At first sight, the viewpoint in Tuesday March 30 paper by Dan Ransom is outrageous. But on further contemplation, it is very evident that given the present situation in society this argument is valid, but I have to disagree with the ideology that this land was founded on the thought of no religious connection. May I bring up the Declaration of Independence? In paragraph one it states that 'laws of nature and of nature's God entitle them' this land. This does not seem that the framers are taking God out. They go on in the second paragraph to say that 'we hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal; that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights.' This may not say God but Creator can mean one of two things in this age, evolution in the thought that, that is how we came about, or God. My money is on the thought that the founders weren't speaking of evolution.
The fact that it was not mentioned that the money we spend has a connection with a supreme being is also very evident. For, last time I checked the statement that 'In God We Trust' is printed on our one dollar bill. Seemingly ironic if we think about Ransom's view because that would mean it is sharing space with one our nation's earliest leaders not only that but it has the endorsement of the US Federal Government.
If we are also working on the idea that pass leaders did not endorse religion, can I just say Manifest Destiny. Yes, this was in the 1840's but it was based on statements like the one made by Samuel Langdon in Concord, New Hampshire in 1788. He stated that, 'we cannot but acknowledge that God hath graciously patronized our cause and taken us under his special care, as he did his ancient covenant people.' This thought process was used by the American Government to explain the justification for expanding this great land, for it was prepared by God for us.
Lastly, may I call to mind one last thing that is religious orientated in our day. The celebration of Christmas, not that the nation is endorsing this Christian holiday through the putting up of the 'Nation Christmas Tree.' Yes, the display of the 'National Menorah' appeases some but what about the lack of other displays for the other celebrations of this season.
I don't feel that taking 'Under God' from the Pledge of Allegiance will settle anything. Calling on the vaults of history I don't feel that the Founders were in anyway close to taking God out of our Federal Government, nor does it seem that we are either. If people are so opposed they can do what people in my schools growing up did when we had to say the Pledge everyday, they respectfully stayed in their seats. Finally, this land was built on religion, from our Puritan beginnings to the prayers that Congress offers today.
Becca Christiansen
Kettering, Maryland