Marvin Olasky writes: “Abundance and ease dull our senses. Reciting the Pledge of Allegiance was common in the 1950s and early 1960s, when the United States faced great danger of nuclear annihilation from an evil empire that had hundreds of missiles aimed at us.

Some now say that the Cold War had the silver lining of pushing Americans to rally ’round the flag. But even if that were the case, let’s remember one thing: It wasn’t worth it. Depending on a balance of nuclear terror is no way to live. Only God’s grace prevented disaster, and we should never assume that God will protect us from all our folly.”

Still, we can pray “America, God mend thine every flaw. Confirm thy good in brotherhood, Thy liberty in law.”