Another point I kind of wanted to reply to when we had this discussion a couple days ago, and didn't get to.
ASIDE from whether the phrase "under God" should be left in or taken out, there is nothing about the phrasing that implies "exclusivity" of the U.S. being under God versus any other nation being under God. "One nation, indivisible" was the original phrase, and very clearly conveyed a message of solidarity and unity. Adding the phrase "under God" to the middle of it - while this may be up for interpretation - only adds the idea that we are (were, were thought to be, whatever) also a nation of faith and devotion. It doesn't say "the one nation under God", it was intended to simply add faith to our unifying principles as a nation - right next to "with liberty and justice for all", another part of the pledge we're obviously still not getting quite right.
Anyhow, as I said, not a comment on whether "under God" belongs there. Take it out, those who want to say it still will, those who don't will be happy. But I don't think the exclusivity was ever there semantically or in intent. |
