... their job would be a good idea. All too often, they don't.

Some historical perspective:

The Pledge of Allegiance was written in 1888 (or 1892, depending on what source you read). The words "under god" were added in 1954 during the height of the cold war (in reaction to the "godlessness" of Communism).

"In God We Trust" was first added to American money in 1864 (on the then newly designed two cent coin). It appeared (or not) on various coins over the next 74 years, when it was returned to the nickel after a 55 year absence. It has appeared on all coins since 1938, but was not added to paper money until 1957. It wasn't until 1966 that it finally appeared on all series & denominations of federal reserve notes.

I think that the men who wrote the Constitution of the United States would have disapproved of the Pledge of Allegiance (both generally and specifically in its current form including "under god"), as well as the motto "In God We Trust" (both on our money and otherwise).

The founders of this country were a rare collection of independent thinkers, suspicious of a strong central government, believers in rational thought in preference to emotional reaction, and opposed to entanglements between government and religion in any form.

While I respect the right of people to hold whatever religious beliefs they choose, I do not understand why some religious people (notably those in some Christian groups) think it is okay to impose their religious views on others who hold different beliefs.

----- jim o\-S