About the book
Taking on the Pledge of Allegiance explores the landmark lawsuit filed by avowed atheist Michael Newdow against the Elk Grove Unified School District in California, in which he claimed the words \"under God\" in the Pledge of Allegiance amounted to an unconstitutional endorsement of religion. Newdow's original suit was ignored by the public and the news media until June 26, 2002, when the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that the Pledge of Allegiance was unconstitutional. This decision touched off a firestorm of negative reaction, both from politicians and from the public. The U.S. Supreme Court eventually overturned the ruling on Flag Day 2004.
This book contains interviews with many of the parties involved, including Newdow and journalists who covered the case. Ronald Bishop examines how the news media marginalized Newdow after the Ninth Circuit's ruling—acting as a \"guard dog\" for the government and for the ideas supposedly at the ideological heart of America—by framing the decision as an aberration, a radical act by a hopelessly liberal federal circuit court. Bishop concludes that journalists relegated Newdow to a rhetorical \"protest zone\"—he was heard, but from a safe distance.
Editions of Taking on the Pledge of Allegiance
- Hardcover
- ISBN 9780791471814
- Paperback
- ISBN 9780791471821
- PDF
- ISBN 9780791479551
Read an Excerpt
Taking on the Pledge of Allegiance explores the landmark lawsuit filed by avowed atheist Michael Newdow against the Elk Grove Unified School District in California, in which he claimed the words \"under God\" in the Pledge of Allegiance amounted to an unconstitutional endorsement of religion. Newdow's original suit was ignored by the public and the news media until June 26, 2002, when the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that the Pledge of Allegiance was unconstitutional. This decision touched off a firestorm of negative reaction, both from politicians and from the public. The U.S. Supreme Court eventually overturned the ruling on Flag Day 2004.
This book contains interviews with many of the parties involved, including Newdow and journalists who covered the case. Ronald Bishop examines how the news media marginalized Newdow after the Ninth Circuit's ruling—acting as a \"guard dog\" for the government and for the ideas supposedly at the ideological heart of America—by framing the decision as an aberration, a radical act by a hopelessly liberal federal circuit court. Bishop concludes that journalists relegated Newdow to a rhetorical \"protest zone\"—he was heard, but from a safe distance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Taking on the Pledge of Allegiance about?
Taking on the Pledge of Allegiance explores the landmark lawsuit filed by avowed atheist Michael Newdow against the Elk Grove Unified School District in California, in which he claimed the words \"under God\" in the Pledge of Allegiance amounted to an unconstitutional endorsement of religion. Newdow's original suit was ignored by the public and the news media until June 26, 2002, when the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that the Pledge of Allegiance was unconstitutional. This decision touched off a firestorm of negative reaction, both from politicians and from the public. The U.S. Supreme Court eventually overturned the ruling on Flag Day 2004.
This book contains interviews with many of the parties involved, including Newdow and journalists who covered the case. Ronald Bishop examines how the news media marginalized Newdow after the Ninth Circuit's ruling—acting as a \"guard dog\" for the government and for the ideas supposedly at the ideological heart of America—by framing the decision as an aberration, a radical act by a hopelessly liberal federal circuit court. Bishop concludes that journalists relegated Newdow to a rhetorical \"protest zone\"—he was heard, but from a safe distance.
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in Taking on the Pledge of Allegiance?
Reference, Information and Interdisciplinary subjects > Interdisciplinary studies > Communication studies
Where can I read a sample of Taking on the Pledge of Allegiance?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9780791471814
How long is Taking on the Pledge of Allegiance and how many pages does it have?
Taking on the Pledge of Allegiance has 216 page(s)
Who is/are the Author/s of the book Taking on the Pledge of Allegiance?
Ronald Bishop
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
Taking on the Pledge of Allegiance is available as hardcover(ISBN 9780791471814) and paperback(ISBN 9780791471821) and pdf(ISBN 9780791479551)
Where can I buy Taking on the Pledge of Allegiance online or support local independent bookshops?
You can buy Taking on the Pledge of Allegiance from below
Where can I buy Taking on the Pledge of Allegiance?