Deconstructing the Pledge of Allegiance

“Judge Revives Battle Over Pledge,” Sept. 15

As a Christian, I do not say the Pledge of Allegiance because: (1) I cannot pledge to a flag; (2) I cannot pledge any allegiance to an earthly kingdom without substantial caveats, and (3) I resent a country presuming an association with God or God’s mission.

These are all biblical principles, and they would be true for me in any country. It therefore remains a puzzle as to why it is not the Christians who are bringing these lawsuits.

Fundamentalists seem to have a strong impetus toward a “God and country” mentality. This attitude demeans their faith and complicates life for their countries. It’s not a major issue. I won’t be filing suit any time soon. I can continue to pray silently. But I am really quite puzzled by the Christians who will pledge their allegiance to any country or flag. I am just as puzzled by their desire to impose their views on others.

CRAIG A. REPP

Rancho Santa Margarita

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Thank God for the brilliant Michael Ramirez cartoon (Opinion, Sept. 15). Oops, did I offend some poor little atheist out there? Sorry. You have pushed the rest of us a little too far.

Next thing you’ll want is the removal of the phrase “In God we trust” from our money. Hey, we can always change it to “In gold we trust,” unless, of course, you prefer platinum. See you at the voting booth. You remember that, don’t you? Where the majority rules?

IRENE DEBLASIO

Studio City

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I am old enough to remember reciting the Pledge of Allegiance without the added religious overtones. And when the new recitations began in 1954, I clearly remember being forced to stand in the hall at school as punishment for deleting “under God.”

So it was in first grade that I was forced to ponder the meaning of “liberty and justice for all” in the pledge, as I bore the taunts and jibes of my classmates for innocently reflecting the views of my agnostic parents in my new role as 6-year-old apostate.

STEPHEN C. LEE

La Habra

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What prevents schools or individuals who are affronted by the recent court decision from using the pledge without the two words “under God”? That phrase was not part of the original pledge and surely now may be removed. If the intent is truly to instill patriotism in children, removing the phrase “under God” should not be a problem.

CATHERINE WHITING

Los Angeles