Pledge of Allegiance Should Make no Reference to God
By Paul Blair (The Hilltops, Hartwick College, Oct. 30, 2003; The Saber, Columbus College, Oct. 27, 2003)

The Supreme Court has agreed to rule on the constitutionality of having children in public schools pledge allegiance to "one nation

under God."

To those angered about removing the reference to God: What if the Pledge incorporated the words "under no God" instead? Would you welcome public schools leading your children in such a pledge? And if you insist on respect for your religious freedom, why aren't you equally willing to respect mine?

If the Pledge's words are a nod to our nation's religious heritage, why should its significant anti-religious, freethinking heritage get

short shrift? Why should religious people be allowed to use government power to disparage and suppress ideas they don't like?