Rep. Pitts Criticizes Pledge Decision

Rep. Pitts Criticizes Pledge Decision
September 14, 2005

Washington-"It's disturbing how a judge can strike down a voluntary act of patriotic expression," said Congressman Joe Pitts (R, PA-16) today when a federal judge outlawed the Pledge of Allegiance in a California school.

"Any reading of the Founding documents or of the Founders' writings reveal that the First Amendment was written to specifically guarantee the right of expression. That allows for public displays of religion and proper expressions of faith in the public square.

"These unelected judges in California robbed our children of that right. If this ruling stands, I'm concerned for the future of our rights under the Constitution and the guarantees of free expression that the document offers."

Congressman Pitts said that this ruling underscores the need to rein in the federal judiciary. "The Constitution established the judiciary as a co-equal branch of government, not as the final and supreme authority. It is time for Congress and the President to stand up to the courts that have seized so much power to themselves. Ultimately, the very survival of democracy in this country will depend on it."

http://www.house.gov/pitts/press/releases/050917r-pledge.htm