Gerald Kleczka: “I strongly oppose yesterday's 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals decision holding that the use of ``under God'' in the…”

“I strongly oppose yesterday's 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals decision holding that the use of ``under God'' in the Pledge of Allegiance is unconstitutional. The case in question originated from a lawsuit filed by a parent who felt that the use of the phrase ``under God'' impinged on his daughter's First Amendment rights since he believed that it constituted a sanction of religion in the public school she attends. This decision was clearly erroneous and I find it abhorrent, as do the vast majority of Americans. It was based upon a total lack of respect if not knowledge of the traditions, the values, and the history of our nation. From the very beginning, as the Declaration of Independence points out, our founding fathers established this land based on the idea that individuals were endowed not by man, but by ``their Creator with certain unalienable Rights.'' The Pledge of Allegiance is a revered expression of patriotism recited by millions of citizens every day. When it is spoken, it instills support for the United States and reflects the love that Americans feel for their country. The Pledge does not violate the separation between church and state since it is not a religious statement, but a verbal expression of Americans' affection for our country.”