I Pledge to Simplify

     The Pledge of Allegiance continues to be a topic of heated debates. The sticking point is the word "God." This can be resolved quickly if we take into consideration another word in the Pledge; "Liberty." If, during the recitation, we are pledging to honor the liberty of our fellow citizens then we must allow everyone the agency to determine which god they honor, if any at all. If you adhere to atheism, just remain silent during the phrase "Under God." If you refer to God by another name, freely say that name, "Under Allah... Vishnu...Jesus...etc." Being allowed to freely and openly aver your choice of a god or remain silent during this particular phrase is paramount to remaining an indivisible nation.

Bellamy's handwritten draft of Pledge of Allegiance

(http://rbscp.lib.rochester.edu/1779)

     "Indivisible" is perhaps the most significant word in the Pledge. Written by Francis Bellamy (a Christian Socialist) and first published on September 8, 1892, the original version of the Pledge had no mention of God; nor did it mention the United States. Bellamy was affected greatly by the American Civil War and was prompted to write the Pledge, specifically to include not only the word "indivisible," but the phrase "one nation." The revised version in 1923 added (among other grammatical changes) "the United States of America." It was not until 1954 under the perceived threat of Communism that "Under God" was incorporated into the Pledge. This again brings me to my confusion when people say they want the "Old America" back yet at the same time want God in the Pledge of Allegiance. Personally, I would rather go back to 1923 than 1954; I'd love to go to a Speakeasy and try the Charleston. 
     If we are to stay one, indivisible nation, we must address conflicts such as this collectively. The best part of being American is that we are each entitled to our opinions. That being the case, disagreements and opposing views are guaranteed to ensue. To differ, disagree, and vary in opinion is fine; it is actually wonderful as if we all keep our minds open, new ideas will follow. Opposing each other with closed minds creates divisions and that is exactly what we are pledging not to do! Conversations, not arguments, are conducted with open minds and result in wonderful, new ideas. Let us then respect our neighbor's liberty and discuss guidelines under which we will remain an indivisible nation.