House pledge vote a missed opportunity.(Knight Ridder Newspapers)

NORFOLK, Va. _ Now that the Virginia House of Delegates has decided to say a pledge written by a member of the United Daughters of the Confederacy, I think it's time for the legislature to adopt a statement of purpose.

I propose that right after the pledge, the delegates recite the following:

This is an institution of Chivalry, Humanity, Mercy and Patriotism, its peculiar objects being to protect the weak, the innocent and the defenseless from the indignities, wrongs and outrages of the lawless, the violent and the brutal; to relieve the injured and oppressed; to succor the suffering and unfortunate.

What wonderful sentiments.

What politician wouldn't pledge himself to such …