Every day across America, students recite the Pledge of Allegiance, which still contains the same thirty-one words students have been reciting since kindergarten. However, in the near future, this may not be the case. The ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, which covers nine-Northwestern states, including Washington, ruled the phrase "one nation under god" is a government endorsement of religion that is in violation of the separation of church and state.
             In 1892 students first began reciting the pledge and since then it has seen many changes, the last of which being the most controversial: the insertion of the words "under God."
             The pledge is a pact that Americans made to our country, and we have molded our way of life around it. The presence of God is apparent in many aspects of our country's government, so we must ask that if the Supreme Court decides to eliminate "under God" from the pledge, what else must go? Our currency is inscribed with the words "in God we trust." History classes study The Declaration of Independence, which refers to "God" or the "creator" several times. When testifying in court, we swear on a Bible. The Supreme Court itself begins each of its sessions with the phrase "God save the United States and this honorable court." So I ask you, rhetorically, how much is too much?
             In schools, instead of children being bombarded with the pledge every day, schools usually say it once or twice a week and then replace it with some other historical quotation or something else to replace our country's pledge. This way, the students can reflect more on what the words mean, instead of simply following a daily routine.
             It is also an option for students to simply stand and show respect for their country while remaining silent. Reciting the pledge is not a requirement in schools. Ceremonies, such as gra
             ...