U.S.: Foundation of our founding

Recent letters once again downplay the role of religion in the founding of the United States of America. While it is true that our Founders did not want a repeat of a state religion such as the Church of England, they did found this country upon Judeo-Christian principles, which includes belief in a monotheistic deity. America does not preclude anyone’s beliefs, but we don’t get to exercise some manifestations of some religions such as cutting people’s heads off because that violates the values upon which this nation was founded (not to mention the poor beggar getting whacked). Those three core values are found on our coins: Liberty, In God We Trust, and E Pluribus Unum (out of many, one).

America was known as the “melting pot,” not because it was or is multicultural, but because immigrants became Americans first. America assimilated people from around the world who wanted to become Americans, not hyphenated Americans. They learned English and American culture, and embraced it while still retaining their heritage. They adopted American values as described above, which allows all to practice whatever religion in freedom. These values do not exist in most countries around the world. In most countries the State is all-mighty, which of course means in control of a few fallible men. Of course, we are on the same path because for too many today the State is God, from which manna emanates.

ROBERT SMITH

Post Falls