The Flap Over ‘Under God’

Re “High Court to Decide School’s Pledge Case,” Oct. 15: People shouldn’t defend “under God” as an insignificant ceremony that does not advocate any belief unless they would be comfortable with their children being pressured to chant “under no God.”

Robert N. Watson

Los Angeles

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The 1st Amendment provides: “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion.” Only lawyers can read this language as condemning the use of the words “under God” while concurrently allowing the expenditure of billions of dollars maintaining the religious state of Israel. A little common sense is required. The words have done little harm, perhaps some good and there are more important problems for the pettifoggers to address.

Anthonie M. Voogd

Ojai

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Instead of complaining about “God” in the pledge, maybe we should complain about 5-year-olds pledging their allegiance to things. Or we could complain about children not old enough to read or understand the very words they recite without thought. Instead of rote memorization, let’s teach critical thinking!

Wendy D. Henderson

Chatsworth

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I noticed that all five letters to the editor addressing the phrase “under God” in the Pledge of Allegiance were in favor of doing away with that part of the pledge (Oct. 11). None of the letter writers stated what, if any, damage has been done to society by having those words in the pledge for the past 50 years.

Charles E. Sylvia

Los Alamitos