This is a reply to Wednesday’s letter from Peris Chamberlain about the law that will remove the words “under God” from the pledge of allegiance (“Under God is key,” Aug. 28.)

The Constitution of the United States, most especially the Bill of Rights, is a document intended to nurture and support people of all walks of life. It was intended to be used as a guide, and has been interpreted in many different ways since its signing and ratification.

The statement concerning the separation of church and state does not appear anywhere in the document. Instead, the First Amendment grants the right to practice any religion of ones choosing, including the right not to practice any at all.

The writers of the Constitution wanted to keep the state out of the church, but they also intended the church or any religion to remain clear of the state, believing that if one were too involved with the other corruption would soon follow.

Individuals and groups have fought for a long time to remove the words “under God” from public buildings, money, and out of schools to keep any particular religion from being endorsed by the government. Imposing any religious doctrine would threaten the core of American values.

Mr. Chamberlain has every right to speak his mind about his particular religion, but perhaps something to remember is that the freedoms of the Bill of Rights, the right to believe anything or nothing, is a right had by all Americans, not just some.

Cara Harris

Sophomore

Liberal Arts

President, ACLU at ISU