James Blackwell

I found a heart-warming letter to the editor, written for athiests such as myself, which I will let speak for itself momentarily. Basically, Mrs. Shannon wants to get all non-christians, especially athiests, out of America.

Mrs. Shannon's letter offends me. I have gone to far away lands to defend her rights. I have donated my time and money to social works such as literacy programs, community service and free software. I have paid taxes to support our system of government. I have even died (and resuscitated) for serving our country.

I don't begrudge Mrs. Shannon for having found a belief system that gives meaning to her life. In fact, I'm glad that she has belief in Christianity, just as I am for Buddhists, Muslims, Hindu and Jews. I may not be able to understand any of these beliefs on a deep level, but I can understand that these beliefs make life worthwhile for the vast majority of humanity.

I would not choose to have Mrs. Shannon be silenced, though her demand for ethnic cleansing bothers me greatly. I didn't die only to defend her right to worship the gods that speak to her. I died to defend all of her rights, including her freedom of speech.

All the same, I would appreciate it if Mrs. Shannon would take time to reread the bill of rights, as particularly concerns the banning of the establishment of a state religion. Would she be comfortable if she were forced to pray from behind a screen due to Sharea law, had to observe the Jewish sabbath, couldn't enjoy a good cheeseburger or had to pay with money that said "In Allah we Trust." Her grandchildren may become as appreciative of the bill of rights as I am today, if some other religion were to become predominant.