Decision protects freedoms

When then-President Eisenhower signed into law the addition of the phrase "under God" to the Pledge of Allegiance in 1954, he stated that "millions of our schoolchildren will daily proclaim in every city and town, every village and rural schoolhouse, the dedication of our nation and our people to the Almighty." That declaration came during a renewal of faith in this country, in a period where Americans were looking to refute the ideas of the atheist USSR that we were engaged in a Cold War with. \nThe Pledge of Allegiance asserts the speakers' loyalty to this country, and with that assertion by a Red-fearing government, to a single, omnipotent power. But, this presents a problem for those citizens, operating under the assumption of Freedom of Religion, that one pledges allegiance to his or her country and whatever religious deity, or lack thereof, he or she so chooses. The Pledge of Allegiance therefore presents us with a choice: acceptance of this great country with a monotheistic belief or rejection of the ideals that America is built on in order to maintain one's religious doctrine. The case has been argued that individuals, especially young schoolchildren, have the option of not saying the Pledge. But, this option prevents our atheist, polytheist, etc., youth from participating in our national dialogue. Furthermore, the abstention of children from the saying of the Pledge creates an "us vs. them" atmosphere in the classroom, forcing children to display their beliefs -- beliefs that they may wish to keep private. This ruling reaffirms our nation's acceptance of religious diversity and protects those too young to protect themselves from religious harassment. \nOn appeal, this decision should be upheld.