Billy Kavalos
SLM
Jona French
Web Drop-In
Introduction
Grade Level:
Subject: Debate
As we prepare to discuss another increasingly controversial debate, it is important to first understand the arguments of both sides. This will not only help us reaffirm our opinions, but will help in the debate against the opposing side. The next debate will be on the Pledge of Allegiance and its inclusion of the phrase “under God.” Although the subject has been debated for some time now, the recital of that specific phrase in the Pledge is gaining more attention in recent months. There are many supporters for both sides who feel adamantly about their opinions, causing them to fight for either the inclusion or removal of the phrase from the pledge. The argument has reached the court systems, where some courts have indeed declared the pledge unconstitutional in its current state.
Information
Please visit the following sites in order to gain an appreciation for both sides of this currently very controversial debate. Read through each site carefully to fully understand some of the reasons for each argument. Feel free to do your own research to find additional websites if you feel it will help.
http://www.aclj.org/info/patrioticslogans.asp - This site explains their reasoning for the continued recital of the pledge of allegiance, including the phrase “under God,” in schools.
http://www.humanismbyjoe.com/Pledge_and_Under_God.htm - The opposing view is explained and supported here. This webpage supports the argument that the pledge should not include the phrase “under God” in it.
Assignment
After visiting both WebPages and reading them carefully, answer the following questions. The answers should be typed and stapled to a short essay illustrating your side on the subject. The essay should of course include information from the questions. Your answers and the essay will be used in the debate so I encourage you to type any helpful notes in an organized fashion under your answers.
1) Is the separation of church and state an official amendment of the constitution or not?
2) How
have the attacks on
3) Explain some of the main arguments of those opposing the phrase “under God.”
4) Explain some of the arguments supporting the phrase.
5) If the phrase is removed from the Pledge, should other phrases pertaining to religion, such as “In God We Trust” on money, also be removed or stopped?
Now that you have answered all the questions, write an essay
approximately
