The editors of The New Republic argue in this week’s edition that the Supreme Court should allow the words “under God” to remain in the Pledge of Allegiance, since “even schoolchildren understand that the Pledge is a patriotic rather than a religious exercise.” In its attempt to respect the role of religion in American history, TNR gives it a kick in the shin by suggesting that “under God” is just a verbal tic. Believers should be outraged, and so should schoolchildren. Rise up, little ones! But TNR does us all a service in pointing to the overlooked subjects of the Pledge story — the kids. The Revealer calls for an investigation: How do those who actually recite the Pledge on a daily basis understand it? Start reporting, but stop first to muddle through TNR‘s backhanded defense of God…