Letters: Freedom from religion in America

Re “Preaching religious freedom,” Editorial, Feb. 16

It’s fine for our leaders to advocate religious freedom throughout the world. We set a good example — at least in writing — through our Constitution’s guarantee of religious freedom and prohibition of any religious test for public office.

In practice, however, these ideals often are compromised, particularly as to nonbelievers.

One in five Americans claims no religious affiliation, but just one acknowledged atheist has been elected to Congress. Our public schools compel students, whether deistic or atheistic, to recite “under God” in the daily pledge. Government meetings often open with prayers from Christian clergy, irrespective of how many nonbeliever attendees may be offended.

Perhaps the ultimate hypocrisy occurs during our presidential elections, when supporters of one candidate proclaim him to be more a man of God than his opponent.

To credibly sermonize about religious freedom, we should practice what we preach.

Dennis Alston

Atwater, Calif.

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