To the Editor:
In this great United States we enjoy many blessings from God. We have opportunities others envy so much that they come here to make a good and decent life for themselves and their families.
One of the American dreams is to become an entrepreneur, a seed of our democracy. An entrepreneur must follow governmental rules and regulations such as pay taxes, don’t pollute the air and water supply, etc. Our government does not have the right to infringe upon our religious beliefs. The first Amendment states: “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof.” Our founding fathers fought long and hard for this very thing. They did it for themselves as well as for future generations.
I am proud to be an American. However, this is superseded by my love of and for God. This short time on earth is only preparation for eternal life. I also respect the religious beliefs of other faiths. I would not go to a Jewish or Muslim owned restaurant and order pork tenderloin. I know their religious beliefs dictate they refrain from eating pork products. Nor would I sue to have the government force them to add pork chops to the menu. Their belief in God and how they choose to worship and honor him should not be dictated by any government.
In this land of opportunity and plenty we are allowed the pursuit of happiness. We live in a democracy that is supposed to allow for and be tolerant of all our differing views. In our increasingly secular society, Christian beliefs are being trampled on a daily basis.
We cannot pray or invoke God at public school graduations; we can’t run our own businesses the way our consciences dictate. This is secularism and political correctness gone amuck.
Kath Streb
North Liberty
