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 (Editorial
Continued) The so-called "offending phrase"
is purely religious and had no basis in any long-standing
American tradition prior to 1954.
I believe in the separation of
Church and State to ensure that religion does not become a point
of political control usurping the viewpoints of our forefathers
that all are created equal and that all should have the freedom
to worship what they believe in. However, I also believe
that I should be able to say the Pledge of Allegiance in school
or at any other function and use the word God in it if I choose
to do so. If someone else wishes to say the pledge without
the word God, or not at all, that is their right and we must
support it. It is the freedom of the individual to decide
for himself or herself. I also believe that the Pledge of
Allegiance enhances a feeling of pride, and when the word God is
used, it helps to emphasize a country and a life based on a
moral belief that seems to be lacking in modern times.
Given all of this, I would
like to see every classroom in this great country of ours start
their day with the Pledge of Allegiance, just as most of the
cowboy shooting matches do across the country and as most of us
did growing up. You might check out your local school and
see if the Pledge of Allegiance is said each day, there seem to
be quite a few schools where it is not. Your voice counts.
This is not a clear-cut issue, but rather an issue that requires
thought and consideration that will result in all of us being
able to pledge our allegiance to our country, with God in the
pledge if we choose, wherever and whenever we wish. Each
person should have the right to do so, as well as the right not
to, whether that be in school or at a shooting match. I
encourage every shooting event, not just cowboy shooting
matches, to consider starting the day reemphasizing their
allegiance to the United States of America.
Chucky
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