October 7, 2005

StreetTalk

“How do you feel about the battle to remove the words ‘under God’ from the Pledge of Allegiance?”

By Anila Khan
Times Intern

Since 2002, there has been a perpetual debate over the issue of the phrase “under God” being in the pledge of Allegiance. On June 14, 2004, the court ruled against atheist Michael Newdow’s proposal to ban the phrase from his
daughter’s school because he didn’t have custody of her.

However, the case was recently revived and Newdow is serving as the attorney for three families in attempt to remove the phrase. Local Evergreen-area high school students share what they have to say about the desire to change the pledge.


“The pledge was written to signify respect and loyalty to a nation that offers freedom of religion, freedom of speech, the right to the pursuit of happiness and so much more. In a country that offers religious freedom as one of its many opportunities, why is it important to tie religion into allegiance, where it shouldn’t matter? You’re belief in a particular God or religion has nothing to do with your allegiance or loyalty to the United States, and the phrase is due for change.”

Samantha Yamaji, Sophomore, Atheist, Evergreen Valley High School

“You can’t just take out the ‘under God,’ but you don’t have to say the Pledge of the Allegiance if you don’t want to. The pledge stands for our country being united and having our own liberty. Such a minor detail shouldn’t trigger such conflict.”

Diana Sandoval, Junior, Agnostic, EVHS

“Well, I support it. I think it is a justified motion that should be carried out, not only because there is a separation of church and state, but because the masses of American citizens might be Buddhist, Agnostic, Muslim, Atheist—I mean, this country is much too diverse to limit its people to just God.”

James Pierce, Senior, Buddhist, EVHS

“I don’t think it should matter whether ‘under God’ is in the Pledge of Allegiance or not. It’s not too important for the modern American; there are more things to worry about.”

Josh Marsh, Junior, Jewish, EVHS

“Why change something that’s been around for so long? You either believe in Him (God), or you don’t. Saying or not saying His name doesn’t change anything.”

Peter Hoang, Junior, Catholic, Silver Creek High School

“Nothing in the pledge bothers me personally, but I know there are people who get offended by the ‘under God’ part. If those wish to remove it from the pledge, they can go ahead and do so, but it won’t affect my own beliefs and how I feel.”

Cristal Olivas, Sophomore, Christian, SCHS

“Personally, I’m fully behind the change. Right now, I don’t even say the Pledge of Allegiance because it has ‘God’ in it. Having ‘God’ in the pledge does not show fairness to other religions that don’t believe in a God.”

Andrew Rios, Sophomore, Atheist, Mt. Pleasant High School

“The lines should definitely be removed. I think that tying religion in with the pledge is unconstitutional. Church and state should stay separate of one another.”

Ralph David, Junior, Catholic, MPHS

“I think that it’s a stupid idea to remove ‘under God’ from the pledge. I’ve said those words, along with the rest of the pledge, since I was in kindergarten, so why should we change it now? I don’t think is necessarily means THE God, just whatever you do or don’t believe in.”

Rachel Stolan, Freshman, Lutheran, Archbishop Mitty High School

“I think it’s really controversial, however, I feel it shouldn’t be removed. If God isn’t what you believe in, then don’t say it, but you don’t have to make such a big deal out of it. We all believe in some sort of a higher power—‘God’ represents those leaders, not one, specific God.”

Joy Budwal, Sophomore, Sikh, Notre Dame High School