By Paul Weiser
Some time ago this column discussed the meaning of "One nation, under God" in the Pledge of Allegiance. Though that primary significance remains, the phrase takes on further (but compatible) meaning in today's "multi- polar" world.
The primary meaning of "One nation, under God" is not that the United States of America is a religious, much less Christian or even monotheistic polity. Rather, like the similar "Captain under God" said of ships at sea, it indicates that these United States yield sovereignty to no earthly power. This indivisible nation acknowledges no higher authority.
The United States thus always reserves its place at the top of whatever hierarchy may develop in the world (or extraterrestrially, for that matter). It may acknowledge other nations its equals but none, ever, its superior.
But there is further, intermediate significance to "One nation under God." To the extent that the United States places itself under the authority of any entity, that entity must and can only be (a) God. You cannot substitute "reverence for nature" or "endangered species," nor even "the children" or anti-racism - certainly not a League of Concerned Persons, Women of the World, or the Ummah of the Faithful. Though each may adduce religious motives or display deistic zeal, these are mere causes - not supernatural authorities. This is one nation under God, and you cannot slip something else between them.
What this all means is that, just as the United States cannot acknowledge the authority of any other government over it, neither can this nation accept the authority of any non-governmental organization. No Council, no Union, no Coalition and no League can ever govern the US in opposition to its own constituted sovereign government. As for "world opinion" purportedly embodied in a few rich cranks or publishers... don't make us laugh.
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