This CS Monitor column
This CS Monitor column does a good job of putting the “under God” issue in perspective.
When all of the heated rhetoric and political posturing subside, this case will disappear. But the reverberations may last a long time.
For those religious conservatives already angry at public education, this decision – no matter how quickly reversed – will only confirm their worst nightmares about the direction of the “godless schools.” Now they may have an alternative. Last week’s Supreme Court decision upholding vouchers removes a major barrier for those advocating an exodus from public schools.
For nonbelievers, the aftershock of this decision is already being felt. Just listen to the threatening calls received by Michael Newdow, the father who challenged the pledge. How ironic and disturbing. Mr. Newdow was, after all, exercising his liberty of conscience and right to dissent – two of the most important principles represented by the American flag.
A far better outcome would be to turn this controversy into a civics lesson for the nation – starting with elected officials. Apparently many of us need to relearn Civics 101: Respecting the flag means respecting the rights of others, even those with whom we deeply disagree. So let’s say the Pledge of Allegiance on Independence Day. But let’s make sure we really mean what we say.