Letter: Reciting pledge is voluntary

Friday, June 25, 2004 | 9:01 a.m.

Mel Lipman's thoughts in his June 18 letter ignore the fact that how and when any citizen of the United States of America says the pledge is voluntary -- no law has been enacted to force compliance. That is exactly what the U.S. Constitution requires.

If 10 percent of the population is offended by "under God," so be it. Of course, I do humbly apologize to anyone offended by the word "God" or the sight of a cross.

I am offended by the seditious trash that Teddy Kennedy talks, but I have defended and will continue to defend his right to spout it. Jane Fonda and John F. Kerry also had their say and never went to jail.

I do not know what country's constitution Mr. Lipman reads, but the U.S. Constitution offers no protection against being "offended." In fact, the Constitution protects -- absolutely -- the right of an individual citizen of the United States to say things that are "offensive."

I pray that the defenders of the U.S. Constitution will remain vigilant. God Bless America.

F. JAY HARRELL

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