Congress does not have to bow to the Constitution, but the two should not be in conflict. Our Constitution is the basis for our government; Congress exists to make additions without contradicting it. The First Amendment guarantees us our right to choose our religious beliefs.

Sure, “god” as a word does not necessarily constitute the establishment of one specific religion. It does, however, become an effective establishment by showing that any who choose not to believe in a god are not wholly accepted by our government, nor are they wholly a part of our nation – “…one nation, under God.” By doing so, Congress has passed legislation that oppresses those who are atheist, Hindu, Taoist, and alienates those of us who consider themselves pagan.

Don’t think there are that many people in this category? Take a good look around you. We just don’t advertise it. The Constitution is there to protect the rights of every single one of us – Christian, Hindu, Buddhist, pagan, atheist, agnostic.

I would like to know when it was that Christianity cornered the market on morals. They were around long before Judaism, and will be in existence long after Christians, Buddhists and pagans are forgotten. Just because I have a sense of morality doesn’t make me Christian, nor does it work the other way around. Many of the men and women in our prison systems (including murderers) are Christian, but I wouldn’t necessarily call them moral.

Lastly, if you notice, the word God didn’t exist on U.S. currency until legislation was passed in 1873 that allowed it, and wasn’t a standard until 1908 with the introduction of the Lincoln head penny.

I think we would better serve our nation to return the pledge to a state closer to that of the original concept of author Francis Bellamy: I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands, one nation, indivisible, with equality liberty and justice for all.

We could all use a little equality.

Hamlin Krewson

Alumnus 1999

Ames