The Supremes fielded the opportunity to address the matter because the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that Mr. Newdow did have standing, and that his child's school district's policy did violate the Establishment Clause. Caused much nuttiness across the country. Well, brace yourself for round two.
It would seem productive to look at Mr. Newdow's journey. Maybe not, but I think it's interesting. This doctor/lawyer is, frankly, brilliant. He pursued this mission on behalf of his daughter - representing himself throughout - who was, at the time, in elementary school in the Elk Grove United School District. The man had an answer for everything the High Ones threw at him during oral arguments. Cool as mint. Even had an Amen corner whooping it up. See? Fascinating.
So, how did we get "God" in the Pledge? The National Oath has undergone several nips through the years. But it wasn't until June 14, 1954 - Flag Day - that we entered the Holy words, during a time when the country was contrary with Communism.
Congress took up the resolution to attach the phrase, and with its passing into law, a particulary telling House report followed. It remarked that, "from the time of our earliest history in people and our institutions have reflected the traditional concept that our nation was founded on a fundamental belief in God." Legislative intent makes it crystal clear in what context "God" was meant. A Christian God. The kind of "God" who triggers First Amendment scrutiny when mingled with government. Practically, it's a textbook case of the government favoring one religion over another. It's also a big-time no-no, if a painful realization. But there you go.
The primary justification put forth for including "under God" in the Pledge is that heck, it's been there so long that it's become part of the fabric of our lives, part of our history, our national identity. Besides, nobody's really complained about it until Doctor/Lawyer made it his cause.
Go To Page: 1 2
