Jul 22, 2002 3 min read

Freedom to practice religion Dear Editor:

“One nation under God.”

Those four words have created quite a controversy across the state and around the country following a ruling by a panel of the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals that the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance in schools is unconstitutional because of its reference to God.

I have heard from many constituents, and I’d like to reassure them that this is not a decision that was made on a state level. The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals is in fact a federal court.

Not that this makes a difference to the constitutionality argument of the issue, however. I supported a state House resolution that soon will be introduced, to admonish the court for its decision and confirm our continued support for the Pledge of Allegiance.

The phrase “under God” does not establish an official religion and public school students have never been forced to recite the Pledge of Allegiance.

The timing of the ruling seems to run against our most recent display of patriotism on July 4. Following the devastating attacks on the United States last September 11, this year’s celebration of our independence was all the more poignant.

What are we protecting in our country but freedom? Freedom of religion. Freedom of speech. Freedom to assemble.

When John Adams took an active role in establishing the United States as a free and independent nation, he risked everything and he gave everything to his fight for freedom.

In Philadelphia on July 3, 1776, the day before the Declaration of Independence was signed he noted of the proceedings: “Yesterday, the greatest question was decided which ever was debated in America, and a greater perhaps never was nor will be decided among men. A resolution was passed without one dissenting colony, ‘that these United Colonies are, and of right ought to be, free and independent states.'”

As I look upon the Stars and Stripes, these are the words that I hear. As I raise my hand to my heart to recite the Pledge of Allegiance I feel strongly that we are one nation, united for, and in preservation of freedom. This means valuing the dignity and inherent worth of every individual.

As a co-sponsor of the proposed House resolution, I am attesting to my belief in the basic tenets that allowed this country to become independent and to my faith in the people who live here.

We are indivisible with liberty and justice for all.

Rep. Tim Solobay

Canonsburg