Dear editor,
It has become apparent that our country is in a state of hypocrisy when it comes to the language of God. While we fight to take the name out of the pledge of allegiance, we allowed religious talk and music to pervade our country as we remember the September 11 tragedy.
During the musical tribute at the Kennedy Center last week, artist after artist came forth and sang songs with distinct religious overtones, including a fantastic rendition of “Amazing Grace” by Al Green. Why weren’t the phone lines ringing off the hook in protest of these overtly religious songs? Why was not a lawsuit brought up against the producers of the show for allowing the nation to be subjected to Christian ideas?
The answer is easy. Our nation was founded on religious values and ideas, namely Christian, which continues even today to be part of the American spirit. Although America has seen a decline in morality and lack of concern for religion, we are still a country that will always be rooted in our past for our future.
Upon inserting the now hotly debated statement “under God” President Eisenhower said in 1954: “In this way we are reaffirming the transcendence of religious faith in America’s heritage and future; in this way we shall constantly strengthen those spiritual weapons which forever will be our country’s most powerful resource in peace and war.””
No matter whether we are in war or peace, no matter if it is 1954 or 2002, our country needs spiritual weapons to survive and function as a nation. That is why President Bush and many other leading political leaders in our country are not afraid to use terms such as “God Bless America” when addressing the nation.
Its about time we come to the realization although our country may not be godly in action we still need religious language. Separation of church and state is not meant to remove God from our country but to allow us the freedom to choose God is we want. We will always choose God as nation, even more so as we join together in times of difficulties.” “” “” “” “” “
