Pledge of Allegiance in the Land of the Free
The picture that accompanied “Justices Debate ‘God’ in Pledge” (March 25) shows exactly what is wrong with the pledge. There were tiny tots, who had quite obviously no idea what it was all about. Countries pledging loyalty to flags are countries such as Nazi Germany, Stalin’s USSR, etc., and they all start with very young children, so that by the time these kids become adults obedience is a natural for them and rational decision-making is out. Scrap the pledge altogether, or substitute a pledge to the country. It makes no sense whatsoever if the flag gets honored more than the ground that nurtures us or the people who are our neighbors.
Pauli Peter
Los Angeles
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The publicity given an atheist, Michael Newdow, is astonishing. Here’s a man who doesn’t believe in God. So what? If his child was being burned at the stake, he would have reason to complain. This man is trying to force atheism on us. His is only one of a dozen sects that enjoy freedom in the U.S.
Carleton H. Ralston
Los Angeles
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