It's a bit complicated but, you asked so I'll try to explain.

The more I studied history, the more enamored I became of our Founding Fathers. Not just because they were *our* Founding Fathers but because of how different an approach they took to a new country compared to every single civilization that preceeded them.

Studying the Constitution more and more, the separation of Church and State was something I wanted to investigate since, at the time, I didn't understand why, say, the Protestants and Catholics in Ireland were killing each other. This would be into the 1970s.

It was around the 1980s when I discovered the history of the Pledge. The idea that it was modified 62 years after it was written was a surprise to me. The reasons for it, even more so.

Over the decades, I've come to the opinion that there are very few places for "God" in government. From Ireland to Iran you find troubles. Look through history and you can't count the number of religious wars that have happened - all in the name of someone who was preaching peace. That just doesn't sit well with me.

So, to me, that part of the Pledge is as it was written "...and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation indivisible with liberty..."

We are not "under God" because, for one, you can't define it. Who's "God" are we under? Who's interpretation? Religion, to me, is a very personal matter and, yes, I have VERY personal feelings on it. Suffice to say, however, that I *do* believe there is something out there beyond what our mortal bodies can see and prove. I've been dead before (1978) and my experiences helped lead me to where I am today. By the same token, I'm not arrogant enough to think that my interpretation of what I experienced is 100% correct and should be the rule of law for everyone.

"Under God" is something that is more appropriate between me and whatever concept of God I believe in.

My country, however, needs to deal with facts, not myths. If we are "under God", then who is His representative to tell us what to do or give guidance? The Pope? Some Jewish conclave? Some Imam in Saudi? Laurie Cabot?

I don't mean to insult anyone with this post. This is, as I said, my opinion and I've had a lot of experiences that have led me here. Others have had other experiences that put them in a different place. Not better, not worse, just different.