The original Pledge

Did you know that the original "Pledge of Allegiance" was created in 1891 by a Baptist minister (and Christian Socialist), Francis Julius Bellamy?  Got that?  A Baptist minister came up with the pledge, and there was no "under God" in it.  In fact, here is the original:

I pledge allegiance to the flag of my country and the republic for which it stands, one nation, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

The word "to" was added by Bellamy ("and to the republic") shortly after 1891.

Then, at the urging of the American Legion and the Daughters of the American Revolution, in 1923, the language was changed from "my flag" to "the flag of the United States."  And one year later, "of America" was added.  They were afraid that all of the incoming immigrants would pledge to their OWN flag, so we had this:

I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands, one nation, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

Then, in 1954, Congress and President Eisenhower added "under God" in reaction to "Godless communism" during the Cold War.

Bellamy, although a Baptist minister, thought the pledge should be secular to include everyone.  

It is striking that people today insist that "under God" was in the original pledge and was created by our Founders.  The level of ignorance in this country is embarrassing.  

This country had a great start at keeping religion separate from government, but, alas, we have allowed it to slowly creep right back in where it does not belong.

Here's hoping Michael Newdow succeeds.