CONSTITUTION: Reason over religion

Imagine if our legislature endorsed one state religion funded by our taxes, and only members of that faith could vote, buy land, find employment or protection under the law; and the only schools available were of that faith or private tutors for the wealthy. This was the culture in which our Constitutional Framers lived and forged our Democratic Republic. All but two colonies had governing religions with various discriminatory laws. Consequently, the very first Constitutional Amendment addressed freedom from an established religion, and freedom of speech.

All the Constitutional Framers had advocated for personal practice of religious faiths, but agreed not to include religion because of potential cultural impacts. But Idaho and other states have just taken a U-turn into well-charted waters from which those framers had painstakingly exited.

However, cultures aren’t relegated only to religion. Changes in population, industry, and technology have brought social issues to the political forefront. And when supporters of religious and social philosophies force ideology-based policies and laws onto each other issuing constraints or repealing freedoms, it fuels cultural divisions.

Our Constitution unified our country based on reason, not philosophy or religion. It would’ve otherwise never been ratified since colonial religious ideologies were so diverse.

So conservatives and liberals both, do we want a government to represent whichever brand of religion or philosophy that can buy the most politicians? Do we care about having a fair and impartial government under which we are free to live, believe as we choose, discuss issues, and openly disagree without fear of reprisal?

If so, write our leaders, and vote for those who’ll prioritize the unity of our country by negotiating using reason.

GEORGIA EARLEY

Bonners Ferr