Abstract
This paper introduces, discusses, and analyzes the topic of the Pledge of Allegiance. Specifically, it discusses whether the words "under God" should continue to be a part of the Pledge of Allegiance. It explains how the Pledge of Allegiance has become a symbol of controversy rather than freedom.

From the Paper
"A Socialist Christian Baptist minister named Francis Bellamy wrote the original Pledge of Allegiance in 1892. Francis was related to Edward Bellamy, a notable Socialist author of the time, and Francis often based his sermons and writings on Edward Bellamy's works, and the Pledge is no exception. The Bellamy's believed that the country could create a socialized economy that would create equality politically, socially, and economically (Baer). This first pledge read: "'I pledge allegiance to my Flag and (to*) the Republic for which it stands, one nation, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.' [* 'to' added in October, 1892] (Baer). Bellamy wanted the Pledge to underscore his Socialist beliefs, and so he created a Pledge that spoke of two of the most important foundations of the country, "liberty" and "justice." "

Tags:liberty, justice, under, god, freedom

Abstract
'The Pledge of Allegiance' was written in 1892 by Francis Bellamy and it has became obligatory in many U.S. states to cite this text every morning in educational facilities. This paper examines some of the religious controversies surrounding the 'Pledge of Allegiance', including the use of God's name and the issue of religious freedom.

From the Paper
"In 1937 the Jehovah's Witnesses filed a complaint because they felt that their rights were being violated, specifically the First Amendment. The Supreme Judicial Court of Massachusetts rejected the complaint based upon the fact that the court felt the state had the right to teach patriotism and that the pledge did not restrain anyone from worshiping God as determined by the First Amendment."

Tags:oath, patriotism, constitution, Supreme, Court

Abstract
This paper examines the origins of the pledge of allegiance and how the Supreme Court is considering barring it from public schools since it is considered a public act of religious beliefs. It discusses the laws that forbid teachers forcing any kind of prayer or religious ritual upon the students and argues whether the pledge of allegiance can considered religious or not. It looks at the debate over how much the state can control the education system of a county or district through review of literature and court cases.

From the Paper
"The school has setup many rules against public prayer for teachers and students to follow. For instance, school sponsored Bible reading in public schools is an illegal activity. However, the Bible may be used as an instructional document activity to meet a secular purpose (Essex). I believe the schools should setup a more defined way of teaching the pledge of allegiance. Just like the Bible, the pledge of allegiance is very important to learn. School Districts across the nation should compose a short test to meet the curriculum. The test could be a simple task that would just be about the general knowledge of the pledge of allegiance. "

Tags:religion, state, patriotism

Abstract
This paper looks at the history of the Pledge of Allegiance, discusses its significance in American society and rebuts arguments that oppose the inclusion of the word "under God" in the Pledge of Allegiance.

From the Paper
"The Pledge of Allegiance is one of the greatest symbols of our most wonderful and blessed nation. Just the mention of it stirs to mind images of young children developing an understanding of devotion as they together face the classroom flag and chant in unison, of diverse people of all colors and walks of life finding a common goal as they recite the pledge, and of wartime veterans and the families of fallen heroes together saluting the America worth dying for. The Pledge of Allegiance is an important unifying and morale boosting element of our nation's history. However, recently it has come under attack by those who do not understand the importance of the Pledge as it is written today and the importance of it remaining intact for future generations of Americans. Some people believe that the inclusion of the words "under God" in the Pledge of Allegiance is somehow unconstitutional or not politically correct. However, the inclusion of "under God" in the Pledge of Allegiance is essential to the American spirit of the Pledge and an important part of the Pledge tradition. There are many convincing reasons why "under God" should remain in the Pledge of Allegiance."

Tags:francis, bellamy, nation, indivisible, liberty, justice, unite, republic, founding, fathers

Abstract
This paper identifies trends in influencing school children to develop "patriotism" for the United States. The Pledge of Allegiance is the principle focus, yet there is supplemental information concerning the promotion of patriotism and patriotic acts provided to support the topic. This paper examines the origins of this controversy. It focuses on the correlation between the pledge of allegiance in the Texas public school system and how the transition from the mandatory statement of the Pledge of Allegiance has translated into the expression of religious values, e.g., prayer, in the Texas schools as well.

Outline
Introduction
The Controversy of the Pledge of Allegiance
The "No Child Left Behind" Act
Texas, Patriotism and Religion
Conclusion

From the Paper
"The pledge of allegiance is arguably the most overt and the most frequent manifestation of this type of induction into patriotism. Less than ten years ago, the pledge of allegiance was deemed an optional aspect of schooling, where students could decide whether they wished to participate in the pledge or not. However, following the tragedies of September 11th, the United States has seen a blanket renewal of patriotism. Such patriotism has reached the school system in the form of renewed controversy over the pledge of allegiance. One source reports in December of 2001 that: "Old-fashioned flag-waving is gaining support from parents, educators, veterans' groups and Congress." (Price: 2001) Prompted by the tragedies of September 11th, 2001, the public school system has apparently latched on to the traditional method of inducting students into patriotism by again making the morning pledge of allegiance to the flag a mandatory aspect of academics."

