of the United States of America
and to the republic for which it stands,
one nation, under God, indivisible,
with liberty and justice for all."
A few things. Now, I don't want to get off on a rant here, but first of all, SEPARATION OF CHURCH AND STATE IS NOT IN THE CONSTITUTION ANYWHERE. It was in a letter that Jefferson or someone else wrote to another person and I think the context of the letter shows that he didn't mean it the way we are interpreting it today, but I'm not positive on that last note. I just know that it's not in the constitution anywhere, and "freedom of religion" in the first ammendment does not mean that we have to get rid of everything Christian in government or politics. Does that mean that our politicians should make decisions without basing them on their Christian beliefs? Okay, that's a little beside the point, but to continue.
"Under God". Not under Jesus, not under Buddha, not under Krishna. Take a survey of Americans and see how many of them believe in God. Then survey how many of theconsider themselves Christian. The numbers won't match, I guarantee it. It's not a Christian thing. Jews believe in God, Muslims believe in God, lots of other religions believe in God, they just don't define them the same way. The only group this is offending if any is athiests. And I wouldn't discriminate against them for not saying it. Or for just skipping the Under God part. And if we wanna go back to the founding fathers arugument, they weren't all Christian either. Jefferson, I believe, at least, was a Diest. But he said the same pledge that his Christian and I'm sure athiest or whatnot brethren said. Brett made some very good points, but I don't think it should be taken out.
Of course, that just my opinion. I could be wrong.