By Staff
UNCONSTITUTIONAL James Harwell, 2, recites the Pledge of Allegiance on Wednesday the same day a federal appeals court in California ruled that the pledge violates the U.S. Constitution because the words "under God" endorse religion. The decision sparked angry reaction across the country. Photo illustration by Carisa McCain/The Meridian Star
By Steve Gillespie / staff writer
June 27, 2002
People in and around the Meridian area agreed Wednesday that a federal appeals court in California was wrong when it ruled the Pledge of Allegiance is unconstitutional.
Others were equally blunt, including some who asked that they not be identified. One man, who is serving in the military, said he didn't understand the court ruling.
Dr. Leroy Ramsey of Dix Hills, N.Y., a Meridian native and professor of political science at New York University, was in town Wednesday on family business.
Ramsey, who is a World War II veteran but declined to give his age, said he remembers the years before the war when the phrase "under God" wasn't part of the pledge.
Other responses from local residents included: