There sure has been a lot of debate regarding the words “under God” in our Pledge of Allegiance. Once again a small but vocal group is crying out “poor me” because they feel what? Like a “second class citizen” as Jesse Card put it in his letter published July 4 (“Pledge of Allegiance: This decision is 48 years overdue”). I support his right to object to the use of the word “God” in any context. But I must say I’m getting very tired of all the people who are jumping up on their soapboxes about this issue. To think it all started because the parent of a second-grader felt his daughter shouldn’t have to hear the words “under God.” No one’s constitutional rights were being violated. Just someone’s sensibilities were offended.
It seems that more and more, our courts are trying to adopt standards on speech and public behavior that ensure no one is offended by anything. If one person complains that something is offensive it seems that the courts will likely rule that this thing is unconstitutional. Public and private organizations, in fear of being sued, tend to ban anything deemed offensive by even a single individual. Schools no longer have Christmas plays or Halloween parties. High schools no longer have baccalaureate services before a graduation. Even private companies are banning Christmas music. Anyone over the age 30 only needs to open their eyes and look around to see the drastic changes in the workplace, in the schools and at may public events. And you can see examples of this almost daily in the newspaper or on television.
Perhaps I should file a lawsuit against the government because they allow kids to use bad table manners in our schools. That’s something I find offensive. And I know many other people who feel the same way. It reduces my quality of life to sit in a restaurant and see someone chewing with their mouth open and slurping their coffee. Or sue the FCC for allowing all those offensive radio and TV ads that make me feel like a second class citizen for not driving the right car or using the proper mouthwash? Now there’s something worth fighting over.
Mill Creek
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