Church and state

[mdlbear]

I note with considerable approval that a federal judge in Sacramento ruled Wednesday that requiring children to recite a Pledge of Allegiance that contains the phrase "under God" in public schools is unconstitutional.

I remember distinctly when that phrase was first inserted into the Pledge; I was in second grade at the time (1954). I felt it was an imposition at the time, and simply stood silently when the phrase was said -- as I do to this day when the occasion calls for it. Given the current administration and the likely makeup of the Supreme Court when the case finally reaches them, I have little doubt that the justices will find some way to weasel out of the fact that "under God" is clearly a government endorsement of a particular family of religions. But a temporary, local victory is all we're likely to get, so I'll enjoy it while I can.

Comments

[jilara.livejournal.com]

It should have been challenged when it was first inserted, but that was a dangerous thing to do in the McCarthy era. The biggest problem with that clause in the pledge is it really links god and the state.