NYTimes -- Revised Pledge for AmeriCorps Draws Critics

A proposal to change the pledge taken by AmeriCorps members to include references to God and defending the Constitution has stirred an outcry among current and former participants in the federally supported community service organization.

The critics argue that the change, for which final Congressional approval is expected next year, might deter recruiting.

The executive director of the alumni group of AmeriCorps, Michael J. Meneer, warned of concerns that the new pledge was "militaristic and religious."

This is the type of proposal Democrats will lose if they pick a fight on. If the new oath is identical to the Peace Corps oath, no problem. The problem is Republicans will push the line to encourage their religious right and make an issue out of it.