I used to hear the term PC. My days at Boeing were a constant reminder to be politically correct. I kept my mouth shut, head down and worked my fanny off (yes, it’s gone) but the nagging question of what is politically correct always tugs at my senses, or lack of sense as some may argue.

But two weeks ago a letter to the editor appeared in our newspaper. I don’t typically respond to letter writers, but this one hit a nerve, all without me firing off the first volley.

The writer was admonishing Snoqualmie Valley Little League and it’s parent organization for including a reference to God in the Little League pledge. The writer was concerned that “I trust in God,” and a reference to patriotism were part of the pledge.

Are we getting so politically correct that we can’t verbally appreciate the things that make where we live so great? The writer’s point is that Little League shouldn’t take a stand on matters of theology or patriotism. My question would be, why not?

First, regarding theology. As most of you know I am not a very religious person, but I do believe in a higher power. I often joke with several local pastors about my lack of presence on Sunday mornings, but hope that most do not consider less of me for not showing up.

The same argument was recently used to take the reference to God out of the Pledge of Allegiance. Our founding fathers created this country based on the premise that God exists. Why can’t a private organization, such as Little League, also use that belief to teach fair play and how to treat others?

Second, on patriotism. I have always felt that we are blessed with the ability to do so many things because of our type of government. The kids who grow up playing Little League ball will also have access to the same privileges given to everyone in this country. Why wouldn’t a person feel that is a good thing to recognize? Shouldn’t a child feel some level of patriotism every time they sing the “National Anthem” or look at the flag? Don’t most people get a little choked up when someone really belts out the anthem at a baseball game while the flag waves? Am I alone on this?

Luckily, the letter writer lives in a country where dissenting opinions are not only allowed, but celebrated. My only question is that if it upsets the writer so much to include God and patriotism in the pledge, why allow your child to participate in a voluntary organization? You have the right to not allow them to join such a politically incorrect organization as Little League.