Court does not take anything away from God

Dear Editor:

I observe the controversy over the U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals' decision declaring the phrase "under God" in the Pledge of Allegiance unconstitutional.

While political leaders in their impassioned speeches have called the ruling "ridiculous," "stupid," "silly," and "nuts," some citizens in their quiet manners have found the

decree "correct," "reasonable," "sound," and "overdue".

I believe that God is not disturbed by having his name inserted or removed upon a patriotic document. His name is already inscribed across the vast universe and in the precepts of the Decalogue. I am persuaded that God is more interested in beholding his name and character reproduced upon His followers consistently.

Since many Christians want the continuation "under God" in the Pledge, they forget two things:

First, the book of Esther in the Old Testament conveying an extermination plot has no mention of God.

Secondly, the epistle of 1 Corinthians 13 in the New Testament personifying the highest love has no reference to God or Christ.

These sacred writings have not created any dissent in Christianity, because God's name does not appear.

Leaving God out of documents does not add or take away who He is.

Isaiah J. Ashe

Huntsville

'Thank you' from California

Dear Editor:

I wrote to your newspaper asking you saying the following:

I am an eighth-grade student at Washington Manor Middle School in San Leandro California. I am currently doing a school project that entails planning a vacation to your fine state. I would greatly appreciate any information or memorabilia that your generous readers could send me, I am interested in family activities interesting historical sites and unique artifacts that make your state special.

I greatly appreciated that you had printed this article in your newspaper. Now I am asking you to say the following in your newspaper:

I would like to thank those generous people in your lovely state, Alabama, who had sent me information regarding food, lodging and family activities. Thank you for your time and prompt consideration.

Jonathan Stroud

San Leandro, Calif.