COMMENTARY | In California, Michael Newdow, an atheist activist, has finally given up his six year legal fight in which he is hoping to stop California school children from saying "under God" when they are "forced" to recite the Pledge of Allegiance.
Rev. Newdow (who is an ordained minister of The First Atheist Church of True Science) has made this somewhat puzzling announcement to stop at least his California challenge recently on his website.
He writes: "For reasons that are best not divulged, we have not been able to provide the required materials to the Supreme Court. Accordingly, this case is now over."
But then again his New Hampshire (Public School) Challenge is still ongoing.
I understand we all have our own often conflicting opinions about "controversial" and hotly contested issues such as this. And I am sure we can argue this one from both sides. But because many of us aren't lawyers or ministers (incidentally Newdow both are), I am sure he has his own reasons but I am inclined to think that this is for the best.
Remember, every school children in the United States have been reciting the current "version" of this pledge since 1954. But historically, the pledge, originally meant as an oath of loyalty to the flag and the republic, has been changed four times since the year 1892.
And if the odds hold true or because of the ever-changing times, many are saying that another slight modification might be in order.
Who knows right? We just live here.
Here are possible changes which I read somewhere that might be implemented.
"'I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all, born and unborn."
"'I pledge allegiance to my Flag, and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation, indivisible, with equality,liberty and justice for all."
I know some of you probably did not think this could happen in your lifetime. And some of you are just too happy you weren't born in the last ten years and have to deal having to be confused reciting this oath on a daily basis.
What do you think?
Originally published at Yahoo! US News in fulfillment of Yahoo! Contributor Network News Op/Ed Assignment.
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