Thank you Dave Norris for a succinct, thoughtful letter (March 25, 2015). Well reasoned and well said.
You mentioned Eisenhower, who also coined the phrase military-industrial complex and warned us about them over 50 years ago. And Barry Goldwater, whom no one ever accused of being a liberal, warned about religious fanatics in government who cannot be reasoned with, who will not compromise, because God is telling them what to do.
A modern Trinity, Money/Politics/Religion. Which corrupts all three.
Contrast these with the words of Rep. Sam Johnson, Republican-Texas, who has introduced a bill adding back the finishing phrase "So help me God" to the Air Force Academy oath. Because our soldiers go into danger and need all the help they can get. "Let me be clear: Americans have the freedom of religion – but not freedom from religion."
Really? Here is the slippery slope indeed. We don't have to practice your religion or believe in it, but we have to give lip service to it because ... well I don't know, it makes you feel better? What is the point anyway?
If I don't believe in your God how would those words bind me? And even though The Constitution states "... no religious test shall ever be required as a qualification to any office or public trust under the United States." Article VI, paragraph 3.
I would be far more inclined to trust someone who has the courage to stand up for their principles than someone who caves to the tyranny of the fanatic.
Susan Moore
Yacolt
