Pledge of Allegiance

[MadAl]

Though the phrase "under G-d" wasn't in the original pledge (it was officially added in 1954 by Eisenhower supposedly in reaction to Communism).

[taltos]

Originally Posted by MadAl

Though the phrase "under G-d" wasn't in the original pledge (it was officially added in 1954 by Eisenhower supposedly in reaction to Communism).

It was added by President Eisenhower at the request of the Knights of Columbus.

[MadAl]

Originally Posted by taltos

It was added by President Eisenhower at the request of the Knights of Columbus.

Saw that on Wikipedia, also found this explanation at answers.com: The change is usually ascribed to a cold-war attempt at differentiating the United States from officially atheistic Communist countries.

[taltos]

Believe what you want. Answers.com is incorrect. Don't want to get into a pissing contest over this though.

[The Professor]

Actually ... you're both right. There was, indeed, an extended campaign by the KofC to add "under god"; but it was largely unsuccessful. Furthermore, it was articulated in a context of anti-communism and a resistance to atheism, which was seen as linked to communism.

It wasn't until Eisenhower was persuaded *by someone else* (i.e., not the KofC) that a Republican senator introduced legislation to alter the pledge. It was (a) knowledge of Eisenhower's support of such legislation and (b) the general anti-communist political context that enabled the legislation. The KofC played a role; but they aren't directly responsible.

Trust me. I'm a doctor.

PS, I hope I don't regret posting in this thread....