions with a growth rate of tens of millions became a form of irresistible entertainment for families. Mentioning entertainment, one of the most historic forms of entertainment...
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...Reflecting on the lives and writings of John Smith, James Winthrop and William Bradford, we learn about the important roles they played in the Colonization of America. Even though John Smith was unable to finish colonizing Jamestown, he still had the principal ideas on how it should be done. His famous statement, “He who does not work shall not eat” (pg. 236 paragraph one). This profound statement forced the wealthy to work alongside the poor. Proving that no one is better than the other even if they are of a different class. Smith was always looking out for the best interest of his people by coming up with ways to bring them monetary wealth and successes through using the resources the new world provided; furthermore, Smith realized the importance that the “Natives” has on the colonies survival. He knew they could not survive without the “inferior” natives (pg. 257). The natives knew how to survive in the “new world”. James Winthrop and William Bradford also realized this and used the Indians as teachers and tools to learn how to survive. The settlers and natives become friendly with one another. It was not until later that the hostilities began, which led to wars. I believe the Indians felt sorry for the “superior” race and accepted the fact that we considered them “inferior”. They probably laughed at us because we thought we were so high and mighty, but we could not maintain our civilization in this unfamiliar land – like little infants rely on their mothers. In my opinion...
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...Position Paper Introduction Looking back over the past two hundred and seven years, every session of the United States Senate has been opened with a prayer. Doing so has reaffirmed the Senates faith that God is the Sovereign Lord of our Nation. Barry C. Black currently serves as the spiritual advisor and counselor for the United States Senate with the title of Chaplin. Over the years, this position has ranged from part time, to now a full time position (United States Senate, 2011). Ever since Engel v. Vitale, people have been upset that God has been kicked out of the classroom. Engle v. Vitale was a landmark Supreme Court case, in which it was ruled that the public school could not be started or concluded with a formal reciting of a non-denominational prayer (Bill of Rights Institute, 2010). The following information will show both sides of the argument of if prayer should be allowed in schools. Background information will be given on the history of prayer in school and prayer in congress, and my personal thoughts on this important position. Argument There are many different viewpoints on the argument of prayer in schools. We will begin with the argument of allowing prayer in schools. The United States Constitution protects religious freedom under the First Amendment. The First Amendment states that Congress should not make any law respecting the establishment of religion or prohibiting the free exercise of religion (U.S. Constitution Online, 2010)...
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...in comparison to Unferth’s coward and jealous nature. Even though Beowulf comes across as a brave and strong warrior who later becomes a beloved and well respected king, there is a part of the story that makes me question his motifs. I wonder: Were his actions an act of heroism or was it his duty? After arriving in Danes, Beowulf meets with the king, Hrothgar. Based on their conversation, we can assume that they are not complete strangers. Hrothgar admits knowing Beowulf’s father, Ecgtheow. There is something Hrothgar said during their meeting that raises a question. Lines 470 - 473 read: “Finally I healed the feud by paying: I shipped a treasure-trove to the Wulfings, and Ecgtheow acknowledged me with oaths of allegiance”. In my opinion, the phrase “oaths of allegiance” puts a whole new meaning into Beowulf’s actions. It shows that there was a very close bond between Hrothgar and Ecgtheow. From previous lines, we learned that Hrothgar ended a feud that Ecgtheow started, ultimately saving his life. Why is it so important? I think the period during which this poem takes place, is characterized as a patriarchal society. The reason why I feel this way is...
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...Individualism by providing proof related to politics and using Sigmund Freud, a famous figure in psychology, to prove his argument is indeed valid. Debrabander’s argument is profoundly persuading due to his use of evidence, the way he organize his essay, and the choice of words he used. Out of all the evidence Debrabander could have used, he chose to use the article, “Even Critics of the Safety Net Increasingly Depend on It”, because it would most likely relate to his targeted age group readers and because politics and government is controversial itself which fits in with the topic about Individualism. In addition to using politics as evidence, he also used theories of Sigmund Freud to further validate his argument by explaining to the readers the importance of the Ego and the Id and how it connects to the reason humans like to regard themselves as Individuals. Debrabander makes his argument even more persuasive by choosing his words carefully. For an example he uses the word “Self determining” and “Self conscious” to stress his point that Americans are ignorant beings who only focuses on the self and not the “we.” I personally believe this controversial topic is an eye opening theory because it makes everyone question whether they are...
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...1.5.3 Test (TS): Post Civil War America! ! ! Test! U.S. History since the Civil War Sem 1 (S2561969)! ! ! SU14-Alex Sanford! Points possible: 60! ! ! ! ! ! Unit Six Big Question: What were the social and political consequences of the Civil War? What factors led to the expansion of the United States during the period after the Civil War, and what were the effects of expansion?! Section 1: Short Answer Questions (30 points)! Write multi-sentence responses for the prompts below. Be specific and give examples from the history we have learned.! A. An amendment to the U.S. Constitution changes laws for the entire country. Three amendments changed laws especially for African Americans. Explain how each of the following amendments changed the law for African Americans. (10 points total)! ! a. Thirteenth Amendment (3 points)! ! ! The Thirteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution abolished slavery and involuntary servitude, except as punishment for a crime. It freed all African Americans and prevented them from being forced to return to slavery.! ! ! b. Fourteenth Amendment (4 points)! ! ! ! c. Fifteenth Amendment (3 points)! ! ! ! The amendment addresses citizenship rights and equal protection of the laws, and was proposed in response to issues related to former slaves following the American Civil War. All African Americans were now counted for purposes of representation.! The Fifteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution prohibits the federal and...
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