Las Vegas Sun

December 1, 2009

Currently: 49° | Complete forecast | Log in

Letter: Religion not requisite for patriotism

Friday, March 23, 2007 | 6:55 a.m.

Bigots who have seen their safe havens (people of different color, ethnicity and sexual orientation) destroyed by enlightened popular opinion are now experiencing their last refuge eroding.

When U.S. Rep. Pete Stark of California revealed that patriotism is marked by love of one's country and loyal government service, not by one's religious beliefs, a new era dawned. This means people who have serious doubts about a supreme being will no longer take a back seat and give up their rightful place as loyal Americans.

In other words, atheists will stand in the corner no more while hatemongers, wrapped in religion masking their true motives, demonize decent, fair-minded, law-abiding citizens. Yes, this means even nonbelieving, peace-loving patriots will be defined not by warmongers, waving the colors of the flag to hide their own true colors, but by their respect of truth, justice and fair play, which is the American way.

Maybe now we can be united in one nation under the Constitution, where the rule of law is supreme and one is judged by the content of character, not by the context of dogma.

William H. Jacobs, Las Vegas

archive

  • Most Read
  • Discussed
  • Most E-mailed

Complete Listing

Calendar »

  • 1 Tue
  • 2 Wed
  • 3 Thu
  • 4 Fri
  • 5 Sat

All events on Tuesday »