How Does the Phrase 'Under God' Live on in Patriotic Rhetoric?

Life in modern American society is complex, challenging, and constantly changing. We're all chasing the elusive American Dream, trying to find a sense of self in a culture of conformity, and searching for someone to connect with and share the chaos. Our government and Constitution are fundamental foundations in which society can anchor its morals, identify its principles, and protect citizens' rights. Therefore, it is important that the government not only upholds the Constitution, but also that it abstains from favoring any group within those who are governed. Our nation's Pledge of Allegiance belies this commitment to impartiality by including "Under God", and it needs to be amended. The Pledge of Allegiance should omit the phrase "Under God" in order to embrace all of the faiths or lack thereof that compose the melting pot that we all call home: America.

"When the government puts its imprimatur on a particular religion it conveys a message of exclusion to all those who do not adhere to the favored beliefs. A government cannot be premised on the belief that all persons are created equal when it asserts that God prefers some" (Supreme Court Justice Harry A. Blackmun, Lee v. Weisman). The 1st Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, as interpreted by the Supreme Court, guarantees that individuals will have freedom of religious expression. The government and its agencies will not recognize any one religious faith as more valid than any other faith or secularism, and the government and its agencies will not promote religion above non-religion. As individualism wars with conventionality, it is imperative that our government strives to be unbiased in public discourse and rulings in regards to religion so that all Americans can feel united rather than judged.