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To the Editor: 

I propose keeping the Pledge of Allegiance as it is. However, instead of reciting the pledge as if perfect unity reigns among us, let's accept the fact that there is divergence of belief, and open up the pledge to different levels of participation. 

Those who believe in the words of the entire pledge, let them continue to recite the whole thing. 

Those who don't believe in the god of the United States of America, or in any god, let them be silent during the “under God” part. 

And those who believe in liberty and justice for all, why pledge allegiance to the flag of a nation whose record on these ideals is rife with inconsistency and hypocrisy? Just pledge yourself to the ideals themselves: “I pledge allegiance to... (silence) ...liberty and justice for all.” 

Robert Several 

Berkeley