Tags:administration, bush, religion, terrorism

Abstract
This paper explains that the original Pledge of Allegiance, written in 1882 by a Christian Socialist Baptist minister, Francis Bellamy, stated, "I pledge allegiance to my Flag and the Republic for which it stands, one nation, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all." The author points out that the phrase, "under God", which was added in 1954, has raised questions of its constitutionality because it may violate the concept of separation of church and state. The paper relates that the argument for the pledge revolves around the points that God is not bad for the American people or that supporters do fully concur with the idea of the separation of church and state. Color picture and annotated bibliography included.

Table of Contents
Introduction
Origins
Under God
Constitutionality
Those in Favor
Those Against
Conclusion
Annotated Bibliography

From the Paper
"The original pledge has changed over the years. For example, in 1923 and 1924, against Bellamy's wishes, the American Legion and the Daughters of the American Revolution changed the words 'my Flag,' to 'the Flag of the United States of America.' In 1954, the United States Congress added the words 'under God' to the Pledge because of a controversial campaign by the Knights of Columbus better known as the KKK. In June of 1954, at the height of the McCarthy hysteria, and at the urging of the Knights of Columbus, an amendment was made to add the words "under God." Then-President Dwight D. Eisenhower said of the pledge, "From this day forward, the millions of our school children will daily proclaim in every city and town, every village and every rural school house, the dedication of our nation and our people to the Almighty.""

Tags:socialist, separation, church, state, decisions

From the Paper
"Introduction


Political scientists differ on the nature of political realignment and often on whether a realignment has taken place in a given instance. Realignment has a slightly different meaning in the international sphere than in the domestic. Political scientists see electoral realignment in the United States as a major shift in party preferences within the general public. This view has led to the creation of a dominant conceptual framework for organizing and studying electoral politics, though not all political scientists are enamored of this methodology:


Some argue that the central notion, while historically useful, has ceased to offer much explanatory power in the modern world. Others argue the reverse: that a..."

From the Paper
"One of the best film versions of William Shakespeare's Hamlet is that directed by and starring Laurence Olivier and made in 1948. The Olivier film is dark, brooding, and truly theatrical, with sets that are suggestive rather than realistic, expressionistic rather than precise. The darkness of the image is matched by a darkness of spirit and a sense of foreboding that hangs over the film from the first frame. Such a dark and expressionistic setting fits quite well with the internal brooding of Hamlet. The character of Hamlet is considered difficult because he is seen as passive rather than active for most of the play. Early in the play he is given the task of avenging his father by his father's ghost, and yet for most of the play he seems to do nothing about it. He is highly reflective but inactive until the very end of the play when he does.."

Abstract
This paper examines the trend in America to totally separate religion from the state in as many ways as possible. The writer presents arguments for and against the recent court ruling calling the phrase "under God" as unconstitutional. Critics argue that the reference to God infringes on their personal freedoms, while supporters argue that the reference is part of the greater American character, and that the Court's decision simply reflects the views of a small, vocal minority of Americans.

From the Paper
"Supporters of the 9th Court's ruling argue that the phrase amounts to a government endorsement of a specific religion, and is in direct opposition to the constitution that guarantees religious freedom. Critics of the 9th Court's decision, argue that the religious content of the phrase "under God" is minimal, and that the Court's decision paves the way for the removal of all religious references from the Constitution, the Star Spangled Banner and other quintessentially American areas. Critics argue that the Court's decision is the worst kind of political correctness, and simply reflects the will of a small minority, imposed on the rights of the large majority of Americans who want the words "under God" in the Pledge of Allegiance."

Tags:religion, court, state, united, minority, character, freedom, expression, infringement

Abstract
This paper contends that "Macbeth" is a classic because its protagonist was not, in terms of universal humanity, a royal king nor a common pauper, but instead merely a man who, like all of humanity, must choose between the paths of right and wrong and pay the consequences of that choice.

From the Paper
"In all the many works that this master of the English language produced throughout his lifetime, few of the central themes and events were concocted from the writer's mind or imagination. Instead, Shakespeare, like many of his contemporaries, looked to the annals of history for ideas on which to base his many works of tragedy and comedy. Macbeth, a short theatrical tragedy that many label as Shakespeare's best, was no exception to this rule."

Tags:actuality, playing, time, primary, driving, force, author's, construction, of, the, story, seventeenth, century, English, playwright, world, stage