I disagree with Peris Chamberlain about whether we should include “under God” in the Pledge of Allegiance (” `Under God’ is key,” Aug. 28.) Aside from the very shaky logic presented, Peris has missed several points. I will limit myself to addressing two here.

First, saying “under God” will not bring some sort of holy revelation to atheists. I’ve heard people argue that if we don’t include it in our pledge, we will be depriving all the kids of atheists the opportunity to know God’s word. Well, saying those two words isn’t teaching them anything about God. And since you cannot force someone to believe, the only thing achieved by forcing the children of atheists or agnostics to say something in school that goes against what they have learned at home is feelings of resentment. I know from my own life that negative experiences related to religion can push people away from whatever belief they might have. It might not be rational to disbelieve because of those experiences, but belief isn’t about rationality.

Second, regardless of the role you feel God has played in this country, belief in a deity is not related to patriotism. Would you kick people out of the military if they said they didn’t believe in God? Their ability to fight and die for this country would not be impaired by that lack of belief, so why do you think God should be tied into the Pledge of Allegiance?

Tami Ryan

ISU Staff