God reference should be voluntary in
Pledge of Allegiance
Regarding our Pledge of Allegiance, I respect there are sincere
arguments on both sides of the issue.
But I disagree with the contention that the reference to our
Creator is imperative to the pledge. If we acknowledge the concept
of personal freedom as core to our beliefs, that realization must
also accommodate Americans who do not believe in God, or who
believe in some other concept. Mandating a reference to God in the
pledge would effectively stand in the way of their pursuits of
happiness.
What is the pure and true role of government? I believe our
government has but one primary obligation: to protect us from harm.
Beyond that, very few social, religious or cultural ideas are
relevant as constitutional questions. The exceptions are the
challenges to expand on the core freedoms enjoyed by all ““
particularly for those who would otherwise be disenfranchised or
subjected to discrimination.
Although many people find it very uncomfortable to consider, the
God reference in our pledge clearly takes away freedom for some,
and that cannot be in the best interest of our collective
liberty.
To fulfill the practical concerns of both sides of this highly
charged issue, my solution would be to formally remove the God
reference in the pledge, thereby returning it to its pre-1954
version. The question of the God clause would then become a matter
of personal preference for every individual American.
Designating special prayer time for public schools is both
unnecessary and freedom limiting, but anyone can still pray in
school if they choose to. Likewise, they could include the God
reference while reciting the pledge.
We must maintain the integrity of the separation of religion and
government and acknowledge the broad spectrum of valid sentiments
in our diverse population. That will do more to protect our
democracy than forcing all Americans to embrace a particular
perspective on God.
Ultimately, the values of personal faith and national purpose
are formed within the home and family, where the most private
matters belong, not among governmental business or oversight.
Ironically, God no doubt knows what many of us are still
debating: that the dynamic character of our republic is far
greater, stronger and more resilient than any civil decree, pledge
or sanctified custom of loyalty.
Solomon M. Matsas
UCLA Office of InternationaI Students and
Scholars